17 - LAKE CROOK LEASE AMENDMENT - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item No. 17 memorandum TO: Mayor & City Council FROM: John Godwin, City Manager SUBJECT: LAKE CROOK LEASE AMENDMENT DATE: February 27, 2017 BACKGROUND: Portions of Lake Crook have been leased to the Archers for Christ for very many years, and the current lease was extended effective just last October 1 for an additional period of five years, or through September 30, 2021. This lease agreement provides that the organization maintains exclusive control and access to certain sections of the lake from the first weekend of October through the first weekend of January (i.e. during hunting season). They are required to post and maintain signs during this period to prevent others from entering for their own safety. Except for areas in which the organization maintains structures and target ranges, the entire leased area remains open to the public the remainder of the year. Firearms are not allowed in the leased area; however, they may be discharged within certain guidelines in Section 3 (leased by the Paris Skeet & Gun Club) and Section 9 (the actual lake, which is open to the public at all times and may be used for duck hunting in season). STATUS OF ISSUE: Recently, as part of our redevelopment of Lake Crook for recreational purposes, we planned to construct and open trails for walking, jogging, and equestrian purposes. However, the areas most logically to be used for these purposes include old 19th Street NW and the electric power line rights -of -way. To ensure the safe usage of both areas, and to reduce possible conflicts between the public and the AFC during hunting season, we propose to decrease the leased area by two sections: 7 and 8A. The archers have agreed to this reduction of area, and by including Section 7 we create a natural barrier between the city's active use areas and the archers' leased areas, since a creek separates Section 7 on its western side. This makes it less likely that anyone will accidentally wander into the lease area. The archers have also assured us that they will redouble efforts to keep proper signage in place at this new boundary. We already have both horses and humans using 19th Street and the utility ROW. BUDGET: NA. RECOMMENDATION: Authorize city manager to execute amended lease agreement.