Recently, the Farmer’s Market at Imperial announced that it will no longer be able to continue operations at its current location due to the upcoming construction of Imperial Market on the site. Although they are discussing continuing the market in some fashion after construction of the Imperial Market development, there will be an approximate two-year period during which the Farmer’s Market will be displaced.  With that said, after an outpouring of community support, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce – the producing and managing entity behind the Farmer’s Market – began looking for alternative locations during that time period.

The Parks & Recreation Department recognizes that the Market is an important asset to the community and has accordingly been working with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce to evaluate options for the Chamber to host the market at a City facility – with the Imperial Park Recreation Center (IPRC) parking lot emerging as the best option.  Parks Department and Chamber staff believe that this would be the ideal location, as it would showcase the IPRC, it is in the same general location as the existing market (0.25 miles south), and should result in some cost savings for the Chamber since attendees will have access to the IPRC restrooms and an ATM across the street. 

This item was reviewed by the City Council Economic Development Committee on December 12. The Committee was in favor of relocating the Farmer’s Market to the IPRC parking lot and recommended the item be brought forward to the City Council for action. 

Accordingly, an agreement between the City and the Chamber was prepared and lists the requirements, boundaries and timeframe of the Market.  Some of these elements include:

·         Definition and map of area allowed for market use (see attachment)

·         Map of parking spots to be reserved for IPRC customers only (see attachment)

·         Times and days allowed for use of the market – every Saturday from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm

·         Requirements for clean-up and trash

·         Prohibition of any storage on-site

·         Prohibition of the use of any City staff members for market assistance

·         Signage restrictions

·         Insurance requirements

·         License fee of $1 for each week the lot is used

Staff recommends approval of the license agreement with Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce for the temporary operation of a farmer's market on City-owned property.