The Farmers Market is scheduled to open for the season April 1.
The city Building and Grounds Committee met Tuesday to review a new lease agreement with Farmers Market Group.
“This is two pages and as short and sweet as we could make it,” said city attorney Tim Pirtle. “We are simply extending the term of the lease for another 10 years.”
Pirtle outlined the lease details which includes the group being allowed the use of the Farmers Market pavilion from April 1 through Nov. 30 on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a cost of $1 per year.
That’s a rock-bottom price considering normal fees to reserve the Farmers Market are $150 per event, plus a $100 refundable deposit.
Group member J.B. Brown worked out the details of the lease with Pirtle.
“We had a board meeting last night,” said Brown. “There was some questions raised. One is who and how do we pay. If we write a check, could you hold it until Friday?”
The request brought laughter and a lighthearted suggestion from Pirtle the city might be interested in bartering fresh produce in lieu of $1.
“You could pay in produce,” said Pirtle.
The Farmers Market Group, also called Warren County Agricultural Producers Association, has held a longstanding agreement with city officials for use of the pavilion to offer locally grown produce. However, it does not have exclusive use of the facility.
Brown also asked who the group should contact if additional use of the facility was desired, to which he was told McMinnville Parks and Recreation Department director Scott McCord.
The lease with Farmers Market Group was unanimously approved by committee members. Board approval is not required.