City Council — Farmers Market agreement

Key Decisions

• The council unanimously approved a management agreement with Grow Our Downtown, Inc. to operate the Farmers Market. The organization will manage vendors, collect fees, and coordinate events at the facility.
• The council adopted an ordinance vacating two sewer easements on Walmart Super Center property (6-0 vote).
• The council approved a lease agreement with Price Thurman and Brendon Yarbro for 9.71 and 19 acres of farmland at the Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport (6-0 vote).
• The council approved purchase of a Cisco Catalyst core switch from Today's Computers (6-0 vote).

Budget & Finance

• Grow Our Downtown will operate the Farmers Market on a budget of approximately $12,000 plus vendor fees, which generate between $3,000 and $3,500 annually. Key expenses include $5,000 for the market manager, $750 for portable toilets, and over $1,000 for insurance.
• The organization plans to apply for a USDA grant to fund improvements including restrooms, handwashing stations, fans, and potentially extending the season through October.

Coming Up

• The Farmers Market management agreement will return for final adoption at the April 6 meeting after revisions to address insurance requirements, permit language, and facility use provisions.
• A budget review forum is being planned for after the April election to provide the public comprehensive information on city finances.

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