Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA Receives No Fee RIOC Permit To Manage Farmers Market - PTA Seeking Volunteers To Collect Rent From Farmers Market Vendors

The Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA has been the long time manager of the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market.

Last week, a tipster reported the PTA asked for volunteers to help manager the Farmers Market. The tipster asked why the PTA is the Farmers Market manager?

217 PTA Urgently Needs Your Help for Farmer's Market Management & Event Planning for 2017-2018

Farmer's Market Volunteers Needed NOW!

Did you know that PTA Volunteers help manage the Roosevelt Island Farmer's Market?

We are in URGENT need of new community members to help the PTA manage the Roosevelt Island farmer's market. Our volunteers are primarily responsible for visiting the market on Saturdays and collecting rent payments from vendors. Ideally, a team of 2-3 people would help manage the market - taking turns visiting it each week.

Did you know that the rents from the farmer's market make up a sizable percentage of the PTA's annual operating budget?

The future of the RI Farmer's Market could be affected if we do not find new managers. Crucial funding for the PTA could also be put into jeopardy, which would result in cuts to the support and enrichments the PTA can provide 217.

So if you live nearby or regularly shop at the farmer's market, PLEASE HELP your community and school by getting involved today - email the PTA at psis217info@gmail.com.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal:

... Does the PTA need a permit from RIOC to manage the Farmers Market and collect rents from the vendors? If yes, does the PTA have a permit to do so?

I don't ever recall any Request For Proposals from RIOC for a manager of the Farmers Market.

Do you think a RFP is required to manage the Farmers Market? If yes, will RIOC issue a RFP for the Farmers Market?

According to RIOC, the PS/IS 217 PTA received a permit dated April 7, 2017:

... for the purpose of operating a Farmers Market including the right to bring vendors, customers, personnel and equipment into the Licensed Premises. This permit is strictly for the following dates and times listed on the attached invoice....

This permit is subject to cancellation or termination at any time without prior notice by an officer of RIOC or an employee thereof so designated to act, who, in his/her sole discretion, determines that a violation has occurred....

... The License Fee Access Control Fee is hereby waived....

RIOC General Counsel Jacqueline Flug adds:

There was no RFP because RIOC was not procuring any services. RFPs are for procurement and done pursuant to State Finance Law and State procurement guidelines. RIOC does not operate the Farmer’s Market, we have simply given permission to the PA to use RIOC land for this. We have no other role in the Farmer’s Market. Accordingly, there are no plans for a future RFP either.

Below is the April 7, 2017 RIOC permit for the PS/IS 217 to manage the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market.

RIOC PTA Farmers Market Permit

Click full screen icon to better read the permit.