Speaker 2 told the council that a $5,500 annual lease payment to Saint Peter's Catholic Church appears on the general invoices for use of church parking tied to Belts Park and asked whether the city should continue the payment.

City officials said the lease was negotiated and approved about a year earlier to formalize existing parking arrangements and includes an annual payment and sidewalk plowing. Speaker 4 said the agreement was reached after back-and-forth negotiations to allow people to park and use the park facilities, and that striped parking and future lot plans could alter the need for the church lease.

Speaker 6 told the council the contract was considered in November 2024 and includes an automatic renewal with termination provisions; staff said the contract provides for reimbursement of prepaid rent if the city follows termination language and that reimbursement would likely be prorated. Speaker 1 recommended honoring the current year's obligation in good faith while directing a more thorough review for next year.

The council voted to refer the Saint Peter's lease for parking at Belts Park to the Parks and Recreation Commission for review and recommendation; Speaker 5 seconded the motion. The referral does not change the city’s obligation to the current invoice and staff advised that termination provisions and reimbursement language could allow recovery if the city later terminates under contract terms.

The Parks and Recreation Commission will review access (sidewalks, safe pedestrian routes), the reasonableness of continued payment given recent striping and planned parking changes on South Shore, and will return a recommendation to council.