MUNI-LOTS FOR FRUIT&VEGETABLES

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a leasehold for a term not in excess of 50 years may be made with a nonprofit corporation or association and extended for an additional 25 years by ordinance or resolution thereafter for specified purposes, including, but not limited to: cultivation or use of vacant lots for gardening or recreational purposes; and the lease of a tract of land of less than 5 acres to sell fresh fruits and vegetables. Provides that, when the city council of a municipality determines that all or any part of a municipal-owned tract of land, with or without improvements, is not then needed for municipal purposes, the city council may, by resolution or ordinance, authorize a private sale and conveyance of the same, or any part thereof, for nominal consideration without compliance with any other law governing disposal of lands by municipalities requiring adequate consideration. Limits the use of the property leased or conveyed under the provisions. Provides that property leased or conveyed under the provisions is exempt from property taxation under the Property Tax Code if the property is actually used for the cultivation and sale of fresh fruits and vegetables and leased or owned by a nonprofit organization or association that includes among its principal purposes the cultivation and sale of fresh fruits and vegetables. Contains a statement of findings. Senate Committee Amendment No. 3 Adds reference to: 35 ILCS 200/15-65 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: removes provisions allowing properties to be used for recreational purposes; provides that a leasehold for a term not in excess of 25 years (rather than 50 years) may be made with a nonprofit corporation or association and be extended in increments of no more than 25 years (rather than extended for an additional 25 years); removes a limitation of use of tracts of lands of less than 5 acres; clarifies that property determined not then needed for municipal purposes may be sold for nominal consideration to a nonprofit corporation or association for use for specified purposes, but not property currently being leased under the provisions unless the lease allows for such sale; amends the Property Code making conforming changes; and makes other changes. Senate Floor Amendment No. 4 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of Senate Amendment No. 3 with the following changes: removes findings; inserts a definition of "vacant lot" and makes conforming changes; provides that vacant lots may be sold or conveyed (rather than sold and conveyed) to nonprofit corporations or associations and makes conforming changes; provides that any conveyance or sale of property pursuant to the provisions shall contain a limitation that the property shall only be used by the nonprofit corporation or association for one or more of (i) the cultivation of land for gardening fruits and vegetables, or (ii) the sale of fresh fruits and vegetables (rather than a conveyance shall contain a limitation that the lands or buildings shall be used only for the purposes of the nonprofit organization or association and to render such services or to provide such facilities as may be agreed upon); and makes other changes.