Bunker Bar owner proposes patio upgrade and five‑year lease; council asks staff to explore terms

Dustin, the operator of the Bunker Bar & Grill at the city golf complex, told the council he is seeking a longer lease (five years) and proposed constructing a covered patio/outdoor pavilion to expand event space and evening use. He said estimates for the addition are likely to come in under $70,000 and offered to help finance or lead the project in exchange for possible rent relief during an initial period.

Councilors supported the idea of expanded event space but raised caution about committing the city to a long lease without clarity on whether the owner or the city would pay for improvements and whether the building’s useful life would justify a five‑year lock‑in. "Maybe something like a 3‑year lease with an option for 2 additional years" was suggested by Councillor Prince as a compromise to allow staff to evaluate impacts and to provide flexibility if the project phases up or does not proceed.

Council asked staff to coordinate between golf course and parks & recreation staff, to evaluate building condition, to consider appropriate escalator or option clauses, and to return with recommended lease language and cost‑sharing options. No final lease approval was sought at the meeting; council directed staff to develop options for a future action item.

Next steps: staff to assess scope, code compliance, estimated costs, procurement/oversight requirements, and potential lease language (including escalator clauses and options) and present recommendations at a future meeting.