Vendors raise concerns as Broken Bow council advances two vendor ordinances after public hearings

Broken Bow — At a May 28 meeting that drew public comment from local food-vending operators, the Broken Bow City Council conducted public hearings and procedural readings on two ordinances that would change mobile vending rules and increase vendor permit fees.

Timmothy Freburg, co-owner and manager of Tropical Snow, told the council the company operates three permanent trailers and serves special events across the region, and urged changes to the draft ordinance to avoid imposing undue burdens on small vendors. "The areas of concern include vendor fee increase, trash, overnight parking, electricity and signage," Freburg said, and also raised questions about written property-owner permission and vehicle/trailer registration requirements.

Mishayla Freburg, co-owner of Tropical Snow, said the family business has operated in Broken Bow for 24 years and described the proposed fee increase as "significant and out of line with the services provided by the city," adding that higher fees could push vendors to operate outside city limits. She offered to help the city explore alternatives in a smaller working group.

Mayor Rod Sonnichsen and staff described the policy intent behind some changes. Mayor Sonnichsen said electricity in the square has been a recurring public concern. Administrator Schmidt told council that bringing food-truck-style circuits to the square would require infrastructure upgrades; he estimated a cost of "roughly $20,000–$30,000" to update the square to handle those circuits. City Attorney White said towing-vehicle requirements were removed from the current draft, and Administrator Schmidt said the draft allows overnight parking with the city's permission.

Councilmembers moved not to waive two readings for both Ordinance 1282 (amending Chapter 113 on vendor regulations) and Ordinance 1283 (amending vendor permit fees). After each motion carried (Councilmembers Russ Smith and Luke Wassom voting aye), City Clerk Jennifer Waterhouse read the second readings. The meeting minutes record the readings but do not state whether either ordinance received a final adoption vote that evening.

Craig Safranek, speaking in support of a vibrant downtown, told council that a lively square helps attract visitors and generate tax revenue; he noted a prior city installation of 30-amp service to encourage food vendors.

Why it matters: The ordinances would change how the city regulates street vendors and the cost of doing business downtown; vendors warned the fee structure could discourage participation that brings activity to the square, while city staff identified infrastructure costs that would need to be addressed to safely provide power to food trucks.

What’s next: The minutes do not record final adoption of either ordinance. Council members asked to receive input and suggested further discussion; Mayor Sonnichsen asked councilmembers to bring suggestions to City Administrator Schmidt.