Whines and Pleases of the Charlottesville City Market

Market Vendors Meeting February 7th 10:30am-12noon.

x y — 2009-01-16T14:41:00Z

The Maket Managers Blog is now at manager.charlottesvillecitymarket.com !

Go there to view the Charlottesville Market meeting information as well as the agenda for February 7^th 10:30am-12noon. Hope to see you there.

Stephanie Anderegg-Maloy

Market Manager

Charlottesville Parks & Recreation...Creating Lifetime Experiences

P.O. Box 911

Charlottesville Va 22902

phone 434-970-3371

fax 434-970-3596

maloy@charlottesville.org

City Council asks farmers to Vote Yes or No

x y — 2006-03-09T14:08:00Z

Of course I support the market being a producer only market. In the most general sense all vendors should be selling what they grew or made in our market. Certainly some verification of this must happen if there is a question raised.

A visit and sign off by an Extension Agent once a year will indicate that some sort of farm exists but will not in any way prove that what the vendor has at the market to sell was grown by that farm. If this approach helps customers feel some sense of security and verification that is nice. Will it solve your problem of complaints and questions of where product came from each Market? - I don't think it will.

On one side: People will still think my tomatoes are too beautiful to be home grown in April, even though you have seen my greenhouse and seen them growing. On the other side: Farmers will still find it suspicious that someone has machine washed and waxed cukes. Customers will still ask you why there are California Strawberries at the City Market, or watermelons with a Florida sticker on them.

What do you say then? What does the Extension Agent say about his prior sign off?

How do we require on one part that the market be all nice and home grown and local - yet in another part vendors must have full health department approved kitchens and USDA inspected meats with approved labeling, proper temperatures, and inspected scales etc.? How far do we go? Years ago I was almost thrown out of the market because I wanted to keep my lettuce refrigerated and I brought my refrigerated truck - I was told by a City employee "real farmers do not need refrigeration - you are too commercial you must leave.."

I provide water bottles to my customers who ask for it for a token $1 to cover the cost of having them there, the Health Department told me they had to be sealed containers from an approved bottling plant - the market says it's not my water I can't have it - is this the same as buying waxed cukes from a wholesaler and reselling? What does Extension Agent inspection have to do with this question?

Not only producers but local producers is what I see the customers expect. I think they should be local - like from our surrounding counties - if I have an ownership in a South American plantation, or a brother in Florida, or in Eastern Shore is that ok? Where do you draw the line? I have a farm in Floyd is that stuff ( walnuts, wood products, ginseng, wild craft...) allowed at the Market? Do I need the Floyd Extension Agent to sign too?

I don't think this is a simple yes or no question.

I do think when we rush into things we may find in the future it was not such a good idea....

In the future I hope that there will be meetings and discussion with the vendors to create a set of rules the vendors have agreed to (at least large majority in principle) before they are submitted to and approved by the City Manager.

Michael Clark

Proposal for Complaint Procedure

x y — 2006-03-08T14:57:00Z

Suggested Procedure for Addressing “Re-selling” at the Charlottesville City Market

Suggested Solution for Addressing “Re-selling” at the Charlottesville City Market

Establish a Complaint Protocol

Complaint Protocol

To be considered as a basis for action by the Market Manager, complaints must be submitted in writing and signed by the complainer.

1. First complaint received in writing specifying why the complaining party has reason to believe a vendor is not selling his own farm and/or home-produced products at the Market.

2. Market Manager contacts accused vendor to inform him of complaint and asks him whether complaint is justified. Manager Informs vendor of steps 3-7 if necessary.

3. Second complaint received in form as required by Step One.

4. A. Warning letter is sent certified mail, or delivered to accused vendor, by Market Manager, apprising him of penalties for continuing to sell other persons’ farm-produced products at Market. B. Said vendor is required to submit sworn (notarized) affidavit stating the following: “I am selling at the Charlottesville City Market only products that I and/or my immediate family or employees have produced on my property and/or property I lease.”

5. Failure to submit sworn (notarized) statement within three weeks of request shall be grounds for expulsion from Market.

6. An appeals process shall be created for vendors expelled from the Market.

7. Vendor has submitted affidavit, but a third written complaint is received. The Market Manager files a formal complaint to the City Commonwealth Attorney who is the proper authority to handle what is now a criminal investigation, as per Rule 17 of the Market Rules and Regulations, which states, “Pursuant to city code 8-4, conviction for a violation of these city market regulations shall be treated as a class III misdemeanor and as such is punishable by a fine up to $500.00.”

This protocol should be part of the “vendors’ package” and available to customers at the Market who wish to lodge complaints.

VICFA - Action Alert

x y — 2006-03-04T22:21:00Z

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED, VENDORS GIVEN ULTIMATUM

The Charlottesville Farmers' Market has told its produce vendors they must be "certified" by a County Extension Agent to sell at the market. This translates to vendors having to submit to an unwarranted search of their property by a government agent, in this case, one who is not a legally mandated inspection, certification, nor enforcement agent. Aside from unwarranted searches being unconstitutional, they are intimidating and oppressive and will drive away longtime vendors. John Coles, who has been selling his garden produce at the City Market for more than 20 years, was told by Stephanie Anderegg-Maloy, Market Manager, that he will not be allowed to sell at the market unless he submits to the inspection, which he refuses to do on principle.

