At the Aug. 5 Renton City Council Meeting, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone’s proclamation proclaimed Aug. 4 through Aug. 10, 2024, as Farmers Market Week.
Pavone’s proclamation said the Renton Farmers Market is celebrating its 23rd season. Additionally, the proclamation said farmers markets play a crucial role in providing access to locally and regionally produced healthy foods. He highlighted that more than 165 farmers markets in Washington state in nearly 100 cities and towns draw over 4.3 million shoppers yearly.
According to the proclamation, farmers markets offer low-income women, infants, children, and seniors opportunities to redeem their benefits for fresh produce and provide electronic benefits transfer technology for use by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in redeeming and matching their benefits.
“Farmers market professionals work closely with health officials and risk managers to ensure healthy shopping experiences and meet service demands that make community spaces safe, engaging, educational, and accessible to the public,” Pavone said.
Market manager Carrie Olson of the Renton Farmers Market accepted the proclamation. Olson noted that there were eight more weeks of the farmers marketfrom 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Piazza Park in downtown Renton.
“We’ve got all of your farmers, all of your food processors, artisans, live music, kids activities, and just a great time overall,” Olson said. “So, we hope to see you there.”
Other council action
Aside from the proclamation, council business included the regular administrative report, consent agenda, unfinished business, legislation, and new business proceeding without fault. Notable action:
• From the administrative report: The Surface Water Utility department was accepting public comment on draft revisions to the 2024 Stormwater Management Program Plan through Aug. 7. The report said that revisions are needed to reflect additional requirements established in the new 2024-2029 NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, which will be effective on Aug. 1. The Plan and instructions for making comments were Renton’s website at rentonwa.gov/npdes.
• The Community and Economic Development Department recommended executing an agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce to receive $19,975 in grant funds for 2023-2025 Climate Planning. The council adopted the consent agenda as published.
• The Parks and Recreation Department requested authorization to pursue the acquisition of the Stoneway Property (Parcel ID 1723059026), and if negotiations are successful, return with a purchase and sale agreement and proposed budget adjustments for council approval. The council adopted the consent agenda as published.
• The Parks and Recreation Department recommended adopting a resolution authorizing an application to the State Recreation and Conservation Office for a Community Outdoor Athletic Facilities grant for $1.2 million for renovations at Earlington Park. The council adopted the consent agenda as published.
• The Parks and Recreation Department recommended the adoption of a resolution authorizing the application to the State Recreation and Conservation Office for a Community Outdoor Athletic Facilities grant for $550,000 for renovations associated with the Cedar River Boathouse Dock Replacement Phase 2 project. The council adopted the consent agenda as published.
• The Public Works Maintenance Services requested authorization to purchase a Case 590SN Wheel Loader from Sonsray Machinery of Auburn for $158,557.31, utilizing Sourcewell Contract #011723. The funds for this purchase were included in the 2023-2024 biennium budget. The council adopted the consent agenda as published.
