Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Held in the LeRoy Township/Village Hall
In Attendance: Absent:
*Karen Cool *Brian Cool, co-chair
*Mark Baker *Betty Strunk, clerk *Dan Massey
*Elise Schlaikjer, chair *Julie Keefer *Dave Fisher
Paul Miodek Jill Baker
Mark Dean
* denotes committee member
Elise called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.
Brian made a motion to approve the agenda with additions, Julie supported, motion carried.
The November 27, 2007 minutes were accepted with the correction that Shannon was not accepted to be a member of the FM committee; she would just like to be involved.
In response to the problems with the disappearing items/unlocked door at the LeRoy Garage, we discussed the need to keep an eye out for problems at the garage during the upcoming season.
Elise feels we would not be allowed a further grant from the Osceola County Community Foundation. Since we are in the black from the past two years, no grants will be applied for to aid in the upcoming year.
Advertising is a primary concern. Following are some of the ways we hope to use for the upcoming season. In parentheses are the committee members who volunteered to handle that form of advertising.
1. Area churches
2. Buyer’s Guide (B Strunk)
3. Cadillac News (B Strunk)
4. Flyers
5. LeRoy Chamber of Commerce site and other computer sites (Brian)
6. Placemats – Carol Troup (Mark Baker)
Elise reported Robert Miller was appreciative of our deciding to not have music at the FM due to music being against the Amish religion. When Elise asked for a firm commitment to have Amish vendors at the FM since music was being eliminated, no firm commitment was forthcoming. She also requested the Amish try and come up with some demonstrations.
Comments were made from those in attendance that vendors and community members were very upset with the decision to not have music at the FM. Because of the decision to eliminate music, there would be vendors and community members who would not be involved in the upcoming season. A lengthy discussion followed.
Brian made a motion to revisit the decision from a prior vote to eliminate music from the FM, Karen supported. Motion carried. Discussion followed. A major concern was a way to be fair to everyone concerned.
Julie made a motion to incorporate music on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month during the FM season. Karen supported, motion carried. Mark and Elise will discuss this decision with Robert Miller.
To be tabled until the next meeting, the possibility of different hours/days.
Elise expressed a need to find new vendors. Brian volunteered to contact past vendors to see who is returning.
The planned opening date for the FM 2008 season is the last Saturday of May.
Elise reported on and handed out copies of C Bedford’s speech given at the Small Farm Conference she attended.
Discussed what percent of a product not actually produced/made by a vendor allows that vendor to claim a product as handmade. More discussion to follow at a later date.
The next meeting date will be March 11, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. in the township/village hall. There will be a potluck, bring your own dinner service to aid in clean up.
Betty made a motion to adjourn, Karen supported. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Submitted by Betty Strunk, secretary __________________________________________
Minutes approved ______________________________________