Moses Lake park space up for bid

Vendor worries about business

MOSES LAKE — Vendors who wish to sell concessions at Moses Lake parks must bid for the ability to provide their service.

Applications are due March 31.

Previously vendors were required to give 15 percent of their profit to the city and they were free to do business. Now they must provide the highest bid to do business in the park.

One vendor worries about her business due to council's decision.

"I have nowhere else to go," Nancy Mylonas, owner of the 'Ono Tropical Snow said. "I am not a mobile unit."

She is in her fifth year of owning the flavored shaved ice business at Blue Heron Park, she said. Each year, she gives the city 15 percent of her profits, totaling more than $4,000. The business serves as a large portion of her income, she said.

The idea she might not get approved lingers in her thoughts. She does not know how high or low to bid because the bids of others are kept private.

She is concerned with the deadline. A decision is to be made by the council after the March application deadline, she said. If she receives notice she was not approved, she faces a short time period to make arrangements to move her business and find a new location, she added. She normally opens in May.

Councilmember Dick Deane said he appreciates the way she does business and it would be considered during the selection process.

Mayor Ron Covey said the bid process is necessary to keep competition fair.

The bid process is necessary because it levels the playing field and informs the council on who is in the parks, Deane added.

The issue came to light at the Feb. 13 council meeting when ice cream vendor Donna Voepel asked permission to sell her product at Blue Heron Park.

Council said they would not make a decision for her at the meeting and she was referred to the bid process.

Council has the choice to approve all, none or some of the applications submitted, City Manager Joe Gavinski said. Funds raised by the bid process go to the city's general fund.

"I certainly hope to stay there," Mylonas said.

She attracted a loyal clientele who she does not want to lose. Many times people call ahead to make sure she is available for various events, she said. If she has to move, she is not sure how to notify them.