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Council renews licenses for farmer’s market and Arts in the Plaza with higher fees and multiyear terms
Summary
The council approved three‑year license agreements with Long Island Green Markets to operate the farmers market and with Arts in the Plaza for weekend arts events and Friday night concerts in Kennedy Plaza; members debated whether the city should manage the market directly and asked about vendor fees.
The Long Beach City Council authorized three‑year license agreements with Long Island Green Markets Inc. to operate the city’s farmers market and with Arts in the Plaza to run arts events and weekly Friday night concerts in Kennedy Plaza.
City staff described the agreements as multiyear licenses that increase the fees paid under the deals over the three‑year terms. The vendor for the farmers market negotiated season and single‑day vendor fees; staff and the market’s negotiator, John McNally, described seasonal vendor rates as low as $30 per day for vendors who sign up for the full season and a one‑day fee of $50 for casual vendors. Council members asked about season length (the market runs from May into November, two days a week) and whether the city is forgoing revenue by licensing the market to a nonprofit rather than operating it directly.
Some council members and the city manager said other municipalities commonly subsidize markets or pay to host them, and staff argued the nonprofit vendors and volunteer board have built relationships and local character that benefit the community. Council Member Lester voted against the farmers market license while a majority approved it; Arts in the Plaza’s three‑year license passed with council support and includes production of Friday night concerts at no cost to the city.
Council discussion touched on procurement options and the possibility of issuing a request for proposals; staff told the council they had researched Long Island municipalities and found that the negotiated arrangement is consistent with local practice and that a competitive RFP could result in a less favorable outcome for the city. Staff also noted that vendors take their refuse with them and that police are informed but the market does not require city services beyond standard oversight.
The council adopted the license agreements. Supporters framed the market and arts programming as quality‑of‑life amenities that provide local access to food and cultural programming; opponents urged staff to analyze whether a city‑run model or an RFP could yield higher direct revenue for taxpayers.
