SLEEPY Eye - By a 4-1 vote Tuesday, the Sleepy Eye City Council denied a solicitor license request from a New Ulm couple who sought to sell Latino food in the city-owned parking lot at the intersection of highways 4 and 14.
Councilor Judy Beech cast the dissenting vote on the request to sell food up to three days a week.
Rather than deny the request, Beech asked the council to table it until the November council meeting.
Latina Kitchen owners Jesus and Peggy Vargas of New Ulm wrote a letter to the city council. The letter stated that they planned to sell beef, chicken and pork tamales; Mexican rice; Mexican beans and salsa; as well as coffee, espresso, cappuccino, hot chocolate, sodas and water under a tent.
"After participating in the Great Grassroots Festival two weeks ago in your wonderful park, although the weather was brisk, we felt very welcome and wanted to enjoy your community more often. Please consider giving us some time and space in your community. We would like to give it a try through this short season and enjoy your wonderful city," the Vargases wrote.
The Vargases did not attend the council meeting, although City Manager Mark Kober said they told him they planned to be present.
They currently have a Brown County seasonal temporary food license to operate a food stand on North Broadway in New Ulm up to four days a week.
In other action, the council approved:
A zoning variance allowing a 19-foot instead of a 25-foot setback from the West property line for Chuck Spaeth Ford, 900 3rd Ave. SW.
Chuck Spaeth said he planned to build an enclosed addition and canopied open wall addition totalling 70x107'4" south of the existing shop.
"Thanks for your business. It would be nice to use the space to celebrate our 25th anniversary next year," Spaeth said.
The 2010 City Audit low bid of $14,600 from Oberloh & Associates, Redwood Falls.
A $2,700 bid from Overhead Door to replace a garage door on the police garage in the power plant building.
Police Chief John Schueller said the door was damaged when a power door opener malfunctioned.
Spending up to $5,400 for a 16x20 storage building to be built by city workers for the outdoor ice rink.
Set a public hearing at the Nov. 9 City Council meeting for the 2010 Street and Utility Project.
(Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).