Council votes to move Parks lease for 821 Airport Court to consent calendar

The Tumwater City Council agreed on March 11, 2025, to place a three-year lease agreement with Kauffman's Holding LLC for 821 Airport Court on the council’s consent calendar for formal approval at a future meeting.

Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Denny told the council the leased space is adjacent to the airport area, was previously used by Washington State Department of Transportation during the COVID period and requires minimal remodel. He said the move would relocate Parks administration staff out of City Hall to free space for the police department, and allow internal staff reassignments to improve supervision and program delivery. Monthly rent under the proposed lease is $6,600, with an estimated monthly triple-net charge of $1,705; Denny said those amounts were included in the city’s approved 2025–26 budget estimates and that staff aims to occupy the new space in April and complete remodeling at City Hall for police use by July 1.

Councilmembers asked for supporting information on other spaces considered and a breakdown of lease comparisons; Denny said staff can provide a table listing the options, square footage, pros/cons and pricing. Councilmember Schlegel specifically asked about the meaning of “triple net”; staff explained triple-net is an industry term for utilities and facility-related monthly charges (water, sewer, garbage, etc.).

On the work-session floor, the mayor asked for consensus to move the item to the consent calendar, solicited an aye vote and recorded the agreement; the mayor and council directed staff to prepare the lease for formal action at the upcoming meeting. No final signature occurred at the work session; staff will return with the consent calendar item and any requested supplemental information.