Iowa City to discuss permits for football gameday vendors on Melrose

IOWA CITY – The City Council is scheduled June 21 to hold a public hearing and first consideration of an ordinance requiring football gameday vendors on Melrose Avenue to get permits.

The temporary-use permits would cost $75 for the season. Vendors also would be required to have insurance and health permits, provide a trash container and keep the area around them clean, and stay clear of sidewalks and the street. Alcohol could not be sold or otherwise made available to the public.

The issue came up earlier this year when city staff asked the council to ban the couple of dozen commercial vendors who sell food and apparel on Melrose Avenue, immediately south of Kinnick Stadium, during Iowa home football games. They had zoning and safety concerns and said the outlets bother some neighbors who complain of trash and congestion.

Council members, however, said they'd rather set up a permit system to impose regulations.

They are to discuss the issue at a work session Monday in advance of Tuesday's meeting. Three votes are necessary to approve the permit process.

Violating the provisions would result in a civil citation and the loss of the permit.

The regulations would not apply to tailgaters.