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3/12/2021 Item Coversheet <br /> In <br /> Public Works <br /> DATE: 3/5/2021 <br /> MEMO: 2021-27 <br /> TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council <br /> FROM: Scot Wrighton,City Manager <br /> Matt Newell,P.E.,Public Works Director <br /> Keith Alexander,Water Production Manager <br /> SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing Cash Rent Farm Lease with Craig Hill for DeWitt County Water Wellfield <br /> SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: <br /> It is proposed that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing a Cash Rent Farm Lease with Craig Hill for the <br /> DeWitt County Wellfield. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> The City-owned DeWitt County Water Wellfield has 106.21 acres that have been farmed for several years by Mr.Hill under a lease <br /> from First Illinois Ag Group,the City's farm management consultant. Last fall City staff determined that these annual leases also <br /> need to be authorized by the City Council. <br /> Since the quality of the soil at the Wellfield is high,the leases have been on a cash rent basis,with a bonus rent based on actual <br /> crop production and average market price,to maximize City income. In 2020,the City's net farm income at this location was <br /> $26,611.09. <br /> First Illinois Ag Group recommends that Mr.Hill be allowed to continue farming the Wellfield since he is very knowledgeable of <br /> the unique characteristics of the property and has successfully farmed on it for many years. <br /> PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: None. <br /> POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS: None Forseen. <br /> INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: <br /> First Illinois Ag Group <br /> LEGAL REVIEW: The proposed lease was provided to the Legal Department for review on February 10,2021. <br /> STAFF REFERENCE: STAFF REFERENCE:Matt Newell,Public Works Director,424-2747.Keith Alexander,Water <br /> Production Manager,424-2863.Matt will be in attendance at the City Council meeting to answer any questions of the Council on <br /> this item. <br /> BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: There are no implications. <br /> COPY. <br /> James Schroeder,First Illinois Ag Group <br /> Craig Hill,Tenant <br /> ATTACHMENTS: <br /> Description Type <br /> Resolution Authorizing Cash Rent Farm Lease with Craig Resolution Letter <br /> Hill for DeWitt County Water Wellfield <br /> Location Maps Backup Material <br /> https://decatur.novusagenda.com/AgendaWeb/CoverSheet.aspx?ItemI D=3305 1/2 <br />