Southern Pines council approves draft Arts Council lease, sends it to 10‑day public notice

The Southern Pines Town Council voted June 24 to approve an amended lease with the Southern Pines Arts Council and authorized staff to publish the statutorily required 10‑day public notice that precedes final execution.

The lease approved by motion at the work session sets a commencement date of July 1, 2025, and includes two late additions described by town attorney McCarley: a quiet‑enjoyment clause (Section 21) and a convenience/notice provision (Section 22). The lease also states that if the Parks & Recreation Department permanently vacates the Campbell House second floor, that floor would be added to the Arts Council premises under the lease terms.

McCarley told council the changes were modest and routine. He cautioned that the town’s modest $500 repair allowance would likely be insufficient to cover a major failure if the Arts Council were to occupy the entire second floor, a point several council members raised during the discussion. The council also discussed a small office historically set aside for the Boy Scouts; staff and the Arts Council’s executive director, Mr. Dunn, agreed they could document that arrangement in a side letter rather than delay the lease vote.

Councilmember (speaker 7) moved to approve the lease as amended and councilmember (speaker 3) seconded; the mayor called the vote and the motion carried with no recorded opposition. Following the vote, staff will direct the town clerk to run the public notice; final signatures may be executed after the 10‑day notice period required under state statute.

The vote does not finalize a separate maintenance agreement staff said will be negotiated between town parks staff and the Arts Council to allow for evolving plantings and garden work without reopening a multi‑year lease.

The matter will return to staff for public‑notice placement and final execution after the notice period.