Agenda - 06-07-2011 - 8a - Laserfiche WebLink

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In May 2009, a license agreement was signed with the Eno River Farmers' Market, Inc. (ERFM) for use of the facility on Tuesdays and Saturdays specifically. The agreement expires March 31, 2012. During the past two years, the Public Market House has been used all year for a Saturday morning market from 8 am -noon, seasonally for a Tuesday afternoon market from 4 - 6 pm, and at least 2 Harvest Dinners featuring products from the market as well as local chefs. ERFM sent a letter to the County Manager on February 28, 2011. The letter references research that indicates that the location of the Public Market House is not widely known, anticipates~a new Town of Hillsborough sign ordinance may further complicate prospective customers finding the market, and that new wayfaring signage in downtown Hillsborough around the County campus should reflect a permanent name. In the letter (attached), ERFM proposes that the name of the Orange County Public Market House be changed to one of two alternatives: 1. "Farmers' Market Pavilion," or 2. "Farmers' Market House." The ERFM states that a name change will help customers better find the structure and be more descriptive of their use (Tuesday afternoon, Saturday morning and early afternoon). Changing the name from Public Market House may clarify the location of a farmers' market, but may also be more restrictive in terms of possible uses which could occur at other times not licensed. The term was selected after substantial discussion at the time of construction. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the potential name change. Wayfaring signs in the County campus area would need to be changed if a new name is selected after signs are ordered and mounted, which would incur an unknown cost. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board review and discuss the letter and current license agreement, determine and decide whether to rename the facility, and provide any necessary direction to staff.