Council pulls Disabled American Veterans lease from consent for separate consideration

Council members pulled a lease item for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter 240 from the consent agenda to allow the organization an opportunity to speak and to clarify lease access.

One council member asked whether pulling Item E would allow Ramona Ross to speak; the chair acknowledged the request and the item was removed from consent for separate consideration. Councilmember Sims raised a concern that a non-exclusive lease could create an impression that the DAV had exclusive use of the space. "I'm afraid of, the DAB, which I support, may have an impression that that entire space is theirs," Sims said.

City Manager responded that the lease covers five dedicated workstations within a 3,000-square-foot co-working area that the city will own; the community room will remain available to HOAs, neighborhood associations, PIDs and nonprofits. The manager said the DAV can use and store items at their five workstations but that other parts of the co-working area will be available for additional leases. Council members requested written onboarding materials and clarity in the lease and staff said they will provide onboarding and report back as the agreement is finalized.

The council did not take a final vote on the lease during the briefing; staff indicated the item was pulled to allow public comment or future discussion.