R2023-09 Resolution Authorizing Crop Share Farm Lease with Steve Bell for Oakley Sediment Basin Exterior

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Public Works Memorandum NO. 2023-03 DATE: January 17,2023 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council FROM: Scott Wrighton, City Manager Matt Newell, P.E., Public Works Director Keith Alexander,Water Production Manager Jennifer Gunter,Watershed and Lake Manager SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing Crop Share Farm Lease with Steve Bell for Oakley Sediment Basin Exterior SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign, and the City Clerk to attest, to a Resolution Authorizing Crop Share Farm Lease with Steve Bell for the Oakley Sediment Basin Exterior at no cost to the City. PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: On October 18, 2021, the City Council authorized a Crop Share Farm Lease with Steve Bell for Oakley Sediment Basin Exterior. BACKGROUND: The exterior of the City owned Oakley Sediment Basin, where dredged lake sediment was pumped into, has 30.93 tillable acres that have been farmed for several years by Mr. Bell. First Illinois Ag Group recommends that Mr. Bell be allowed to continue farming the Oakley Sediment Basin since he is very knowledgeable of the unique characteristics of the property and has farmed on it for many years. The terms of the lease are identical to the previous lease. Since the quality of the Basin's exterior soil is generally average, and the areas that are farmed are small and not contiguous, the lease will continue to be on a crop share basis to equitably share between the City and Mr. Bell the costs and benefits of farming at this location. In 2020, the City's net farm income at this site was $2,985.67. In 2021, the City's net income was $4,662.63. The difference in net incomes is due to higher 2021 grain prices. The shared costs and benefits are listed on page 1 of the lease, and include: • Harvested crops • Limestone • Fertilizer • Herbicides • Insecticide • Soil testing • Seeds