Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Keen leases city lot to Nature's Open Door Outreach Services for community garden
Summary
The council approved Resolution 2026-488 to lease a vacant city lot on Texas Street to Nature's Open Door Outreach Services for use as a community garden and education site; the nonprofit will supply materials and fundraising, while the city provides land and water, subject to insurance and a lease agreement.
Keen — The Keen City Council voted March 5 to allow Nature’s Open Door Outreach Services to use a vacant city-owned lot on Texas Street as a community garden, approving Resolution 2026-488 and an accompanying lease agreement that requires the nonprofit to carry liability insurance and operate under terms reviewed by the city attorney.
Jovita Canyon, who introduced herself as the lead organizer for the nonprofit, described plans to build raised beds and teach gardening skills to residents and students. “My goal is to do the garden … I love to cook and I love to grow food,” Canyon said, describing outreach to Future Farmers of America, the elementary school and partnerships with local probation work crews and other Growers Association members.
Staff explained the city would provide the land and water; public works staff noted the site formerly had a house but is currently clear and that access to water is available though a backflow device and minor plumbing would be required for irrigation systems. The draft agreement in the council packet requires the lessee to carry $1 million in liability insurance; Canyon said she was working to secure the required coverage.
Several council members asked for a more developed organizational plan and board structure before long-term commitments; staff and council characterized the initial arrangement as a lease agreement that would permit the nonprofit to begin a pilot effort while finalizing fundraising, insurance and governance documents. The motion to approve the lease and agreement passed by voice vote.
What’s next: Nature’s Open Door Outreach Services will secure required liability coverage and complete any lease conditions; staff will coordinate water access and any required backflow prevention work. Council members asked the organizer to return with governance details and distribution plans for produce.
