Commission extends Crooked Tree lease through Oct. 2028 while negotiating library occupancy

The City Commission authorized a one-year extension to Crooked Tree Art Center's lease at the city-owned Carnegie building, extending occupancy through Oct. 31, 2028, and directed the city manager and city attorney to negotiate a lease with the Traverse Area District Library to begin after the November 2028 general election for use as a polling place and library services.

City staff said Crooked Tree requested the extra year to allow time to find a permanent, larger space; the library remains interested in occupying the building beginning in November 2028. "...they're requesting to have the lease extended by yet 1 more year," city staff (Beth) said, and noted Crooked Tree would vacate at the end of the extension. The motion authorizes staff to begin library lease negotiations and to present a lease back to the commission for approval.

Commissioners discussed operating-cost responsibilities, deferred maintenance (staff noted approximately $600,000 in deferred maintenance city-wide for that building), and whether a future lessee should cover a portion of repairs. The commission approved the extension and negotiation direction.