
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 19, 1990                   TAG: 9007200519
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BETSY BIESENBACH
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

VINTON SEEKS FARMERS FOR ITS `POPULAR' MARKET

This is the time of year when backyard gardeners find themselves drowning in tomatoes, overwhelmed by cucumbers and buried in string beans. Some people have so much excess produce, they can't even give the stuff away. But if plans for the Vinton Farmers' Market come to fruition, so to speak, they may be able to sell it.

Members of the Vinton Town Council, during a work session Tuesday, discussed a abolishing the $2 fee for a space at the town's Farmers' Market and issuing free certificates for the use of a space instead.

"We're trying to get activity . . . in that area," Town Manager George Nester said.

The two-year-old market/parking lot/multipurpose area has become a popular gathering point during festivals, performances, and events sponsored by the Vinton Merchants' Association, but farmers have been slow to take advantage of the opportunity to sell their produce, Nester said.

Councilman Roy McCarty said a problem is that professional farmers prefer going to the Roanoke market, while hobbyist gardeners either are not aware of the Vinton Market or don't want to pay the fee.

Council member Don Davis suggested that the market hold weekly competitions for extremes such as the largest squash or cabbage to "get farmers and gardeners down there. Let's try anything."

Council will make the final decision at its regular August meeting. Nester said certificates will be mailed to "anyone and everyone" who might be interested.

Nester also reported that the The Kings will perform at the Farmers' Market Saturday, and the Omega Four Band will play Sunday.

"Any time we've had an event, we have a good crowd," Nester noted.

In other action:

Council agreed to donate $100 to the Vinton Sluggers girls' softball team, which will compete in the Ponytail League state tournament in Emporia from July 27 to Aug. 8. The money will help pay the team's travel expenses, Nester said.

It is common practice for the town to donate to teams that represent it in state events, Mayor Charles Hill said.

Nester asked councilmen to visit an unimproved portion of Poplar Street before the August meeting. Some adjacent property owners have asked the town to give up the land, but there was opposition to the request at the July 3 meeting.

Council received a letter from the Roanoke County Circuit Court clerk and the Board of Supervisors outlining new legislation that allows municipalities to levy a $2 service charge on General District Court and Circuit Court fines.

The right to levy the charge will be in effect for one year only, unless it is renewed, Nester said, and the proceeds will help maintain the court building, which in Vinton's case is the town hall.

Hill asked Town Attorney Frank Selbe to draft an ordinance that will "parallel" one being considered by Roanoke County. Nester said the new fee should bring about $4,500 to the town.

Council decided to reject a request from the Conflict Resolution Center for a grant of $400. This new non-profit agency was created to solve problems through mediation and arbitration before they go to court.

Because the town had not budgeted for the donation and because contributions of this sort are usually "handled through Roanoke County," Hill said, the request should be turned down. The rest of council agreed.

Council decided that it will donate $125 to the Vinton Bowling Center to help print the program for the 1990 Pro-Am Bowling Tournament Sept. 7-9. The annual event draws bowlers from all over the nation.

Council appointed member Roy McCarty to the negotiating team that will work out a franchise agreement with Cox Cable Roanoke.

by CNB