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Council directs staff to pursue certified farmers market RFP for Old Town space
Summary
Councilmembers asked staff to prepare an RFP for a certified farmers market operated by a third‑party vendor at the Old Town parking/event space, with vendor requirements to include safety, vendor insurance and a high proportion of farm‑direct vendors (council referenced about a 70/30 split as a starting point).
Yucca Valley staff presented a draft concept for a town farmers market and the town council provided policy direction to prepare a request for proposals (RFP) for an experienced third‑party operator.
Recreation supervisor Clayton Reardon and staff recommended a certified farmers market — one in which growers bring product directly to the market, as defined by state law and administered by the county agricultural commissioner — rather than an uncertified hybrid market. Reardon said the staff recommendation is to use the Old Town parking/event space adjacent to Luna Bakery and Elk when construction is complete.
Councilmembers emphasized the need for an operator with market experience, vendor insurance and safety specifications; many councilmembers supported requiring EBT/SNAP acceptance to broaden access. At least three councilmembers raised the idea that roughly 70 percent of vendor space should be farm‑direct vendors, with the remaining 30 percent used for prepared foods and crafts, though councilmembers asked staff and the RFP respondents to recommend precise mixes.
Councilmember Schueller said he favored third‑party operation so town staff are not overtaxed and vendors can provide guidance on schedule and frequency; Councilmember Dennison said the community survey showed strong local interest and supported starting with a conservative percentage of non‑farm vendors and adjusting later based on market success. Mayor Pro Tem Abel stressed safety requirements including insurance, wind anchors for pop‑ups and other precautions.
Staff will prepare an RFP that (1) proposes a certified farmers market at the Old Town event space, (2) seeks experienced operators to define schedule and vendor mix, and (3) requires safety, vendor insurance and outreach plans that include SNAP/EBT acceptance.