Mike Svetz, Director of Parks and Recreation (that oversees the market) says this new policy is in response to complaints that certain vendors are "re-selling" (buying produce to re-sell at the market, rather than selling what they grow or produce themselves). Svetz insists the credibility of the market is at stake, yet also states that market revenues have doubled in the past few years, from $400,000 to $800,000 per year, hardly a sign that customers doubt the vendors.

This "policy" has been enforced at two of Virginia's oldest markets, Warrenton and Roanoke, and the Warrenton market, at least, has dwindled to a shadow of its once robust self as VDACS-inspired inspections and regulations have taken hold and choked the life out of it.

Charlottesville Market rules and regulations already require that vendors sell only their own produce, and violation is a class 3 misdemeanor. Yet rather than the Market Manager investigating complaints on an individual basis, which she has the ability and authority to do, she and Svetz have decided everyone is guilty until proven innocent and chose instead this dragnet approach that will relieve them of the burden of investigating and enforcing individual violations.

The future of the Charlottesville market, farmers' markets across the state, and our Fourth Amendment rights are at stake. Please contact the persons below and tell them to rescind this oppressive policy at once. The five City Council members (that includes the Mayor and Vice Mayor) oversee and advise Parks and Rec. and the Market.

Name	Position	Email	Phone: office	Phone: home
Mike Svetz	Director, Parks and Rec	svetz@charlottesville.org	434.970.3260
Stephanie Anderegg-Maloy	City Market Manager	maloy@charlottesville.org	434.970.3371
David E. Brown	Mayor	dbrown@gmail.com	434.970.3113	434.971.3537
Kevin Lynch	Vice-mayor	klynch@cstone.net	434.293.2890	434.293.2890
Blake Caravati	City Councilor	caravati@cstone.net	434.295.7832	434.296.9636
Kendra Hamilton	City Councilor	Kendra@charlottesville.org	434.245.0241	434.245.0241
Rob Schilling	City Councilor	schilling@charlottesville.org	434.970.3113	434.293.1186

For more information please contact John Coles or Christine Solem at 434.973.6505


		svetz@charlottesville.org
		maloy@charlottesville.org
		dbrown@gmail.com
		klynch@cstone.net
		caravati@cstone.net
		Kendra@charlottesville.org
		schilling@charlottesville.org

Certified Market Grower?

x y — 2006-02-25T04:25:00Z

Inspection of all farms?

Is it a good idea? Will it work? All because there have been so many complaints that produce was showing up at the market that was not grown by the vendor, market managers tried to find an enforcement solution. This has had some hot reaction - tell your views from your side of the issue.

Finally a public forum for the market!

x y — 2006-02-25T03:58:00Z

Welcome!

Many have had much ro say about the new rules and forms sent in the mail to all the vendors this week - so we have opened this forum for your comments and discussions. Have at it! Register and start adding your comments.

New Market Rules and Contracts

x y — 2006-02-22T16:10:00Z

Market Contract

2006 Charlottesville City Market

Application for Permit to Sell

I hereby apply for a permit to sell at the Charlottesville City Market

Producer’s Name_______________________________________________________________

And/or Family Member(s) of Producer______________________________________________________________________

Non-Family Members Who Will Represent Your Business at the Market________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Farm/Business Name___________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________

City/County______________/___________

State ______Zip_______________

Do you own or lease? _________________

If you lease please list land owner_________________________________________________

Dates of your Lease___________________________________

Work phone ____________________________

Home Phone ___________________________

Cell Phone_____________________________

Email Address_______________________________________________________________

Year you began selling ______________________

Detailed Driving Directions to Farm or Business from Charlottesville:

Total acres in production_______________________________________________________

Total leased acres _____________________________________________________________

Total greenhouse space in production_____________________________________________

Total sq. foot greenhouse space__________________________________________________

What will you be selling at the market if other than produce? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When during the period April 1-October 28, 2006 are you likely to begin selling? ________________________________

When will you likely end selling? ___________________________________

Do you intend to participate in the Holiday Market (November 3 – December 23) Friday’s & Saturday’s? ______Yes _____No

I currently sell at these locations (Circle and provide details)

Other Public Markets___________________________________________________________

Retail Outlets, including Galleries ________________________________________________

Internet_______________________________________________________________________

Fairs, Festivals __________________________________________________________

On Farm/At Home _______________________________________________________

Other __________________________________________________________________

I agree to sell only products that I, and/or my immediate family or employees have produced on my property and/or property I lease. I will not re-sell any products purchased from a wholesale warehouse, retailer. I realize that failure to comply may result in my suspension or expulsion from the Charlottesville City Market.

