Pasadena Farmers Market talks stall over restrooms, utilities and fees; council asks staff to refine agreement

Kayla Hensley, representing Pasadena Farmers Market DBA, told the Seabrook City Council on April 15 that the market prefers a Main Street lot or a community-house site but is constrained by restroom access and utility availability. Hensley said the Main Street lot offers visibility and some existing water stub-outs but lacks restrooms; porta-potty quotes the group obtained were described as costly.

City staff explained the draft license agreement presented to council would treat the market as a for-profit use of public property and therefore requires specific terms for insurance, fees and dates. The draft price for use of the Main Street lot was described in the meeting as $300 per day with utilities not included; staff said water could be added if the market set up a water account and paid for usage. Members of council and staff proposed alternatives including Metter Park or the pool parking lot (where restrooms exist) as short-term options, and staff offered to explore discounted porta-potty vendors or temporary rentals through the city’s contractor.

Councilmember discussion focused on avoiding permanent subsidies for for-profit vendors while supporting a startup market: members suggested staff could subsidize a small portion of restroom costs or waive the rental fee temporarily while the market proves viability, but that any ongoing subsidy should be limited and applied consistently to future applicants. The council voted to rescind a prior motion to approve the license agreement and directed staff to return with revised options and cost estimates; staff also offered to consider a special-event permit for Metter Park as an interim solution.