Food trucks, specifically food truck commissaries, were on the Maplewood Planning and Zoning agenda Monday night.
Representatives of Christ Church UCC told the commission the added income would help the church, with its shrinking membership, remain solvent and continue to serve the community.
A commissary is where food truck owners prepare the food they sell on their runs.
Member, Ron Gaus, said the church got a $5,000 donation to improve its kitchen, which is up to professional standards. He said the owners have to prepare their food somewhere; schools and restaurants don’t work, and it’s illegal for them to do it at home.
Commission member, Dan Noonan, asked Gaus about parking for the trucks, who said the church could offer overnight parking if the city OK’s it, but if not, that’s fine with the church. He didn’t want that to get in the way of approval.
Gaus said there are approximately 60 food trucks in the area, and the church could handle three to six.
Member Donna Ratkowski said the church has been in the area since 1890, and moved to its location on Bellevue in the 1920s. She listed ways the church contributes to the community, such as GED classes, a community garden, and being a Weekend on Wheels collection place.
Commission member Dan Noonan asked if it is approved, does that open the door for, say, Immaculate Conception to come up with a similar way to make money? Member, Sheri Phillips, said she hates the “slippery slope argument.” City Assistant Manager Anthony Traxler said each request is considered as an individual conditional use.
The commission voted for the request unanimously. Commission member Jackie Robb is a member of the church and recused herself.
The city council will consider the request at its next meeting, on Aug. 9.