City to Require Fire Safety Permits for Commercial Outdoor Food Vendors

May 8, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Food trucks who often roll into town to serve meals in Smithville will soon have to comply with fire safety codes and obtain a permit from the city at no charge. The same rules will apply to temporary food vendors who set up on city streets under tents and in booths during special events including the Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival.

Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker addressed the issue with the Mayor and Aldermen during Monday night’s regular monthly meeting.

Although the city adopted the latest set of International Fire Codes in 2015 which addresses regulations for mobile or temporary commercial outdoor food vendors, the rules have apparently not been strictly enforced. But according to Chief Parker,  the risk to public safety is greater as some of these food vendors now use commercial cooking appliances which pose more fire hazards.

“In years past it wasn’t as much of a problem because there weren’t as many commercial appliances used. They (vendors) mostly served up barbeque, ice cream and things like that. But now they are bringing in deep fryers and commercial grills. Last year (during the Fiddlers Jamboree) I noticed there were two 100 pound propane tanks setting behind one of the tents and other tents had them. There is quite a bit of risk involved in some of that. We’re trying to make it a little more fire safe. This won’t guarantee there is not an accident or incident going to happen. We just want to make it as fire safe as we can to keep anything from happening,” said Chief Parker.

While some cities choose to ignore the regulations during special events and festivals, Chief Parker said Smithville should not make an exception because it exposes the city to liability.

“I have been researching this for a while. I have called pretty much every surrounding city and county across the state from Bonnaroo to Metro Nashville and there is a wide range of things they allow. Some places allow the commercial appliances with some exceptions. Some places don’t want to know about it. It may be in the rules but they choose to ignore it. Just because you don’t acknowledge it doesn’t mean you’re not liable. It is adopted into our city codes so whether we choose to address it or not we’re just as responsible,” said Chief Parker.

Effective June 15, the City of Smithville and the Smithville Fire Department will be requiring a Commercial Outdoor Food Vendor Fire Safety Permit on all mobile or temporary commercial outdoor cooking trucks, trailers, tents, or temporary structures within the corporate limits of Smithville in order to comply with fire safety codes, regulations and in the interest of safety.

The fire safety permit will be required for all vendors to operate an outdoor commercial food truck, trailer, tent or any temporary structure within the city limits of Smithville.

There will be (2) types of permits:

(1) Annual permit (1 year from the date of issue). No charge at this time for this permit.

(2) Temporary (2) Two day permit (limit of (2) two per year) FREE. No cost for this permit.

Vendor operators may obtain a copy of the rules or apply for a permit by contacting the City of Smithville during normal business hours.

The fire safety permit does not replace the Tennessee Department of Health Food Inspection permit that is also required.

May 8, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The month of May is recognized nationally as Older Americans Month, a time when the vast contributions older adults make to their families, communities, and nation is acknowledged.

(VIEW VIDEO BELOW OF WILLIAMSON BRANCH)

Justin Potter Library will partner with the Alexandria and Smithville Senior Centers in participating in the national celebration by hosting Older Americans Day. The event will be held at the DeKalb County Complex Theater area located at 712 South Congress Boulevard in Smithville on Wednesday, May 8 at 11 a.m.

This year’s theme is “Connect, Create, Contribute”. The featured entertainment will be Williamson Branch, a bluegrass family band. There will be displays that open at 10:30 a.m., door prizes, goody bags, and sack lunches for the older adults to enjoy.

Everyone who is an older American is invited to this free event. For more information call the library at 615-597-4359 or visit on Facebook.

May 7, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Students at DeKalb Middle School got a chance to learn what it’s like to be a police officer, firefighter, banker, and many other occupations during the 3rd annual Career Day held Tuesday.

Twenty seven businesses or service agencies were represented with booths set up in the gymnasium to share information.

“We talked to the students about what they want to do after high school and for many of them they don’t have an answer to that so this is just a way of giving them some choices about future careers to spark their interest,” said DMS teacher Suzette Barnes.

“The students from the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades rotated through the gym. They were previously provided questionnaires in their homerooms and we guided them on what questions to ask. During the event the students mingled and interacted with all the visitors before going back to their classrooms,” added Barnes.

Outside students got to climb aboard a DeKalb County Fire Engine, an ambulance, and a Vanderbilt Life Flight helicopter which landed on campus.

At the conclusion of the Career Day events in the gym, some of the visitors took time to stop by individual classes to discuss in more detail the characteristics of their businesses.

Among the participants in addition to Vanderbilt Life Flight, the DeKalb County Fire Department, and DeKalb EMS were the TWRA, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Smithville Police Department, DeKalb Funeral Chapel, DTC Communications, Caney Fork Electric Cooperative, First Bank, Wilson Bank & Trust, the DeKalb County Health Department, NHC Healthcare Center, Suncrest Home Health, and others.

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