WEST POINT — The City of West Point is getting closer to allowing food trucks to operate in the city. The issue was discussed this week in a work session. Final approval could come in Monday evening’s council meeting.

City Administrator Ed Moon informed the council that the city’s planning board had approved an amendment to the proposed food truck ordinance. This could clear the way to passage.

Moon reviewed the provisions of the ordinance as they now stand. Anyone who wishes to operate a food truck in the city must have a license that costs $80 and a certificate for what’s being sold. The certificate for an ice cream truck, for example, costs $350 a year. The truck cannot operate on a city street or alleyway. It must be on private property with the owner’s permission. It cannot be in a residential area. They can do business from 8 a.m. till 10 p.m. and cannot stay overnight.

“They will have to leave at the end of the day and bring it back the next day,” Moon said. “To be certified, they will have to be approved by the Troup County Health Department.”

On another topic, Moon discussed the proposed closing of a city street. A small, unused portion of Avenue F between East 10th and East 9th streets is set for closure. The council can act to close it once the legal advertising has concluded.

This is more of a formality. The street is not in use and thus far no one has objected to its closing.

Council Member Sandra Thornton thanked fellow council members for their prayers and expressions of concern over the recent passing of her brother-in-law.

The council heard a presentation from Lisa Martin, director of the Troup County Salvation Army, about the organization’s efforts to provide needy children with Christmas gifts this year. Anyone in need of such assistance may fill out an application at the Virginia Cook Activity Center on MLK Drive in West Point. Salvation Army representatives will be there from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, October 2. For information, contact the Troup County office at (706) 884-6842.

The program serves children who are 12 years of age or younger or those who have the mindset of a child in that age group (with documentation).

Assistance is limited to the first 800 children who sign up. Those requesting assistance from the Salvation Army must not have signed up with another agency.

Information that will be required on the application form includes a photo ID, proof of current address, custody paperwork (if applicable), birth certificate, food stamp award letter (if you don’t have this, you must provide all household income and expenses).

Council Member Thornton is the chair of the Troup County chapter of the Salvation Army.