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HomeMy WebLinkAboutED Farmers' Market; Next Generation 2013CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AGENDA ITEM NO.: MEETING DATE: February 19, 2013 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER TO EXECUTE A ONE YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NEXT GENERATION EVENTS TO MANAGE THE DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET FESTIVAL SUBMITTED BY: 4U411a zoa& APPROVED BY: Stephanie Lovette, Econorfiic Development Manager Nancy Mackle, City Manager RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the attached resolution to execute a one year professional services agreement with Next Generation Events for the 2013 season of the Downtown Farmers' Market Festival. BACKGROUND: The San Rafael Redevelopment Agency ("Agency") and Business Improvement District ("BID") have a long history of working together on events to attract people to Downtown San Rafael. The Downtown Vision and the City's General Plan 2020 include goals for a vibrant, active and attractive Downtown. General Plan Policies include NH -20 - expand Downtown's reputation as the events center for the City through events and entertainment activities, NH -21 - maintaining Downtown San Rafael as the cultural and entertainment center of San Rafael and the County, NH -34 - Alive After Five, encouraging additional entertainment venues on Fourth Street and maintaining Fourth Street core as the main staging area for Downtown activities and events. These policies were promoted by the Agency and the BID with the development of a robust event calendar. The initial "signature events" included in the Agency/BID partnership were: • May Madness Classic Car Parade • Farmers Market Festival • Youth in Arts Italian Street Painting Festival • Parade of Lights (Snow) The Agency has provided some funding for these four legacy events from inception to 2012, including Police, Public Works and event coordination assistance by Agency staff. Newer events were required to be self-sufficient and no Agency direct funding was provided, except Event Coordinator time. File No.: 44 City Council Meeting. Disposition: ftiL I Page 2 Downtown Farmers' Market Festival The Downtown Farmers' Market Festival ("Festival") was established in 1990 and has been a popular event drawing up to 5,000 people to the Downtown each Thursday night of the season. Similar to the other legacy events, the Festival was conceived by the Agency to attract people to Fourth Street. The event was modeled on the very successful San Luis Obispo evening festival. The goal of the Festival is to provide a family friendly environment with a variety of experiences; fresh vegetables, hot foods, music, crafts, and kiddie rides to attract people to Downtown San Rafael in the evening. The event includes a California certified farmers market but was designed as a festival in keeping with the Downtown revitalization policies., The focus was and remains to bring people to the Downtown and not to compete with the daytime famers markets in the rest of the County. The Festival is overseen by City staff with input from a community advisory committee made up of Downtown merchants, Festival vendors, and a City Council representative. Management of the Festival In the early years of the Festival, the Market Manager ("Manager") was paid a set management fee and all of the revenue and expenses came to or were paid by the Agency. This created a risk to the Agency if weekly stall fees did not cover the costs, for example if there was a rainy event night. The Agency decided to alter the arrangement and cease the management fee but continued to pay for Police overtime and janitorial services during the event. Beginning in 2012 the City paid for the Police services and the Market Manager paid for the janitorial services. DISCUSSION: For the 2013 Festival season, it is recommended that the Economic Development Department contract with Next Generation Events ("Manager") for the management of the Festival. Season Dates. For the 2013 season, the Market Manager has proposed to begin in April and run through September for a total of 26 Markets from 6 pm - 9 pm. This is the same schedule as previous years. Under separate resolution, the City Council will be presented with the necessary street closure approvals for the Market to operate. Market Location and Staffing. The Festival location is Fourth Street from Cijos Street to B Street. As in previous years, the event will include a community table. This table will be the location for the Councilmember visits and for information from local non profits. Next Generation will have five staff members at each market to manage the vendors, provide set up and breakdown services and cleaning services. All members will be dressed consistently in easily identifiable clothing. This will allow the market visitors to easily report problems or concerns to the Market management team. BID Members. BID members receive a discounted space rental fee. BID members