City will consider a no-fee food-truck application requiring insurance, permits and health certificates

City staff are preparing a no-fee application for food trucks to operate on Mount Carmel City property, the mayor told the council. The proposed application would require proof of a valid driver's license, certificate of liability insurance, vehicle insurance and registration, a photograph of the truck, a menu, an Illinois Retailers' Occupation Tax certificate and a Wabash County health permit.

The mayor said the form is intended to give the city clarity about visiting food trucks, ensure operators have proper insurance and health credentials, and reduce liability. Staff (identified in the meeting as "Ryan" working with the mayor) will finalize the application and present it to council at the next meeting for formal consideration.

Councilors asked if a fee would be charged; the mayor said the draft being discussed would not include a fee, noting other municipalities charge fees but that Mount Carmel's draft would focus on credentials and insurance.

If adopted, the application would govern permission to set up on city-owned property and would not, as presented in the meeting, apply to food trucks on private property or those operating under separate lease arrangements with the city.