NEWTON GROVE — The way food trucks run in town may be revamped in the future.
During a recent meeting, Commissioner Steve Jackson and his colleagues on the Newton Grove Board discussed vendor operations and matters such as noise issues, having the proper permits and selling food beyond regulated hours, which is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Town Attorney Lew Starling suggested that commissioners form a subcommittee to hash out rules since it’s a complicated matter.
Another issue was the vendors taking away from local businesses. Commissioner Gary Mac Herring also chimed in on the issue.
“I started my whole business out of a food truck, so I understand.” Herring said. “But I understand that the community does not like them.”
Commissioners mentioned how it’s a dispute in many towns across the state and even made the news in larger areas such as Raleigh.
“I don’t think we can solve this problem tonight,” Mayor Gerald Darden said. “We’ll be here till midnight.”
Board approves fire inspection ordinance
Commissioners approved its fire inspection ordinance which included codes and regulations regarding protection and prevention.
In the spring, town leaders made a decision to conduct its own examinations. The alternative option was to put the responsibility into the hands of Sampson County officials and pay a fee.
According to the general regulations, one duty of the fire inspector is to make inspections of structures in the town limits. After incidents, fire inspectors shall investigate or ask the Sampson County Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate the cause of a fire.
In conjunction with the town clerk, the fire code official will charge and collect fees. During previous discussions, the collection process was another matter. If handled by the county, it was noted that process could be confusing, if town employees are unaware about the inspection.
The state mandates fire inspections on all businesses, which is on a schedule of one to three years, depending on the type of service. During a previous meeting, it was noted that the majority of locations in Newton Grove will fall under a three-year schedule. There will be some one- and two-year schedules also.