also receive thirty days advance notice each season and first priority for space rentals. The Manager has instituted limitations on hot food vendors to protect the Downtown restaurants from oversaturation. No more than two vendors of the same food type are allowed at the Festival. Page 3 For example if two BID members sell pizza at the Festival, no other pizza vendors will be admitted for the full season. The Manager has also instituted limitations on the types of non- food items that can be sold to avoid competition with Fourth Street businesses. Other City Support. Currently, the City's Events Coordinator ("Coordinator") provides assistance to all events (legacy and other events) on Fourth Street and in the City Plaza. The Coordinator assesses all event operations plans to assure that City rules are followed and that City property is protected. During events, the Coordinator is the City's representative and facilitates all City resources. For the Festival, the Coordinator oversees the barricade placement, street closures, event setup including the community information booth, electrical service for the entertainers and food vendors, janitorial service during the event, including cleanup prior to reopening the streets. Historically, the Public Works Department has been responsible for the installation and removal of all Festival signage at the major entrances to the City as well as the No Parking signs on the light poles and parking meters. The San Rafael Police Department will develop a security plan for the 2013 Market season. In previous years, the security plan has been two officers on regular time with two additional officers deployed at the discretion of the Chief of Police. The estimated cost for Police Officers at the Market has been included in the 2011-13 Police Department budget. Revenue and Expenditures. Under the proposed contract, the Manager will receive the revenues from the Festival to pay for all operational expenses. The operational costs of the Festival include items such as County and State permits, advertising, postage, entertainment, porta potties, dumpsters, Festival management and temporary labor. The Manager will fund all janitorial costs. The Manager has undertaken studies to make sure the space rents are competitive. At this time, it would not be feasible to increase the rental fees since the Festival's rents are already in line with the Civic Center Market, which has a higher attendance and longer hours of operation. The Festival fees for hot food vendors are already more expensive than Civic Center Market. Contractor Experience. Monique Anderson, owner of Next Generation Events, has successfully operated the Market for many years, and has technical expertise on issues such as Farmers' Market certification requirements, health department regulations, WIC program, traffic and other safety concerns of the Festival. Additionally, she has detailed knowledge regarding the Festival farmers and vendors, City staff, City rules and regulations, and local merchants' needs. FISCAL IMPACT: The City costs for the Festival include Police time, Events Coordinator time, and Public Works staff costs for signage, and pressure washing the sidewalks and Plaza during and after the season. These costs are already included in the overall budget for the three City Departments. m Adopt the attached resolution authorizing thc agreement ° Modify the proposed Agreement. ° Reject the agreement. ATTACHMENTS:ACTION REQUIRED: Adopt the attached resolution. Exhibit Proposed contract with Next Generation Event CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL RESOLUTION NO. 13499 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER TO EXECUTE A ONE YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NEXT GENERATION EVENTS TO MANAGE THE DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET FESTIVAL FINDINGS AND PURPOSE: The City of San Rafael hereinafter referred to as CITY, does hereby declare, find and determine that: WHEREAS, the CITY has determined that it is in its best interest to obtain management services for the organization and operation of the Downtown San Rafael Farmers' Market Festival (hereinafter "Market"); and WHEREAS, Next Generation Events, (hereinafter "CONTRACTOR") has experience in providing management services and special technical skills to ensure a successful Market; and WHEREAS, the CITY desires to employ CONTRACTOR to provide such services and CONTRACTOR is willing and able to provide said services; and WHEREAS, all other CONTRACTOR costs for the Market will be paid by CONTRACTOR from Market gross receipts and shall not be an obligation of the CITY; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the CITY authorizes the Director of Economic Development to execute an Agreement for Professional Services with CONTRACTOR, in the form to be approved by the City Attorney, for the 2013 Farmers' Market Festival season, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take immediate effect upon adoption. I, ESTHER