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An Ordinance Amending Chapter 18 (“Administration”), Article 2 (“Farmers’ Market”), Section 4 (“Location Of Market; Market Dates And Hours”) Of The Oak Park Village Code To Change The Length Of The Farmers Market Season
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Introduction
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The proposed Ordinance amends the Village Code regarding the length of the farmers’ market season in order to better accommodate the needs of the market vendors.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommends approval of the proposed Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
The current Village Code specifies an exact beginning and end date for the farmers’ market. “The farmers’ market shall be in operation every Saturday beginning on the second to the last Saturday in May through the last Saturday in October.”
Due to causes outside of the farmers’ market (changing weather patterns impacting crop yield, shifts in crop growing season, etc.), market vendors have approached the Farmers’ Market Manager on the possibility of extending the market beyond the last Saturday in October.
Amending the ordinance to be less specific on the beginning and ending dates will allow for the opportunity to extend the market. The new amendment will state that the farmers’ market will begin in the spring and end in the fall, with the starting and ending dates determined by the Market Manager.
Not only would this amendment allow the vendors additional market days to sell their inventory, it also increases access to fresh and nutritious produce for community members.
Timing Considerations
The Farmers’ Market begins in May; approval before that time would be ideal.
Financial Impact
The current agreement with Pilgram Church for the use of their parking lot for the farmers’ market is based on the current Village ordinance, which outlines specific beginning and ending dates.
This topic was discussed with Pilgrim Church, who indicated they would agree with extending the farmers’ market, should the need arise.
The amount owed to use the Pilgrim Church in 2026 is $6,630. Since the current Village code language amounts to 24 Saturdays, an additional Saturday market beyond the current agreement with Pilgram Church would cost $276.25.
This additional cost would be paid using the Farmer’s Market Rent Expense GL (2027.43014.101.540669)
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item.
DEI Impact
Individuals who utilize SNAP/LINK benefits can have their benefits doubled while purchasing produce from the farmers’ market. For every $1.00 spent at the farmers' market using their LINK card, they receive a $1.00 coupon, which can be used at the market any time during the season.
In the 2025 farmers’ market season, over 42,000 $1.00 coupons were distributed to SNAP/LINK participants that could be used to purchase additional market items.
Community Input
This topic was discussed with the Farmers’ Market Commission and they expressed their support in having the flexibility to extend the farmers market.
Staff Recommendation
Approve of the ordinance
Advantages:
• This action prolongs the availability of fresh produce to community members and the double coupon benefit to SNAP/LINK participants
• This action strengthens relations between the Village of Oak Park and market vendors
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can request additional information.
Advantages:
• The Board will be provided with the information requested.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternative 2:
The Board can elect not to approve the ordinance.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this alternative.
Disadvantages:
• Not approving the ordinance may strain relations between the market vendors and the Village.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Greg Olsen, Public Health Director
Reviewed By: Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. ORD 26-116