Cotati extends month-to-month lease for downtown public parking after staff negotiation

City staff recommended a temporary extension of a private-property lease that provides public parking in downtown Cotati, and the council approved the short-term amendment so the downtown lot will remain available to the public while staff develops longer-term options.

The parking area sits behind several downtown businesses. Staff told the council the original 25-year arrangement — under which the city financed improvements and maintained the lot while there was no ongoing rent payment to the owner — expired at the end of the month. The majority property owner had indicated they would relist the property for sale and asked the city to consider a month-to-month lease rather than a long-term renewal. Staff said the owner first requested $2,000 per month; staff and the owner negotiated a $1,800-per-month, month-to-month agreement with a 90-day termination clause.

During a staff report, the city said the primary goal of approving a short extension is to avoid a sudden disruption in downtown parking while giving the city time to pursue broader conversations about parking strategy. Staff recommended the short-term extension and that council direct staff to add a midyear work-plan item to look at longer-term parking options and potential funding approaches.

Council discussion emphasized that the short-term lease is not a long-term solution. One council member described the extension as a practical but imperfect step that buys time to engage property owners and downtown businesses; another member urged a broader, deliberate conversation about the long-term implications and possible unintended consequences. There was no public comment on the item.

A council member moved the staff recommendation to adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the month-to-month lease amendment, to amend the budget to appropriate funds for the lease payments for the remainder of the fiscal year, and to direct staff to place a midyear work-plan item about parking management. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The motion text as stated on the record reads: “adopt a resolution of the city council of the city of Cotati authorizing the city manager to execute an amendment to temporarily extend the lease for public parking in the downtown parking lot, amending the budget to appropriate funds for the remaining fiscal year of lease payments, and direct staff to place a midyear work plan item for the city council consideration regarding parking management.”

Staff said the 90‑day termination provision allows any future property owner to pursue redevelopment or a different arrangement if that is their preference; staff will return with a midyear agenda item if the council decides to prioritize a long-term parking plan.