The rules for ice cream vending trucks have already been amended. The Orange City Council agreed to have vendors go through a criminal background check and pay a permit fee.
When the council two months ago passed new rules to allow ice cream and snow cone vending trucks in neighborhoods, District 1 Councilor Pat Pullen asked about whether the vendors should have a background check because they will be around children.
The council this week added the background check, to be made by the Orange Police Department, to the rules. In addition, the rules will include the ice cream truck vendors pay a permit fee once a year. Interim City Manager Kelvin Knauf said the fee will be the same the city charges for itinerant vendors. That fee is now $250.
The council also made appointments to city boards. Donald Sullivan was reappointed to the Library Advisory Board. Elizabeth Lemoine was appointed to a vacant seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and Linn Cardner was appointed to the board of adjustments.
Knauf suggested that Isaacc Henry III, who applied for the Planning and Zoning spot, be appointed as an alternate for the board of adjustments. He said the board sometimes has problems getting a quorum. The council agreed to the appointment if Henry will accept the position.
The council also adjusted the lease contract with First Financial Bank. Three years ago, the city bought the bank building on 16th Street to turn into a city hall. The city has been leasing the building to the bank.
The city is now allowing the bank, which is constructing a new building nearby, to give a 30-day notice before vacating the building.
The council agreed to buy a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe for a police patrol vehicle from the Galveston-Houston Area Council, a government purchasing co-op. The Tahoe will be a total of $33,626, plus will need $3,751 for equipment for a total of $39,753.
Police Chief Lane Martin said the total cost is a little more than was budgeted, but the department will be selling a used Tahoe that should bring in more than the extra cost.
Other business included final approval of the $75,000 economic development grant to Ron McAnnelly for infrastructure at the new Triangle Rescue Training Center, 3875 Interstate 10. The business is building a four-story training tower and 2,000 square foot building.
The council also approved a plat change for Mike Lemoine and Spanky’s Restaurant on 16th Street. The change was approved on November 6 by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The replat involves 1703 and 1705 16th Street, plus 1704 and 1706 Link Avenue, and 1704 and 1706 17th Street. Knauf said the replat making one plat will allow Lemoine to expand the restaurant without setback rules for individual lots.
-Margaret Toal, KOGT-
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