NBA discusses food trucks

The monthly Niwot Business Association meeting, hosted by Pat Murphy and the Niwot Group-Compass June 14 at their offices at 7916 Niwot Road, included a lively discussion of food trucks and other mobile vendors in Niwot.

NBA president Eric Bergeson of Niwot Wheel Works noted that the topic had come up at the NBA Executive Committee meeting and at the Niwot Future League (NFL) meeting recently.

The main issues discussed were whether food trucks and other mobile vendors should pay a fee to the NBA to set up and operate in Niwot's business district, and whether they should or could be compelled to collect and pay a 1% sales tax to Niwot's Local Improvement District.

Bergeson felt that food trucks associated with a brick and mortar business should be allowed in Niwot without payment of additional fees, noting that his business does have a food truck on its back patio to serve patrons of the Wheel House and anyone else who might stop by, and that sales tax for the LID is collected and paid.

He noted that vendors at events in Niwot are charged a $50 fee to participate, which helps offset the costs of the event. Sarah Cioni, owner of Belle Terre floral shop in Cottonwood Square, welcomed participation of outside "pop-up" vendors at Niwot events, and questioned whether they should have to pay a fee, given the amount of sales needed for a vendor to be profitable.

Others noted that it seemed unfair to existing businesses who pay rent to allow food trucks to set up free of charge, with limited ability to enforce collection of the LID sales tax. Some mentioned a popular biscuit food truck which recently parked in the Left Hand Corner parking lot. Some felt that food trucks not associated with an event or a brick and mortar business in Niwot should not be allowed. Others felt that food trucks and other mobile vendors should be encouraged because they brought more shoppers to town.

Bergeson noted that there are no tools currently in place to enforce collection of a fee, or regulate where and when a food truck or mobile vendor can set up in Niwot. There was no resolution to the issue, nor was there a clear consensus. Bergeson asked those in attendance to continue the discussion.

In other business, NBA event coordinator Alison Steele of Niwot Market asked for additional volunteers to sign up to work at the front gate for Rock & Rails concerts on Thursday nights.

NBA membership is up over 150 according to Julie Stenz of Blessings Day Spa, and treasurer Mary Coonce reported that the NBA financial condition is solid.