Celina Council Advances Food Truck Plan, Accepts Fire Department Donation and Approves Water Rate Increase

The Celina City Council took action on several items Monday night, including advancing a plan to bring food trucks to Westview Park during recreation league games.

Council members unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance that would allow food trucks to operate at Westview Park during youth recreation games. The proposal came from local food truck operators who said the service would provide food options for families attending games.

Under the proposal, food trucks would be permitted to set up in a designated space at the park. Council amended the ordinance language to allow trucks to operate “up to the space provided,” giving flexibility for how many vendors may participate depending on the size of their trailers and the available area.

Supporters of the idea told council the trucks would include a variety of options such as main dishes, drinks and desserts and that all vendors are licensed and inspected annually by the health department.

Council members said the program could help keep residents in town rather than leaving the area for food during games.

In another action, council unanimously approved legislation accepting a $7,500 donation to the Celina Fire Department from the Grand Lake Recreation Club. The funds will be used to purchase water and ice rescue and dive equipment.

City officials said the donation continues a tradition of support from the organization and will help equip divers who respond to emergencies on Grand Lake.

Council also approved an ordinance increasing water rates in Celina. City officials said the adjustment was necessary due to rising costs for chemicals, materials and upcoming infrastructure projects, including work planned on State Route 703 and Sugar Street.

Officials emphasized that the increases are not a tax but rather adjustments to utility rates. By law, the city’s utilities must operate as enterprise funds and support themselves through rate revenue rather than tax dollars.

During administrative reports, city officials also addressed questions about the planned location of a future fire station on Grand Lake Road near the former Orchard Tree site. City leaders said the location meets response time requirements and provides space for a roughly 21,000-square-foot facility.

Council members also welcomed firefighter trainee Dylan Feister to the department and encouraged families to sign up for Celina Parks and Recreation baseball and softball programs.

Officials also reminded residents that Bryson Park’s splash pad will not open until Memorial Day due to colder temperatures expected in the coming weeks.

Celina City Council adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m. Monday.