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Saco council approves authorization for Oasis Club lease at 63 School Street, 6-0
Summary
The Saco City Council voted 6-0 on a first reading to authorize the city administrator to enter a lease with the Oasis Club for meeting space at 63 School Street. Councilors discussed the nominal rent, tenant responsibilities, and proposed an annual lease review and a 60-day tenant renewal-notice change.
The Saco City Council on Monday authorized the city administrator to enter a lease agreement with the Oasis Club for meeting space at 63 School Street, approving the order in a unanimous roll-call vote.
Councilor Hewitt moved the order and Councilor Johnston seconded. The council recorded a 6-0 vote in favor.
City staff and councilors said the lease carries a long-standing nominal rent (councilors referenced a historical figure of $100), and that the Oasis Club covers utilities, snow removal, insurance and most upkeep. "They pay all of the utilities, the upkeep," the city administrator said, explaining the arrangement has been a goodwill gesture by the city for many years.
Councilor Johnston, who spoke at length about the item, urged the city to adopt a more consistent annual review process for community leases so new council members and staff can regularly reassess terms. Johnston also proposed a drafting change to the renewal clause: rather than leaving renewal solely to the city's discretion, the tenant should "notice landlord of its interest to renew or terminate at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the term," Johnston said; staff indicated the change is primarily a wordsmithing matter and can be accommodated.
Supporters noted the Oasis Club provides recurring community services, including support-group meetings (AA, Al-Anon, NA and similar programs), and that the building has not otherwise been used by the city for decades.
The council proceeded without removing the item from the agenda; with the approval, the administrator is authorized to finalize the lease under the terms discussed.
The order passed 6-0 on roll call: Councilors Edwards, Parks, Onan, Gale, Hewitt and Johnston voted yes. The matter will proceed through whatever administrative steps are required to complete the lease.
