Vendor trucks could be allowed to sell food on Slippery Rock's Main Street on a daily basis pending a decision by the Slippery Rock council.

The council forwarded an ordinance at Tuesday's meeting to the planning commission that would allow vendor trucks in the Main Street corridor.

The action was taken despite mixed opinions among council members, according to Gene Allison, council vice president.

Allison said ordinances currently restrict having the trucks in the borough outside of special events.

“I'm all for them when there's an event, but I'm all against them when there's nothing going on,” Allison said.

Allison said he has many questions about how the vendors would operate and who would supervise their stays.

“Vendor trucks are to be open late night and into early morning, and those who are going to attend that are those folks who are out there late at night,” Allison said. “If it's a benefit only to late-night kids with elephant ears, then I'm against it.”

He said changing the ordinances would cost the council money and allowing vendor trucks could create unnecessary competition with local businesses.

“I do not want some food truck coming in making money and taking money from a tax paying entity. Those people pay taxes to us, they deserve to get the business,” Allison said.

He said he doesn't see the benefit in having vendor trucks throughout the year.

“I don't see any benefit to the borough citizens,” Allison said.

Rather than steal business, the vendor trucks could supplement or work with local businesses, according to Lara Wozniak, president of the Slippery Rock Business Association.

“It's kind of borne out of our events we have in Slippery Rock,” Wozniak said. “I think where this kind of came from is the desire to add some additional offerings.”

Wozniak said allowing food trucks, especially well-known ones, could draw more people to the borough.

“Butler has had a lot of success in having their Foodie Fridays,” she said. “I think the benefit is worth trying it.”

Wozniak said local businesses could also supplement their services with a vendor truck, increasing their own sales potential. She said most importantly, it seems to be what people want.

“I think food trucks are a trend that is on the rise, and engaging and drawing people into Slippery Rock is only going to benefit our businesses,” Wozniak said. “How do you know unless you try?”

The ordinance will be reviewed by the zoning officer and the planning commission before it's sent back to the council with their recommendations.

Allison said he would keep an open mind moving forward, but there are plenty of questions that need answered.

“I can't see a positive of it, but I am willing to be convinced otherwise,” Allison said.