BEIRNE, City Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 19th day of February 2013, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Colin, Connolly, Heller, McCullough & Mayor Phillips NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None Esther Beirne, City Clerk M PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AND NEXT GENERATION EVENTS TO PROVIDE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET FESTIVAL FROM MARCH 1, 2013 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2013 This Agreement is made and entered into as of the 1" day of March, 2013, by and between the CITY OF SAN RAFAEL (hereinafter "CITY"), and NEXT GENERATION EVENTS, LLC (hereinafter "CONTRACTOR"). RECITALS WHEREAS, the CITY has determined that it is in its best interest to obtain management services for the organization and operation of the Downtown San Rafael Farmers' Market Festival (hereinafter "MARKET"); and WHEREAS, the CONTRACTOR has experience in providing such management services and holds special technical skills to ensure a successful MARKET; and WHEREAS, the CITY desires to employ the CONTRACTOR to provide such services and CONTRACTOR is willing and able to provide said services; AGREEMENT NOW, THEREFORE, the parties herebylagree as follows: PROJECT COORDINATION. A. CITY. The Economic Development Manager shall be the representative of the CITY for all purposes under this Agreement. B. CONTRACTOR. Monique Anderson is hereby designated as the PROJECT DIRECTOR for CONTRACTOR. 2. DUTIES OF CONTRACTOR. CONTRACTOR shall perform the duties and/or provide services as follows: organization and operation of the MARKET for a total of 26 Markets, from April 4, 2013 through September 26, 2013. Duties include but are not limited to the following: • Hiring, training all personnel, entertainment, and labor • Coordinating street closures with the CITY'S Event Coordinator and Police Department ■ Coordinating weekly event cleanup with contracted labor paid for by MARKET ■ Recruiting and scheduling vendors and entertainment ■ Tracking financial data including revenue and expenditures for the event and providing that information to the City of San Rafael at the end of the season or as per requested by the City of San Rafael ■ Meeting State certification requirements and reporting ORIGINAL ■ Paying all expenses related to MARKET with the exception of Police overtime costs ■ Advertising/Marketing the MARKET ■ Meeting with the Farmers' Market Advisory Board on a regular basis 3. COMPENSATION OF THE CONTRACTOR. All compensation to CONTRACTOR shall be paid from MARKET gross receipts, collected by CONTRACTOR, and shall not be an obligation of the CITY. Net receipts will be retained by the CONTRACTOR. 4. TERM OF AGREEMENT. The term of this Agreement shall be for ten (10) months, commencing on March 1, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2013. Upon mutual agreement of the parties, and subject to the approval of CITY, the term of this Agreement may be extended. 5. TERMINATION. Either party may terminate this Agreement without cause upon thirty (30) days written notice mailed or personally delivered to the other party. Upon receipt of notice of termination, neither party shall incur additional obligations under any provision of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other. Upon termination, any and all CITY documents or materials provided to CONTRACTOR and any and all of CONTRACTOR's documents and materials prepared for or relating to the performance of its duties under this Agreement, shall be delivered to CITY as soon as possible, but not later than thirty (30) days after termination. 6. INSPECTION AND AUDIT. Upon reasonable notice, CONTRACTOR shall make available to CITY, or its agent, for inspection and audit, all documents and materials maintained by CONTRACTOR in connection with its performance of its duties under this Agreement. CONTRACTOR shall fully cooperate with CITY or its agent in any such audit or inspection. 7. ASSIGNABILITY. The parties agree that they shall not assign or transfer any interest in this Agreement nor the performance of any of their respective obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other party, and any attempt to so assign this Agreement or any rights, duties or obligations arising hereunder shall be void and of no effect. 