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Council approves 25-year lease with LMJ3 for downtown public restroom
Summary
The council approved a 25-year, $60,000 lease with LMJ3, LLC (Larry Harbour) to provide a publicly accessible restroom at the downtown square; the agreement includes bolded additions requiring completion within 180 days after the first half payment and default-related lease adjustments; council voted unanimously.
The Broken Bow City Council on July 23 approved a 25-year lease between the City of Broken Bow and LMJ3, LLC to install and operate a public restroom at the downtown square. City Attorney Jason White said the $60,000 lease payment essentially covers construction costs and that recent negotiated, bolded additions were added to the packet before the vote.
White explained the new language added after the packet distribution, saying the project "is supposed to be completed within 180 days after the first half payment is received" and that the lease includes protections so that if LMJ3 defaults the remaining lease months would be credited back against the initial cost to avoid leaving taxpayers on the hook. He added that similar protections apply if the city fails to uphold lease terms.
LMJ3 owner Larry Harbour described the project as an effort to address a long-standing need for a public restroom on the square and showed blueprints indicating a shared restroom space that an adjoining tenant will also access. Administrator Dave Schmidt detailed the city's operational responsibilities under the lease: the city will be responsible for the front third of the building and utilities for that area, will install cameras and door readers for security, and the restroom will feature floor drains and tiled walls to facilitate cleaning.
During public comment, resident Mona Weatherly asked about locking, monitoring and cleaning. Schmidt said the security system will allow monitoring, a cleaning schedule will be set based on usage, and door access will be automated. Councilmember Luke Wassom said the monthly rent is roughly $200 and that the lease is a cost-effective option for a downtown location. "I feel the cost is fairly cheap for a location on the square," Wassom said.
Councilmember Wassom moved to approve the lease including the additions highlighted in bold on pages one, six and seven; the motion was seconded by Russ Smith and carried by roll call vote: Smith, Wassom and Holland voted aye; none voted nay.
Next steps include finalizing the construction schedule and implementing the planned security and access controls before opening the facility to the public.
