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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 wit...
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