Lease Language Hanging Point On Parrott-Wood Library

Spokesperson for Parrott family feels certain they will not donate the property.

The Facilities Committee met on Monday evening, June 3, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Information regarding a lease agreement between County and the Parrott Family, who own the property that houses the Parrott-Wood Library in Strawberry Plains, was presented to the Committee. In a previous meeting, the agreement had been approved by the Facilities Committee, however the Committee was informed that the Parrot family had concerns regarding some of the proposed language. Jack Kramer addressed the concerns with the Committee and offered an altered version of the lease agreement that included the changes requested by the Parrott family. Jefferson County Attorney Drinnon raised concerns regarding County liability and offered suggestions for the inclusion of language that would limit that liability. Committee member Carmichael stated that the issue of a lease would be moot if the Parrott family donated the property to the County with the stipulation that it would be returned to the family if the County discontinues use as a Library. Kramer said that he felt certain that the Parrot family would not donate the property. The property has housed the Parrott-Wood Library for several years without a lease agreement, however recent upgrades that are in the construction phase and the lack of insurance on the building have brought the issue of a lease to the forefront. Committee member Griffith made a motion to approve the lease with the “harmless” stipulation included and was 2^nd by Dockery. The Motion Passed the Committee, though it will not be instigated until upgrades to the property are complete.