Council OKs 10‑year Barco lease to clean and maintain a city utility corridor

Public works and city staff presented a negotiated land‑lease agreement with Barco Holdings for a parcel dedicated to the city that overlies utility infrastructure (canal, culinary transmission line, power conduit). The site had become a repository for trailers and equipment; Barco agreed to remove material, clean the area, improve surfacing and maintain the parcel in exchange for a lease payment of $4,000 per year for up to ten years. The lease preserves city access through east and west gates and contains a termination clause if the city later needs the corridor for a public road.

Staff noted some containers with liquids were present earlier and that Barco has already removed some items. Council members asked about hazardous materials liability and whether selling the parcel would be appropriate; staff recommended retaining city ownership given subsurface utilities. Council approved the lease 5–0 and thanked staff and Barco for resolving a longstanding maintenance issue.

Next steps: Barco will complete required cleanup and surfacing work once the contract is finalized; staff will monitor environmental conditions and exercise the city’s right to reclaim the corridor if road needs arise.