DATE: October 31, 2014
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Vernon Gerth, ACA Community & Economic Development
Lisa R. Clayton, Parks Director
SUBJECT: .title
Consideration of Lease Agreement between the City of Franklin and the Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC for the Multi-purpose Equestrian Arena at Harlinsdale Farm (COF Contract #2014-0281) (11/12/14 WS)
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Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information to the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) concerning entering into a multi-year lease with the Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC ("FOFP") for the purpose of constructing a multi-use equestrian arena and the management of event space at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm.
Background
On November 26, 2013, the Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC signed a Letter of Intent with the City to further the mission of the Friends of Franklin Parks, which is to "cultivate stewardship within our community to preserve our culture and natural resources, enhance the park experience and expand its legacy for future generations." In April 2013, the FOFP presented the concept of developing a multi-purpose equestrian complex and arena for the Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Since then, the FOFP has privately fundraised within the community and surrounding area to fund construction of a multi-use equestrian facility and event space within a five acre area of the park.
The FOFP submitted and received approval from the Franklin Municipal Planning Commission and the Historic Zoning Commission for the arena along with concessions, restrooms, event space, fencing, utilities, stormwater and paddocks. Over the past year, the FOFP Board of Directors formed subcommittees that concentrated on design and construction and worked tirelessly on developing the lease, business plan and budget jointly with City personnel.
The Land Trust of TN was contacted by the FOFP and the City. After the review of the ...
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