Memorandum

City Attorney’s Office

City of Lawrence

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

 

FROM:

Toni R. Wheeler, City Attorney

 

CC:

Casey Toomay, Budget Manager

Brad Allen, Library Director

 

Date:

March 25, 2014

RE:

Request for Authorization to Negotiate and Execute Lease Extensions for the Lawrence Public Library’s Temporary Site and for Off-site Storage

 

Please place on the April 1, 2014 City Commission’s agenda a request for authorization to negotiate and execute lease extensions for the Lawrence Public Library. 

 

Background

The Lawrence voters approved the renovation and expansion of the Lawrence Public Library and construction commenced in the winter of 2012.  It was determined the relocation of the library to a temporary site during construction was prudent.  On August 14, 2012, the City Commission authorized the City to enter into an agreement to lease the former Borders building, located at 700 New Hampshire Street, for the temporary location of the Lawrence Public Library (see attached). The initial term of the lease for the temporary location was 20 months, commencing October 1, 2012 and ending May 31, 2014.  The City paid $233,800 upon execution of the agreement to lease approximately 20,000 square feet.  The lease provided options to extend the lease term for up to six additional one (1) month terms upon giving timely notice to the landlord. 

 

Construction and transition to the renovated library building are currently projected to require the use of the former Borders building until the end of July, 2014.   Staff recommends the City Commission authorize the City to extend the lease of the former Borders building through July 31, 2014, at the same monthly rental rate of the existing agreement ($11,690.00 per month).

 

The City also leased approximately 4,500 square feet at 720 East 9th Street in Lawrence to store part of the Library’s collection and related materials during the construction project.  This lease, with 720, L.L.C., is set to expire on June 1, 2014, but may be extended for up to six additional one (1) month terms.  The monthly rent for the storage space is $1,687.50.   Staff also recommends the lease with 720 L.L.C. be extended through July 31, 2014.

 

Action Requested

Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to extend the sublease with Lawrence Store No. 203, L.L.C. through July 31, 2014, for the temporary site of the Lawrence Public Library and to extend the lease with 720, L.L.C. for storage for the library through July 31, 2014.