Tuesday, March 18, 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 Runo Lorentzon *Julie Keefer
*Dave Fisher Jill Baker
Mark Dean Betsy Erickson
* denotes committee member
Elise called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Prior to the meeting we enjoyed a potluck dinner and two videos pertaining to organic farming and farm markets. Elise shared various information she had received.
Brian made a motion to accept the February 12th minutes, Dave supported. Motion carried.
The treasurer’s report was there have been no changes since the February meeting. Elise reported we need two signatures for checks. The signatures will be Elise and Brian.
Brian made a motion to pay the $25.00 renewal fee for advertising in “Local Harvest”. Dave supported, motion carried.
Brian, Mark and Betty gave reports on how advertising is going.
The Amish will not be participating in the upcoming year for reasons not totally tied to music.
Brian is still working on contacting vendors for commitments to the upcoming season. He read aloud the letter he plans to send, asking for input. Discussion followed. Also updated was the list of who may or may not be participating.
Mark Baker stated Amy Jo is working on the list of musicians. Betsy and Runo informed us the Sheep to Shawl demonstration would be September 13th.
Discussion for the A-frame signs to advertise upcoming market events is tabled for a later date. Upcoming events will be listed on flyers to be posted around town and distributed to outlying areas. Two places we want to hit this year are Evart’s Woodcarving Festival and Dulcimer Festival. Betsy will put information in her newspaper and people are encouraged to advertise on their vehicles. Use of tag lines is encouraged wherever possible.
Chris Gaidica is providing the FM with a website. Members are encouraged to bring ideas on what to include on the website to the next meeting. Some ideas discussed were: mission statement, logo, upcoming events, links, etc.
Brian volunteered to coordinate a “lending library” list. Each person should make a list of books/movies they would recommend or have to offer on loan. Some information included would be title of book/DVD/video tape, brief description of contents, contact person, etc. This list would be made available and persons interested would contact whoever is involved with that particular item.
After discussion on changing hours/days it was decided to keep the same for the upcoming season.
There was a lengthy discussion on what percentage of a product not actually made by a vendor could be used and still be classified as homemade. The outcome of this discussion was should there be a problem in this area, the Market Masters would make the decision if a product could be classified as handmade. If the vendor disagrees with the decision, they would come before a board of vendors. Their decision would be final.
The FM, comprised of Market Masters, the board, and marketers, is a sub-committee of the village.
Elise informed us the auditors suggested two changes.
1. The village needs to authorize the FM to spend money as they see fit.
2. Insurance will be paid at the end of each year.
We will have a suggestion box at the FM for the upcoming year. The possibility of a survey to be handed out to FM patrons was discussed. Everyone should make a list of questions for possible inclusion on the survey.
After discussion, it was decided to show farm related DVD’s at the FM when there is no music or demonstrations scheduled.
Mark and Jill Baker, and Brian and Karen Cool, are interested in their farms being toured this year. Elise requested they contact her with possible dates.
Interest was shown in viewing farm related DVD’s at board meetings.
Elise informed the board we would be holding a FM during Razzasque Days (July 12th) and to be prepared for a large crowd.
Brian made a motion to add to the vendor’s agreement: “Please draw a map to your farm/place of business on the back of this agreement. This map will be used for inspection purposes”. Mark B supported, motion carried. Because of changes, Brian feels each vendor should receive a new agreement to sign this year.
Brian made a motion to add to the bylaws, #7, 7.1, last sentence, “and has signed a vendor agreement”. Karen supported, motion carried.
The upcoming FM season will run from the last weekend in May through the 2nd weekend in October.
Elise read an article about community activism.
Jill made a motion to adjourn, Karen supported. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Submitted by Betty Strunk, secretary __________________________________________
Minutes approved ______________________________________