Josephine council directs staff to craft agreement for proposed farmers market

Valerie Martin, who proposed the Josephine Farmers Market, told the council she plans a recurring spring–summer market to “create an inclusive recurring event that celebrate[s] local agriculture, small businesses, and community culture” and described vendor screening, health requirements, and an initial vendor list of about 12–15 interested sellers.

Council members asked detailed questions about vendor fees, the role of the city, use of the concrete pad and food-truck area, public-safety impacts and setups, and whether the market would prioritize fresh produce. Miguel, the city planner, said the city could treat the pilot as a 3-to-6-month agreement that staff would draft and return for council review. He said staff expects to prepare a user agreement and logistics (site layout, cleanup, equipment use) for the council’s review.

Councilmember (unnamed) moved—seconded by another councilmember—to direct staff to prepare the farmers market agreement proposal and return it to the council; the motion passed on a roll call (motion and second recorded during the meeting). The motion directs staff to address permit/zoning needs, booth layout, health and safety compliance for food vendors, a proposed fee structure, and whether limited utility-fee waivers are appropriate for the pilot period.

The council did not approve a specific fee or waive final approvals; instead, members asked staff to return the draft agreement next month with a recommended fee structure and operational details. The next procedural step is for staff to provide an agreement draft and a recommended fee model for council consideration.