Commission recommends renewal of Coeur d'Alene junior tackle football use agreement for Persons Field

The Coeur d'Alene Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 27 voted unanimously to recommend City Council approve an updated five‑year use agreement and facility lease with the Coeur d'Alene Junior Tackle Football Association for Persons Field.

The updated agreement consolidates prior separate arrangements into a single contract covering field use and the association’s pole building (a structure the group paid for and deeded to the city). Under the proposal discussed at the meeting, Junior Tackle would pay $2,000 per year with a 5 percent annual increase and would additionally be responsible for electricity/utilities for the building via a separate meter.

Why it matters: Staff said previous agreements had expired; the updated contract is intended to clarify fees and record the partnership formally. Commissioners and staff praised the association’s longtime volunteer leadership and community ties.

Staff explained that the single fee would cover both the building and field use, but utilities are billed separately because the pole building has its own meter and is used solely by the association. Recreation staff praised the group’s coach and volunteer leaders and noted positive feedback from the Persons Field neighborhood.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Hill moved that the commission recommend council approval of the updated agreement; Commissioner Tate seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

What’s next: The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for consideration; staff did not identify additional implementation steps beyond recording the agreement and billing responsibilities.