Signature____________________________________________Date___________

Applicant/Producer

Date received by Market Manger __________________

PLEASE RETURN SIGNED CONTRACT

BY MARCH 15, 2006:

ATTN: STEPHANIE ANDEREGG-MALOY

CHARLOTTESVILLE PARKS & RECREATION

P.O. BOX 911

CHARLOTTESVILLE VA 22902

I HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE CITY MARKET

AND THE GUIDELINES SET FORTH IN THE RESERVED SPACE AGREEMENT.

INTIALS: __________________ Date:

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that the above named person(s) is, to the best of my knowledge, growing/producing the crops/goods described above in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Charlottesville City Market.

Signature__________________________________________ Date_______________________

Producer’s County Extension Agent

Agent Name____________________________ Address_______________________________

City________________________State______Zip_________County______________

Phone_______________________________________

FAX_________________________________________

E-mail Address_______________________________

Spaces will not be given without the above certification.

Reserved Space Agreement:

Reserved Space Agreement for the 2006 City Market

The Charlottesville City Market season begins

Saturday, April 1 until October 28

From 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

1) Reserved spaces are a commitment to the Charlottesville City Market and will be given with the following goal in mind:

Space will be assigned with the overall goal for the use of the spaces on the market is to try to achieve 60% for Farmers and Food Vendors and 40% for Artisans.

A) Farmers

B) Food Vendors

C) Artisans

Definitions:

Artisan: Anyone who offers arts, crafts, or jewelry for sale Market or who performs an artistic service on the Market.

Farmers: Anyone who offers produce, including but not limited to, fruits, vegetables, and cut greenery, live plants, herbs, flowers, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, for sale on the Market.

Food Vendor: Any vendor selling packaged, prepared, baked or canned goods.

2) A one time yearly registration fee of $20.00 will be collected the first day of the market for all reserved vendors.

3) Vendor must pay 6% (space rental fee) + applicable taxes (2.5% food or 5% non-food) at the end of each market day.

4) The vendor makes a commitment to be present every market day once assigned a reserved space.

5) The vendor agrees to be in his/her space and ready to sell by 6:45am. (Arrival after 6:45am may result in reassignment or loss of selling privileges for the day.)

6) If unable to attend, the vendor must notify the market manager the week before or by calling (970-3371) before the intended absence. Two unexcused absences will result in loss of your reserved space for that season.

7) Vendors with reserved spaces are expected to stay until 12:00 noon. If you must leave earlier please notify market manager before unloading merchandise. No traffic will be permitted during market hours.

8) All complaints or comments must be presented to market manager in written form.

9) The vendor agrees to follow the guidelines and responsibilities as stated in the rules and regulations attached.

10) Vendors must have pink registration form visible at all times.

11) Reserved spaces are assigned (1) one space family/farm. Please respect neighbor’s space, therefore stay within the lines. 10 x 10 canopies are not allowed at the City Market unless you have a 10 x 14 space. 10 x 14 spaces will be limited and given according to previous year sales minimum of 10,000.00 in sales to qualify.

12) The City of Charlottesville will provide and empty public litter containers within the market perimeter. These are not provided for vendor debris. Vendors are responsible for the collection and proper disposal of all debris, and trash generated from their space.

13) Loss of reserved space assignment will be based upon failure to maintain regular attendance (i.e.: more than once monthly) or two unexcused absences. Spaces will be reassigned as necessary.

Please keep for your records

Non Reserved Vendors:

Dear Non-Reserved Vendors

We have 8 NR spaces this year. The market will run the same as last year. All NR vendors are welcome to call me the week before the market to put their name on the list for a vacant reserved space. I will not take any calls before the market ends. Please do not call until after the market is over to put yourself on the list for the next week.

All NR spaces are first come first serve. NR vendors are expected to line up on First Street around 5:00am. No one is to enter parking lot until all cars have been removed by the police. If you do enter please understand that you may be ticketed by the police.

Keep in mind in previous years NR vendors took it upon themselves to share spaces. This is always an option for those days when we have an overflow of vendors. We do not want to turn anyone away. The more vendors we can generate in NR section the better; it creates more interest for everyone.

The Following are some general rules that apply to all vendors:

A $5.00 per day plus 6% of your sales will be collected at the end of each market day.

The vendor agrees to be in his/her space and ready to sell by 6:45am. (Arrival after 6:45am may result loss of selling privileges for the day.)

Vendors are expected to stay until 12:00 noon. If you must leave earlier please notify market manager before unloading merchandise. No traffic will be permitted during market hours.

The vendor agrees to follow the guidelines and responsibilities as stated in the rules and regulations attached.

Vendors must have pink registration form visible at all times.

Please respect neighbor’s space, therefore stay within the lines. 10 x 10 canopies not allowed at the City Market unless you have a space and a half.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Market. It’s going to be a great year!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Anderegg-Maloy

Charlottesville Parks & Recreation…The Benefits Are Endless

City Market Manager

434-970-3371

Maloy@charlottesville.org