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Council places proposed library lease on first reading after members question long renewal terms
Summary
Council reviewed an ordinance to authorize a 10-year lease with the Cuyahoga County Public Library for the building across the street; some members questioned renewal language that could extend occupancy, and the law department said the library will invest roughly $2 million in roof and facility upgrades.
Council discussed an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a new lease with the Cuyahoga County Public Library for the building across the street from City Hall. The proposed agreement described an initial 10-year term with renewal options described as four five-year renewals and associated notice provisions. Several council members, while expressing support for the library, asked that the ordinance be placed on first reading rather than adopted immediately so they could review the effective length of the tenure and the notice provisions.
A law department representative told council the library sought a longer term because it plans substantial improvements to the facility, and that officials had negotiated to assure the city retains the ability to give notice at specified points. The law department said the library expects to invest about $2 million in roof and other improvements and wanted assurance that the improvements would have sufficient useful life to justify the investment.
Council agreed to put the ordinance on first reading and to hold a committee-of-the-whole meeting for further discussion before a final vote. The mayor and law department said two weeks' additional review would not prevent the library from beginning its bid process for the roof work but would give council more time to vet term and notice language.
No vote adopting the lease was taken at the meeting; the item will return for additional committee review.
