Laserfiche WebLink
OCT 7 1981 <br />PROPOSED ORDINANCE REGARDING TRANSIENT MERCHANTS <br />BOOR 7 -tn,,E ~I25 <br />Larry Barkett, member of the Board of Directors of the Indian <br />River Chamber of Commerce came before the Board in regard to a proposed <br />Ordinance regulating transient merchants in the county. He stated that <br />the Chamber of Commerce feels such an ordinance would protect both the <br />local merchants and the local consumer. The Chamber of Commerce is <br />asking that they be allowed to work together with the County staff to <br />come up with an ordinance acceptable to the County. <br />Motion was made by Commissioner Scurlock, seconded by Commissioner <br />Wodtke, to approve the County staff working with the Chamber of <br />Commerce to come up with an appropriate ordinance regulating transient <br />merchants. <br />Commissioner Fletcher requested that Mr. Barkett elaborate on the <br />need to protect the consumer. <br />Mr. Barkett reported that in the past week they have had eight <br />complaints to the Chamber of Commerce about transient merchants, who <br />come to the area, set up along the highways, sell something and leave; <br />so, the consumer has no recourse. Mr. Barkett explained that they are <br />not asking that the transient merchant be prohibited from selling, but <br />just that he be required to obtain a license when he comes to town so <br />that the consumer would have the same -recourse against him as they <br />would against any local merchant. He reported that Dade County in 1974 <br />adopted an ordinance totally prohibiting truck sales. <br />Discussion ensued about occupational licenses and the fact that <br />although anyone can buy such a license simply by paying the specified <br />fee, the public seems to feel that by issuing the license, the County <br />is guaranteeing that the licensee is qualified and has insurance, etc., <br />which may not be the case. It was noted that the City of Vero Beach <br />has a requirement that all merchants make their sales within a <br />substantial structure, and when,the City Police come across the <br />transient merchants operating within the City limits, they simply move --- <br />- <br />them out into the county where there is no restrictive ordinance. <br />Discussion continued and examples were given of fly-by-night <br />operators who prey on the elderly and gullible and then disappear, even <br />those who have obtained occupational licenses. <br />It was generally felt <br />