Municipality seeks renters for soon to be vacant business office
Posted Jul 15, 2010 By Ashley Kulp
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Kathy Botham, Kemptville EMC
Seven homes were involved in Merrickville's fifth Annual House and Garden Tour, last weekend. The popularity of the tour increases every year. Above is the garden of the Griff house at 223 Brock Street West.
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EMC News - Council has endorsed municipal staff's recommendation to seek out parties interested in leasing a business office on the ground floor of the North Grenville Municipal Centre (NGMC), once it becomes vacant July 31.
Kathy Botham, Kemptville EMC
At right is the entrance to the original Merrick house at 106 Brock Street East.
The matter was discussed during the July 5 Committee of the Whole council meeting and according to CAO Andy Brown, senior management got together and discussed several options for the 400 square feet of space once St. Lawrence College vacates the office. It is currently being used for their Job Connect program but Brown noted that program has been "assigned to CSC Consulting in the Kemptville Mall so the college no longer requires that space."
The options staff explored included using the space for a business office for economic development or recreation, arts and culture, establish an arts/culture gallery and showcase, lease it out to the public or private sector, or simply leave it vacant and rent it out as is done with the hall and meeting rooms.
He said the first two options would require more dedicated staff in the office so it could be open during regular business hours. "SMT (senior management team) feel that this is more a long-term goal than immediately," he stated in his report to council.
As well, creating an arts/culture gallery would also bring about a security issue. "The municipality would need to develop a policy on acceptable items to display, and if necessary, for how long displays would be allowed," he said. "The largest drawback to this option is security. Unless there is a person present at all times, the municipality cannot guarantee the security of displays."
Renting out the space was also vetoed, as senior management believed leasing it out to be the most viable option. Brown indicated they would seek a lessee for a term of three to five years maximum "in order for the municipality to consider long-term uses of this space."
In keeping with a commitment under the infrastructure funding received for the NGMC to provide tourism space, Brown said that space would be maintained in or near the office.
Members of council were in agreement with staff's recommendation, however councillor Tim Sutton wanted to ensure other organizations which currently rent in the NGMC are contacted for interest in the space first. "I agree with that (leasing option) myself," he remarked. "But have you spoken with the ServiceCanada people that are in here one day a week? I'm not sure exactly if they'd be interested, but you could let them know we could step up availability for them."
"I can make sure they are made aware of it," Brown answered.
Councillor Terry Butler indicated he'd like to see staff increase the rent. Currently St. Lawrence College has been paying $600 per month.
"I'd like for staff to take a look at the monthly rent and expenses that have been incurred over the past three years and adjust it," he stated.
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