8. INSURANCE. A. During the term of this Agreement. CONTRACTOR shall maintain, at no expense to CITY, the following insurance policies: 1. A comprehensive general liability insurance policy in the minimum amount of one million ($1,000,000) dollars per occurrence for death, bodily injury, personal injury, or property damage; I z 2. An automobile liability (owned, non -owned, and hired vehicles) insurance policy in the minimum amount of one million ($1,000,000) dollars per occurrence; 3. If any licensed professional performs any of the services required to be performed under this Agreement, a professional liability insurance policy in the minimum amount of one million ($1,000,000) dollars to cover any claims arising out of the CONTRACTOR's performance of services under this Agreement. B. The insurance coverage required of the CONTRACTOR by section &A., shall also meet the following requirements: 1. The insurance shall be primary with respect to any insurance or coverage maintained by CITY and shall not call upon CITY's insurance or coverage for any contribution; 2. Except for professional liability insurance, the insurance policies shall be endorsed for contractual liability and personal injury; 3. Except for professional liability insurance, the insurance policies shall be specifically endorsed to include the CITY, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers as additionally named insureds under the policies. 4. CONTRACTOR shall provide to City's Risk Manager, (a) Certificates of Insurance evidencing the insurance coverage required herein, and (b) specific endorsements naming CITY, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers, as additional named insureds under the policies. 5. The insurance policies shall provide that the insurance carrier shall not cancel, terminate or otherwise modify the terms and conditions of said insurance policies except upon thirty (30) days written notice to City's Risk Manager. 6. If the insurance is written on a Claims Made Form, then, following termination of this Agreement, said insurance coverage shall survive for a period of not less than five years; 7. The insurance policies shall provide for a retroactive date of placement coinciding with the effective date of this Agreement; 8. The insurance shall be approved as to form and sufficiency by PROJECT DIRECTOR and the City Attorney. C. If it employs any person, CONTRACTOR shall maintain worker's compensation and employer's liability insurance, as required by the State Labor Code and other applicable laws and regulations, and as necessary to protect both CONTRACTOR and CITY against all liability for injuries to CONTRACTOR's officers and employees. D. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions in CONTRACTOR's insurance policies must be declared to and approved by the City's Risk Manager and the City Attorney. At CITY's option, the deductibles or self-insured retentions with respect to CITY shall be reduced or I eliminated to CITY's satisfaction, or CONTRACTOR shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claims administration, attorney's fees and defense expenses. 9. INDEMNIFICATION. CONTRACTOR shall indemnify, release, defend and hold harmless CITY, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers, against any claim, demand, suit, judgment, loss, liability or expense of any kind, including attorney's fees and administrative costs, arising out of or resulting from the acts or omissions, intentional or negligent, of CONTRACTOR or CONTRACTOR's officers, agents and employees in the performance of their duties and obligations under this Agreement. 10. NONDISCRIMINATION. CONTRACTOR shall not discriminate, in any way, against any person on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin or disability in connection with or related to the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement. 11. COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LAWS. CONTRACTOR shall observe and comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, codes and regulations, in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement. CONTRACTOR shall perform all services under this Agreement in accordance with these laws, ordinances, codes and regulations. CONTRACTOR shall release, defend, indemnify and hold harmless CITY, its officers, agents and employees from any and all damages, liabilities, penalties, fines and all other consequences from any noncompliance or violation of any laws, ordinances, codes or regulations. CITY and CONTRACTOR do not intend, by any provision of this Agreement, to create in any third party, any benefit or right owed by one party, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to the other party. 13. NOTICES. All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement, including any notice of change of address, shall be in writing and given by personal delivery, or deposited with the United States Postal Service, postage prepaid, addressed to the parties intended to be notified. Notice shall be deemed given as of the date of personal delivery, or if mailed, upon the date of deposit with the United States Postal Service. Notice shall be given as follows: TO CITY: Stephanie Lovette Economic Development Manager City of San Rafael 1313 Fifth Ave. (P.O. Box 151560) San Rafael, CA 94915-1560 4 M TO CONTRACTOR: Monique Anderson Owner Next Generation Events P 0 Box 151695 San Rafael, CA 94915-1695 14. