Council approves mowing agreement with council member for Paw Park field after adding hold-harmless clause

The Summerfield Town Council approved a resolution June 9 authorizing an agreement by which council member John Dog will mow and maintain town-owned acreage adjacent to Paw Park and take the hay produced, subject to hold-harmless language added at the meeting.

Town attorney Ashley Anderson explained that North Carolina statutes allow municipalities to contract with officials for certain low-value agricultural services and recommended memorializing the agreement as a contract to ensure transparency. Anderson also read inserted language requiring Mr. Dog "on his behalf and on behalf of his employees shall hold the Town of Summerfield harmless from and against any and all claims" related to work performed under the arrangement.

Council debated whether the arrangement amounted to an informal lease of municipal land and whether the town should have opened the opportunity to all citizens by public notice or bid. Some council members said the town benefits because it avoids staff time and equipment costs for multiple annual mows; others argued special access to a council member creates the appearance of favoritism and stated they would prefer an open process in future years.

The resolution was approved after the addition of the hold-harmless provision. Council directed staff to post the agreement and required contract information per statutory requirements and noted the agreement may be canceled at either party's December notice; the resolution will be kept on file at town hall.