Colfax extends Rainbow Music lease after outpouring of public support; council sets 12‑month extension, then month‑to‑month with 90‑day notice

Colfax City Council voted unanimously to extend the lease for the longtime Rainbow Music studio located in a historic rail car for 12 months, then to convert the agreement to month‑to‑month with a required 90‑day notice from either party before termination.

The Bonners—Robert and Christine Bonner—have taught music from the rail car downtown for about 40 years, and dozens of students, parents and residents told the council at length that the studio is a community anchor. “Rainbow Music in the old train car is about community,” said one resident during public comment, echoing multiple speakers who described free or low‑cost lessons, performances for veterans and fundraiser work.

Why it matters: Speakers including multigenerational students and area residents said removing the Bonners would erase a persistent cultural resource that draws families into Colfax and supports downtown businesses. Council members said they heard the public and sought to give the Bonners time to plan while preserving flexibility for the city if future needs or building work require a change of use.

What the council decided: The motion adopted extends the existing lease for 12 months from its current expiration, after which the agreement becomes a month‑to‑month tenancy; both the city and the tenant must provide 90 days’ written notice prior to termination. The council recorded the vote as unanimous. The resolution did not change the current rent and left other lease terms in place pending further negotiations.

What supporters said: Dozens of speakers, including parents, current students and local nonprofit leaders, described personal stories of lessons, concerts and community work tied to the Bonners. “Please reconsider your decision regarding Rainbow Music,” one parent said. Others asked the city to coordinate alternatives if the city needs to perform structural work on the rail car or to help the Bonners find a temporary location during repairs.

City position and next steps: City staff said some exterior work and condition assessments remain necessary before long‑term decisions are made; they also apologized for a prior communications breakdown that led to short notice. Council members asked staff to continue negotiating with the Bonners and to consider options—such as temporary relocation assistance, coordinated inspections or a preservation plan—that would minimize interruption to students. Council directed staff to keep the public informed and to return with any necessary updates or formal lease documents.

Details to watch: The council’s action preserves music lessons in the rail car for at least one year and establishes a month‑to‑month safeguard thereafter, but it also leaves open the city’s ability to pursue restoration, reuse or other options after proper notice. The city manager and staff will continue negotiations with the Bonners and report back to the council.