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Public Farmland
Recent Events
October 22, 2019 City Council Business Meeting (Video): The 2020 Adopted Budget did not currently include operating support for Friends of the Farms (FotF). FotF requested that Council provide $72,000 in 2020, and that the master lease be revised to provide that the annual payment be adjusted annually by CPI. Friends is also requested that the Council consider amending the master lease to change and clarify other sections, or replace the lease with a property management agreement. The current discussion is limited to the 2020 payment request with other discussions deferred until 2020. Outcome: Approved funding $72,000 from Council contingency in 2020; Council ad hoc committee to be formed to determine next steps.
September 17, 2019 City Council Study Session (Video): In 2018, FotF requested that the City provide an annual payment of $65,000 in 2019 with continuing support in future years. The City Council decided to fund FotF for one year for that amount and committed to discuss the question of ongoing operating support later in the year. Outcome: The discussion focused on whether to fund in 2020.
July 16, 2019 City Council Study Session (Video): Friends of the Farms provided additional information regarding their programs, staff activities, and budget. City staff agreed to research comparable public farmland models and property management service fees. Outcome: City Council decided to discuss the proposal further in October.
April 23, 2019 City Council Business Meeting (Video): Friends of the Farms presented their 2018 Annual Report of its activities under the terms of their Master Lease and Management Agreement with the City. Outcome: Information only.
August 28, 2018 City Council Business Meeting (Video): Friends of the Farms presented on their proposed “Food Forest” project which would be located at the City-owned public farmland property. Outcome: Information only.
Background
On December 9, 2011, Friends of the Farms (FotF) and the City of Bainbridge Island (City) signed the “City of Bainbridge Island and Friends of the Farms Master Lease and Management Agreement” (Master Lease). The duration of the Master Lease is 30 years, commencing on the first day of January 2012, and terminating on the first day of January 2042. The properties described in the Master Lease include 60.86 acres of City-owned agricultural land.City-Owned Agricultural Land Leased by Friends of the Farms
| Property Name | Location | Size (Acres) |
|---|---|---|
| Suyematsu & Bentryn Family Farms | 9229 NE Day Road - NE Section | 14.76 |
| Suyematsu & Bentryn Family Farms | 9229 NE Day Road - NW Section | 11.21 |
| Morales Farm | 8862 NE Lovgreen Road - NE Corner of Highway 305 and Lovgreen | 4.74 |
| Crawford Property | Accessed either from Suyematsu and Bentryn Family Farms or Lovgreen Road, between Bentryn property (private) to the north and Lempriere property (private) to the south | 2.30 |
| M&E Farm | Accessed via Charles Road; between Crawford (west) and private Bentryn property (north) | 13.34 |
| Johnson Farm | Johnsonville Lane off of Fletcher Bay Road, approximately ½ mile south of High School Road | 14.51 |
Total Acreage |
60.86 |