Board approves MOU returning Benicia Middle School grounds to district, discusses cell towers and field repairs

The Benicia Unified School District board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with the City of Benicia to terminate a long-standing 99-year ground lease for Benicia Middle School, returning responsibility for the site’s maintenance to the district when the MOU’s conditions are met.

City Manager Mario Giuliani told trustees the termination is conditioned on the conclusion or removal of telecommunications leases at the site; he said telecom operators have been seeking to renegotiate but the city has declined and that many such sites are being removed as they become less profitable. Giuliani said one of the leases runs close to 2040 but he would be “shocked” if it lasted that long.

Trustees pressed for clarity about timelines, maintenance obligations and interim safety measures. One trustee emphasized concerns about gopher holes and field safety; Giuliani said the MOU includes pest management and weekly mowing provisions and that district and city staff will collaborate on prioritized maintenance. He added the city expects to maintain the middle-school fields until June 2027 or until construction begins, whichever comes first.

The MOU also includes a separate provision to keep the pool open for up to five years; Giuliani said the arrangement was designed as a vehicle to preserve community pool access while returning land control to the district.

The board moved and approved the MOU by voice vote. Trustees asked staff to continue working with city staff to produce specific project lists and timelines for field work and tower removal.