Laserfiche WebLink
Council Memo <br /> Public Works Department <br /> No. 2026-09 <br /> DATE: 3/16/2026 <br /> TO: Honorable Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council Members <br /> FROM: Melissa Hon,City Manager <br /> Matt Newell,Director of Public Works <br /> Robert Weil,Water Production Manager <br /> Jennifer Gunter, Watershed& Lake Manager <br /> SUBJECT: <br /> Resolution Authorizing a Cash Rent Farm Lease with Andy Freeland for Oakley Sediment Basin Farm <br /> SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached <br /> resolution authorizing a cash rent farm lease with Andy Freeland for 80 acres in the Oakley Sediment Basin <br /> Farm. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> The City owns the Oakley Sediment Basin,which was historically used to receive and store sediment generated <br /> from dredging projects over the years. Due to the long-term placement of sediment, much of the site has <br /> remained saturated and unsuitable for typical agricultural use. Staff has been working diligently to improve <br /> drainage of the site and manage vegetation. As a result, approximately 80 acres of the basin are now sufficiently <br /> dry to support crop production and could be utilized for agricultural purposes this growing season. Productive <br /> use of this area would allow the City to manage the site more effectively while generating potential revenue and <br /> maintaining the land. Another 90 acres is being considered for miscanthus production. <br /> First Illinois Ag Group,the City's farm management consulting firm,has evaluated the site and recommends <br /> retaining Andy Freeland to farm this acreage. They note that the ground conditions present unique challenges <br /> due to soil composition, compaction, and residual moisture. Successful crop production on this type of land <br /> requires specialized knowledge and experience beyond conventional farming practices. Therefore,the plot is to <br /> be rented at no charge. However, the tenant will be responsible for clearing vegetation,preparing the soil and <br /> adding nutrients as necessary. These will offset City costs for vegetation management. If the site proves to be <br /> productive, an appropriate cash rent will be negotiated in future years. <br /> LEGAL REVIEW: The lease was provided to the Legal Department for review on December 31, 2025. <br /> PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: <br /> Monetization of the sediment basin has long been a goal of the City Council. Several prior agriculture lease <br /> attempts have been made; this is another iteration in getting the basin into productive use. <br /> POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS: There are no known objections to this resolution. The proposal was discussed <br /> with the City's Oakley Sediment Basin Committee,and they were in favor of it. <br /> INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: <br /> Megan Fredrickson, First Illinois Ag Group <br />