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Council seeks public input on vendor permit ordinance

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Meeting discusses detangling confusing process

The Gallup City Council discussed the current vendor ordinance at its Sept. 25 regular meeting.

The city sought feedback from the council and public on what amendments could be made to streamline the application process for vendors.

City Attorney Curtis Hayes listed five vendor ordinance issues.

Permit fees

The first issue pertained to differing fees for various classifications of vendor permits. The current fee structure was described as confusing and inconsistent in the amounts charged for each permit.

Currently, a vendor can apply for one of 10 permits and pay a fee ranging from $25 to $100; the time period for valid permits ranges from one day to a year.

A revised fee would make permits consistent across the board.

Dist. 2 Councilor Allan Landavazo said, in the past, the feedback he received about the permits implied 90 days was too long for a permit, and 30 days was more appropriate. Others, he said, asked for clarification about whether the 90 days would be consecutive or broken up.

The number of vendor pushcarts used during events like the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial was also brought up at the meeting, and Mayor Jackie McKinney suggested permit fees should be specific to the event.

Product authenticity

The issue of the authenticity of handcrafted items offered by vendors was also addressed. Discussion focused on whether an exemption should be applied for authentic handcrafted Native American arts and crafts, as well as agricultural produce grown by the vendor.

Hayes brought up a vetting process used by the City of Santa Fe, where a vendor has to prove they are Native American and that they actually make the products they sell.

Landavazo said confusion arises because of a broad definition of handcrafted Native American work.

“This is a tough one because it doesn’t narrow down to one group,” he said. “[Different crafts can be] authentic to different groups.”

Hayes said the exemption would apply to people who have actually made the products they’re selling.

Mayor Jackie McKinney said the ordinance would have to be specific.

“These vendors are taking business from local businesses,” he said.

County Commissioner Bill Lee was also present to discuss the issue. He said he would bring up the matter at upcoming commissioner meetings to solicit feedback from the business community to clarify the ordinance, a motion Mayor McKinney said they would collaborate on.

“[It] needs to be simplified,” Lee said. “We all want to make better business in Gallup.”

Sammy Chioda, owner of Sammy C’s and noted broadcaster, said while there may be spikes during certain times of the week and month, local businesses have to be open at all of their indicated times to meet the service demanded by patrons, and vendors could disrupt that service.

“You have other vendors who come in, I think it affects downtown businesses overall,” he said.

Rose Eason, executive director for gallupARTS, also addressed the matter. She mentioned the revenue brought in by ArtsCrawl events from March through August.

The average person, Eason said, spends around $17 during ArtsCrawl, with about 1,200 people in attendance. She said local businesses perform 30-40-percent better than average on ArtsCrawl nights.

Event vendors

Hayes also said as long as a vendor has a license, they can sell during city events. But during Ceremonial, this led to confusion. Event permits were issued with no authority, he said, and vendors were told they still had to obtain a city permit.

Potential solutions included eliminating this provision, requiring a separate special events permit or allowing the event sponsor to regulate which vendors are allowed at their event.

Hours and locations

A fourth issue involved hours of operation for vendors and whether they should be expanded. Ceremonial vendors were brought up again, since some vendors start as early as 6 am and do not close until after 10 pm.

The final issue involved restricting areas for vending.

Landavazo mentioned local restaurants want food vendors to park no closer than 500 feet from their businesses.

The items brought up were meant to spark discussion, and no action was taken at the meeting.

Mayor McKinney reiterated the city will collaborate with McKinley County to solicit feedback and make the best decision.

“I hope we find a good medium that will benefit everyone,” he said.

By Cody Begaye
Sun Correspondent

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