Thursday, May 10, 2012

Simple Simon Met A Pieman Going To The Fair

I brought up the Farmer's Market Code of Conduct under  new business  of the agenda on Tuesday. 

Since town property is  used and  vendor permits  are issued by the town , it occurred  to wonder if the town could be  in any way responsible for  that ridiculous document.

The situation is as follows; there's  a Farmers Market Bylaw. Under the terms, a  letter from the Farmer's Market Executive is required for a vendor to receive a permit.

 I have been  reminded Councillor Humphryes is Council's liason with the Market  and  along with Councillor Abel ,the two attended a meeting of the executive when the Code of Conduct was  discussed.

I'm not sure what all  that means if anything.

But I am not comfortable.

Former Councillor Nigel Kean was  personally responsible for the Market's creation. He committed himself entirely to its success. He was there every Saturday at six in the morning. Before even the vendors,to make it a reality.

Town support  was also essential. Small resources were committed one way or another.Justification was to bring people into the downtown area.The Market was in the Temperance St parking lot.

In 2007, it  was moved to Wells Street. The Town Park. The 
band shell is  in the  town park.

Theory was the Market could grow in the new location. The park was not up for grabs. But the market grew. into the park anyway/

Special events were organised around the Market. More town  resources were committed under control of the former Mayor.

The band shell was used . No user fee paid or waived. 


Councillor Granger was Council's  liason. A constitution was written.  I  re-call it  presented  or announced to Council. The reason escapes me.

The St Kitts woman was involved. A jazz festival evolved. Fees are not paid to use the park. 

A complaint was received from St Kitts,with photos,about a  market vendor in the park and a van parked alongside.It was shifted.

The  park was fenced off.  Vendors .purveyors of  food and beer took  up space inside the fence during the jazz festival. Permits were  not issued by the town. 

I have concluded  the Farmers Market has been used by others for  purposes other than having to do with a Farmers Market.

It may be time for another journey of discovery.        

No comments:

Post a Comment