Agenda - Council - 09/08/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Riley, Johns, Kuzma, LeTourneau, and Williams. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Shryock. 7.10: Provide Staff Direction Related to Northern Starz Children's Theatre Lease Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama reviewed the staff report and recommendation to authorize the early termination of the lease of the municipal building by Northern Starz Children's Theatre and authorize a payment of $3,990 to Northern Starz Children's Theatre as settlement in order for them to make the early transition to a new facility. He stated that he spoke with Councilmember Riley who proposed an alternate solution that rather than the City of Ramsey paying to resolve this situation perhaps an in-kind alternative could be provided. He stated that Northern Starz could continue to use the existing leased site for cold storage, such as costumes and set equipment, and the chamber area in the neighboring building could be used for practices and that type of activity. He stated that Northern Starz is also in agreement with that, noting that in that situation, funds would not need to be exchanged in either direction for that option. Mayor Strommen thanked Councilmember Riley for the alternative solution. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that it is his assumption that the building will be used for cold storage only; and therefore, should be winterized and there would be no need to repair the building. Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama stated that the police and fire use the building for cold storage and have been made aware of the situation and all parties are in agreement that the site only be used for cold storage. Councilmember Riley appreciated everything that went into this case and was glad that the City was able to help the group get up and running Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to authorize Northern Starz to continue to use the existing space for cold storage and use the upstairs portion of the neighboring municipal building for active space through February 28, 2016 at a no rent option starting as of October 1, 2015. Further discussion: Mayor Strommen stated that perhaps in the future a check item should be listed for City owned land to prevent situations of this nature, noting that a reasonable solution was found in this case. Councilmember Riley stated that, in the future, lease language should be specified to ensure that if a reduction in lease is given, the City is not liable for more than they would have received through the lease. Mayor Strommen agreed, noting that this is not the first time the City has incurred a liability for assisting an organization. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Riley, Kuzma, Johns, LeTourneau, and Williams. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Shryock. City Council / August 25, 2015 Page 13 of 14