Committee forwards Grama farmland lease to council, seeks offer for Koenig property

The Finance and Taxation Committee voted to forward one agricultural lease to the Common Council and to ask staff to return with an offer for another expiring lease, after a discussion about per‑acre rent levels and whether to preserve first‑right arrangements for existing tenants.

Administrator Rindy said two agricultural leases had expired or were due to expire: one adjacent to the Haven Hills development (the Konings lease) and one acquired from Donnie's currently farmed by the Grama brothers. Rindy asked whether the committee wanted to renew with the same tenants or advertise the leases for bids.

Committee members questioned the current per‑acre rates. The record shows one lease described as "140" per acre (discussed as being very low for alfalfa), while another was described in the materials as $3.30 per acre; staff said the lower rate reflected an earlier 4‑year period during which the tenant planted alfalfa and therefore the lower price was intended to let the tenant recoup that investment. Staff recommended giving the current tenant first right to offer on one parcel and returning with that offer or advertising more broadly depending on committee direction.

A committee member moved to send the Grama lease to council as presented; the motion was seconded and a roll‑call vote recorded unanimous aye votes from the Alders listed by the clerk. The committee directed staff to return with an offer for the Koenig (North) farm rather than immediately forwarding that lease to council.

The committee adjourned after a motion to adjourn and unanimous assent from members present.