Food Vendor Trucks, Hanna Ranch on Council's Agenda

Could this be the end for the food vendor trucks that park near our public schools? Probably not, but there could be a bunch of new rules to be followed. It’s up to the Novato City Council, which will discuss the matter Tuesday night at .

The — which now includes graduate Eric Lucan as of last — will hear details that have focused mostly on the streets around Novato High, where the vendors tend to park serve ice cream and other treats to the students.  The issue was brought to City Hall in May 2011, but at the time the council decided to study the matter more and work with officials from the before rendering a decision. In addition, ordinances about food vending vehicles in other cities were examined.

Now, city staff is recommending that the council adopt a new ordinance and amend existing ordinances to make the law much stiffer. The language of the Novato Municipal Code on the subject, written in 1977, is vague and has been a source of frustration for police as well as Novato High Principal Rey Mayoral and his staff. Mayor has cited school efforts to make food choices healthier on and around campus as a primary reason why a new ordinance needs to be adopted.

Also Tuesday, the council is to take up the issue of the Hanna Ranch mixed-use development just south of . Two weeks ago, the topic was put on hold at the developer’s request as its representatives and the city continued to negotiate right-of-way properties that would be part of a new 19.7-acre development.

Councilwoman Pat Eklund met with planners and an assistant city attorney Nov. 4 to work out changes in the precise development plan for Hanna Ranch. Among them are:

• The clarification on the type of bike trail to be constructed on the east side of the property and the addition of eight bike parking spaces
• A condition that no advertising panels be included in a proposed bus shelter at the end of Rowland Way so that the views of the Beverly Ehreth Ecological Preserve pond are not disturbed.
• The addition of drainage swales and pervious surfaces to reduce water runoff.
• The requirement of use permits for any amplified sound or lighting at the proposed amphitheater.

Many residents have advocated at city meetings for affordable housing to be included in the complex so lower-paid workers would not have to commute to their workplace. Urban One, the developer for the project, has said there are many reasons why that isn't sensible or possible. If you would like to chime in on that issue, .

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Novato City Hall.