Politics & Government

No Violations Found at Farmer's Market

City officials visited the weekly gathering due to recent criticism and found everything accorded with its agreement.

 

The is operating in compliance, contrary to recent complaints, according to an official.

Four city officials visited the weekly event on Mercedes and Sixth streets last weekend and found everything accorded with an agreement with the city, according to Patrick Richardson, the city's planning director.

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"We walked the entire length of the Farmers Market," he said during a meeting on Tuesday at the . "It was clear they were in compliance with the current agreement provisions."

Numerous merchants from Old Town recently and told city leaders the market was out of compliance and selling products that compete with the ones they sell in their shops.

Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The city officials found only a few minor fire code violations, which were quickly fixed, Richardson said. "They were minor issues," he said.

The Old Town Steering Committee in October to let the market expand onto the thoroughfare, but the city staff will soon recommend against that decision, Richardson said.

The staff will recommend the City Council put the contract out to bid instead. The current Farmers Market contract expires at the end of 2012, Richardson said.

The staff will also recommend the city extend the current contract so it expires in April, 2013.

One Old Town merchant was happy the city will not be considering the expansion without putting the contract out to bid. "I'm pleased that they backed down from closing Sixth Street," said Lorena Spencer, the owner of the Painted Garden.

The plan leaves a little to be desired, said Evelyn Honea, the owner of Temecula House of Jerky. "They need to consider doing it as a nonprofit, so it can benefit the community and the retail core," she said after the meeting.


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