Submitted By
Dr. Theresa Chapple, Health Director; Jack Carmody, Farmers’ Market Manager; Julia Knier, Farmers’ Market Commission Chair
Reviewed By
Erin E. Baynes, Assistant to the Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
Concur with the Farmers Market Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 18 (“Peddlers And Solicitors”), Article 2 (“Farmers’ Market”), Section 18-2-7 (“Assignment Of Spaces”) of the Oak Park Village Code Regarding the Farmers’ Market Vendor Space Assignments
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Overview
Overview
This is a recommendation to amend a specific section of Chapter 18 (“Peddlers and Solicitors”), Article 2 (“Farmers’ Market”) pertaining to the assignment of vendor spaces. The recommended language change would allow the Farmers’ Market Manager discretion regarding participants for each market season and the ability to more efficiently approve and select vendors, assign spaces, and ensure equitable selection based on qualifications and adherence to market rules and regulations.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
The Farmers’ Market Commission and Village staff recommend the Board approve the proposed ordinance language changes.
Background
Upon review of section 18-2-7, Public Health Department and Legal Department staff seek to clarify ordinance language stipulating the basis upon which vendors are selected for participation in the market. The goal of the updated language is to ensure the Farmers’ Market Manager retains the ability to use their professional expertise and experience in the selection process for each market season and the ability to approve vendors based on qualifications and adherence to market rules and regulations. Current language implies that preference will be given to applicants based solely on previous participation in the market.
Fiscal Impact
This item does not have a fiscal impact.
DEI Impact
The current ordinance language implies preference for applicants with previous participation and limits the Farmers’ Market Manager’s ability to follow equitable practices while selecting vendors. This language change would ensure each applicant is evaluated based on their qualifications and adherence to market practices and regulations. It allows greater opportunity for marginalized populations to be represented as vendors at the market, including vendors with smaller operations or those from historically underrepresented backgrounds and identities.
There is no direct environmental impact from this language change.
This language change endorses DEI throughout the Village by ensuring that the Farmers’ Market Manager can consider DEI principles when selecting market vendors.
Alternatives
The Board could seek additional information. Vendor applications are currently being reviewed and the Farmers’ Market Manager would like to approve all 2024 market vendors by the end of March.
Previous Board Action
The Board last approved a language change to this section of the ordinance on April 16th, 2018.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
This change has the full approval of the Farmers’ Market Commission which voted for its approval on February 14th, 2024. Staff agrees with the Commission’s vote.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A