City, market ink '14 agreement

SANDPOINT — With another successful year behind them, the brains behind the Farmers Market hope to continue their success in 2014.

City officials approved a similar agreement with the market to this year’s arrangement. As before, the market will occupy Farmin Park and Jeff Jones Town Square. Introduced this year, the closure of Oak Street between Third and Fourth avenues will continue next year.

“It is my understanding that your approval to expand into the street was very successful and well received,” Parks and Recreation Director Kim Woodruff told council members in a memo.  

The City Council stamp of approval removes the last legal obstruction between the Farmers Market and its opening date of May 3. However, before Mayor Marsha Ogilvie signs the agreement to make it official, Woodruff said a market representative and Business Improvement District manager Kim Queen will meet to coordinate their 2014 plans. Those plans will become a part of the agreement signed by Ogilvie.   

“We always appreciate everyone’s help in making sure our contract goes through every year,” said Brenda Woodward, president of Farmers Market.

There are a few changes coming down the line for the market next year. For one thing, the Wednesday market deadline for clearing out is extending from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to allow more time for shoppers just getting off work. The agreement also includes updated safety regulations from the International Fire Code regarding tents, canopies, enclosures, shelters and other membrane structures.     

According to Woodruff, the city has enjoyed a very prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship with Farmers Market. Always a draw for shoppers during the Wednesday and Saturday market days, the market attracts people downtown and has a residual boost to area businesses, city officials said. Furthermore, Woodruff said the market has a relatively small negative impact on park or downtown operations.

“We have an excellent working relationship with market and, in particular, Chairwoman Brenda Woodward,” Woodruff said in his memo.

Before authorizing the agreement with Farmers Market, council members asked Woodward’s opinion regarding the Oak Street closure. She said that while they had no problems filling up the space, she didn’t believe the market would need additional real estate in the near future. Having some space restrictions made the market easier to manage, Woodward said.

“We’re trying to maintain a good ratio between farmers and crafts and food, so sometimes it’s nice to have some limits,” she added.