Item C: Update on Farmers' Market

Home Browse Search

ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Update on Farmers’ Market Meeting Date: November 13, 2006 Agenda Item Number: C Department: Central Services Staff Contact: Glen Svendsen www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5008 ISSUE STATEMENT The FY07 Urban Renewal Agency budget includes $300,000 for capital improvements to benefit the Lane County Farmers’ Market. The recent Park Blocks Master Plan recommends improvements to the current County-owned site used by Farmers’ Market. The site is also included as one of the primary alternatives for the location of a new City Hall complex. The purpose of this work session is to update the council on issues related to the timing and scope of this capital project. BACKGROUND On April 19, 2006, the council directed the City Manager to pursue interim and longer term projects to accommodate the needs of farmers participating in the Farmers’ Market downtown. During discussion of the motion, the intent was clarified that projects related to electricity, water and infrastructure could be funded in the near-term, and longer-term projects, such as a semi- permanent structure, could be brought to the council in the future. On May 17, 2006, the Eugene Budget Committee adopted a recommendation to include $300,000 in the capital budget to fund improvements to the Farmers’ Market. During discussion of the motion, the intent was clarified that the focus was on the present downtown site. The capital funds were to be a placeholder, to ensure funding was set aside in fiscal year 2008. The adopted motion stated that proposed improvements for Farmers’ Market would be brought to the council for approval. The Eugene Park Blocks Master Plan, issued in October 2006, includes a listing of improvements for the current Farmers’ Market space, as well as a vision for the long-term re- establishment of the northwest Park Block that could be the site of a permanent, expanded Farmers’ Market. Attachment A lists the recommended near-term and long-term improvements to Farmers’ Market included in the Park Blocks Master Plan. Also in October, the council identified the Lane County property encompassing the area used by Farmers’ Market as one of the two primary sites for a new City Hall complex. In early October, City staff met with Lane County staff and the Board of County Commissioners Facility Committee to discuss issues around the City’s potential interest in obtaining the County’s “butterfly” parking lot. City staff committed to work with the County to determine how City use of the site could achieve benefits for both the County and the City. L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M061113\S061113C.doc