Council directs staff to pursue enforcement and weekend coverage for pop-up vendors and mobile advertising

Councilors discussed recurring concerns about pop-up vendors and food trucks. Speaker 3 and others noted many pop-up vendors appear on weekends, with some councilors reporting multiple temporary canopies at busy intersections. Staff said there are about 15 permitted food-truck slots (some with waiting lists) and recommended producing a map of those locations to evaluate whether to reduce permanent slots or prioritize roving vendors.

On enforcement, Speaker 5 said the preference is to handle many cases through property owners rather than assign patrol officers; staff proposed hiring part-time weekend coverage or contractors to reduce police involvement unless trespass or public-safety issues require dispatch. The council directed staff to return with counts, a map of permitted locations, and an enforcement plan including options for weekend coverage.

Separately, Speaker 1 reported a branded commercial vehicle advertising Boost Mobile parked near Carmen’s and lit like a billboard; staff and councilors said they would document the vehicle and issue a citation if appropriate. Staff said they can take down certain illegal signs in parks and rights-of-way (but avoid removing campaign signs) and will inventory temporary signage and developer signs for follow-up.

No formal ordinance change was adopted at the workshop; the council provided direction for staff follow-up and requested material to appear on a future agenda if regulatory changes are recommended.