HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/6/2009 - STAFF REPORTS - 5.B. �OF P A L M Spy
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4�/FO04 CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: MAY 6, 2009 NEW BUSINESS
Subject: REVIEW BY VILLAGEFEST BOARD OF RESTRICTION ON BOOK
SALES
From: David H. Ready, City Manager
Initiated by: Parks and Recreation Department
SUMMARY
Per Council's request for a discussion to consider the sale of books at VillageFest, the
VillageFest Board has recommended a new "Unique" category. Staff does not recommend
this particular change due to the broad nature of the proposed category. The MainStreet
merchants association has also indicated their opposition to the proposed rule modification.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Direct Staff to take no action, leaving unchanged the current VillageFest Rules
and Regulations.
2. Direct Staff to agendize a Joint VillageFest Board and Mainstreet Board Meeting
to address issues of mutual concern and make recommendations to the City
Council on specific improvements/benefits for the VillageFest event and
downtown merchants.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
At the March 25th Council meeting, Councilmember Hutcheson requested staff-to have the
VillageFest Board consider or "take a look at" modifying the Book Category.
Currently, the VillageFest Rules and Regulations (effective January 1, 2008, with fee
updates effective as of January 1, 2009) allow for the restricted sale of books as outlined
below:
Comic books must bear the seal of the Comic Code Authority or be published prior
to the establishment of the Comic Code Authority, or for other Books, an author,
illustrator or crafter must be present at the booth unless otherwise approved by the
VillageFest Coordinator and/or VillageFest Board.
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The VillageFest Board reviewed the Council's request regarding book sales at its Retreat
Session, along with the evaluation of other categories of activities. The Board decided to
consider a new category of vendor, instead of only addressing the sale of books. Summary
Board Minutes are attached.
The VillageFest Board decided to recommend the establishment of a new "Unique" vendor
category. This new category is intended to: a) create a way for existing vendors who may
not meet the current 75% handmade criteria, yet are felt to be appropriate to participate in
VillageFest in a clear category; and b) give the Board the ability to allow new items they feel
are appropriate to VillageFest, yet are not 75% handmade, and are prohibited by the
existing rules.
The proposed new category is defined by the VillageFest Board as:
"Unique Vendor: A limited number of spaces shall be allowed for items the
VillageFest Board deems to be unique and appropriate for the event. These items
may or may not meet the 75% handmade criteria Existing vendors who have been
previously juried and placed in different categories may be moved to this category "
Of particular concern to Staff, as noted by the City Manager; is that this new category is
overly broad and highly subjective. Hence, the new category's implementation would likely
manifest as a "catchall" for a wide variety of products that would otherwise not be allowed
under the more defined merchandise categories. Moreover, as VillageFest appeals are
administratively adjudicated by the City Manager's Office, the subjective nature of the new
"unique" category would be difficult to clarify in any meaningful way for a vendor who feels
that their merchandise is "unique."
Therefore, if Council chooses to modify the current VillageFest rules to allow a broader
category of books, it would be staff's recommendation that a specific book category be
promulgated by the Board. However, it is important to note that the MainStreet Downtown
Merchants Association has considered the effect of any change with regard to the sale of
books during the weekly VillageFest event and has indicated their opposition. A copy of an
electronic message from the Mainstreet President outlining their concerns is attached.
Sharon Heider Tom Wilson /
Director of Parks and Recreation Assistant City Manager
David H. Ready
City Manager
Attachments:
1. Main Street President's e-mail
2. VillageFest draft minutes excerpt
Page 1 of 1
David Ready
From: psca@msn.com on behalf of Joy Meredith [joy@crystalfantas .c
Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 5:49 PM
To: David Ready /��� �r
Subject: Villagefest
Dear David,
Main Street Palm Springs has had a lot of discussion regarding merchandise sold at Villagefest.
When Villagefest was founded the only reason we were comfortable having these vendors on the
street was because the items were handcrafted. This was the only way to insure that the
merchandise was not available in any of our full time stores.
Books are merchandise. Several small book sellers already exist in downtown. Collectible books
may be seen as an exception for Villagefest.
At only $145 per month rent it is not really fair competition to allow books or any other typical
retail merchandise on the street for Villagefest.
Maybe vendors who do not qualify for Villagefest should be encouraged to open a store in
downtown or uptown Palm Springs.
Please keep in mind the purpose of Villagefest is as follows:
PURPOSE:
The purpose of Palm Springs VillageFest is to create a wholesome community event with a
family atmosphere for residents and tourists of the Coachella Valley. The event is organized
and administered by the City of Palm Springs.
GOALS:
All VillageFest activities must be consistent with the following goals:
# Provide a forum for community activities.
# Create a positive image of downtown Palm Springs,
# Provide a diverse selection of arts, crafts, entertainment, and international cuisine
vendors for the cultural enrichment of the community.
