Approve Lease Agreement Between the School Board of Hillsborough County and the Housing Authority of the City of Tampa to Use  Meacham Middle School Site for Encore Urban Farm

The Housing Authority of the City of Tampa, Florida has requested to use the Meacham Middle School site owned by the School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida, a body corporate, located within the Encore Community.  The Housing Authority plans to operate an urban organic farm, which would include a kitchen, classroom, and an on-site market stand.  The farm would be an educational resource for district students and the public, and would provide a venue for fund raising events to sustain and provide awareness for the urban farm. 

The initial term of the lease is five (5) years, with the School Board retaining the right to terminate with a 180-day written notice; the Housing Authority, or a sublessee as approved by the school district, will pay all utilities and any cost of the improvements; the Housing Authority, or its sublessee, will provide insurance as required during the term of the lease; and no fees for any school district student attending educational programs will be charged.

This lease is proposed to be presented to the Board of the Housing Authority of the City of Tampa on April 27, 2016.  This lease was prepared by school district real estate legal counsel.

Approval of the Lease Agreement between the School Board of Hillsborough County and the Housing Authority of the City of Tampa, will have no financial impact to the School Board.  All expenses for the design, building and operation of an urban organic farm on the future site of Meacham Middle  School, will be the sole responsibility of the Housing Authority.