WARREN — City council has approved limiting the number of food trucks at events to three.

City Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa said at Wednesday’s council meeting that the guideline in the ordinance passed by council is there will be a maximum of three food trucks permitted on a property.

He said even where there are more than one parcel of property the limit will still be three.

Cantalamessa said the exception would be a special event.

Councilman Michael O’Brien said he has not heard from any local residents regarding food trucks.

Safety-Service Director Eddie Colbert said he has heard from restaurants and other businesses that want regulations in place on food truck number limitations and other guidelines.

Councilman Greg Greathouse, D-3rd Ward, said many businesses do not want food trucks in their parking lots.

Councilwoman Helen Rucker, D-at Large, said she was at a recent city plaza where a food truck had set up on private property.

Cantalamessa said food trucks are not allowed in residential areas and require a license to be at permitted locations.

LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD

In other business, Cantalamessa said the city was successful in its objection to the convenience store at Elm Road and Larchmont Avenue being denied a new liquor license by the state liquor control board,

He said the control board upheld the city’s objection and denied the renewal of the store’s D5 liquor license at a recent hearing.

The convenient store location has had various issues including shootings.

Cantalemessa said the store can only operate as a carryout with consumption of alcohol on site and no sales beyond 10 p.m.

He said the attorney for the store has filed an appeal which will be heard Aug. 7 in Columbus.

Councilwoman Tina Milner, D-2nd Ward, said the owners said the liquor control board heard both sides and found the store “had a total disregard for the law and neighborhood” based on the evidence that was provided.

She praised the city law department for advocating on behalf of the city and residents,

“The law department upheld the wishes of the city in protecting the safety of the residents,” Milner said.

DORA AREAS

In other business, council voted 6-4 on legislation on designated outdoor refreshments area (DORA) and including Gordo’s, located in the former Burger King building in the city’s downtown, into the zone.

Gordo’s will be included into the DORA boundary zone.

Cantalemessa said the DORA is a specifically defined area with boundaries.

Voting against were Rucker, and council members Todd Johnston, Tina Milner and Ron White.

Rucker questioned that if a business currently in a DORA closes can another one move into the location and automatically be part of the DORA.

“When a new business comes in we need to see the track record before they are put in the DORA. I am being cautious on this so we know more about any new business before they be part of the DORA,” Rucker said.

Cantalemessa said the city would let the state liquor control office know of the change of ownership.

The addition of Gorgo’s will go into effect in 30 days.

DATA CENTERS

Council gave second reading to placing a permanent ban on the issuing of permits for data centers within the city.

Rucker said plans are for a meeting to be held to provide information on data centers before the next council meeting on July 8.

“We want to give council, the administration and department heads basic information on data centers. After that meeting I will be requesting a committee be set up to look at guidelines to safeguard the city,” Rucker said.

Also council approved increasing the number of employees in the city auditor’s office from six to eight due to the expected retirement of two staff members and also because of increased workload.

Auditor Vincent Flask said the additional work has been “unbelievable” and an additional staff member is needed.

He said with the retirements he expects the department to have seven staff members.

Officials said it is often difficult to fill the positions.