Eldora council authorizes staff to draft lease of Ninth Street to school district for safety improvements

The Eldora City Council authorized city staff and the city attorney to prepare a lease agreement giving the Aldora–New Providence School District use of Ninth Street (between 11th and 12th Avenues) for school-day safety measures, including gates and sidewalks.

Why it matters: The request stems from a streets-and-alley committee recommendation to lease the road segment rather than permanently vacate it; lease terms would be less costly and simpler to administer than a full vacation and allow the school to control traffic at school times for student safety.

Committee recommendation and superintendent input: Mike May Jr., who presided over the streets-and-alley committee, told the council the committee recommended leasing the right-of-way because it reduces paperwork and expense. He relayed that Dr. Zelmer, the superintendent of the South Harden schools, had indicated the district would accept associated costs in email correspondence.

Terms, timing and sidewalk work: Staff described a draft approach that could include a long-term lease (an example term of 99 years for $1 was mentioned during discussion as a working term), and noted the project must be completed before the next school year. The committee said the lease would allow the city to require construction of a six-foot sidewalk around the school and permit gating of the block during school hours to improve safety.

Motion and vote: Council authorized the administrator to proceed with drafting a lease and to consult the city attorney; the motion carried on roll call (Don: yes; Mike: yes; Carrie: yes). The finalized lease will return to council for approval before signing.

Next steps: Staff and the city attorney will draft the lease and return it to council for final consideration; the school and county filing processes will follow as required.