Council approves Iris Building lease for city offices, amends term to three years

The Newport City Council approved a lease for additional overflow office space at 449 Thames Street (the Iris Building) but instructed administration to negotiate a three‑year term rather than the original five‑year proposal.

Administration and department heads said the space would accommodate 8–10 staff immediately, relieve crowding in City Hall and provide five dedicated parking spaces. City staff described the rental as a timely opportunity with a favorable offer (one month free) and described the space as handicap accessible and ready for near‑term occupancy.

Several councilors urged the administration to examine existing municipal space first, suggesting a study of whether portions of the public library or future renovations to the James Almar (Maha) Center could meet needs. "If there's in fact space in the basement of the library, well, while I may not be the biggest fan of putting some of the human beings we need in a basement space, the city has been leasing space for record storage and perhaps we should look at that," a councilor said during debate.

Councilors also discussed lease length and exit options. One councilor proposed continuing the vote to research other options; another proposed approving the lease contingent on negotiating a shorter term. Administration said the five‑year term was intended to provide stability while longer‑term options were considered, but staff agreed to seek a three‑year term and to discuss possible early‑termination language with the landlord.

Council approved the lease motion with the condition to negotiate a three‑year term. Administration said it would explore library space as requested and report back; the lease was described as budgeted and readily available to improve staff workspace in the near term.

Next steps: administration to negotiate lease term and exit clauses with the landlord and return with finalized lease terms for solicitor review.