Council members forward Federal Way Farmers Market transition plan for deeper review after debate over asset valuation

The Parks, Recreation, Human Services and Public Safety Committee discussed a proposed transition of the Federal Way Farmers Market from the Yale family to city oversight and voted to send a recommended equipment purchase and transition plan to the Feb. 4 business agenda for further review.

Bill Badino, who is coordinating the transition for the city, told the committee the Yale family (the market’s long‑time organizers) has offered to transfer equipment, the market name and other assets to the city. Badino said the city has been offered equipment and two vehicles and was seeking authority to expend “up to $33,000” for a purchase if needed as part of the transition; he emphasized the city will appraise each item before payment.

Committee members pressed staff on valuation, the difference between equipment value and intangible “goodwill,” and whether the public could be asked to allow funds for the purchase if appraised amounts are lower than $33,000. City legal staff said the purchase likely must reflect the appraised value of assets and noted procurement and gifting rules will be reviewed. Council members also proposed moving the decision to the business agenda to allow legal review and a fuller public record.

Other operational issues discussed included vendor contracts, location and sheltering (the mall relationship), whether to operate a winter indoor market and the season length (some members questioned holding the last weekend in October). Staff said vendors will be contacted and agreements updated; the city intends to keep vendor fee structures unchanged for 2025 and to aim for revenue neutrality.

The committee voted unanimously to forward the Farmers Market transition and proposed equipment purchase to the Feb. 4 business agenda so staff can provide valuations and legal guidance prior to final council action.