Council Questions Fall Food Truck Festival Vendor Fees

When the Town Center Park Commission hatched the idea for a Fall Food Truck Festival, it thought the event would attract about a half dozen or so vendors.

What they didn't know was the idea would catch fire — at last count, there are at least 20 trucks signed up for the Oct. 18 event that will feature everything from lobster to cupcakes.

While pleased with its popularity, the Legislative Council this week wasn't happy with what the commission has proposed to charge the vendors: $25. Too low, many council members say.

The festival was conceived as an end-of-summer event that will close out the Hamden Farmer's Market season. When talking with vendors, commission members advised them that they are proposing the $25 permit fee pending council approval. The 20 have signed on to the idea based on those discussions, though no contracts have been signed, Chief Administrative Officer Curt Leng said.

But when the fee came before the council's Recreation and Culture Committee Monday, several council members balked at what they said is the low amount. If the turn out is large enough, there's going to be police overtime involved, and some council members said that has to be factored into the vendor fee.

"The fee is so low it's dirt cheap," said Councilwoman-at-Large Berita Rowe-Lewis, who said she wanted it raised for this  year's event.

By comparison, the fee for food truck vendors at the annual fireworks show is $75. The fee for this event should be closer to that, several said.

"It's a wonderful event and I like the initiative but I don't want to have to appropriate money from E&C [Emergency and Contingency] to cover this," said Councilwoman Kath Schomaker. "What happens if there are 10,000 people and police overtime — you have to plan for success and that means having the money in place."

But others said to stick with that fee for this year and renegotiate next year based on the success of this year's event.

"This wonderful event has come together nicely," said Councilman Austin Cesare. "I would have an issue with going back to increase the price."

Eventually the committee agreed and passed the $25 fee unanimously. It now goes to the full council Monday.

The Fall Food Truck Festival takes place Oct. 18 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Town Center Park next to Miller Memorial Library.