Title
Resolution authorizing an annual lease with Harden Farms and Stables, Inc. of Libertyville, Illinois in the amount of $1,500 for lease of County property for farming.
Staff Summary
• Lake County desires to enter into an annual lease for the sole intention of farming on the County farm property of approximately 20 tillable acres in Libertyville, Illinois.
• Pursuant to Illinois Statutes (55 ILCS 5/5-1005) the County Board has authority to make all contracts and do all other acts in relation to property to exercise its corporate power, including to sell and convey or lease any real or personal property owned by the county.
• The current lease had expired in 2020 when the previous farmer had retired, and the property has been left in its natural state as staff worked through development plans for the property to include the Regional Operations Center and installation of solar arrays.
• Staff was approached by a local farmer interested in crop farming the remaining 20 acres.
• The lease is for a one-year term with an option to renew for four additional one-year terms and will provide an annual revenue in the amount of $1,000.
Body
WHEREAS, Lake County desires to enter into an annual lease agreement for the sole intention of crop farming on the County farm property of approximately 20 tillable acres in Libertyville, IL; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Illinois Statutes (55 ILCS 5/5-1005) the County Board has authority to make all contracts and do all other acts in relation to property to exercise its corporate power, including to sell and convey or lease any real or personal property owned by the county; and
WHEREAS, the current lease had expired in 2020 when the previous farmer had retired, and the property has been left in its natural state as staff worked through development plans for the property to include the Regional Operations Center and installation of solar arrays.; and
WHEREAS, staff was approached by a local farmer interested in crop farming the remaining 20 acres.; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has determined that this annual lease to Harden Farms and Stables, Inc. of Libertyville, Illinois is the best interest of the County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the Chairman of the Board is authorized to enter into a lease agreement with Harden Farms and Stables, Inc. of Libertyville, Illinois in the amount of $1,000, at a rate of $150 per acre for a one-year term with the option to renew for four one-year terms for the Lease of County Property for Farming of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on September 13, 2022.