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Council okays pilot public‑engagement booth at farmers market; staff to seek property owner approval
Summary
The council agreed in principle to test a public‑engagement booth (a staffed table) at Moraga’s farmers market on a pilot basis, asked the town manager to consult with the market property owner about conditions and restrictions, and emphasized volunteer staffing rather than a staff expense.
The Moraga Town Council on May 14 agreed to pursue a pilot program for a council public‑engagement booth at the farmers market and other town events, subject to property owner approval and conditions.
Town Manager Scott and the mayor presented a model used by other Bay Area towns where council members rotate staffing a booth to meet residents at a weekly market. Council members favored testing the idea at the Moraga Farmers Market and suggested a pilot (for example monthly rather than weekly) to limit demands on council and staff time. The council requested staff approach the market property owner to address concerns raised in preliminary outreach; the owner had expressed concern that the market not be used for political campaigning.
Council members emphasized that (1) the booth should be non‑political and informational, (2) staffing should rely on council volunteers rather than paid staff to avoid recurring cost burdens, and (3) the pilot’s terms and frequency should be limited and revisited. Town Manager Scott said staff would contact the property owner for permission and negotiate an approach that protects the market’s operations and respects the owner’s concerns. The council asked staff to return with a proposal that includes location, frequency, and a code‑of‑conduct for council members staffing the booth to avoid appearance‑of‑impropriety and campaign use.
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Sources: Presentation and discussion led by Town Manager Scott and the mayor; council direction to staff.
