March 19, 2024
Library and Community Services
DATE: March 19, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager – Community
Services
Subject:
Land Use Agreement for Weekly Farmer’s Market on Civic
Center Plaza
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City does not receive any revenue from the utilization of its property by the Richmond Certified
Farmers’ Market Association (RCFMA). Furthermore, the
City is not obligated to compensate the RCFMA for any
services provided under the Land Use Agreement.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
City staff would like approval to execute a temporary
Land Use Agreement with the Richmond Certified
Farmers’ Market Association exclusively for the operation of a weekly farmers market on Fridays. This agreement
aims to permit the utilization of Civic Center Plaza
between Macdonald Avenue and Nevin Avenue in front
of the Richmond Main Library.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE a temporary Land Use Agreement between
the City of Richmond and the Richmond Certified
Farmers’ Market Association for the free use of Civic
Center Plaza between Macdonald Avenue and Nevin
Avenue in front of the Richmond Main Library to host a
weekly farmers’ market on Fridays, effective April 5,
2024, and ending March 31, 2026, or earlier if the market must move due to the Richmond Main Library renovation
project – Community Services Department (LaShonda
White 510-620-6828).
AGENDA
REPORT
March 19, 2024
DISCUSSION:
Since 1983, Richmond Certified Farmers’ Market Association (RCFMA) has successfully operated a Certified Farmers Market (hereinafter the “Market”) in Richmond, CA around Civic Center wherein farmers from around the Bay Area are provided an opportunity to sell their freshly grown produce and to sell various other related foodstuffs and crafts.
The original home of the Market was in front of the Richmond Main Library; however, in 2007, the City requested that the RFCMA move the Market to the northern section of a City-owned parking lot located on Barrett Avenue between 24th Street and 25th Street due to construction of Civic Center. The City then entered into a Land Use Agreement (Agreement) with the RCFMA to provide them with access to the parking lot on Barrett Avenue for the sole purpose of continuing to operate a Market every Friday between January and December.
Upon approval, the City and RCFMA will enter into a Land Use Agreement, effective from April 5, 2024, to March 31, 2026, or when the Market must move due to the planned Richmond Main Library renovation project. When the Library renovation project begins, the Market will be required to temporarily relocate to another location, more than likely back to the City-owned parking lot on Barrett Avenue between 24th Street and 25th Street.
The Agreement outlines the terms for the RCFMA's use of the property at no cost, and it clarifies that the City will not compensate the RCFMA for any services rendered. The RCFMA is obligated to adhere to all rules and regulations stipulated in the Agreement, utilizing the leased property in compliance with existing and amended laws. Importantly, the City is not obligated to provide a future site or renew the Agreement upon its expiration. The Agreement outlines specific details such as hours of operation, minimum and maximum vendor numbers, operations and marketing plans, vendor performance criteria, site clean-up procedures, and City approval processes for non-certified vendors and signage.
Farmers’ markets play a crucial role in communities, offering various benefits that contribute to the health and well-being of both individuals and the community as a whole. Hosting a farmers’ market is a multifaceted strategy that positively impacts the economic, social, environmental, and health aspects of a community. As communities seek to build resilience and promote sustainability, the establishment and support of farmers’ markets emerge as valuable endeavors with far-reaching benefits for all stakeholders involved.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Land Use Agreement by and between the City of Richmond and the Richmond Certified Farmers’ Market Association