The Carroll County Board of Supervisors were tasked with reviewing and updating an old ordinance that had been on the books since Carroll was an overnight stop for RAGBRAI in 2006. Director of Environmental Health, Carey Kersey, says she received a call from Sara Kingland with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and was asked to review the ordinance. Kingland also asked that the county permit deadline be moved from July 16 to July 2 so she has more time to review those received at the county level. The bigger concern for both Kersey and Carroll County Auditor, Kourtney Irlbeck, is who will enforce food and beverage permits.
Some counties utilize their local Sheriff’s offices to enforce permits along the identified routes outside of incorporated areas. But Carroll County Sheriff, Ken Pingrey, says they will be busy enough on that Monday, July 23.
He also expressed concerns about vendors being allowed on the portion of the route through Carroll County that travels on state and U.S. Highways 141 and 71. Pingrey says there are enough traffic control concerns as those roadways will not be closed to motor vehicles that day, and he believes that cyclists stopping along the road for vendors would increase the danger. Supervisors agreed and have added language to the revision of the ordinance that will prohibit vendor sales on those highways. They also discussed the possibility of working with the Iowa State Patrol for the enforcement of the ordinance. Supervisors approved a county permit fee of $50 for vendors selling food, beverages or any other items in unincorporated areas. However, the board will not be unable to meet the requirements for updating and reading the ordinance to comply with a permitting deadline of July 2. The changes will be made and the second reading will be brought back for review at the next meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 25 in the board chambers at the Carroll County Courthouse.
