MARSHALL — Earlier this month, the Marshall City Council approved a $486,000 land purchase agreement for a new aquatic center near the corner of College Drive and Saratoga Street. But land for new construction was just one part of the equation – visitors would still need access to parking.

On Tuesday, city council members voted to approve an agreement with the Schwan’s Company for use of a nearby parking lot owned by the company. Marshall City Administrator Sharon Hanson said the agreement does not include costs like a lease of the parking lot.

“There will not be any funds exchanged for the use of this particular parking lot,” Hanson said.

However, the city would be responsible for maintenance of the lot, Mayor Bob Byrnes said.

“We’re really grateful for Schwan’s working us through this agreement, and agreeing to the terms and conditions,” Hanson said.

“This was discussed by the council last summer. At that time it was in draft form,” Byrnes said of the parking agreement. Since then, the agreement had been finalized and reviewed by the city’s legal counsel and by Schwan’s.

Under the agreement, Schwan’s would grant the city non-exclusive use of the parking lot located near the corner of Saratoga Street and Greeley Street, Hanson said.

“It is a privilege to use the parking lot, with the use of the land purchase,” Hanson said. “So, as long as the Aquatic Center is in place, the use of the parking lot by the city will also be in place.”

Council member See Moua-Leske asked if, under the agreement, the Sounds of Summer festival would still be able to use the parking lot. This year, Sounds of Summer used the Schwan’s parking lot as a location for outdoor concerts and other events.

“Typically what the Sounds of Summer has done is contacted Schwan’s each year when there is a need,” Hanson said. “My understanding is that’s what they would do on an annual basis. Once we start construction, they will have to evaluate what their location will be, and then go from there.”

Under the parking agreement, projects like resurfacing the parking lot would be done at the owners’ expense, while regular maintenance and painting would be done at the city’s expense, Byrnes said.

“Thank you to the city staff and Schwan’s, that worked together to bring this agreement,” Byrnes said.