Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation Leases topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Common Council OKs long-term lease, cost-share for Tonawanda Football Clinic at East Niagara field
Summary
The Tonawanda Common Council approved an ongoing lease and a cost‑sharing arrangement with the Tonawanda Football Clinic allowing clinic priority use of the East Niagara recreational field, a small concession stand lease and 50% cost share for portable bathrooms and seasonal field paint.
The City of Tonawanda Common Council unanimously adopted an agreement on June 17 that grants the Tonawanda Football Clinic a long‑term, nonexclusive lease and establishes cost‑sharing terms for use of the East Niagara recreational area.
The agreement, introduced as Resolution No. 3 and sponsored by Council member Sheasley, states the city will lease a 40‑by‑20 portion of city property abutting 296 East Niagara Street for use as a concession (described in the resolution as a “candy snack stand”) and will grant the clinic priority use of the adjacent football field. The council approved the resolution by roll call vote (Cheesley, Fisher, Raumstrow, Milam and Cook — all “aye”).
Why it matters: The resolution formalizes the clinic’s long‑standing use of city property and sets financial responsibilities intended to reduce friction between the nonprofit and the city for maintenance and seasonal operations.
Key terms in the adopted agreement include: the clinic pays $1 per year in rent; the clinic must provide a $1,000,000 insurance certificate naming the city as additional insured before activities on city property; the city will contract with a vendor for two portable bathrooms (one ADA accessible) and the clinic will reimburse the city 50% of the portable‑bathroom costs for months when the units are used; the clinic will also reimburse the city for the actual cost of seasonal field paint; and the agreement is described as perpetual so long as the clinic continues to function as a nonprofit youth sports organization.
Council member Fisher commented in support of the resolution, saying the clinic “enhances the lives of the children in this area” and noting football and cheerleading teach responsibility and exercise. No amendments changed the material financial terms during the meeting.
The resolution includes standard city authorities: the city retains scheduling control and may require special permits for particular events, and the city reserves the right to immediately terminate use if necessary to protect public health and safety. The resolution also says the parties may not assign the agreement without the city’s written consent.
Ending: The council’s adoption means the clinic’s priority schedule and the city’s vendor‑contract plan for bathroom service and field maintenance are now formalized; the resolution was approved by unanimous roll call and filed as adopted.
