Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cultural Programming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council renews 10‑year lease with Theater 98 after public comments on programming and building maintenance
Summary
The council renewed a 10‑year municipal lease with Theater 98 for the Murphy Avenue building after public speakers raised programming and maintenance concerns and theater board members described ongoing upkeep and free community performances.
The council voted to renew the city's 10‑year lease with Theater 98 for the premises at 350 Murphy Avenue while hearing both public praise and concerns about programming and building condition.
A citizen who has participated in multiple Theater 98 productions urged the council to scrutinize lease terms, saying the company frequently meets only the “bare minimum” of four free performances a year and called for greater emphasis on youth programming and stronger maintenance assurances in the lease. “It is my opinion that the building is functional, yet numerous areas are not up to current Fairhope or Baldwin County building codes,” the speaker said, recommending the council consider lease length, required number and types of shows, and ways to encourage youth classes.
Board member Jennifer Walker responded that Theater 98 provides four free performances a year, offers free access for students to the free show, and that the organization is actively addressing building maintenance issues. “We are actively…coming up with what needs to be being done with the building for keeping it up to code and continuously making improvements,” Walker said.
Council members asked the city's building and code staff to review whether any code violations exist and to report back. Council also noted the city has performed capital improvements in the past (such as a new roof) and that the city and the theater have mutual responsibilities. The council approved renewal of the lease and indicated it would address any outstanding code or maintenance items through the usual enforcement and maintenance channels; council members also said they would be open to clarifying contract language in the future if needed.
Ending: The lease renewal was approved; staff were asked to confirm whether any outstanding code issues exist and to coordinate with Theater 98 on maintenance and any needed language changes in future contracts.
