DEPARTMENT: Parks, Facilities, and Fleet Management
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute 2022 Lease Agreement For Agricultural Use Of County Property
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of lease agreement for agricultural use of County property.
SUMMARY
Dakota County has historically leased some unimproved County-owned land for interim agricultural purposes until such time it can be converted to its highest and best use according to approved plans.
Lease Approach
The parcel of land in Hampton for the future Grounds and Transportation Maintenance shop was purchased by the County, and the closing occurred in early June 2022. The previous owner had an existing relationship with the farmer, Joseph H. Meyer, to farm the land for the 2022 growing season. Upon closing, the County confirmed with Mr. Meyer that he planned to continue farming the parcel for the 2022 season and harvest his crop in the Fall. The County and Mr. Meyer agreed on a price of $200/acre for the 19 tillable acres planted, which aligns with other County leases for agricultural use. See (Attachment: Draft Farm Lease Agreement).
In early 2023, the County will plant the site in suitable vegetation for the long-term stability of the soils until construction happens on the site in future years.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the County Board authorize execution of the lease agreement with Joseph H. Meyer.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Interim agricultural land rental revenue in 2022 is $3,800 for this property in the Facilities Management Operating Budget.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County has historically leased some unimproved County-owned land for interim agricultural purposes until such time it can be converted to its highest and best use according to approved plans; and
WHEREAS, the parcel of land in Hampton for the future Grounds and Transportation Maintenance shop was purchased by the County, and the closing occurred in early June 2022; and
WHEREAS, the previous owner had an existing relationship with the farmer, Joseph H. Meyer, to farm the land for the 2022 growing season; and
WHEREAS, upon closing, the County confirmed with Mr. Meyer that he planned to continue farming the parcel for the 2022 season and harvest his crop in the Fall; and
WHEREAS, the County and Mr. Meyer agreed on a price of $200/acre for the 19 tillable acres planted, which aligns with other County leases for agricultural use; and
WHEREAS, in early 2023, the County will plant the site in a suitable vegetation for the long-term stability of the soils until construction happens on the site in future years; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends that the County Board authorize execution of the lease agreement with Joseph H. Meyer in the amount of $3,800.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks, Facilities, and Fleet Management Director to execute a farm lease agreement with Joseph H. Meyer for 19 tillable acres of farmland for the period of April 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, in the amount of $3,800, subject to the approval of the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Draft Farm Lease Agreement
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☒ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: Taud Hoopingarner
Author: Mike Lexvold