Council amends and approves parking‑lot lease with Washington Historical Society, adds right of first refusal and one‑year review

The Washington City Council voted May 18 to approve an amended parking‑lot lease with the Washington Historical Society for property on the southeast side of the square, adopting two key changes requested during council discussion.

Under the amendments, the lease will not automatically renew at the end of a lease year; instead the city and the society must take affirmative action (within a 60‑day window before lease expiration) to renew, converting the prior passive renewal into an affirmative renewal requirement. The amendment also adds a right of first refusal: if the Historical Society were to receive an offer to purchase the property, the city would have the option to match that offer.

Alderson John Blundy and others raised questions about whether the city should own parking lots around the square and suggested a short renewal term to force a future policy discussion. City staff said the existing lease included notice provisions but councilmembers sought language that would require an explicit review and give the city first opportunity to match any sale offers. The motion to amend passed (two no votes on the amendment were recorded); the amended resolution authorizing execution of the lease amendment then passed on a subsequent vote.

Councilmembers said they will place broader parking ownership strategy and possible purchase considerations on a future Committee of the Whole agenda to prepare for the 2027 renewal window.