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Council approves 20‑year license for Ecology Center to operate Linovia Farm with city capital support
Summary
The council authorized a 20‑year license with the Ecology Center for a 1.5‑acre Linovia Farm on city property, with phased city capital contributions (first $300,000 then two subsequent payments totaling $450,000) and a $1‑per‑year license fee; the Ecology Center will provide educational programming and maintain the site.
The council approved a license agreement allowing the Ecology Center to operate a 1.5‑acre Linovia Farm on city‑owned land near Lanovia Avenue and San Juan Creek Road. Assistant City Manager Matisse Bridal and Ecology Center representatives described the site plan, fencing, pedestrian access, temporary restroom plan and programming goals focused on regenerative organic farming and school‑based education. The license term is 20 years with two optional 10‑year extensions; the Ecology Center will maintain operations and pay a nominal $1 per year license fee.
City capital funding for start‑up and utility improvements was described in phases: $300,000 at license execution (primarily for fencing), a $100,000 payment 45 days after contract evidence of fencing contract, and a final $100,000 following completion of initial site improvements and first plantings — reflecting previously allocated funds from the Agricultural Preservation Fund ($500,000) and a $250,000 allocation from the farm operations fund (SEG 1654–1664; 1666–1680).
Council members asked technical questions about fence materials, site paving, equestrian access and parking; Ecology Center and staff clarified that farming is a permitted use, parking is not required for farming uses under code, operations would focus on school field trips and walking access from nearby parking (including St. Margaret’s parking), and farm activities are primarily hand‑tool driven rather than heavy tractors. Public comment included both support and criticism; one resident raised concerns about prior Ecology Center site work and ADA/parking issues. After discussion, council approved the license agreement and found the action categorically exempt from CEQA.
The Ecology Center will be required to provide a minimum of 24 educational events annually and a set of city contract classes; the agreement allows city use for up to two events per year at no cost and includes a revenue‑share arrangement for city classes (35% to the city, 65% to Ecology Center). City staff will oversee performance schedule milestones and ensure installation of fencing, lighting plans and water/power utility connections before full operations.
