June 19, 2007
Held in the LeRoy Township/Village Hall
In Attendance: Absent:
*Brian Cool, co-chair *Dave Fisher *Julie Keefer
*Karen Cool *Betty Strunk Dan Massey
*Elise Schlaikjer, chair
* denotes committee member
Elise called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
Brian made a motion to approve the May 24, 2007 minutes with a spelling correction, Karen supported, motion carried. The correct spelling is “Hochstetler”.
Elise gave the treasurer’s report. She spoke with Dan Massey to find out if she has been handling the position of treasurer properly. Elise spoke to Joan Swanson, Village Treasurer, and discovered we can only be a sub-committee of the village if we are willing to be audited. Elise agreed to participate in the audit.
Income from the first 4 markets: $ 84.15
71.31
76.65
92.30
$324.41
Money disbursed:
Brian Cool, (mileage and postage) $130.92
The Four Seasons porta-potty will cost $20.00 per week. Elise called them to request sanitizer be placed in the porta-potty as was done in the past.
At this time we will not be using Fair Trade coffee. The expense cannot be justified at this time, possibly in the future.
Brian asked we table the FM calendar for a future meeting. He does not have a “calendar” program as first thought.
Betsy Erickson would be willing to host a farm visit this year.
The total price of the new FM tent is $295.92. Brian suggested purchasing four (4) ratchet straps to use in setting up the tent. He feels it will cut down on set-up time.
This coming FM will host Shelly Youngman who will demonstrate raw food preparation and her husband, Frank, who is a musician.
Amy Jo Prater volunteered to take over the position of attaining demonstrators and musicians for the FM. Elise expressed her appreciation for Amy’s willingness to take over this position.
Betsy Erickson informed Elise she has a neighbor that carves birds and might be interested in demonstrating his craft at a FM.
Brian obtained permission to set one of the FM signs on Terry Johnson’s property. This would take care of the south entrance to town. Brian will check with LeRoy Tool and Die for permission to place the second sign on their property. The signs should be completed in about one week at a cost of $300.00. We will purchase some landscape timbers and cement for this project.
Elise, if time permits, will go to the Woodcarvers’ Convention in Evart this weekend to distribute FM flyers. She suggested FM members take flyers and distribute them as needed.
The Razzasque Days shed was moved by FM members last week. She will call Gary Edstrom and inform him of this action.
Discussed assigning slots for vendors. Some vendors have requested a permanent spot.
“Banners” was tabled until the next meeting.
Brian will call Dan Latandress to set up a farm inspection.
Brian brought up the possibility of receiving a $200.00 grant of we participated in a MIFMA survey regarding food safety. After discussion, it was decided not to participate.
1. Concern over the amount of work involved (coping and dealing with the survey, gathering and distributing recipes, etc).
2. Some vendors are already handing out recipes.
3. The creativity used by the vendors is too important to lose.
4. Don’t want to lose the individuality and character of the existing FM.
5. The atmosphere of our FM is too important to lose.
Brian made a motion to participate in the survey. No second was made so there will be no participation in this project. Brian will notify MIFMA.
Elise talked to Pam Grove regarding non-profit vs sub-committee status. Elise is working with Pam on Food Fresh (food stamps to be used at FM’s only).
Brian has completed the new vendor agreement.
We discussed the revised 2007 FM bylaws. After discussion, we decided on the following changes. The clerk is to make sure Dan Masey receives a copy of these minutes so he can apply the changes.
a. 1 – 1.2 The time of the FM is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
b. 5 – 5.3.10 A vendor may pay in advance for the season……. (“in advance” is added).
c. 6 – 6.3 Vendors preparing food on the side…….. (should be “site”, not “the side”).
d. 6 – 6.5 Add: and properly labeling products such as eggs.
e. 7 – 7.1 Please add the sentence that was in the 2006 bylaws. (The only exception to this rule is bringing produce from a neighbor who has a little excess.}
f. 7 – 7.2 Add: A farm inspection is required for new vendors.
Brian made a motion we adopt the revisions made to the 2007 bylaws, Dave supported. Motion carried.
Discussed vendor placement. Those requiring electricity will be placed nearest the outlet.
The next meeting will be July 17, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the hall.
Betty made a motion to adjourn, Brian supported. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Submitted by Betty Strunk, secretary __________________________________________
Minutes approved ______________________________________