Council asks staff to draft formal process before approving Kids Feeding Kids garden on city property

Lake City — Council members expressed broad support on Jan. 6 for a proposed Kids Feeding Kids community garden to be run by a nonprofit, but they asked the city manager and staff to return with a written program and property-use procedure before approving use of city-owned land.

Councilwoman Tammy Harris presented the proposed location (near the former YMC / Youngs Park area) and said the program would include raised beds, hydroponic towers and classes for children and families. A program representative described plans for 30–40 raised beds, about 50 hydroponic towers and a greenhouse for seed-starting, plus after-school classes and family events.

Several council members praised the educational and community benefits while raising standard municipal concerns: who is legally liable if something goes wrong, whether volunteers and program adults should be subject to background checks, access to water and whether a written agreement or lease would allow the city to terminate the use if maintenance standards were not met. Council members also said the city should ensure consistent rules for other nonprofits seeking to use city property.

Council consensus was to have the city manager, Donnie Rosenthal, return at the next meeting with a proposed program framework and policy for use of city properties by outside groups. Council members said they would help assemble guidance so applicants are treated consistently.

Ending: No permit or lease was approved on Jan. 6; staff were asked to draft a standard program agreement and present it at a subsequent meeting so the council can consider a single application under clear terms.