Gary Soiseth: Turlock farmers market will continue, better than ever

Over the past few weeks, I’ve read many letters supporting a farmers market in downtown Turlock. I, too, am a supporter of a market in downtown Turlock.

Unfortunately, the current management of the market – Turlock Certified Farmers Market, or TCFM – failed to apply for a street-closure permit for the 2016 season before another party, Golden State Farmers Market Association or GSFMA, had applied. Based on past practices, street-closure permits are processed by city staff to the first party to apply – in this case, GSFMA.

I think we can all agree that management of a market shouldn’t be determined by this “first-come, first-served” street-closure process. TCFM shouldn’t be excluded from operating the market due to an oversight by its management. At the same time, it would also be wrong to negate GSFMA’s application that was filed in accordance with existing process.

A reformed process at City Hall needs to be created because we have an obligation to Turlock’s citizens to be impartial and fair in the use of all public spaces, including public streets. On Dec. 8, by a 4-1 vote, the Turlock City Council directed staff to create a request for proposal that would objectively determine the management of a Turlock market. City staff was directed to create a fair, open and transparent process that allows any interested party – including TCFM, GSFMA and any others – to apply for operation of the market.

The content of the request for proposal has been based on models from surrounding cities with input from key stakeholders and community members, including Turlock’s Planning Commission chair, past and present members of TCFM management and board, members of GSFMA and other interested citizens. A final review of the language has been scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at City Hall, and I encourage all those with an interest to participate.

Regardless of which party operates a market in Turlock’s downtown streets, a provision has been included within the request for proposal agreement to honor the history and dedication of the current market, farmers and vendors. This will not only protect the time and effort invested by these farmers and vendors who have cultivated and contributed to the market’s success over the past six years, but it also will give them the security to plan for this coming 2016 market.

I recognize there’s a fear that a different market operator will eliminate the very aspects of the Turlock market that we all love, such as the reading tent, face-painting, public education about agriculture, or free space for nonprofits. We believe these factors will be part of the evaluation criteria, and new events and attributes will be anticipated to make the market even better.

Overall, I’m encouraged to see strong support for a market in Turlock. As a farmer and a mayor, I share this passion for a place where Turlock residents can come together to celebrate our agricultural roots.

The current policy discussion we find ourselves in isn’t about whether Turlock should have a market; it’s about fixing a flawed city permitting process. It’s not about erasing the hard work and dedication of the current market; it’s about creating a reasonable application process that highlights and builds upon this history. And it’s not about tearing one another down; it’s about putting Turlock residents first by strengthening the market for us all to enjoy.

While there might seem to be insurmountable differences among interested market operators, I’m convinced their philosophies aren’t incompatible. In fact, I believe they still have time to move from their respective corners and come together for the betterment of Turlock.

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 11:15 PM with the headline "Gary Soiseth: Turlock farmers market will continue, better than ever."