Colfax ‘green river’ delayed

A Colfax version of a Green River ordinance, which would require registration of door-to-door vendors in town, was delayed again at the Oct. 5 council session. Mayor Norma Becker and city council members have pushed for the ordinance after getting complaints this summer of traveling sales teams working late at night and using pressure tactics. Council members have also questioned the legality of street vendors operating along Main Street.

Colfax Chief Bill Hickman has done research for preparing an ordinance. A vote on the proposal was tabled last month after City Attorney Bruce Ensley advised the council they should prepare a statement of facts to document a need for such an ordinance. He noted similar measures have been challenged and court rulings have favored cities who have documented a need to have such an ordinance on the books.

A statement of the need in Colfax was submitted to the council Monday night, but Ensley said the statement should be drafted in the form of a resolution and approved by the council. The actual ordinance should make reference to the resolution.