Includes option to purchase space for $6K

MONTE VISTA — The Monte Vista City Council approved a lease with an option to purchase the Vali 3 Theater with local businessman Bob Richards during a council meeting on May 18.

Council decided months ago to seek proposals for the movie theater and settled on the multi-pronged approach from Richards, but may not be able to do everything he proposed due to the contract such as serving alcohol or moving part of his radio station into the space.

City Manager Gigi Dennis explained the terms of the lease.

“We negotiated with Bob Richards for a lease for at least a year,” she said. “We agreed to that, and at the end of the lease, if he decides to pursue and purchase the property then he would pay the city, $6,000. In the meantime, you have got an updated contract on your desk. The City Clerk highlighted what is different in your packet because we are still working out some details with Mr. Richards today. I think that this is fair. We took into consideration since we are leasing the property any major expenses that may occur in the building, at $1,001 or greater, would be the expense of the city council. That is similar to the lease that we have with our library.”

Councilman Jason Lorenz said that he would like it to be made clear that the property would be “sold as is” with any damage that would need to be repaired “going forward”.

Dennis said that was correct.

“He is not going to be doing any major construction, or repairs,” Dennis said. He will not be moving his radio station into the space. He understands that he is the lessee, and we are the lessor, landlord and tenant. The other concern is the city just replaced the major component of the projector; should something happen to that projector once again and it not be under warranty if he chooses to replace it. We have agreed, as long as you agree, that he could take the new projector with him. So, we as the landlord will still be responsible for fixing the old projector should he not go forward with the purchase.”

Dennis also explained that Richards would cover all utility expenses for the property. Dennis added that at the request of the city and according to charter it had also been agreed upon that there would be no adult-oriented businesses running out of the property, and the insurance will still have to have to be the city’s liability insurance.

Richards asked to address the council.

“I know how this works. I don’t expect you guys to change all the light bulbs or do all the stuff that needs to be done before I go in there, that is not what this is all about,” Richards said. “This is about, if the roof were to cave in on the 16th after I take it over, you guys are holding the insurance policy, right to get that fixed? I am not. So, we came up with the figure of the thousand dollars and I think that’s fair. That is really the only reason that, that came up. I am not going to nickel and dime you here or expect all kinds of other things to get fixed before I get in there. I know how this works. I have already been in negotiations for a second projector to get a second screen going.”

Richards added that the response from the community has been overwhelming, with regards to the free family movie idea.

“I have heard from businesses that want to partake in things as well,” he said. “I can’t wait to get started. I would just say if you guys have any questions, I am here to answer them for you.”

All members of the city council agreed to a one-year lease with Richards, with the option to buy the theater for $6,000 after a year.

In other matters members of the OptiMystics Citizens Action Network presented the city with a plaque as a thank you to the City of Monte Vista, the Monte Vista Police Department and Public Works.

The plaque stated,” We sincerely thank you for sponsoring Monte Vista’s 2023 Cinco de Mayo Street Festival.”

The next City Council meeting will be held on June 1.