Council, school officials expected to finalize MOU to rebuild tennis courts; liability and access remain points of negotiation

Council members and staff updated the council on efforts to finalize a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Board of Education to reconstruct public tennis courts adjacent to town property.

Councilwoman Laurie and Council member Anthony said they and staff have worked to remove obstacles in the draft MOU and asked the Board of Education for a timeline for issuing an RFP and constructing the courts. Staff said the town attorney reviewed the draft to reduce town liability and that the agreement will need language separating school-day operations from times when the community may use the courts.

Staff will meet with Board of Education counterparts to negotiate remaining language and then aim to have a signed agreement that both jurisdictions can accept. Council leaders said items they want included in the agreement are gates placed for controlled access, walkways from the parking lot to courts, and other small construction elements that influence public usability.

At the meeting council members described a path where a signed MOU would enable cooperation on construction and shared responsibilities and allow the project to move forward without leaving access or maintenance items unresolved. Staff said they would continue negotiations and return with an agreement that the superintendent (referred to in the meeting as Dr. Townsville) can sign.

Ending: Staff to continue negotiating with the Board of Education, supply a timeline for RFP issuance and construction, and return to the council with a signed MOU for final approval if terms are acceptable to both parties.