July 8, 2026 |
Photo – Bigfoot 99 File Photo
Saratoga officials approved leasing a section of land to install a new sign pointing visitors to the Hobo Hot Pools.
During the May 6th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner announced that the way-finding sign for the Hobo Hot Pools, located on the corner of 1st Street and East Walnut Avenue, had been removed, presumably by the wind.
Penner said Antionette Acleoni, who owns the property where the sign once stood, applied for a permit to replace it. However, after reviewing the documentation, Penner said he discovered that the town had no formal authority to have a sign in that location. He said he will work with Town Attorney Kylie Waldrip to draft an official lease.
Three months later, at the July 1st Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Penner presented a draft lease for the hot pools wayfinding sign. He said Attorney Waldrip had a few details left to finish and asked Mayor Chuck Davis to sign the document once they were resolved.
Penner said Attorney Waldrip’s questions about the lease were largely tied to utility obligations and maintenance responsibilities. Instead of paying rent to Acleoni, the town will handle all maintenance on the property, including mowing, weeding, and snow removal. The site also has electricity, which will power the new sign. Under the lease, the town will cover all utility costs, which in this case is limited to electricity.
The lease is set for 20 years, expiring on June 30th, 2046, and could not be terminated unless the town failed to meet its obligations. Waldrip asked to add a provision allowing the agreement to be canceled with 30 days’ notice. In a written response, Penner suggested a 90‑day notice instead.
The Saratoga Town Council voted to have Mayor Davis sign the lease after Attorney Waldrip finished her review. Penner said the new sign meets all municipal and state requirements.
