The Town of Marshfield Common Council votes to suspend controversial rules regarding food vendors

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The Town of Marshfield Common Council has voted to suspend new regulations for food vendors pending further review. The decision, made during the June 25 council meeting, came after concerns were expressed about the impact of these regulations on local food truck operators and community events.

Under the current ordinance, food trucks are prohibited from operating on city property, including parks, streets and parking lots, unless the event is city-sanctioned. This rule was introduced to address the problem of unauthorized and unlicensed vendors operating in the city. However, the ordinance also prevents legal, licensed vendors from participating in privately held events within the city, such as fundraisers, weddings and community celebrations.

In response to these concerns, the Council agreed to temporarily suspend these rules. During the suspension period, food trucks may operate in the parks if they are invited by the person or organization renting the space. The tenant is responsible for informing the city about participating suppliers.

The temporary suspension is intended to allow the Council to reconsider the ordinance and explore alternatives to ensure compliance, while still supporting the local food truck industry and community events.

Katrina Kroeplin, local food vendor and owner of Kat’s Sweet Escape, expressed relief at the suspension but emphasized the need to find a permanent solution. “We must find a way for licensed vendors to continue to serve the community at both public and private events,” she said.

The council plans to revisit and revise the ordinance at future meetings to address outstanding issues and explore alternatives to ensure compliance while supporting the local food truck industry and community events.

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