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Baldwin City Council approves 30‑day extension for Bullpen lease as members weigh standardized triple‑net policy
Summary
Council voted to extend the Bullpen downtown lease for 30 days while staff and council develop a standardized triple‑net lease template to apply across city‑owned commercial properties; the decision followed multiple public comments urging support for the business.
The Baldwin City Council on April 7 approved a 30‑day extension of the Bullpen’s lease to give the city and the tenant time to negotiate a standardized lease approach for city‑owned downtown properties.
The extension motion was made by a council member and seconded; the council voted in favor. The extension keeps the current short‑term payment arrangement in place while staff finalizes a draft triple‑net lease template that the council asked be reviewed by tenants and council before a longer renewal is approved.
Tenant Nikki Manback asked the council for time to work with staff and proposed a five‑year lease that would start with a $700 base rent in year one, increase by about 3% annually and have the tenant absorb property taxes. "That would put me still above what I'm paying right now, but a more reasonable rate for us to grow," Manback said during her remarks to the council.
Several residents and business owners spoke in support of retaining the Bullpen as a downtown employer and gathering place. Jennifer Johanning told the council the Bullpen "provides a safe... place for our students" and urged officials to keep the business in town. Commercial property owner Josie Florey urged the council to consider fairness for other downtown businesses, noting many leases in Baldwin pass through insurance, maintenance and property taxes to tenants.
Council members said they want a consistent, predictable lease structure across the city’s portfolio. One councilor urged moving toward a triple‑net format to make budgeting and comparison easier; another cautioned the council not to rush the design and recommended tenant input. Staff said a draft template prepared by the city attorney and administrator was in the packet and the city administrator will be the primary point of contact for negotiations.
The extension gives the council time to finalize lease terms and provide tenants at least three council meetings’ notice before a final decision. The council indicated it expects to discuss the standardized lease at the first May meeting so tenants have time to consider the terms.
