Council hears proposal to sublease 66 acres at Sharp Springs for farming; proposal includes barter options and corn-maze use
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Summary
Town staff presented a proposed sublease of 66 acres at Sharp Springs Park to a local farming family at the April workshop, recommending a $30-per-acre fee and permitting in-kind exchanges such as straw bales and equipment work in lieu of payment.
Town staff presented a proposed sublease to farm 66 acres at Sharp Springs Park after the prior tenant requested termination of a five‑year arrangement. The town received one proposal from Greg Rose and his family, who previously farmed the land through 2021.
Staff summary: A staff member said the proposed payment is $30 per acre for the 66 acres on the park's back side. The proposal allows the town to accept in‑kind services or materials, for example equipment work or straw bales used in park events, in lieu of cash, if the farmer has available materials.
Recreation and flood control considerations: Staff explained the Corps of Engineers retains the right to flood portions of the property when necessary. For that reason the town would dictate crops for particular areas; staff said they prefer corn or similar crops behind the building to preserve the fall corn‑maze tradition.
Examples of barter and operations: The presentation said the lessee might provide up to 300 bales of straw for park events or perform needed equipment work in exchange for fees. The staff summary noted the lessee also farms adjacent acreage under a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency lease, which would be managed together with the town's acreage if the sublease is approved.
Next steps: Staff recommended placing an authorization on the May agenda for the mayor to execute the sublease; no final action was taken at the workshop.