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. For the purposes, and for the duration, of this Agreement, CONTRACTOR, its officers, agents and employees shall act in the capacity of an Independent Contractor, and not as employees of the CITY. CONTRACTOR and CITY expressly intend and agree that the status of CONTRACTOR, its officers, agents and employees be that of an Independent Contractor and not that of an employee of CITY. 15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT -- AMENDMENTS. The terms and conditions of this Agreement, all exhibits attached, and all documents expressly incorporated by reference, represent the entire Agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. This written Agreement shall supersede any and all prior agreements, oral or written, regarding the subject matter between the CONTRACTOR and the CITY. No other agreement, promise or statement, written or oral, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, shall be valid or binding, except by way of a written amendment to this Agreement. If any conflicts arise between the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and the terms and conditions of the attached exhibits or the documents expressly incorporated by reference, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. 16. SET-OFF AGAINST DEBTS. CONTRACTOR agrees that CITY may deduct from any payment due to CONTRACTOR under this Agreement, any monies which CONTRACTOR owes CITY under any ordinance, agreement, contract or resolution for any unpaid taxes, fees, licenses, assessments, unpaid checks or other amounts. 17. WAIVERS. The waiver by either party of any breach or violation of any term, covenant or condition of this Agreement, or of any ordinance, law or regulation, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other term, covenant, condition, ordinance, law or regulation, or of any subsequent breach or violation of the same or other term, covenant, condition, ordinance, law or regulation. The subsequent acceptance by either party of any fee, performance, or other consideration which may become due or owing under this Agreement, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding breach or violation by the other party of any term, condition, covenant of this Agreement or any applicable law. ordinance or regulation. I 18. COSTS AND ATTORNEY'S FEES. The prevailing party in any action brought to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or arising out of the performance of this Agreement, may recover its reasonable costs (including claims administration) and attorney's fees expended in connection with such action. 19. CITY BUSINESS LICENSE / OTHER TAXES. CONTRACTOR shall obtain and maintain during the duration of this Agreement, a City of San Rafael business license as required by the San Rafael Municipal Code. CONTRACTOR shall pay any and all state and federal taxes and any other applicable taxes. CONTRACTOR's taxpayer identification number is 02-0548275, and CONTRACTOR certifies under penalty of perjury that said taxpayer identification number is correct. 20. APPLICABLE LAW. The laws of the State of California shall govern this Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day, month and year first above written. CITY OF SAN RAFAEL STEMANIE LOVE TE Economic Development Manager APPROVED AS TO FORM: ROBERT F. EPSTEIN City Attorney I NEXT GENERATION EVENTS MONIQUE ANDERSON Owner ATTEST: ESTHER C. BEI RNE City Clerk CITY OF SAN RAFAEL INSTRUCTIONS: USE THIS FORM WITH EACH SUBMITTAL OF A CONTRACT, AGREEMENT, ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION BEFORE APPROVAL BY COUNCIL / AGENCY. SRRA / SRCC AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.c DATE OF MEETING: February 19, 2013 FROM: Stephanie Lovette DEPARTMENT: Economic Development DATE: Fewbuary 6, 2013 lrllllmy�p � 111ILF11:4015 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER TO EXECUTE A ONE YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NEXT GENERATION EVENTS TO MANAGE THE DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET FESTIVAL bepahment Head (signature) (LOWER HALF OF FORM FOR APPROVALS ONLY) APPROVED AS COUNCIL / AGENCY AGENDA ITEM: 9 d City Manager (signature) r y r y• r r• .. y • , r City Attorney (signature) TEL: 415.720.5591 FAx: 415.485.3175 POST OFFICE Box 1510-50 SAN R; FAL 94915-1050 The Honorable Gary Phillips, Mayor of San Rafael and Members of the San Rafael City Council San Rafael City Hall 1400 Fifth Avenue February 14, 2013 Dear Mayor Phillips and members of the City Council, the Downtown Farmers Market and the impact the closure of Fourth Street has on the business district. (See attachment) While the BID is not submitting an official position on the issue of the permit, we do support the 60 Percent of survey participants who would prefer the Downtown Farmers Market to run no earlier than May - September rather than April - September. The April start date is early in t warm weather cycle and closing our main business street during a month with a greater likelihood of inclement weather, seems an unnece The Market manager, Monique Anderson, has a good history of working wi the BID on mitigating issues of imminent concern to the business owners, and the BID remains committed to working with Ms. Anderson to improve the Market into a weekly event