Residents press council on Gold Star parking at library and revival of farmers market; city staff to follow up

Two residents used the audience comment periods to ask the West Carrollton City Council to install a Gold Star parking space at the library and to explore reviving a farmers market with reduced fees and shade for vendors.

Karen Finley, who gave her address and identified activities tied to the library, said a local veteran named Jerry Farrell offered to provide a Gold Star parking sign for the branch and that Commander Larry Burchfield of VFW Post 3438 would like to participate in any programming or dedication. Finley said staff were agreeable to installing a post for the sign and suggested a dedication might occur Aug. 7 (Purple Heart Day) or Veterans Day after the post completes its June election. "It shows community recognition and respect and appreciation for Gold Star families," Finley said of the proposed parking spot. She also promoted upcoming library events, including Library Legislative Day on April 7 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and a Camp Kern family Harry Potter program in April at 4 p.m.

Later in the meeting Malia Butcher of Reddington Court urged council to restart a farmers market. Butcher said the previous market failed in part because vendor permit fees were too high and vendors were exposed to extreme sun on concrete, which damaged produce and other goods. She recommended lowering permit fees for market vendors, finding shaded sites (she suggested areas near the senior center, the park, the city building parking lot, or the old marina), and noted farmers markets typically start in mid-June and run two to three months depending on crops. "Because this is their livelihood or their second income, is it possible to reduce the cost of the permits just for farmers, market individuals who want to come, make the city a little more prosperous, share their goods, and then move on," Butcher said.

Council and staff responses

City Manager Miss Holloway told Butcher she would get staff to follow up on locations and permitting. Councilmember Tomlin noted the council previously reduced permit fees for food trucks and suggested that change may extend to markets; Councilmember Boyle, who identified himself as acting vice president of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau during his remarks, offered to partner with the city and to explore grant funding to offset fees.

Clarifying details raised at the meeting

- The council confirmed city government issues market and vendor permits (a city-issued permit, not county). - Residents said vendors usually begin in June and markets commonly run two to three months; vendors reported products can spoil without shade. - Karen Finley said the VFW post is holding elections in June and prefers to wait until officers are elected before scheduling any dedication ceremony.

The city manager said staff will follow up with the library and with market proponents to explore feasible locations, fees and logistics.