Council schedules lawyers and negotiators to resolve wastewater lease with Gary Romy

Council members discussed a proposed wastewater lease with lessee Gary Romy and directed staff to arrange a face-to-face settlement meeting with legal counsel from both sides rather than finalize terms in the public meeting. Mayor Jared said the lessee "would like to set up another meeting with you, Sharon, your attorney, the Bridal, Bill, myself and a city attorney, and sit down in a room, and arrive at an agreement that both parties are satisfied with before we leave that room."

Gary Romy told the council he had concerns about certain long-term terms in the lease draft, noting he would be more comfortable with a shorter term than a 99‑year arrangement and that much of the current redline involves terminology adjustments. Council members and the city attorney said they preferred to resolve legal terminology and guarantees in a private meeting with counsel present and return to the council with a final, mutually acceptable lease. No vote was taken; the item was listed as discussion-only and staff will coordinate schedules for the follow-up meeting.