that the entire community can look to with pride. However, at this time, there remains a general concern that the quality of the market vendors is not up to a standard that merits widespre community support, as is noted in the comments shared by the business owners who took the time to complete our survey. I The BID respectfully requests City Council to note the concerns of our downtown business owners in the consideration of the applicants' permit request. Sin rel :51 Tth: on Executive Director Cc: Stephanie Lovette www.downtownsanrafael.org C, directorCadowntownsanrafaeLorg Z_ Farmers Market Survey Do you Favor, Oppose or Neither Favor nor Oppose the Downtown Farmer's Market? Favor Neutral Opinion 0% 20% 40% 60% Ansm— c P 0 5 1 S e s Favor 33.33% Oppose 33.33% Neutral Opinion 33.33% T c, ra I 80% 100% Is beneficial Is NOT beneficial 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% A in s%rj e r C h o: c e s R e s pru ns es Is beneficial 4.76% Is NOT beneficial 95.24% C 2/13 20 2 1 Farmers Market Survey For restaurant owners: Does your business increase, decrease or remain constant on Market Night? Increases Remains Constant 0% 201 40% 60% Ans,,,,,,ei Chcces R e c D Increases 0% Decreases 33.33% Remains Constant 66.67% T� 3/13 Remains Constant Farmers Market Survey 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Arls Increases 0% Decreases 52.63% Remains Constant 47.37% To I ---A 4113 Yes No Tot -al Yes No Farmers Market Survey 6/13 10 Yes, lhave operated a booth spac... No, I have not operated a booth. Farmers Market Survey 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Yes, I have operated a booth space and increased my sales 0% Yes, I have operated a booth space, but sales were not worth 11.11% my effort No, I have not operated a booth, Tota,! 0�' 7/13 M 8/13 80% 100% Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Farmers Market Survey 1 0 begleve the Farmers Market is an asset to the community during the summer 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Chuce,� Re-sponsF- Strongly Agree 9.52% Agree 47.62% Disagree 23.81% Strongly Disagree 19.05% rj ta" 9/13 Farmers Market Survey Changing the day it is held on to... Improve the .' quality and quantity o Limiting merchant vendors to... Improving live e me rtain m,.. Inviting local e community— Allowing ommunityAllowing only downtown restaurant— Inviting Food € Trucks to € participate w Having local chefs hold cooking... Eliminating the Market altogether �. Q% 20% 40% Changing the day it is meld on to not compete with Thursday Civic Center Market Having local chefs hold cooking demonstrations Eliminating the Market altogether 61.90% 42.86% 33.33% 42,86% 14.29% 28.57% 0% 80% mm Farmers Market Survey The Market producer is proposing a start date of April 4. Do you.. Believe April is a preferred... Strongly7 Prefer a start date... Strongly Prefer a Star', date... 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% v�,� 3r I in o c-,- v , , e, Believe April is a preferred time for the Market to begin 40% Strongly Prefer a start date in May 40% StronPrefer a Start dater June 20% To -al Farmers Market Survey The alis for the market to run for 6 months. Would you prefer: 4 months 80% 100% cj n, S 4 months 15% 5 months 25% 6 months 35% None 25% 80% 100% Farmers Market Survey # Responses Date Our income numbers since the first Market prove without edoubt that the community which attends the 2/7/2013 10:40 AM Farmers Market does not support the local businesses that already pay rent, property taxes, numerous other costs of operation, AND the extra BID tax. This TAunsdaynight community patronizes the Market stalls instead' as the Market isdesigned todo, The fact that we're expected to purchase market spacedirectly omsideour storef+nmsisatemmndnusinsult. The fact that the main thom� u�anetha�runs through Downtown closes to traffic once a week easily deters as many people as the Market attracts - and we hear this very often from s great many customers, After nearly twenty years of business on Fourth Street, we have yet to speak with a single shop that welcomes the Farmers Market as a way to bring new business through their doors, And we all feel the sarne way about any of the Downtown events that close off the streets. Categorically, they each mean aninstant slowdown ofsales, Asstated above, wawould prefer that themarket'andotherevents|ikeit'beheldonPifthStreetinstoad'whemthenumberofshopfrontsdinectly upstaged by -these events are markedhi few and virtually nonex istent, This would also preclude the closina off of Fourth Street to traffic, which is a major deterrent from would-be customers even trying to aet Downtown to do their standard shopping. We would love to see efforts being made to bring customers Downtown to spend their money in our shops, |nstead, we face events that patently deter them from spending with us, Scion, there will beaTarget inSan Rafael that will actively pull people away from Downtown spending. This pattern is not looking good for San Rafael merchants, and it has us very concerned and frustrated indeed, 2 Does the Cttv collect any Sales Tax Revenue as this is a main focus for permitting new business, ie. Target 4512013 7,53 pla a |personalty feel if ilt cant be improved, it should be done away with. Just to many discount vendors selling 215/20134:25pm more nrless the same things,The market really needs todistinguish hsetforjust close up, 4 6orny,|dont have astatement for City Council, | just want tostate "hat #Il ismisleading, because wedon't 2/5/20131:8pM stnong�.,have a prefonnnce,ThankYou s |dnsupport the Thursday Night Farmers Market even though |donot bene -lit from it, itmakes peoplehappy. 