HomeMy WebLinkAboutA007 - Resolution approving a Lease Agreement between the City and Iowa State University (ISU) for ISU Land Adjacent Moore Memorial ParkITEM #:11
DATE:05-12-26
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:LEASE AGREEMENT FOR ISU LAND ADJACENT MOORE MEMORIAL
PARK
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Moore Memorial Park includes approximately 30 acres of land on the west side of Ioway
Creek. This land was leased to Iowa State University (ISU) for farming for many years. To
assist with the Water Pollution and Control's (WPC) Nutrient Reduction goals, the farmland
was converted to prairie in spring of 2023.
ISU is still farming approximately 24 acres of ISU land directly west of the Moore Memorial
Park prairie. ISU has decided to stop farming this area and is willing to lease this to the City at
no cost. Once the agreement is approved, the City would convert the farmland to prairie and
manage the prairie thereafter. The Water Pollution Control Department CIP - Watershed-
based Nutrient Reduction project has $75,000 in FY 2026/27 that will be used to cover the
cost of this conversion.
If Council approves this request for additional acres, there will be almost 55 acres of prairie
that helps reduce nutrient runoff into Ioway Creek. It'll also provide additional habitat for
pollinators, birds, and wildlife. Mowed paths through the prairie will be established for
individuals to use. By entering into this agreement, it will also keep heavy farm equipment off
of Scholl Road once a shared use path is established.
Attached is the Lease Agreement which is similar to the other leases (e.g. Brookside Park,
Stuart Smith Park) the City has with Iowa State University (ISU). Below are some highlights of
the Agreement:
Paragraph 1. Term - The agreement will be for 20 years, July 1, 2026 -June 30, 2046.
Paragraph 3. Consideration - There shall be no monetary payments for this lease.
Paragraph 4. Use of Leased Site - The City shall use the site only as public park and comply
with all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Paragraph 5. Improvements - The City, at its expense, shall convert the land to prairie within
two years of the commencement of the agreement. The City may establish mown trails and
install interpretive signage on the leased site. It does state that any shared use path installed
within the leased area will be governed by a separate easement agreement.
Paragraph 7. Maintenance - This outlines that the City is responsible for maintaining the area
including associated costs. It also defines communication and consultation with ISU prior to
work being performed.
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Paragraph 8. Hazardous Substances - Acknowledges that no environmental study has been
performed on this and allows the City to terminate the lease agreement if existing hazardous
substances are discovered on the leased site.
Paragraph 10. Emergency Services - The City shall be responsible for providing emergency
services but this does not contravene any existing or future 28E agreements between the City
and ISU.
Leasing of this land has been discussed with the Parks and Recreation Commission, and they
recommend City Council approve the lease agreement.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the lease agreement with ISU for 24 acres of land adjacent Moore Memorial
Park
2. Do not approve the lease agreement
3. Refer back to staff
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This lease agreement is a win for several reasons: 1) it helps reduce nutrients entering the
surrounding waterways; 2) provides habitat for pollinators, birds, and wildlife; 3) it keeps heavy
farm equipment out of this area and off of a future shared use path; and 4) it provides a
natural recreation area for users to walk, watch birds, and enjoy nature. Funding is available in
the WPC CIP-Watershed-based Nutrient Reduction project and Parks and Recreation is
already maintaining the adjacent Moore Memorial Park prairie.
This is another positive example of the town and gown relationship the City has with
I S U . Therefore, it is the City Manager's recommendation that the City Council approve
Alternative #1 as stated above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Moore Bottoms Lease.pdf
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