Notus Council votes to terminate museum lease effective Nov. 30, 2025

The Notus City Council voted to terminate the lease with the Notus Museum effective November 30, 2025.

Rob Hartsock, a councilman, moved to end the lease and asked that a termination letter be sent as soon as possible. Council President Steve Ahlborn seconded the motion. The roll call vote was Hartsock: yes; Ahlborn: yes; Devin Krasowski: yes; Lupita Connor: no, and the motion carried.

The vote followed public comment from Randall Taylor, who identified himself as speaking for the Notus Museum Board. Taylor told the council that "on June 9th the Museum board rejected the lease agreement draft with the City. No new lease has been submitted to them" and that "the roof is leaking again." Taylor also said the museum had a Canyon County grant for new heating and air that was withdrawn "because County was told there was no building lease."

Former public commenter Amelia Paz questioned museum operations and costs: "How the museum pays its power bills if it is never open? Does he pay rent? Why do I have to pay the bills for this, it's never open."

During discussion, council members and the city attorney clarified legal constraints. City Attorney Ben Layman advised on proper procedure and confirmed that, because the previous lease had expired, the museum was operating on a month‑to‑month basis. Council members debated whether the museum, now organized as a 501(c)(3), could sub‑lease the building; Councilman Krasowski said the city cannot permit a sub‑lease to a non‑city entity.

Connor voted against termination and asked for more clarity about the museum's intent and operations, but the council majority favored ending the arrangement and directed staff to send the termination letter.

The council's action resolves an open question about the museum's tenancy and paves the way for the city to regain control of the building; the motion directed staff to notify the museum by letter.