Farmers Market Committee Meeting
June 21, 2010
DLSMS Office
Minutes

In attendance were: Bob, Vicky, Karin, Jim and Stacy

Entertainment
Stacy reported that Nick Baker contacted her about playing at the Market. He plays the marimba and is willing to play for tips. He will be in the KC area in late June/early July. The Committee agreed it would be an added value to the Market. Stacy will ask him if he can play this Saturday, June 26th.

Ideas for the Market during Downtown Days
There’s a dentist on Douglas Street that may let us use their lot for the Market
See about using the church lot north of the Farmers Market lot
We may be able to use ½ of the Farmers Market lot; only 1 stall per person
Committee would prefer to have the Market close to the same location rather than in the Downtown Days festival area
In addition to having the Market open, consider setting up a booth in the festival to pass out information about the Market; see if vendors would take shifts running the booth

Karin mentioned that 3 people pulled into the lot north of the Farmers Market lot on the Saturday of Downtown Days. They were all new to Lee’s Summit and wanted to check out the Market. She said the advertising we are doing seems to be working.

Peach Issue
Karin suggested that we have a protocol in place for how to deal with issues when they arise. If there is a question or concern about an item being sold, it needs to be brought to a committee member to handle. Jeanine suggested that we have a designated person or people to handle these situations. Karin agreed to accept this position. Vicky added that there is a lack of respect for the rules, the Market, and other vendors. Some people have more integrity than others. Jim commented that in the future we need to make note of who doesn’t come to the pre-season meeting and review the rules with them. Stacy said she could add a few lines to the last page of the rules of operation reiterating the rules we are having concerns about. The vendors would have to check boxes next to each of these sentences saying they will abide by the rule. Stacy noted that they did this with the hold harmless agreement for Downtown Days this year, and it seemed to work very well.

Stacy will send an email out to all the Farmers Market vendors letting them know that they need to talk to Karin if they have a concern about an item being sold at the Market and also reiterating that all produce must be grown within 150 miles.



Other Business:
Absences at the Market: Stacy reported that Gary Cypret and Dan and Sherry Burns both contacted the office and said they are not able to come to the Market yet because they do not have produce ready. Jim added that he doesn’t have anything ready yet either.

Concerns about Pricing: Stacy reported that there have been some concerns from other vendors about Lone Summit Ranch having very low prices. Karin commented that we can’t do anything about it. The customer gets to choose if they want price over quality. Stacy told the Committee that if they hear complaints from any other vendors, please let them know that we cannot do anything about the prices. Each vendor can set their own price.

Committee Interaction at the Market: Stacy reminded everyone to respect all the vendors. The Committee members should be an example for the rest of the vendors. Vicky added that next year we need to have an orientation for the new vendors, or maybe a couple of them as new vendors join the Market. Jim suggested that it be mandatory for new vendors to attend these orientations.

Other Comments, Concerns, Suggestions, etc.: Bob asked why Georgia can sell things that Beth can’t. Stacy explained that according to the Health Department, all baked goods must be labeled with their ingredients and contact information of the person who made them. Beth said she was reselling muffins that were made at Costco. Debbie said bakers cannot repackage things that are not made by them. If she wants to sell those muffins, they need to be sold in the Costco packaging.

Karin said she found a person that sells Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food that is interested in attending the Market (in place of Jaylene’s food booth). Karin will have her talk to the Health Department and find out if this is even an option.

Karin said she will continue taking care of the cones and signs.

Next Meeting: July 12th at 8:00 am