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PMAC: online vendor applications launched; events calendar, token gift options discussed
Summary
Commission staff reported the vendor application moved online and that event schedules and token/gift-certificate options are being maintained; staff said most vendor applicants have transitioned though about 10 requested paper forms and staff will continue flexibility.
City market staff told the Public Market Advisory Commission that vendor applications have moved online and that early feedback has been positive.
“IT has been a fantastic partner,” Stephanie, market staff, said, noting work with Cognito Forms and a shout-out to Nick Sexton in IT. Staff said the online application is now live and that a number of returning vendors and new applicants have used it. About 10 vendors requested paper copies; staff said they supplied paper forms to those vendors and will accept mixed submissions while the online process is refined.
Staff said the market’s events calendar is largely unchanged: educational sessions will continue the second Wednesday of each month with a focus on food preservation; food truck rallies are planned for four third-Wednesday dates from May through October; and staff continue to plan live music and community-group participation with library partnership. Staff also said they re-applied for a Michigan Farmers Market Association food-safety grant to support programming.
Commissioners raised the idea of a gift-certificate program for the market similar to a city shopping certificate. Staff said the market currently offers tokens and a “little quarter sheet that says, this is your gift certificate” and that tokens are sold in-person or by phone; staff said an online purchase option is not yet in place. “We do it all the time,” Stephanie said of token sales around the holidays; she and commissioners discussed whether an online or card-based delivery method would be possible within city fiduciary rules.
A vendor who called in during public comment, Debbie Marks, urged the commission to consider involving community schools and athletic clubs to help carry customers’ purchases to cars. “I’ve been a vendor at the market, you know, forever,” Marks said. Staff said they will explore ways to make the gift/token system more efficient and will look into delivery formats that could expand access.
No formal motions or votes were taken on these items; staff said transitions to online services are ongoing and that they will continue to accept paper applications until the digital process is fully refined.
