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.
Thursday 10 May 2012
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2 comments:
Councillor Buck, I believe you have your facts wrong here.
Last summer, on a completely unrelated matter, I did attend a meeting of the Farmers Market executive. That was the only time I attended an executive meeting.
And yes, Councillor Humfryes was indeed, in attendance.
At no time during that meeting (last summer ) was a Code of Conduct, as the copy you have presented on your blog, in any way or form, a topic of discussion.
As an aside, I have talked with only a few vendors so far, who had to sign on. They do not appreciate this Code of Conduct, nor in the manner in which it was presented. Strong armed with little or no chance to review. With no input. To be signed on the spot.
The Farmers Market is a gem, a credit to the community. There is no justification, no rationale, to impose a highly restrictive set of rules to the likes of the Code of Conduct I've read on your blog.
This code is from another time and place, it smothers the true spirit of Aurora's Farmers Market. It doesn't belong. It's an imposition. I can sense it from the vendors and the community as well.
So sad that we have arrived at this fork in the road. I attended opening Market day and it was rather "quiet"...now I know why. I agree with John, the C of C smothers the true spirit of the farmers market. It is nauseating to hear vendors felt strong armed.
Vendors should feel joyful when they arrive to set up Saturday morning,a chance to add to their liveliehoods, make new friends,interact with their customers,have some fun. It adds value to our community.What are the consequences if one (or several)vendors choose not to sign?
It's up to the vendors now to speak out, do it as a group. There is safety in numbers. You really do not have to put up with this bullshit!
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