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Laura Blackmon said that on October 61h staff brought to the Board of County <br /> Commissioners guidelines to run the Public Market House and two groups in the community <br /> were interested in operating it. There was mediation involved for these two groups to resolve <br /> issues, but both groups still desire to maintain their own independence. The abstract includes <br /> the mediation report and options for the Board to consider in the background information. The <br /> two groups are in attendance to express opinions on the proposed options to be considered on <br /> February 51h <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that staff laid out three options, but there is no analysis of <br /> the costs or pros and cons of options. He said that he felt that he did not have any way to <br /> evaluate these options. He is not inclined to support option #3, but he would listen to analysis. <br /> Commissioner Carey said that the County Commissioners have been overwhelmed <br /> about this item and he shares Commissioner Nelson's observation. He was hoping that the <br /> Board would have those guidelines back to approve tonight. He feels those guidelines are a <br /> fundamental part of moving forward. He said that the objective is to hire a market manager, <br /> not a facility manager. He said that this must proceed no later than March 1st and the County <br /> Commissioners need the information as soon as possible. He said that if the Board is <br /> interested in option #3, then staff would have to sell it more to him because he does not want <br /> to add more staff. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT: <br /> Tom Stevens, Mayor of the Town of Hillsborough, said that Hillsborough is a place that <br /> he is proud of, because of a vibrant downtown, Last Friday's, the farmers' market, etc. He said <br /> that the farmers' market has been a joy in this community. He said that he gives credit to <br /> particularly Beverly Blythe and the collective presence of all of the vendors who have <br /> participated in the last few years. He said that it is very disappointing to be asked to choose <br /> between two groups. He would like to assume that everyone involved is doing the best that <br /> they can. He wants to be careful and not ascribe to one group or the other. He is concerned <br /> that vendors are being caught in the middle. He said that he wants a very vibrant farmers' <br /> market that focuses on food, farm, and garden products, but has the variety of handmade <br /> items; that provides healthy food; that provides economic sustenance; and that creates a <br /> destination. He said that there is a larger vision that includes crafts. He would ask that the <br /> Board consider three broad criteria — ensure that there is community ownership (non-profit <br /> board); that there are established criteria; and that openness be ensured. He said that any <br /> solution should include people from the previous markets. He said that, regardless of the <br /> feelings of the other parties, the market is stronger if it is unified. There is concern that a third- <br /> party board would not have the skills, experience, or interest to conduct a viable market. He <br /> said that he is willing to step up to the plate to assist in any way possible. He said that <br /> Hillsborough wants a community-owned market and a public place that serves the greater <br /> community. He would like to call on both groups to try and work together. <br /> Mary Fox congratulated Beverly Blythe for creating an enviable farmers' market. She <br /> thinks that Beverly Blythe deserves a roof over her head. She does not want to see the <br /> farmers' market divided or destroyed. She said that Beverly Blythe deserves a lot from the <br /> community, since she has given the community a lot. <br /> Edna Ellis said that she has depended on the farmers' market for her fresh vegetables. <br /> She said that Carrboro has a farmers' market, as does Durham and Pittsboro, and she thinks <br /> that Hillsborough should keep a farmers' market. <br /> Paul Reil said that he was speaking on behalf of the Hillsborough Farmers' Market. He <br /> said that four months ago, an invitation with a logo of the farmers' market went out to the <br /> public, inviting them to the Public Market House dedication. The farmers' market has been in <br />