Council approved a first amendment to the town's use agreement with the Cioli Group to expand the Southwest Ranches Community Farmers Market to include an additional seasonal market day and to increase responsibilities for site operations and waste handling.

Under the amended agreement the market operator will pay an increased fee per market day, provide a monthly contribution of $500 to cover portable toilet or restroom facility costs (or pay an amount equal to town expenditures), and take actions to ensure the market's exit lane/fire access is not blocked. The operator (Antonio Salci, Cioli Group) agreed to implement a composting pilot at the site, to locate lockable compost containers near food vendors, and to educate vendors and patrons about proper separation. Council also directed that the operator's vendors be advised to "work to the greatest extent possible" to eliminate single-use plastics over a transition period (councilors suggested six months) while recognizing vendors may need time to exhaust existing inventory.

Why it matters: The market is a high-profile town amenity that draws residents and visitors and will be used as a pilot site for the town's 0-waste and composting ambitions. The amendment balances revenue and operational cost recovery with expectations about sustainability and crowd safety.

Vendor and resident concerns: Council members asked the operator to ensure someone is present to manage parking and to keep a fire/exit lane clear; the operator described steps already taken (signage, parking signage and market managers) and said staff would work directly with vendors. Residents and community volunteers described past successful recycling and compost pilots at the market; the council asked staff to provide town-owned, lockable compost containers and to coordinate a clear education and monitoring plan.

Contract length: Council agreed to extend the first term from two to three years (ending in late 2027) with a three-year renewal option, raising the daily vendor fee to $1.75 per market day pursuant to the contract language applicable to the extended term. The council amended the motion on the record and approved the agreement.