Springfield EDA approves MOU to host Sunday farmers market with Lane County Farmers Market

The Springfield Economic Development Agency on Nov. 10 voted to direct the city manager to enter a memorandum of understanding with the Lane County Farmers Market to host a weekly Sunday market in downtown Springfield.

Ally Camp, Economic Development Manager, told the board the draft MOU envisions a three‑way partnership among the EDA, the City and Lane County Farmers Market. "What is being proposed is $15,000 for the first year and $10,000 for year 2 and 3 to subsidize the success of the market," Camp said, adding the funds would come from program revenue rather than tax‑increment financing. The MOU would also require an annual report to track market performance and use of funds.

The board's discussion focused on site suitability, costs, and operational details. Board member Van Gordon pressed staff on the vicinity map and said shaded, utility‑served lots such as the library parking area would provide a better environment for vendors and shoppers; Camp said some surface lots lack proper walking surfaces and cannot be used for parking until developed. Board member Stout urged the board to consider a limited street closure to improve pedestrian safety between two market lots; Camp said such requests would be handled through the city's special‑event permit process.

Board member Weber asked whether the subsidy would cover additional city costs such as permit fees and utilities and noted the MOU conditions disbursement on the EDA having uncommitted program revenue. Camp said the subsidy could be used for those costs and that, if funds were not available on the payment date, payments could be deferred or the MOU revised to target infrastructure support specifically. "You will have an opportunity...the MOU includes an opportunity for a report from Lane County Farmers Market after the first market season," Camp said.

Van Gordon also asked whether operating rules would include exclusivity or limits on vendors selling similar products — a clause that had been in past local market agreements. Camp said the packet does not include that level of operational detail and staff would investigate whether vendor‑competition rules would be part of the operating agreement.

The City Manager clarified a factual point raised in discussion: the library is not currently open on Sundays, despite a board member's recollection that Sunday hours existed in the past.

Chair Radley moved to direct the city manager to enter the MOU as substantially included in the packet. The motion passed with seven votes in favor and one no vote (Board member Weber); the consent calendar was earlier approved unanimously.

Votes at a glance - Consent calendar: Approved unanimously. - Motion to direct the city manager to enter the MOU with Lane County Farmers Market: Passed (Yes: Van Gordon, Moe, Radley, Blackwell, Stout, Buck, Lovell; No: Weber; Second: not specified).

What happens next The MOU calls for annual reporting on market performance; staff said it can be revised to specify infrastructure subsidies if the board prefers. The city will process any event‑level permit requests (including a possible street closure) through the special‑event permit system and EDA staff will follow up on operational details such as vendor rules and any exclusivity clauses.