Farmers’ Market Meeting

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Held in the LeRoy Township/Village Hall

In Attendance: Absent:

*Karen Cool *Brian Cool, co-chair *Dave Fisher

*Julie Keefer *Betty Strunk, clerk

*Elise Schlaikjer, chair *Amy Jo Prater

*Mark Baker *Joyce Richardson

Betsy Erickson Chris

Howard Stratton Runo Lorentzon

Carol Peel Betty Morris

Jill Baker

* denotes committee member

Brian called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.

Brian read aloud the minutes from the September 18^th meeting. Julie made a motion to approve the minutes as read, Mark supported, motion carried.

Joyce stated she had deposited $110.25 from the last FM. This brings the total in the bank to $3590.65. Elise noted only two outstanding bills totaling roughly $600.00 for the porta potty and FM insurance. She also stated there was no money owed for the audit.

Elise informed members the village board appears in favor of a FM building that would include a composting toilet.

Short discussion of possibly using the large pavilion for the upcoming year for the FM.

Discussed the possibility of changing FM hours to 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. due to lack of customers during the early part of the day.

Short discussion on possible items to be used for the website which included our mission statement and FM schedule of operation.

Two suggestions for acquiring flags for the FM were: Mark will check with Mr. Hinkle for a price and someone should check with Mitzi. Tabled for a future meeting.

The lending library is a work in progress and will be ready for spring.

Howard is still gathering information regarding the possibility of having a lunch wagon next year. He stressed using local produce and products as much as possible. Any donations made would receive credit in visual form so customers would know where to purchase items that were used.

The fire department building, the Methodist Church and the Covenant Church are being checked into for usage for the pre-holiday FM/craft shows, dates to be determined. Amy Jo suggested the date of December 6^th in order to be included with the Trail of Stops agenda. Mark made a motion that a committee be formed to make decisions required to have the two shows, Amy Jo supported, motion carried. Committee members are Brian, Howard and Amy Jo.

Elise stressed the importance of incorporating Food Fresh into the FM.

Brian read aloud Dan Massey’s letter of resignation. This will create an opening for a new FM member, Mark Dean and Howard Stratton were two names brought up for consideration.

A suggestion for a fundraiser was to make a quilt with each vendor contributing a square or two. Tickets for the quilt would then be sold throughout the upcoming season with a drawing to be held at the end of the season.

Karen made a motion to have Joyce Richardson become a new FM member and Co-Market Master, Amy Jo supported, motion carried.

Discussed how to handle vendors who just show up without prior notification. It was decided they could not set up until a vendor agreement was signed and a farm inspection done. Mark made a motion to add “prior to setting up” to the end of Section 7, #7.2 of the LeRoy Farmers’ Market By-laws. Joyce supported, motion carried.

A complaint was lodged regarding a vendor’s dog barking at children, scaring them. Discussed if dogs should be allowed to be brought to the FM by vendors. Decided to follow the by-laws as written that states dogs are not to be brought to the FM by vendors.

The next FM meeting will be November 11^th, 6:30 p.m. in the hall.

Karen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Betty supported, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Submitted by Betty Strunk, clerk __________________________________________

Minutes approved ______________________________________