Report Prepared by: Amanda Williams, Economic Development Associate
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of the Lease Agreement Between the City of Merced and Westamerica Bank for 6,100 Square Feet Located at 1801 M Street Starting at $1.45 Per Square Foot and Including an Option for a Three (3) Year Extension
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers a lease agreement between the City of Merced and Westamerica Bank, located at the Merced Center Parking Garage (1801 M Street) for three (3) years and one (1) option for a three (3) year extension.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Lease Agreement between the City of Merced and Westamerica Bank; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by Council; or,
3. Deny the request completely; or,
4. Refer back to staff for reconsideration of specific items as requested by Council; or,
5. Continue item to a future Council meeting (date to be specified in City Council motion).
AUTHORITY
Section 200 of the City of Merced Charter.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Westamerica Bank has leased 6,100 square-feet in the Merced Center Garage since 2009. Westamerica Bank is exercising their right to a three-year lease extension, and the company desires to enter into a new lease which would allow for one (1) new option to extend for an addition three (3) year term. The lease was drafted, and Westamerica Bank agrees to the terms (Attachment 1.)
Proposed Lease
The City of Merced and Westamerica Bank negotiated a lease subject to the following key terms (Attachment 1):
Location: Merced Center Parking Garage, 1801 M Street, Merced CA
Leased Area: 6,100 square feet of ground floor retail/office space
Term: Three (3) years and one (1) three (3) year option to extend
Common Area: Interior hallway
Payment: In the event that the renewal option is exercised, the rent payment shall continue to increase on an annual basis by three percent (3%) or equal to the Western States Consumer Price Index, whichever is less.
Landlord Responsibilities: Lessor shall keep in good condition/repair the structural parts of the Building including structural walls, the roof, roof membrane, foundation, electrical, parking structure and sewer and water mains. Lessor shall be responsible for managing the Building in a manner consistent with first class office buildings in Merced, including providing landscaping, maintenance and utilities.
Parking: Lessee shall have the right to reserve up to fifteen (15) spaces for its sole use. Such spaces may be signed at the Lessee's discretion with written approval from Lessor; such approval shall not unreasonably be withheld. A monthly fee of $36 per space shall be assessed for each said reserved space.
Utilities: Lessee agrees that it shall be responsible for payment of all utilities, including water, gas, electricity, heat and other services delivered to the Premises. Garbage costs shall be prorated.
Westamerica is a valued member of the downtown business community. They wish to continue operations at the Downtown location. Staff recommends approval of the proposed lease with Westamerica Bank.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Lease Agreement with Westamerica 2025