City proposes designated space at Muskegon Farmers Market for community groups; commission to vote at next meeting

City staff presented a draft policy to allow community organizations to set up in a designated open area inside the Muskegon Farmers Market and asked the commission to review the proposal before formal consideration at the next meeting.

The proposal matters because it seeks a middle ground between protecting vendors’ commercial space and accommodating free-speech and nonprofit outreach inside the market.

The city clerk explained that, historically, noncommercial outreach was limited to the sidewalk outside the market but that recent legal review and market staff conversations produced a recommended change. Under the draft, up to three community groups could occupy the open area between the food trucks and picnic tables; each group may bring a single four-foot table and a tent, must sign up in advance, and would be limited to three market appearances per year. The clerk said regular groups such as Salvation Army and the American Legion could be accommodated if nobody else signs up that week.

Renee Heslinck, market staff, said food-related nonprofits already appear in the market (for example MSU Extension and programs serving seniors or children) and that the policy is intended not to displace market activities such as the kids program or senior produce distributions.

Commissioners asked procedural and enforcement questions. Commissioner Grama suggested setting a firm application deadline (for example, noon several days before a market) and including mission or program details on the application so staff can set reasonable expectations. Commissioner Kilgore asked whether staff or the market manager would have discretion to deny future applications if an organization was disruptive; the clerk agreed to add language allowing warnings and season-level removal for repeat violations and to consider referral to the Farmers Market Advisory Committee for persistent problems.

The draft sets no fee for use of the space. Staff said the market manager would place approved groups in the designated area at about 8:45 a.m. on market days and that groups could still use the terrace outside the market if the three slots inside were filled.

The commission will take formal review and a possible adoption vote at its next meeting; staff said they will incorporate edits discussed at the work session (application timing, clarity on enforcement and sign-up procedures).