Rental Moratorium Fails, Presentation on Proposed Sumner Farmers Market Co-op Coming Monday

By a vote of 5-2, the Sumner City Council on Monday decided not to install a six month hold on lease agreements for the former Red Apple Market site and 85 acres of city-owned property south of the golf course.

Why would a moratorium be necessary, asked Councilmember Mike LeMaster, when all lease agreements have to go through the council for approval anyway?

Councilmember Randy Hynek, who put forth the resolution, responded this was the only guarantee the properties won't be rented out before citizens get an opportunity to hear of a project he and Councilmember Nancy Dumas have been working on for the past year to bring a local farmers market co-op to the location.

"It's their property and they have a right to have it fully vetted," Hynek said.

Mayor Dave Enslow announced during the March 11 study session that he was shopping for a renter, Hynek said, after the property has sat vacant for seven years.

Hynek's and Dumas' project is to utilize both properties to provide a farm-to-family source of local produce and products to city residents. The 85 acres of city-owned land, previously the site of Ota Farms, could be leased to small farmers to grow food to be sold at the market, Hynek said, guaranteeing "into perpetuity" that local residents have this produce source.

The market site, then, would serve as an indoor market that would house produce, crafts and other services provided by local artisans and entrepreneurs, said Dumas. "I think we have a great opportunity," she said. "I don't want to see it missed."

Councilmember Cindi Hochstatter said while she appreciates the idea of a farmers market it Sumner, historically it has shown to not be able to compete with nearby Puyallup. "It's a wonderful idea," she said. "It's not an easy sell."

Hynek clarified the concept wouldn't be for vendors to babysit their booths for an entire day but would instead leave their wares at the property for market staff to help cash people out. Dumas said the model they were looking at is in Wooster, Ohio (www.localrootswooster.com).

Those who were curious about the local project will get a chance to hear a formal outline presented during the next council study session on Monday, March 25, Dumas said.

In Other News:

A public hearing that had been scheduled for this meeting on March 18 regarding the final assessment roll for ULID No. 2007-01 (Stewart Road ULID) was rescheduled for the indefinite future. City Engineer Mike Dahlem reported the city received some comments pointing out discrepancies and so staff was reassessing. A vote on the corresponding ordinance (Agenda item 13-036) was also postponed indefinitely.