Broken Bow council approves 25-year lease with LMJ3 for downtown public restroom

City Attorney Jason White told the council that Larry Harbour, owner of LMJ3, LLC, has offered the City a 25-year lease for downtown public restroom space for $60,000, an amount the attorney said "essentially covers the cost of construction." White said the agreement includes mutual protections and highlighted negotiated, bolded language added to pages 1, 6 and 7 of the packet: a 180-day completion target after receipt of the first half payment and a clause that, in the event LMJ3 defaults, would reduce future lease months proportionally so taxpayers are not left paying for unfinished construction. He said a reciprocal clause requires the City to forfeit funds already expended on construction if the City fails to meet its lease obligations.

Larry Harbour addressed the room, described the project and showed blueprints for shared restroom space that will also serve another future tenant. Administrator Dave Schmidt explained the City will be responsible for the front third of the building and its utilities and will install security cameras and door readers; floor drains and tiled walls will make cleaning easier. Councilmember Luke Wassom said monthly rent is roughly $200 and called the cost reasonable for the downtown location; he said the design and security features should help deter vandalism.

During public comment Mona Weatherly asked how the restroom will be locked and unlocked, monitored for vandalism and cleaned. Schmidt said access control will be programmed to lock and unlock automatically, a cleaning schedule will be set based on usage and cameras will support monitoring. City Attorney White noted that, because the original packet was modified after distribution, Council must adopt the lease including the bolded additions. Councilmember Wassom moved to approve the lease with the bolded changes on pages 1, 6 and 7; Russ Smith seconded. Roll-call vote: Smith, Wassom and Holland voted aye and the motion carried.