During the Saratoga Springs City Council Pre Agenda Meeting on June 30, 2025, discussions centered around the lease extension for RISE, a local organization currently occupying 5 Williams Street. The council addressed the need for a final addendum to extend RISE's lease until December 2025, coinciding with the completion of their new structure. This extension is crucial as it allows RISE to maintain operations during the transition period.

A key point of contention arose regarding the lease's month-to-month provision. Council members expressed concerns about the implications of this clause, particularly its potential to extend RISE's occupancy indefinitely. The current lease does not include extensions, but the Request for Proposal (RFP) does, leading to discussions about whether to remove the month-to-month language entirely or to allow RISE to remain as a holdover tenant.

The council emphasized the importance of clarity in the lease terms to avoid future complications. They acknowledged that while a month-to-month arrangement could provide flexibility, it also ties up the property longer than necessary, which could hinder future plans for the building. The consensus was that both parties should agree on any extensions, ensuring that the lease does not extend beyond the intended timeframe without mutual consent.

As the meeting concluded, council members expressed their commitment to resolving these lease language issues promptly, aiming to finalize the agreement by the following day. This decision reflects the council's broader goal of supporting local organizations while also considering the future use of city properties. The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between providing necessary support to community entities and maintaining control over municipal assets.