HCS SB 234 -- PARK CONCESSION STAND

SPONSOR:  Quick (Ervin)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Local Government by a vote of 17 to 0.

This substitute allows Clay County to grant leases for up to 50
years on any concession stand or marina, if the proposed
investment by the lessee is greater than $10 million.  County
bidding procedures and requirements are set forth in the
substitute.

The substitute also requires the county to request bids for the
private operation of one marina, if the county owns or operates
more than two marinas.  The substitute establishes conditions
under which the county may operate the marina that is to be
leased.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will allow for fair
compensation for a boat slip and other property which Clay County
is forcing Little Platte Marina to sell.  The county will take
this property if it can't be sold.  Smithville Lake is frozen at
the current time, and the boat slips cannot be moved for sale.
The county is not offering a fair market value for the property.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Johnson (47); Little
Platte Marina; and Woody Cozad.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the owner of the
Little Platte Marina is trying to influence negotiations with the
county with the legislation.  Clay County does not want the boat
slips.  It will cost the county money to remove property it does
not want.  The property is not worth the amount of money the
owner wants.  The county has had problems with safety violations
at the marina.  The legislation may not be constitutional.

Testifying against the bill were Clay County Commission; Clay
County General Counsel; and Director of Parks and Recreation,
Clay County.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:13 am