Authorize Execution of Amendment No. 3 to Lease Agreement with International Sister Cities Association of Fort Worth, Inc., for Office Space in the City Hall Annex Building in the Amount of $100.00 Per Year to Extend the Term for One Additional Year and Add Four Additional One-Year Renewals (COUNCIL DISTRICT 9)

It is recommended that the City Council authorize the execution of Amendment No. 3 to the lease agreement with International Sister Cities Association of Fort Worth, Inc., for office space in the City Hall Annex Building, 908 Monroe, in the amount of $100.00 per year to extend the initial term for one year through January 29, 2020, and add four additional automatic one-year renewals.  

On December 17, 2013, (M&C C-26604) Council approved a lease agreement (CSC No. 45334) with International Sister Cities Association of Fort Worth, Inc., (Sister Cities) for office space in the City Hall Annex located at 908 Monroe Street in downtown Fort Worth.  The term of the lease was for five years beginning on January 30, 2014, at a cost of $100.00 per year, plus expenses for use outside of normal business hours such as utilities, access cards and security.  Sister Cities was responsible for providing its own IT and phone service.

The lease has been subsequently amended two times to define and clarify the office and common area spaces.  The term of the current lease expires on January 29, 2019.  Sister Cities staff have requested to remain in the leased space in the City Annex for an additional five years.  This third amendment provides for an additional one (1) year term from January 30, 2019, to January 29, 2020, with four additional one-year automatic renewals, unless terminated earlier by either party with thirty days' notice.  All other terms and conditions of the lease agreement will remain the same including rent and additional costs outside of normal business hours and provision of its own IT and phone service.  The total space included in this lease is 2,678 square feet, plus shared conference room and kitchen.  Market value of this lease is approximately $48,000.00 annually.

The Sister Cities program was initiated in 1985 in the City of Fort Worth and has been instrumental in cultivating relationships and international understanding among youth, adults, businesses, and organizations through educational, leadership, and exchange programs that promote tourism and commerce in the City of Fort Worth.  Sister Cities also produces economic and public benefits for the entire Fort Worth Community.  Currently, the City of Fort Worth has relationships with eight cities including Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; Nagaoka, Japan; Bandung, Indonesia; Budapest, Hungary; Toluca, Mexico; Mbabane, Swaziland; and Guiyang, China.

The office space is located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 9.