HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #07 Staff Update on Farmer's Markert
AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET
Meeting Date: August 03,2010
Item #
7
Contact Name:
/fJJt1
Michael Rumer, Principal
Planner
Ext. 1 018
Reviewed By: /J
Department Director: ~~~
City Manager: ~ ---...'"
Contact Number:
Subject: Staff Update on Farmers' Market
Background Summary:
During the May 18, 2010, City Commission meeting, two business owners from the downtown McKey Street
area approached the City Commission with a request to start a downtown farmers' market in conjunction with
the City, residents, and other businesses to revitalize the historical downtown area. Prior to that, the City had
been approached by other business owners regarding a City Farmers' Market and had several discussions take
place about the potential to hold such an event. City staff recommended at that time, that more time be allowed
to determine possible approaches to a City Farmers' Market. Since then, numerous meetings including City
department heads and citizens have taken place to evaluate the normal parameters associated with special
events (traffic safety, waste disposal, etc.) that could be addressed given a number of locations where the
market could be potentially held. From all of the discussion, three potential sites emerged and will be presented
to the City Commission. These sites include: 1) the block of McKey Street between Bluford Avenue and
Cumberland Avenue, 2) the Maguire House property at Bluford Avenue and Oakland Avenue, and 3) the
lakefront green area located within Bill Breeze Park.
Numerous discussions have centered upon what type of market should be held. Care must be taken in the
initial stages of the market to ensure that it is well designed and uniform in appearance, as well as in the
products that are allowed for sale. Staff has evaluated many of Central Florida's more successful farmers'
markets and found that a common denominator is that they focus primarily on fresh farm items, including fruits,
vegetables, meats, dairy, and products derived from those items. Many of these markets allow hand-made
items to be sold as well, but great care is taken to prevent these markets from becoming flea markets.
Proper evaluation is necessary before long-term commitments should be made for this type of market. A City
Farmers' Market has the potential to become a regular focal point of the City, generating public activity and
becoming an iconic gathering place. Based on all discussion, it was agreed that a proper evaluation should be
made of this type of event, and a target time frame was set for 4 consecutive Fridays during the month of
September. Holding a Farmers' Market during the hours of 4-8 p.m. was decided as an optimum event time
because it would not compete with other markets, and it was based on feedback from potential market vendors.
Final consideration and agreement was to recommend a City run event with an ad hoc citizen committee
collaborating with Staff.
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners 1) approve a City Farmers' Market for an evaluatory
period of four weeks in September, 2) approve a location from a recommended list and, 3) approve Staff to
administratively issue a special events permit consistent with City ordinances?
Recommendations:
Staff recommends that the City Commission approve 1) approve a City Farmers' Market for an evaluatory
period of four weeks beginning Friday, September 3, 2010 and continuing the following three consecutive
Fridays, 2) approve a location from a recommended list and, 3) approve Staff to administratively issue a special
events permit consistent with City ordinances for this repetitive event which would terminate the permit following
the market to be held on September 24, 2010.
Attachments:
None
Financial Impact:
Staff requests the City Commission grant funds not to exceed $2000.00 from contingency for marketing and
other ancillary costs of the trial event as approved by the City Manager. Any additional ancillary costs that arise
as the trial period progresses will be covered by revenue generated from renting market space.
Type of Item: (please mark with an "x')
Public Hearing
_ Ordinance First Reading
_ Ordinance Second Reading
Resolution
_ Commission Approval
x Discussion & Direction
For Clerk's Deot Use:
_ Consent Agenda
Public Hearing
~ Regular Agenda
Original DocumenUContract Attached for Execution by City Clerk
Original DocumenUContract Held by Department for Execution
Reviewed by City Attorney
Reviewed by Finance Dept.
Reviewed by 0
N/A
N/A
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