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Vendors and businesses press DDA for clearer market parking, loading and sponsorship rules
Summary
DDA members were updated that the July 11 market drew about 37 vendors; business owners and board members urged rules for vendor load‑in, designated vendor parking and clearer sponsorship funding for a children's market, while staff said some measures may require voluntary agreements or future contract language.
City staff reported that the most recent Clawson market (July 11) ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and drew about 37 vendors. "We had a couple of people ask for sponsorships," Nick said, noting the Creative Kids Market runs roughly $600–$800 per market and sponsors would underwrite face‑painting and craft activities for children.
Several downtown business owners told the board that vendor load‑in and full‑day vendor parking blocked customer spaces on Main Street. One business owner (speaker 11) said vendors often set up in front of storefronts and then park there all day, making it hard for customers to find parking. The board discussed possible mitigations including setting load‑in windows, directing vendors to park at a church, high school, or city parking lot after unloading, or requiring a shared parking agreement with nearby property owners.
Staff said they can request vendors follow designated load/out rules and that future vendor contracts could include clearer expectations, but acknowledged there may be limited authority to strictly require off‑site parking without negotiated agreements. A board member suggested including designated load‑in and clear contract terms when the DDA sets next year's market contracts. The DDA also discussed reallocating funds (for example, moving the band budget) to support market improvements.
Other operational items: staff said evening market hours will be 3–8 p.m. for the next market and asked board members to recruit volunteers; the board discussed raffle/gift‑card donations and screen advertising shortfalls (about 12 spots sold so far).