2/5/281311:26xm * There sMuud|be a list of 'items barredfrombeing sold Le- undanware' etc, the theme should benesh 2/5/2013 11:03 AM produce and other food products! 7 Closing 4th st from Lincoln toBstevery Thursday kills the traffic tnthe west ofthe event for those ofuson 2/5/201310'50xM 4th street a Surely i0cal restaurants suffer during the Frarmer's Mai ket evenings and 'hey pay the sales tax ALL year, 21512013 9:21 AM Elders can't even get close to the downtown 'or parking, What began with local artk;ans only has deteriorated. Two tothree months is wngenougU|Ftire market continues, g Change the name hnm `Farmers Market" tn "Street Fair" 2/5/2013 8�53 AM zo |have stated this before, We have a true farmers market onThunsdmyand Sunday mornings at the cirvic 2/5/201-3 7,58 AM center, The flea market like tanneo market in downunwn San Rafael is a poor excuse for one, VVhen iwalk thmughthe market and see people selling tube socks }am outraged. 1 d not understand what goes on in San Rafael when every other city has reputable farmers rnarkets, We have gang recruirrnient as well as the multiple problems wthtransient/mentally disturbed population, ByhaWngthe mar�tonthe main roadma�stnyff��� a nightmare not he/he busmeeses whatsoevmr, |hame been to BID meetings where melor businesses, Le, SR Joe's, have consistently stated that 'hey do not want the market and that it hurts their business, Atthat one meeting it was stated by the city that the city ofSan Rafael doesn't make money off the market, Please strongly recommend that, this has tnchange, | love this city and | want tosee it thrive, From: Nancy Mackle�� Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2013 2:01 PM To: Esther Beirne Subject: FW: For tonight's City Council meeting... For your records From: Monique Anderson[mailto: To: Gary Phillips; Kate Colin; Andrew McCullough; Barbara Heller; Damon Connolly Cc: Nancy Mackle Subject: For tonight's City Council meeting... Dear Mayor Phillips and members of the City Council, I received a copy of the recent BID survey on Thursday so on my way to have lunch Friday, I decided to pop into some of the businesses and see what their take on the market was. I have included 16 responses from downtown business owners that I think may shed a different light on the Downtown San Rafael Farmers` Market Festival. I understand that of the recent survey, only 21 responses were collected of the 130 that were surveyed. Of those 21 responses, only 7 of them showed that people were opposed to the market. That is just over 2%. Historically there have always been a handful of downtown businesses that do not like the market, and there probably always will be despite my best efforts to get them involved. Also, something to take into consideration is that we had 17 BID members participate in the market weekly last season. That is our largest number ever which again indicates that the market is being embraced by the downtown businesses. I hope you can take the time to read these as I think the overall feelings toward the market are positive and not as negative as the survey showed. I have included the responses below... Thank you for your time! Monique Anderson Downtown San Rafael Farmers' Market Festival Business Improvement District Responses: "I started my business with a booth at the Downtown San Rafael Farmer's Market and I can't think of a better success story. It was the perfect venue to test my product and get ready for the next step. I now have three restaurants in San Rafael (and one in Mill Valley) and I have l as well. The Downtown San Farmers recently opened up a retail store in San Rafaebusin esses to take the jump from popRafael up business to Market is an essential component in helping restaurant owner." -Sol Hernandez, owner Sol Food "How can anyone downtown not think the Farmers' Market is good for their business? There are thousands of people right in front of your door. if you are not participating and taking advantage of the crowds you are cutting your business." -Mike LaMorte, Owner Napoli Pizza and Pasta "The works of Monique Anderson and the other dedicated people tohsee met have brought scores of people to our town and haveeabled them what San Rafael is all about. I have been a long time supporter of the market and what it brings to my community. I regularly attend the market for fresh produce, beautiffil flowers, small