Submitted By: Rusella Bowes-Johnson
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Presentation By: Sean Lanier
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Department: Water & Sewer
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve Landowner Concurrence Form to Install Structural or Vegetative Activities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service for Agri Land & Cattle Co., LLC at the City-owned Perry Reuse Site
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Fiscally Sustainable
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
On September 6, 2022, the City of Ocala (City) entered into a 10-year Lease Agreement (WRS/220439) with Agri Land & Cattle Co., LLC (Lessee) for the provision of agricultural, hay production, and grazing operations at the City-owned Perry Reuse Site. The Perry Reuse Site is a slow-rate land application site utilized by the City for the purpose of recycling reclaimed water produced by Water Reclamation Facility No. 2. At the site, the City irrigates approximately 604 acres of pastureland with center pivot irrigators and fixed gun-type sprinklers.
On November 6, 2023, the Lessee requested City approval and execution of a Landowner Concurrence Form to Install Structural or Vegetative Activities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Lessee would like to replace some fencing, the existing well, and water troughs on the property. A program offered through the NRCS will reimburse ranchers and farmers the cost of installing structural or vegetative conservation activities on land they lease. All the upfront cost to replace the fence, existing well and water troughs will be incurred by the Lessee.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Agri Land & Cattle Co., LLC is the current Lessee at the City-owned 604-acre Perry Reuse Site. The initial Lease Term is scheduled to run from September 7, 2022, through September 6, 2032, unless terminated sooner by either party as provided herein. The Lease may be extended for up to two (2) additional five-year renewal terms upon written consent between City and Lessee.
Staff recommends approval of the Landowner Concurrence Form and requests authorization for the Water Resources Director/City Engineer to sign the form on behalf of the City.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
The Landowner Concurrence Form has been reviewed by the Procurement and Contracting Officer in compliance with City policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Table
• Deny