THOMASVILLE — The City of Thomasville held a public input session about mobile food service establishments on Thursday evening, in hopes of learning what establishment owners need to be successful in Thomasville. However, many owners were left with more questions.

City Planner Kenny Thompson led the meeting, giving a brief presentation on what was defined as a mobile food service, what the state’s guidelines were and what Thomasville’s current regulations were.

Thompson defined a mobile food service unit as any mobile conveyance that sells food and is not hooked up to a public water or sewer supply. Not all mobile food service units are trucks, as they can be in the form of a cart or often a trailer.

Thompson went on to explain that mobile food service units are heavily regulated by the state Department of Public Health.

One of the strongest regulations is on the mobile food service unit’s Base of Operation.

According to the DPH, “the permit holder for each mobile food service unit/truck is required to have his or her own Base of Operation where wastewater from the unit/truck will be dumped and water tanks refilled.”

The Base of Operation also serves as the place chefs can store and prepare food, along with wash, rinse and sanitize any dishes or utensils that are used during the day. Mobile food service units are also required to house their food truck/vehicle at the Base of Operation daily.

The DPH goes on to further describe the Base of Operation, clarifying that a commercial kitchen is not required, but at minimum the Base of Operation must have a dump station or mop sink, a hand washing sink and a portable fresh water supply.

Currently, mobile food service units are not allowed in Thomasville, due to zoning ordinances, regardless if they have a Base of Operation.

Thompson’s hope was to hear from mobile food service unit operators about where they would like to set up, how many there should be in one area and should tables be provided, if an ordinance were passed to allow them.

However, Thompson was met with a barrage of questions instead of answers.

A food-truck owner who previously lived in Miami-Dade County explained that in his area, many operators could purchase storage units and convert them into kitchens for Bases of Operation. He asked if this was allowed in Thomasville.

Thomas County Environmental Health Manager Spencer Bowen suggested first receiving zoning approval to ensure that type of facility would be allowed in the desired area, before coming to the DPH for approval.

Thomas County NAACP President Lucinda Brown asked if the Base of Operation was allowed at a residential home.

The DPH also provided strict clarifications on this. They prohibit food service establishment operations conducted in a private home or in a room used as living or sleeping quarters. However, if local zoning and ordinances allow for the use of private property as a Base of Operation and owners have an area completely separate from their home, such as an outbuilding in their yard, then the Health Department may allow individuals to operate from there.

Thompson explained to Brown and all others in attendance that Bases of Operation located in residential areas would be something the City has to address and consider.

“One of the things about Bases of Operation is that is also where food trucks have to go at the end of the day to dump all the grease,” Thompson said. “That’s something we have to consider, because in a residential neighborhood the sewer system may not be equipped for those kinds of commercial uses.”

Operators questioned Thompson on how the state can deny this use on private property. However, Thompson explained the City of Thomasville currently does not allow food trucks on private property, regardless of state regulations, which is something they are hoping to change. Operators expressed disappointment in the lack of progress Thomasville has made in regard to mobile food service units. They told Thompson they are currently able to travel to Moultrie and Cairo and operate their food trucks, but can’t in their own town.

“We want reassurance that Thomasville is going to do something about this, because right now it feels like you’re just reiterating what we already know,” they said.

Thompson understood and heard the concerns, stating the current zoning ordinances were created in 1958.

“We want to allow food trucks,” he assured.

Despite the amount of questions rather than suggestions, Thompson said there was more than enough input and interest regarding mobile food service units for them to draft an ordinance. The ordinance, once drafted will be presented to City Council for approval. Thompson said he hopes to have it enacted within 3-4 months, prior to holiday celebrations.