Planning board members all scream for ice cream regulations

Scott Reeder

Thursday, Jan. 14, 1999 | 11:04 a.m.

After months of discussions about creating a board to coordinate urban planning in the Las Vegas Valley, the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition finally met Wednesday.

And what did they talk the most about?

Air pollution?

Overcrowded schools?

Clogged highways?

Nope. Ice cream trucks.

In fact, it got so much discussion one might think it was custard's last stand.

Here's the scoop:

Clark County and each area city have different regulations for the traveling merchants selling ice cream and sweets on a stick.

The coalition is considering melting away the discrepancies and doling out a whole new set of regulations, based on what the city Las Vegas now has. The coalition's recommendation would then be forwarded to the Clark County Commission and each city council for further consideration.

"These drivers travel from one jurisdiction to another. It is important that they have to meet the same rules in each area," said Jim DiFore, business services manager for the city of Las Vegas.

The proposed regulations would require:

"A few years ago, someone with a history of drug convictions applied for a permit. But there was real concern about him selling ice cream, because it could be a cover for selling drugs," DiFore said.

Currently, there are 110 ice cream trucks licensed to operate in Las Vegas.

Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson said it is an issue that he had never really considered before. But he added it is an example of how members of the new coalition can learn from each other.

"Isn't there anything that can be done about the obnoxious 'Pop Goes the Weasel' song and the stampede of children under six that are sure to follow?" asked Las Vegas City Councilman Arnie Adamsen.

A smiling North Las Vegas Councilwoman Stephanie Smith added, "In North Las Vegas, sometimes they play their songs in minor keys. I really don't think that is appropriate for ice cream trucks."

Gibson said the ice cream truck regulation is just a small example of how the coalition can bring cities together to discuss issues both great and small.

The coalition, which consists of representatives of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Clark County and Boulder City, asked staff to develop a recommendation on the matter.

Because it was the group's first meeting, members said the agenda was a bit lighter than it will be in the future. They asked staff to develop recommendations on bylaws for the group.

"I have a sense that we are moving forward," Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny said. "I'm very encouraged by our first meeting. I think it sets a tone for how we will work together in the future."