The city is proceeding with an ordinance aimed at encouraging vendors to set up food trucks around Miller Park as well as in outlying neighborhoods.
Blythe Bailey, city transportation administrator, said an initial draft was ready, but there would be changes prior to it reaching the City Council for action.
Currently, food trucks are not allowed on city streets or outside downtown.
The new ordinance will reverse all of that.
Mr. Bailey said food trucks would not be allowed in residential areas, but there was discussion of letting them set up in parks, including smaller neighborhood parks.
He said the application process will require the applicant to contact nearby businesses and secure at least 75:percent approval.
There is a one-page application sheet.
Under the program, food truck vendors will be able to bag city parking meters in their chosen location. They must pay the city Parking Authority the amount of lost revenue from non-use of the meters. They must reapply for use of the meters every seven days.
Mr. Bailey said vendors can apply to set up Food Truck Zones. One is expected to be at Miller Park/Miller Plaza. Additional vendors could apply to be in a specific zone.
Council members raised a concern about the trucks taking away too many spaces around the Miller Park area.