Galt flea market decision won't come for at least two weeks

After considerable debate on the merits and liabilities of adding a third flea market day, the Galt City Council decided on Tuesday to wait for two weeks and then make up its mind.

Mayor Darryl Clare, who was to be the swing vote on what appeared to be a 2-2 split, said he was hung up on the fact that a four-hour flea market on Mondays would cost the city $11,000. The idea behind adding a flea market, he said, was to increase city revenue.

Instead of taking any action Tuesday, the council asked Parks and Recreation Director Boyce Jeffries to try to develop a break-even budget over the next two weeks. One way, Clare suggested, could be to increase vendor fees for the Monday flea market.

Clare added that he would be willing to entertain the idea of eating the $11,000 if the council said it was worth the expenditure to provide local entertainment. Jeffries said earlier in the meeting he anticipated having local bands and dancers perform during the smaller Monday flea market.

Jeffries proposed that the city add a Monday flea market from 4 to 8 p.m. from April 4 through July 4. The Monday market would be in addition to the regular Tuesday and Wednesday markets during daytime hours.

Until Clare suggested postponing a decision, Councilmen Tim Raboy and Tom Malson supported giving the Monday market a try for three months, while Vice Mayor Randy Shelton and Councilwoman Barbara Payne opposed it.

Supporters said that out-of-town residents dominate the Tuesday-Wednesday crowd. With a Monday market from 4 to 8 p.m., Galt residents could begin visiting the market to get bargains and enjoy family entertainment.

Shelton and Payne said that several concerned residents had contacted them before the meeting about traffic, parking and public safety problems the Monday night market would create.

Charlie Golding, who owns the McDonald's restaurant about two blocks from the flea market, said that benefits to business would outweigh any traffic roadblocks that may come to C Street, Civic Drive and Caroline Avenue.

Galt residents Mattie Shepherd, June Gilmore, Joann Walters and Al Baldwin also supported the Monday market, but Realtor Jennifer Kilgore and developer Mike Guttridge were among the opponents.

Payne said that before the Parks and Recreation Department tackles new ventures like a Monday flea market, the city should tend to unfinished business such as the Galt Boys and Girls Club, which has been without a home for more than two years after mold was discovered in the clubhouse at Caroline and Chabolla avenues.

"I have too many unanswered questions to support it tonight," Shelton said.

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.