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Commission asks staff to identify options for Kiwanis portable at Dallas White Park as club seeks grant
Summary
The commission directed the city manager to identify options that would allow the Kiwanis Club to place a donated portable building at Dallas White Park, a step the club said is needed to restore community services after Hurricane Ian.
The City Commission on Oct. 14 directed the city manager to identify options to allow the Kiwanis Club of Northport to place a portable building on city-owned land at Dallas White Park, across from the club’s former site where it operated a children’s clothing and community closet before Hurricane Ian destroyed the prior structure.
What the commission directed: Commissioners voted unanimously to ask staff to present options for permitting or leasing a parcel at Dallas White Park for the Kiwanis Club to place a donated portable building. The club told the commission it is not requesting city funds for the building; instead the portable would be purchased by the Kiwanis through grants that require a property-owner agreement.
Why it matters: Kiwanis said the portable would restore its ability to collect and distribute clothing, shoes and other donated goods for families and schools. Club leaders said they are in the final stages of grants and face time-sensitive deadlines; they requested an agreement or conditional lease so grant funders will release money and ship the building.
Site and staff assessment: Public-works staff told the commission that utility hookups used for a prior portable in the same section of Dallas White Park remain in place and available, and that there are no known underground conflicts that would prevent siting a portable in the requested area. City staff emphasized any arrangement should protect city interests and include terms for maintenance and removal if the club ceases operation.
Next steps: Staff will identify options and return to the commission with potential terms for a site agreement or short-term lease, including any conditions required by grantors or code compliance. Commissioners emphasized they want a fair and consistent city-wide approach to nonprofit leases while accommodating Kiwanis’ time sensitivity.
Ending: Kiwanis leaders asked for quick action to avoid losing grant funding; staff will present lease/permit options for commission consideration.