# Maintain the downtown as the center of social, civic and retail activities.
# Expose community members and visitors to retail stores and services available in the
downtown area.
# Enhance the community as a whole.
Thank you.
Joy Meredith
President, Main Street Palm Springs
Owner, Crystal Fantasy since 1987
5/5/2009
Partial Action Summary froin the Second
VillageFest Retreat of April 14, 2009
Regarding the request to sell books and the creation of a unique
category, the VillageFest Board continued their prior discussions.
Specifically, the purpose of the unique category would be to: a) create
a way for existing vendors, who may not meet the current 75%
handmade criteria, yet are felt to be appropriate, to participate in
VillageFest in a clear category; and b) give the Board the ability to allow
new items they feel are appropriate to be included at VillageFest, yet
are not 75% handmade, and are prohibited by the existing rules.
As a result of Mr. Meeks' appearing at the City Council mccting and the
direction from City Council to see if the sale of books could be
accommodated, the Board discussed that the sale of books, without
any restrictions, does not currently meet the Rules and Rea ilations.
The Board did not wish to create a category specific to books. However,
the group decided the best way to accommodate this request would be
within the unique category they were already contemplating. Further
discussion took place regarding whether there should be a percentage,
or finite number, to limit the unique category Linder consideration.
Agreement was reached for the use of the term "a small number".
LEGISLATION:
Board Member Thomas made a motion to create a unique category in
the Rules and Regulations of VillageFest, without limiting the quantity,
but with the intent of it being a small subsection.
M/S/C (Thomas-Garcia) 2-1 (Terrill)
Jay Thompson
From: Ginny Foat
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 3:23 PM
To: gfinla@msn.com: Jay Thompson 11', L i L'I r '`'
CL�'•L;
Subject: FW: The Palm Springs Village Fast CITY
Importance: High
From: Sue Albright [mailto:suealbright1111@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, May 02, 2009 3:50 PM
To: Terria.Smith@TheDesertSun.Com
Cc: Chris Mills; Rick Hutcheson; Jasmine Waits; Steve Pougnet; Ginny Foat; Lee Weigel;
CityManager@PaImSprings-ca.gov
Subject: The Palm Springs Village Fest
To Whom It May Concern:
Today, I read a flyer that was distributed Thursday speaking of the changes that have been proposed for
the Palm Springs Village Fest. I have to tell you that 1 had a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach
that this would be a complete disaster with tragic consequences to the success of the Village Fest and all
that it has come to mean for this city. It cannot be allowed to transform itself into the circus that it
would become if you cheapen it with products that come off of some assembly line in China or Mexico.
This Village Fest has always been embraced by the prestige of REAL artists and musicians and should
remain as such.
Sony Bono would be outraged that the quaint street fair that he founded for this City, to promote the
local artists, musicians, and creative talent to share with not only our local residents, but to all of the
many distant travelers that make Palm Springs their vacation destination. These shoppers that roam the
Village Fest each Thursday, since it began, have appreciated the uniqueness and the quality of the work
of the Artists showcasing their art, creativity and music. The addition of the organic produce and unique
food items were also well received and appreciated.
However, if the City wishes to conduct a swap meet,please do so at a different venue. If you transform
the Village Fest you will be making a HUGE statement that is not a positive one at all. If you begin to
lower your standards, you know what you will get? T shutter to think. It is worse than fingernails on a
chalkboard.
Most Sincerely,
Sue Albright
5/5/2009
Page 1 of 1
Jay Thompson
iC CEi '/7 D
From: Ginny Foal
Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 3:01 PM 2009 V'lii',, -5 3 N a: 014
To: gfinla@msn.com; Jay Thompson ICd I h L r , I
Subject: FW: VillageFest CITY CLF= '.
From, tubeh durrani [mailto:mcimarble@yahoo.com]
Sent:Tuesday, May 05, 2009 11:09 PM
To: Ginny Foat
Subject: VillageFest
Dear Council Members and Staff,
As a VillageFest vendor I want to send you this note of support for the VillageFest Boards'
recommendations to you that they made at their last meeting.
Recently a negative letter was given to all of us at VillageFest from another vendor and I'm
concerned that the misinformation in that letter will prompt more negative emails to you rather
that the positive ones. Many of the vendors support the VillageFest's Boards recommendation to
you.
Thank you for your time.
Tubeh Durrani.
5/6/2009
MAY 6, 2009 NEW BUSINESS
5.6. CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE VILLAGEFEST
RULES TO ALLOW BOOK SELLERS:
RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to taken no action at this time, and
uphold the existing VillageFest Rules and Regulations.
MATERIALS TO FOLLOW
ITEM NO. S