New versions of draft vendor ordinances come before council

WORLAND — The Worland City Council will have two versions of a vendor ordinance for perusal tonight at the regular council meeting.

The council discussed an initial draft of the ordinance at the Oct. 16 meeting. The two versions to review tonight include changes stemming from the discussion.

Both versions prohibit canvassers, solicitors and peddlers from going door-to-door with some exceptions mainly geared toward local organizations and events.

Both versions define a temporary vendor as an individual or entity engaged in the temporary business of selling and delivering food, beverages, goods, wares and merchandise within the city. A structure which is not connected to sewer and water utilities is considered temporary.

Both versions require a permit, with some exceptions including farm and garden products grown by Washakie County residents, and local non-profit organizations and events.

One version requires temporary vendors to be a minimum of 15-feet from the public right-of-way, while the other states vendors must remain off public sidewalks.

One version states no open fires are allowed, proof of liability insurance is required and establishes annual and daily permits for resident vendors and non-resident. Resident is defined as City of Worland resident.

The other version does not require proof of liability insurance and sets permits for annual and daily with no difference in resident and non-resident vendors.

Both versions require proof of State of Wyoming sales and use tax and for food vendors Wyoming Department of Agriculture food license.

BACKGROUND

With the current ordinance cumbersome and not being enforced the city council began looking at changes in March and were spurred forward in August when Worland attorney and Stogie Joe’s restaurant co-owner Chris King wrote a letter requesting the council do something to address the temporary food vendors in the city.

The current ordinance requires references, fingerprints, a business plan and more. There is a $35 annual fee.

In an earlier meeting, City Attorney Kent Richins stated he wanted the council to take some time developing a new vendor ordinance. When a final version is complete there will be an opportunity for public comment prior to the council considering it on first reading. An ordinance requires three readings by the council.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.