Residents defend King of Ribs, but Ontario law director says stands currently illegal

ONTARIO - Several city residents told members of Ontario City Council during Wednesday's meeting they would like to see the King of Ribs concession stand stay in the Lowe's parking lot.

Council members read for the second time an ordinance that would limit concession stands in Ontario to operating in one space for only 30 days before they would be required to move to a new location.

King of Ribs has operated in the Lowe's parking lot for at least five years.

After residents asked why the popular rib joint couldn't be grandfathered in, Law Director Andrew Medwid explained an ordinance was passed 20 years ago that actually made the stand's presence illegal.

"You're not allowed to have concession stands in the city limits at all," Medwid said.

More:Ontario officials: If ordinance doesn't pass, all concession stands must close

More:King of Ribs owner said he'll be forced to close if Ontario passes concession stand rule

The ordinance before council would allow Ron Moton, the owner of King of Ribs, to continue operating in the city, so long as he moves his business once every month. Medwid said concession stands could not be stationary longer, per a health department requirement that limits them to no more than 40 days in one location.

"That is literally why I wrote that, so they could stay," Medwid said.

The law director reminded the public that if council members vote the ordinance down during the body's Aug. 1 meeting, then Moton won't be allowed to serve ribs anywhere other than a brick-and-mortar building.

Delinquent properties

Blighted properties also were discussed Wednesday. Council members considered a resolution to demolish a properties at 1592 Park Avenue West and 1731 Park Avenue West, and almost suspended the rules and declared an emergency to pass the resolution that night. Councilman Mark Weidemyre said that was a little too fast.

"If we're going to tear somebody's structure down, I think we should do it in three readings, so they can have a chance to come and talk about it," Weidemyre said.

The rest of the council agreed. They also chose to give a full three readings to a resolution directing the owner of a property at 78 S. Home Road to clean up his land.

Arnold was frustrated that the city has to tell people to take care of their land. He said it's happened several times recently with commercial properties.

"I shouldn't have to tell you as a business owner or a developer to go mow your lawn," Arnold said.

He asked Medwid if the city could stop being so lenient in its dealings with such properties.

"The next time we don't give them 30 days, we give them 10 days," Arnold suggested.

Medwid said he would have to check to be sure such action is legal.

ztuggle@gannett.com

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Twitter: @zachtuggle