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projects. The ideal person would have experience, knowledge, and objectivity. She would look <br /> to interview several people. <br /> Laura Blackmon said that the staff has given the Board a model of by-laws. She wants <br /> to be sure and stay with best practices. The Extension Office has done quite a bit of research in <br /> best practices over the last few weeks. Her recommendation is for option #3. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT: <br /> Cindy West said that her family has vended for several years at the Hillsborough <br /> Farmers' Market and they are serious about vending in Hillsborough. She said that they are the <br /> only vendors to have attended 100% last summer, which means that they came every week <br /> from March 31st through the end of November. She said that she has been advised to come <br /> here and state her case. According to the outcome of the mediation, applications were to be <br /> sent to all current members. She said that there was a deadline to receive notification, and she <br /> has not heard anything back from her application. She said that she does not have anywhere to <br /> sell her products unless she sells at the public market house. She asked the Board to give <br /> equal ground to those who have lost their spots. She said that, currently, the Hillsborough <br /> Farmers' Market uses a County parking lot, a County building, a County bathroom, and County <br /> electricity. She said that she is losing her product as time goes by. She wants to be able to sell <br /> her product without threat of being arrested or being removed from the premises. <br /> Beverly Blythe said that, in light of the Board of County Commissioners' meeting on <br /> Tuesday, January 15th, the Hillsborough Farmers' Market would like to bring the County <br /> Commissioners up to date on the plans for the 2008 market season and solidify their position <br /> regarding the operation of a farmers' market in the Public Market House. She said that they <br /> currently have received applications and annual fees from 53 vendors that comprise a ratio of <br /> 75% farm and 25% craft. The majority of the 2007 membership is returning along with an <br /> exciting group of newcomers looking forward to participating in the market. The 12 vendors who <br /> chose to separate from the Hillsborough Farmers' Market are welcome to apply for the 2008 <br /> season, and Cindy West will hear from them. She said that this was stated in mediation on <br /> December 12, 2007. She said that an application has already been received from one of the <br /> former members and there is a process established for review and approval of these <br /> applications, which will remove any bias the market team might have against these former <br /> vendors. Their position remains that the Hillsborough Farmers' Market should be given access <br /> to the Public Market House for the purpose of conducting a farmers' market on Saturday <br /> mornings and Wednesday afternoons. They ask that the Board of County Commissioners do <br /> not punish the majority of the group, the Hillsborough Farmers' Market membership, due to the <br /> actions of a few that chose to leave. She regrets that the dispute became a public display. The <br /> membership voted in June and gave the market team the confidence, with a strong majority <br /> vote, that they were pursuing the market model that most of the vendors desired. The <br /> Hillsborough Farmers' Market strived to keep the situation from escalating and never intended <br /> that anyone else get involved. The Hillsborough Farmers' Market will continue to offer farmers, <br /> bakers, and artisans in Orange County and surrounding areas an accessible, affordable, <br /> inclusive, and successful market venue run by volunteers with many collective years of <br /> experience. The customer base continues to grow and there is a proven, positive economic <br /> impact on the Hillsborough community. She has talked to one owner of a shop downtown, who <br /> says that she looks forward to the Hillsborough Farmers' Market because her business doubles <br /> on that Saturday. She said that they look forward to continuing this positive track record for <br /> many years to come, and they would be proud to move the location to the Public Market House. <br /> She said that this has been a very difficult time for the members of the market team. One <br /> member of the team has been hospitalized two times within the last week due to the stress of <br /> this situation. For the record, they have not been contacted by any County department, the <br /> Extension Service or the County Manager, for input or other information. She commended <br />