treasures, but mostly for the wonderful prepared foods available. We need more community wide events like the market here in San Rafael." -Leslie Burnside, Owner Theresa & Johnny's "The San Rafael Farmers' Market is a great bonus to downtown San Ral. The market attracts people into the city, from all around the Bay Area. I believe I speak formany of the downtown merchants when I say that the Downtown Farmers Market is good for downtown business." - Angelo Pera, Owner Mountain View Winery "My name is Maly Ouneklap and I own and operate Bangkot Thaiarkeress for23to MYIwould like to tell you how much the Downtown San Rafael FarmesMbrought business and Downtown San Rafael. -Downtown Farmers' Market has brought thousans of people tot a walk and enjoy the beauty and businesses on Fourth Street. They do me back other days too. -My restaurant has more business on Thursday nights during April to September every year. -Since I have been involved in Downtown Farmers' Market myself, I can't wait for it to start, I wish we could have it year round! -The market really brings life to downtown. It has been so quiet at night and we try to survive until Fanners' Market starts again in April." - Maly Ouneklap, Owner Bangkok Thai Express "Always look forward to Farmers Market on Thursdays. Great music, good atmosphere, good fun. San Rafael needs more events like this." -Gerner Andeson, Owner Lighthouse Caf6 "The Farmers Market helped us reach out to new customers and drive in more afternoon business. Great for promoting business!" -Brent Thurman, Owner Mr. Pickles "I just wanted to say that we thoroughly enjoy the farmer's market each and every year and we are glad that we get to have a booth right out front of our business. It is a great event for families to come to Fourth Street and have fun, get some food, listen to music and just be together. I can't say enough good things about it and we are proud to be a part of it every year. Meridian has been in San Rafael for 25 years now and it is great that the Farmers' Market supports local businesses the way it does. We can't wait for it to begin!" Wayne Patton, G.M. Meridian Sports Club "For me business is good, we get more people coming in than on a normal Thursday night" -Tareq Fakhouri, Owner Crepvine "The Farmers Market for Cold Stone Creamery has historically been a busy day with people coming from all parts of Marin and the Bay. It provides us with a group of customers that we may not otherwise get." - Raj Singh, Owner Cold Stone Creamery "The Downtown San Rafael Farmers' Market has been a staple of the community for some time now, and for good reason. It provides a unique, invaluable connection between the local merchants and the people of San Rafael. I can attest to the fact that my business, Max Muscle Marin, has gotten great exposure and results from our participation in the market." - Matt Cooper, G.M. Max Muscle "I've been going to Farmers Market since it started nearly 25 years ago. It has always breathed new life into this community. It's hard for me to fathom even the possibility of this long time established positive gathering not being a part of our lives here. Please do everything in your power to keep this awesome event going for future generations." - Shane Reuter, Triumph San Rafael "Good for the community, good for business! We have a space at the market every Thursday!" -Maria Corado, Owner Mary's Jewelry "Farmers, fun, always fun -good for the community, kids love it for the food and faces." -Brian Gleason, Open Secret "The market brings us many new people that do not live in San Rafael. Business wise it is very important to bring in people from all over Marin. For a street that now struggles to bring families down here because of the safety and direction that Fourth Street is going, it is the only night of the week families feel comfortable to come enjoy a little shopping and fun live music. Thursday nights carry us through some slower nights of the week. Fourth Street needs more family friendly events like the market to bring families back and make this the heart of Marin." -Matt Smallback G.M. Broken Drum "The management and staff at Rileystreet Art Supply wish to express our support of the Downtown San Rafael Farmers' Market. Every Thursday during the Farmers Market months we see additional people in our store, out for an evening of social engagement and shopping. San Rafael comes alive with an extra dimension, drawing people from all parts of San Rafael and other areas of the county. The market brings attention to Downtown San Rafael, both through the marketing of it and the event itself. Even if increased business for the local merchants is not always obvious or immediate, we often hear customers tell us they have never been in our store, but discovered it on a Thursday evening at the market and decided to come back and check it out some other time. As a downtown business, we are convinced of the value the market brings to the city's overall dynamic and vibrancy." -Bente Mirow, Manager, Rileystreet Art Supply