Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Market Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ledyard market committee reviews vendor access, sanitation and Wi‑Fi after busy weekend
Summary
Market manager Pam Ball led a brief meeting to recap last week’s farmers market, addressing traffic delays that impeded some vendors, a no‑show caterer, porta‑potty and handwash needs, and a proposed vendor‑only Wi‑Fi password. Minutes were approved and the committee adjourned.
Pam Ball, the market manager, called the Ledyard Market Committee to order at 5:32 p.m. to review the previous day’s farmers market and plan operational fixes for next week.
The discussion focused on three operational problems that affected vendors and customers: traffic delays that hampered arrivals, sanitation concerns around porta‑potties and handwashing stations, and unreliable vendor Wi‑Fi. "So I sent an email to all the vendors today to remind them of that and suggest that they either leave earlier or find a different route," Ball said, describing calls from vendors who were stuck because of a Mohegan Sun event and regional road work.
Committee members praised the market overall but recounted specific issues. Ellen Granger said staffing shirts were still pending: "It was fantastic," she said of the market, while noting some volunteers did not yet have the new shirts and she would loan a spare if needed. Pam Ball said Issa Catering did not show and "forgot to tell us they weren't gonna be here," and expected the vendor to return next week.
Sanitation drew detailed attention after multiple comments about porta‑potty availability and an incident when a bathroom door was locked. Bill Thorn proposed adding another porta‑potty and another handwashing station; members agreed money was available but discussed splitting costs with Parks and Recreation. Ball asked for someone to contact the town partner; Thorn agreed to email Scott to follow up.
Technology for vendor payments also came up. Several vendors reported slow or unreliable Wi‑Fi, especially food trucks with metal bodies. One member recommended restricting access to vendors by putting a password on the market Wi‑Fi: "I honestly think the the best, the best and probably the easiest fix is gonna be to put a put a password on that Wi Fi," the member said. The committee agreed to ask Justin in IT to evaluate options.
On logistics and finance, members confirmed that checks and cash from vendor payments were secured in the cash box and discussed musician payment procedures (substitute musicians should email invoices and W‑9s). Pam Ball said she would seek reimbursement after a Connecticut magazine ad charged her credit card; members said the ad had been approved. The committee also reviewed purchase‑order timing for the coming fiscal year and noted a staff absence that may delay processing.
The committee approved the minutes for the May 6, 2026 meeting by voice vote (ayes recorded), clarified quorum and membership rules, and agreed to reconvene for the next scheduled meeting in October unless an emergency arises. Ball moved to adjourn at about 5:56 p.m.; members voted in favor and the meeting ended.
The committee listed follow‑ups: confirm Issa Catering’s return, request an IT assessment of vendor Wi‑Fi and the possibility of a vendor‑only password, evaluate adding a porta‑potty and wash station and whether Parks and Recreation will cost‑share, and ensure substitute musicians submit invoices for payment.
