Subject:
Title
Request permission to terminate Lease Agreement with Jonathan Cecchi for access to approximately 128 acres adjacent to the South Central Wastewater Treatment Plant.
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Fiscal Impact:
Per the agreement, the lessee is required to pay the County's Natural Resource Management Department (NRMD) an annual lease fee of $141. Thus, the termination of this agreement will eliminate $141 per year to Natural Resources Department.
Dept/Office:
Utility Services Department
Requested Action:
Recommendation
Request Board approval to terminate the Lease Agreement with Jonathan Cecchi for access to approximately 128 acres adjacent to the South Central Wastewater Treatment Plant for purpose of cattle grazing.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
On September 19, 2016, a contract was signed, based on an advertised bid, between the NRMD and Mr. Jonathan Cecchi, where Mr. Cecchi was given access to 128 acres of Utility Services owned land adjacent to the South Central Wastewater Treatment Plant for the purpose of cattle grazing.
In May of2021, the Utility Services Department and NRMD signed a Memo of Understanding to allocate the management of the Viera Wetlands and its adjacent land back to the responsibility of the Utility Services Department.
On September 19, 2021, the initial five-year term of the lease with Mr. Cecchi expired. After a review of the short- and long-term Utilities Department needs, including providing a new Fats, Oils, and Grease Depot, de-mucking of the Viera Wetlands and construction of a central warehouse, it was determined that the use of the 128 acres is necessary to meet the needs of this Department. In order to plan and execute the aforementioned projects we deem it appropriate to decline to renew and terminate the lease agreement with Mr. Cecchi to avoid any issues or conflict with his cattle on the property.
Mr. Cecchi has been notified of this proposed action by the Utilities Services Department by certified letter an...
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