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Board approves one-year MOU with King's Hammer to develop fields at Hurt Road site; amendment limits early exclusivity
Summary
After questions about exclusivity, contract length and risk, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a one‑year memorandum of understanding with King's Hammer Soccer to move forward with planning for multi‑field athletic facilities on city land. The vote was 8–1 after an amendment clarifying exclusivity terms.
The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 8–1 on July 21 to approve a one‑year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with King's Hammer Soccer to develop athletic fields on the Hurt Road property owned by the city.
The MOU allows King's Hammer and the city to work together for 12 months to develop engineering plans and explore a partnership for additional rectangular fields, parking and pathways. Chris Peterman, CEO of King's Hammer, told the board the immediate goal is “to provide more fields for our kids to play. That’s about it. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Discussion and amendment
Board members asked about public access, maintenance, the length of the proposed long‑term agreement and exclusivity. Vice Mayor Linville moved an amendment to paragraph 11 of the draft MOU inserting the phrase “unless the agreement is otherwise validly terminated” after a clause describing the city’s agreement to a 24‑month exclusivity window. The amendment passed unanimously, and the board then approved the MOU 8–1. Alderman Canapari said he would vote against the MOU because he preferred a competitive qualification process before entering into a multi‑year commitment.
Key points from the debate
- Public use and scheduling: Peterman said he intends fields to be available for broad use when not reserved for programming; specific reservation rules and maintenance plans will be worked out in subsequent agreements. - Term and exclusivity: Peterman said 10–15 year operating agreements are typical for major field investments, but the approved document was a one‑year MOU to allow due diligence and engineering work. Vice Mayor Linville secured language to limit short‑term ambiguity about exclusivity. - Financial risk and reimbursement: Alderman Werner asked about reimbursement protections if the city cancels; Peterman said the parties could negotiate different terms and he was open to changes that make the economics work.
Vote and next steps
The board approved the amended MOU 8–1. The vote authorizes staff to proceed with the one‑year planning MOU; any design or construction approvals will require subsequent formal approvals, site plans and permits. Peterman and staff said detailed engineering and reservation procedures will return to the board once the MOU produces site plans and cost estimates.
Clarifying details
- Lease and payments: The board discussed a proposed land-lease of $5,000 per year in preliminary comments; final financial terms will be documented in subsequent agreements. - Term: The MOU approved at this meeting covers 12 months for planning and engineering; longer operating agreements remain subject to future negotiation.
Ending
King's Hammer will proceed with engineering and planning work under the one‑year MOU; staff will return to the board with final site plans, reservation/usage policies and any amendments required before construction.
