Aldermen OK ballfield lease in Geneva

GENEVA – Aldermen recommended renewing an intergovernmental agreement with the Geneva Park District to lease two baseball fields and a parking lot for 24 more years.

The baseball fields and parking lot are adjacent to the Geneva Public Works facility at 1800 South St. and is a renewal of a previous agreement enacted June 1, 1992, officials said.

Acting as the Committee of the Whole June 11, aldermen voted unanimously to recommend approval. The City Council will take final action.

The park district’s rent will be $1 per year, documents show.

The park district is also responsible for the improvements to the ballfields and the parking lot, including the access road, grass, trees and shrubs, according to the agreement

The park district is not allowed to construct field lights or parking lot lights on the baseball fields. But if park officials decide such lighting is necessary due to the field’s use, then city approval is necessary, according to the agreement.

The park district also cannot develop permanent washroom facilities but must construct a screened area for temporary toilets on a seasonal basis, the agreement states.

If park officials determine the leased property is no longer needed, the lease can be terminated upon 30 days of written notice to the city, the agreement states.