BusHsgDev Highlights 2011 0113 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF SAN LEANDRO • • MEMORANDUMV1 • • Date: January 6, 2011 To: City Council Business & Housing Development Committee • Via: Luke Sims, Community Development Director Cynthia Battenbergiisiness Development Manager From: Caryn Wegerbauett5en Development Specialist Subject: Consulting Services Agreement with Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association for Management' and Operation of the 2011 — 2013 Farmers' Market SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION A contract renewal for the seasonal Downtown Farmers' Market is being proposed to continue providing the residents with the opportunity to purchase fresh, locally grown food, support local businesses and create a social gathering place. The Farmers' Market is just one of the many projects the Redevelopment Agency has undertaken to revitalize the downtown. Staff recommends the Business and Housing Development Committee authorize the City Manager to enter into a Consulting Services Agreement with PCFMA for the management and operation of the 2011 -2013 seasonal Downtown Farmers' Markets at a cost not -to- exceed $29,400. • BACKGROUND • To complement the City's TOD Strategy and Downtown San Leandro marketing campaign to attract retailers and restaurateurs, the City released a Request for Proposals in December 2007 for management of a seasonal Downtown Farmers' Market. A three year agreement was entered into for the 2008 -2010 markets and the response from the community has been extremely . positive. The markets' goals were to provide specialty and artisan goods to the community and to create a gathering space people to enjoy music and a meal. The market has been successful in achieving both goals proving that there is demand for specialty products in San Leandro and that people are willing to hang out downtown in the evening. The seasonal market, which operates May through October, takes place Wednesdays between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The Farmers' Market takes place on Parrott Street between East 14 Street and Washington Avenue. Parrott Street is closed between Washington Avenue and East . 14 Street. Vendor stalls line Parrott Street and the prepared foods are set -up in the Scribner Center' s parking lot in front of Englander. The Farmers' Market offers the community an opportunity to purchase fresh, locally grown produce and other artisan goods, provides farmers an opportunity to sell their products locally, and our local businesses have actively participated in the Farmers' Market. The response from the community has been evident with the number of shoppers and vendors increasing each of the r.oe ronenny