The Town of Lakeville Park Commission voted to approve a stepped rent increase for the Lakeville Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) rental contract, making the monthly rent all-inclusive of utilities and restroom maintenance.

Commissioners debated allocation of utility costs and whether the licensee should contribute a share. Peter summarized the history of the license, noting the MMA studio’s prior arrangement left utilities covered by the town. Commissioners said rising utility and maintenance costs made that arrangement unsustainable.

“I just think they need to absorb half of it, and that'll be their increase,” Peter said, recommending that the licensee assume part of heating and electricity costs. Commissioners discussed options including a flat monthly add-on or tying rent to a fraction of the building’s utility bills. Carrie favored a stepped approach to ease the increase for the tenant.

Commissioner Carrie moved to increase the rent in a stepped tier over the next three years: $150 the first year, $200 the second and $250 the third year; the increase is all-inclusive of utilities and restroom responsibilities. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call vote; Melissa, Carrie, Michael Smith and Peter all voted yes.

Clarifying details recorded during the discussion included a staff estimate of roughly $2,639 for electricity and $1,428 for heat across the building and an overall annual utility figure discussed by commissioners that they described as approximately $3,400 when combined. Commissioners agreed the contract should state the hours of use and that staff will confirm the licensee’s hours before finalizing the renewed contract.

Why it matters: The new stepped, all-inclusive rent moves utility and janitorial responsibilities into the tenant’s payment and is meant to reduce the commission’s exposure to rising utility and maintenance costs. Commissioners said the change reflects long-term maintenance needs for the building and septic/furnace replacement risks.