Saratoga Springs tells man: Soda machine in driveway must go
Feb 11, 2022, 8:20 PM
Eric DeKarver is selling his Coca-Cola vending machine on order of the city of Saratoga Springs. Utah. Asking price is $900. KSL Classifieds
SALT LAKE CITY — Saratoga Springs has ordered a Coke-loving resident to remove the soda machine from his driveway or face a $25/day fine.
Eric DeKarver just wanted to give his thirsty neighbors a cold beverage. Now he is selling his beloved vending machine. Asking price: $900.
Condition Used – Good, minimal wear
The city and HOA came after me for have a vending machine in front of my house. Some jerk of a neighbor called the city. Now it must go. Full size vending machine. Single price with dollar bill acceptor. Everything works.
DeKarver joined KSL NewsRadio’s Dave & Dujanovic to talk over what he’s been through over his soda situation.
DeKarver said he was first notified from the city of Saratoga Springs saying no vending machines are allowed in residential areas.
“The next thing I got was a letter notice from the HOA [Homeowners Association] saying that you could not have businesses in your home. No one could enter private property and exchange money for goods and services,” he said.
Soda machine and a Coke lover
Since high school, DeKarver said he has loved Coke. He said he worked for The Coca-Cola Company in the late 1990s.
“That’s where I ended up getting my first machine. For me, it’s just a love for Coke. I don’t make a lot of money for it. Most of it goes towards the repair of the machine because they’re expensive,” he said.
Kids would stop by in the summer for a soda, DeKarver said.
‘Invasion of privacy’
What was your reaction when you were notified you would begin accruing a $25/day fine if the vending machine was not removed? Debbie asked.
“When they started coming in, saying that you can’t have what you are displaying or having at your home, to me it seems like, it’s an invasion of privacy,” DeKarver said. “It’s hurtful.”
He added his biggest question has to do with jurisdiction: Why is the city of Saratoga Springs acting as a HOA and enforcing its codes?
“I thought the city was in charge more of public areas,” DeKarver said.
“We appreciate you joining the show and explaining what you’ve gone through over the soda machine,” Debbie said. “Sounds like it was just a nice, cool little community gathering spot. Instead of a water cooler, it’s a soda machine.”
Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, as well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
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