Council backs another governance review of Hamilton Farmers’ Market
The city will hire a second consultant for another study of the Hamilton Farmers' Market after a scathing review this past summer pointed to dysfunctional governance practices.
That, however, doesn't sit well with council's appointee to the board, Esther Pauls, who suggested the cost of a study would be better spent on supporting vendors struggling through the coronavirus pandemic.
I can't get over the thought that we're willing to spend up to $75,000" on another review, the Mountain councillor said Monday. Couldn't we just figure (it) out ourselves?"
Cyrus Tehrani, the city's chief digital officer, said staff recommended a second more fulsome" review based on the board's feedback to the June 24 report and its potential gaps."
Coun. Jason Farr, who served in Pauls' role for two terms, backed that recommendation, saying the second governance review would examine the issues in more depth.
I would suspect that all parties would appreciate that," the downtown councillor said.
In a report, staff estimate the consultant's review of a preferred governance and operating model will cost roughly $50,000 to $75,000. Funding would come from the city's tax stabilization reserve, Tehrani said.
In his report, Tehrani said board members characterized 2WA Consulting Inc.'s critical review as a missed opportunity" because they were not properly consulted" on its design. The review didn't adequately assess" market finances, either.
The city spent $11,825 on the consultant's study, which was meant to be a five-year review of a governance model adopted in December 2014.
The review pointed to a litany of problems, including conflicts of interest, board dysfunction and lack of transparency.
The current board includes four vendor representatives, four citizens, a council member and a chairperson. City council appoints members. A market manager reports to the board and a director who works for the city.
The review said the board was bogged down" in operations and flagged further dysfunction with vendors not disciplined for ignoring regulations, including operating hours.
There were several recommendations, including:
- A customer-focused" advisory board to keep the market in touch with consumer tastes."
- A 12-member vendor advisory committee to offer the board and manager feedback on operational matters.
- A different board composition that helps avert conflicts of interest with only one vendor among its 12 members.
On Monday, Eric Miller, board chair, said members agreed with some of the recommendations but not the suggestion to reduce vendors on the governance body.
Coun. Tom Jackson also registered his misgivings with that idea, warning there would be such an outcry" among vendors. I'm really, really worried about that even being an option, potentially going down that path."
The 183-year-old institution on York Boulevard has struggled since a $6-million-plus overhaul in 2012 that stallholders have flagged as detrimental to their bottom lines.
The COVID-19 pandemic has delivered the most recent blow to vendors, but the market doesn't qualify for the federal pandemic emergency commercial rent assistance program.
Councillors met in camera Monday to discuss potential financial relief to help vendors through the public health crisis.
In public session, they passed a motion asking the board to report back on the full financial operational impacts" of the pandemic.
Teviah Moro is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com