Transient merchant regulations arise again

Issues swirling around permits for transient merchants in the downtown area ate up a lot of time and aroused considerable ire and controversy in Sisters before apparently being put to bed late in 2015.

They're back.

In a review during their June 27 workshop of the current transient merchant regulations, members of the Sisters City Council heard from City Attorney Jeremy Greene that the entire ordinance is poorly written and needs to be overhauled, with greater clarification and specificity.

The transient merchant ordinance is being reviewed regarding the 100-foot set-back required on Cascade Avenue and the fact there are no exemptions for nonprofit organizations such as the veterans who would like to sell raffle tickets on Cascade during the Quilt Show. Greene indicated that having no exemptions is not the norm.

City Manager Brant Kucera indicated the most recent revision to the transient merchant regulations was done with regard to the aesthetics of Cascade Avenue and to protect the interests of full-time, brick-and-mortar, taxpaying local merchants.

Council President Nancy Connolly said she favors the 100-foot set-back because she sees Cascade Avenue, which is a state highway, as the front window of the city.

Councilor Andrea Blum doesn't see groups being located on streets other than Cascade as a deterrent to their sales and favors keeping the 100-foot set-back.

Councilor Richard Esterman, who acknowledged his conflict of interest on the matter due to his being an event promoter, contends that the ordinance is a violation of the First Amendment.

Staff will work with legal to develop a policy and bring it to Council in a workshop.