05/25/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Councilor Lindberg asked how the ordinance would affect existing businesses' holding sidewalk sales. Mr. Sercombe said that the ordinance would expand opportunities for holding such sales, subject to existing restrictions elsewhere in the code, but that he believed a permit would be needed. Councilor Ball asked if the BATeam had considered the issue of vendors competing with existing businesses. Mr. Sloat responded that the issue had been explored but that it was felt the amended ordinance was flexible enough to allow street vending with some controls. Councilor Smith said that she had received a letter from representatives of the florist industry who were concerned with competition from on-street flower vendors. She asked how the proposed amendment would affect this competition. Ms. Grondona responded that, under the amended ordinance, street vendors would need to pay a $45 annual licensing fee and post the $1,000 surety bond required under existing code for any commercial solicitor. Mr. Sloat said that he had talked with the owner of Oakway Florist, who was particularly concerned with the unregulated nature of street-corner flower sales and with the possible failure of owners of such vending operations to comply with State laws regarding employees. Mr. Whitlow emphasized that the City was trying to move cautiously in introduction of street vending and that this was just a first step, which would be followed by speCific rules and regulations. He said the City did not feel that the present situation could continue as is. Councilor Hansen said that the ordinance only deals with vendors on public property and asked how it would affect flower vendors who arrange to set up on private property. Mr. Sercombe responded that a commercial solicitor's license would be required no matter where a vendor did business. He said that the amendments being considered would also preclude vending on private property if this caused congestion that disturbed traffic patterns. Public hearing was opened. Arthur Golden, 1435 West 13th Avenue, commended Bill Sloat for his cooperation and fine work. Mr. Golden said that he had not wanted to raise an issue that would have an adverse effect on flower vendors. He noted that he had gotten permits for street vending in Springfield in four days, with no cost, and suggested that Eugene could learn something from Springfield's system. Mr. Golden said that his vending operations would not compete with existing small businesses, but that he would not hesitate to compete with large corporations that take money out of the community without returning anything. CB 2643--An ordinance concerning licensing of commercial solicitors; amending sections 3.010 and 4.860 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and declaring an emergency. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the Council, and that enactment be considered at this time. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 25, 1983 Page 5