Town and OPAA near contract signing after insurance, fuel-storage and background-check issues addressed

Town staff and representatives of the Orange Park Athletic Association (OPAA) reported progress toward finalizing a license agreement for OPAA Park but said several outstanding documents must arrive before the town will execute the contract.

Town Manager William Whitson said the draft agreement the council previously approved remains unsigned because OPAA sent attorney comments after council action. “The document itself that was passed is not signed,” Whitson said. He told the committee the town will accept one operational tweak — allowing small amounts of fuel near field-maintenance equipment if stored in approved containers — but will otherwise not accept the changes OPAA’s attorney proposed.

The nut graf: The committee was told the town needs three things before it will finalize the deal: the signed agreement, proof that the town is listed as an additional insured on OPAA’s insurance, and acceptance of a limited amendment allowing properly…