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Council approves amended parking‑lot leases and directs staff to explore buying the Freddy Field parcel
Summary
Council approved amended three‑year leases (with one‑year automatic renewals) for several parking lots, removed cross‑default language, budgeted $7,954 for the Freddy Field lease, and voted to have staff negotiate acquisition of the parcel.
Belmont City Council approved amended lease agreements for several city parking lots and directed staff to explore acquiring the Freddy Field parcel from Belmont Land and Investment Company.
Staff said council had previously directed three negotiation priorities and that the company agreed to make requested changes: both the Gant and Freddy Field agreements now have a three‑year initial term with one‑year automatic renewals, cross‑default language was removed so each lease stands alone, and the termination language was clarified (the first term allows 30‑day notice before renewal; renewal terms require 90‑day notice). Staff told council the Freddy Field lease amount was budgeted at $7,954 for the coming year.
A council member raised concerns about investing in park improvements when the city does not own the Freddy Field parcel and urged staff to explore purchase options. After discussion, council voted to approve the amended leases (recorded as 3–1) and passed a separate motion directing staff to enter negotiations with the property owner to explore acquisition of the parcel.
Council also discussed the practicalities of using the soccer fields, tournament revenue to offset costs, and the timeline for termination and renewal under the revised lease language. Staff said the company expects an agreement effective July 1 so the city can include the lease in next year’s budget.
