Supporters of the Twisted Tiki Food Truck filled the council chambers and spilled into the hallway during the Syracuse Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday night, May 20. The owners of the food truck came to address numerous issues they have with the town regarding their business. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — It was standing room only in council chambers, with people standing in the hall, during the Syracuse Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday night, May 20.

Many were there in support of Michele Camacho and her business, the Twisted Tiki Food Truck. Camacho has had issues with town officials since late April.

The conversation started with the Town Attorney’s report during the council’s meeting. Jay Rigdon reported the council asked him to look into some concerns as to whether the food truck, which is parked on the Metz Indoor/Outdoor Furniture Lot on SR 13, was in violation.

Rigdon told the council he has sent them samples of potential food truck ordinances, however the state legislature decided the Indiana Department of Health will be taking responsibility over regulating food trucks in 2027. Summer studies examining the issue will be conducted this summer and next summer.

Rigdon said he looked into reports of potential violations: 1) the food truck vendor has not purchased a vendor permit. As of July 1, town councils will no longer be allowed to collect vendor permits per state law 2) the food truck has tapped into the water and sewer lines which is not permitted under town ordinance and the vendor has to be a utility customer. 3) the food truck is obtaining water from a garden hose. Rigdon said the hose issue was not the town’s responsibility, but the county health department’s.

Camacho presented a layout of the Metz lot which was approved at the Aug. 15, 2024 Syracuse Board of Zoning. The diagram showed an air stream trailer. She told the council prior to attending the BZA meeting she spoke at length with David Wilkinson, town manager, and Scott Aites, former code enforcement officer, about her business plan.

She explained how she received permission and hooked onto the water and sewer lines and admitted she uses a food grade hose with a filter for water to the food truck. The hose is approved by the county health department.

There was discussion regarding the utilities where council members said the utilities needed to be in her name, rather than her landlords. Virginia Cazier, clerk-treasurer, asked where Camacho hooked into the sewer. Camaco said on the lateral. Cazier told the council Camacho did things correctly, she doesn’t need to pay a tap on fee and that many landlords have the utilities in their name, not their tenants.

Camacho told the council the Metz lot is the only lot in town zoned for food trucks yet she is constantly having issues with the town. Nathan Scherer said the intention was not to come down her but there are some grey areas.

Camacho acknowledged her business has some grey areas when it comes to town ordinances. She said she was willing to work with the town, but noted no one has come to see what she’s doing or asked her any questions.

Supporters of the Twisted Tiki Food Truck braved the rain and cold to rally at the food truck’s site prior to the Syracuse Town Council meeting Tuesday night, May 20. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

Scherer responded saying he’s been a big support of her behind the scenes only to be attacked and thrown under the bus on social media.

An audience member asked why the town council or Wilkinson don’t ask questions of the Camachos. Councilwoman Cindy Kaiser said, “I go to Bales (Butcher Shoppe). I would have walked over (to the food truck) but after the comments on Facebook, I decided not too.”

Camacho apologized but said she went on social media because she felt backed into a corner and had to protect her business. She finished by saying she would love to work this out with the council.