SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve First Amendment to Lease Agreement between Fields, Inc. d/b/a Barefoot Beach House, and the City of Clearwater to increase the length of the Agreement, from January 1, 2025 through February 28, 2027, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Fields, Inc. is the current operator of the Barefoot Beach House. During this time Fields Inc. has provided exceptional food concession services and cabana rentals to residents and visitors of Clearwater Beach. In addition, they have provided capital improvement funds to improve and repair city facilities on the beach and have contributed to the support of the Clearwater Beach Lifeguards.
Fields, Inc. has been the successful vendor for the past two Request for Proposals (RFP’s) for the Barefoot Beach House.
In November 2014, City Council approved an agreement with Fields, Inc. pursuant to RFP 35-14. That agreement provided for a five-year initial term, from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2019, and a five-year renewal. In December 2019, the City and Fields, Inc. approved the renewal term, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024.
Staff is recommending an extension of the current agreement, from January 1, 2025 to February 28, 2027, rather than issuing a RFP. This extension will coincide with the expiration of the lease for the Pier 60 Concession Complex. At that time the City will issue a new RFP to seek a vendor to operate both properties, Barefoot Beach House and Pier 60 Concession Complex, under one agreement.
For this extension Fields Inc. has agreed to contribute two lump sums of (i) $50,000 payable before January 1, 2025, and (ii) $50,000 payable before January 1, 2026. These lump sum payments will be used by the City for capital improvements of the leased premises. This amendment also provides for an increase in base rent from $100,008 per year ($8,334 per month) to $120,000 ($10,000 per month).
Fields, Inc. has played a role in the success of the Beach by providing vital concession services over the past two decades and it is anticipated that they will continue to be an important partner in the future.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
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STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Expanding the lease with this first amendment to the lease agreement as noted, above, the City supports several Strategic Plan Objectives including:
• 2.2: Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job growth; and
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
