Council Communication

CITY COUNCIL Business Item VIII.A
COMMUNICATION Agua Fria Lease Agreement Amendment
To: Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf and Members of the City Council
From: Matthew Williams, City Manager
Meeting Date: 10/21/2026
Presenter: Matthew Williams, City Manager
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
MOVE TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH AGUA FRIA SCHOOL
DISTRICT FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE HILLTOP BANDSTAND AND SURROUNDING AREA
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The City approved a land lease agreement with the Agua Fria school district in November 2024
for construction of the hilltop school and performing arts center. The term of this agreement
was 75 years with option for a 24 year renewal.
Through discussions with Agua Fria and City staff Agua Fria has expressed interest in
restoring/expanding the existing historical bandstand and surrounding bandstand area (see
exhibit for boundaries). The bandstand area has a rich history with many events such as the
symphony, Easter services, Litchfield family funeral services, etc. Agua Fria understands the
importance of saving these historical elements while also improving them for modern day
performing events.
Staff would propose an amendment to the November 2024 lease agreement to cover the lease
of the bandstand, bandstand area and associated elements. This amendment would cover
many components such as:
4.1 Permitted use: Gathering, concert, presentation, rehearsal, entertainment, etc. Bandstand
area would fall under city code requirement such as park hours, sound limitations, etc
9.2.3 Design review-To be approved by DRB and City Council
9.2.4 Agua Fria to construct park restrooms at bandstand. No fencing bandstand area (short of
temporary for individual concerts/events). Agua Fria may choose to add an additional Ramada,
if so it would be subject to the same design standards as the bandstand.
9.2.6 Fees such as possible revenue share of bandstand rentals to help fund hilltop
maintenance costs, would be handled thru a separate agreement.

10.10.1 City to provide utilities.
10.10.2 City to install utilities. Agua Fria would be responsible for utility connections from utility
stubs at bandstand, should Agua Fria choose to move the restroom away from the bandstand.
10.10.3 City to maintain bandstand landscaping.
10.10.5 City entitled to 15 bandstand area event uses per year
Lease points to be discussed at length in Council worksession.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Various financial impacts such as landscaping, maintenance, construction of utility stubs,
sharing of bandstand rental fees, etc.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. AF site map November 2024
2. AF conceptual November 2024
3. Exhibit B Legal Description of the PAC Property clean
4. Exhibit A Legal Description and Exhibit hilltop clean
5. Bandstand_Colored_Site_Plan (1)
6. Bandstand Close Up_FINAL DRAFT
7. View From Gazebo_FINAL DRAFT