FARRELL Officials want changes at market

Produce purchased elsewhere will be allowed to be resold at the market.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
FARRELL, Pa. -- City officials said they are tired of the squabbles that have disrupted this year's Farrell Farmers' Market, and they're enacting some rule changes to deal with it.
The market runs every Tuesday and Friday morning in a shelter next to the city building during the growing season.
It has run peacefully since its inception in 1932, except for this year, said Mayor William Morocco.
At issue is an old rule that says vendors can sell only products that they grew themselves.
Animosity
Some vendors have been buying products elsewhere at wholesale, then selling them at retail prices at the farmers' market, prompting some animosity among those adhering to the old rule.
Morocco said there have been instances of vendors bringing in material they bought elsewhere being told by other vendors they couldn't set up in the marketplace.
One set up a stand in a neighboring yard on private property, he said.
Edward Farkas of Buhl Terrace, one of the vendors who want the old rule enforced, presented city council with a petition Monday signed by more than 40 people who agreed with his point of view.
However, most of those signing don't live in Farrell, said Councilman Lou Falconi.
This is all about money, Falconi said, adding that there are a few "selfish individuals" trying to make this a major issue.
Proposed changes
Council passed first reading of an ordinance changing the rules for the market operation by eliminating produce restrictions and adding labeling requirements.
The new rules, which could get final passage in a special meeting at 1 p.m. Friday, say vendors no longer must grow all of their own product but can bring in products purchased elsewhere for resale here.
Vendors will also have to label their products as purchased or personally grown.
The daily $4 permit fee will be converted into a monthly $40 fee that must be paid at the municipal building in advance.