City staff recommends new lease with incoming Country Inn & Suites owner for Big Wood Event Center lobby

City staff recommended the committee forward a proposed space lease to the full council that would allow the incoming owner of the Country Inn & Suites to continue operating the hotel lobby and desk within the footprint of the Big Wood Event Center.

Andrew Brensett, the staff presenter, said the prior arrangement with the existing hotel operator was followed in practice even though a signed lease could not be located. He told the committee the new owner intends to close the purchase in February and asked that the city transfer the existing arrangement by drafting a new agreement with identical terms, including a 60‑day termination notice and explicit provisions allowing the city to separate or build walls if the event center is reconfigured.

Andrew said the hotel has performed services beneficial to the city while operating the lobby within city property: snow removal, lawn care, cleaning of public restrooms, and general upkeep of the lobby area. He noted a small shared technology room (about 165 square feet) that houses wiring used by both facilities; staff recommended limiting access terms while preserving necessary access for equipment.

Councilor Mark asked for more analysis comparing the city’s historical billings and utility reimbursements with a square‑foot net lease to ensure fairness for taxpayers; he said he would work with administration on a review before the Monday council meeting. Andrew said the city currently bills utilities on a square‑foot basis and described the division of capital versus day‑to‑day maintenance responsibilities under the existing arrangement.

A motion to move the proposed lease to the full council agenda was made and seconded; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Next step: the lease draft will be placed on the full council agenda for Monday evening for formal consideration.