HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 10-19-2021; 8-g - Approval of a Lease for the Historic Norwood Law Office – 135 Court St., Hillsborough, to the Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc. 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 19, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-g
SUBJECT: Approval of a Lease for the Historic Norwood Law Office — 135 Court St.,
Hillsborough, to the Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc.
DEPARTMENT: Asset Management Services
Environment, Agriculture, Parks
& Recreation (DEAPR)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1) Site Illustration Alan Dorman, AMS Assistant Director,
2) Lease Agreement 919-245-2627
3) Resolution Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR, 919-245-2517
PURPOSE: To:
1) Approve a three-year lease agreement with the Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc.,
for the historic Norwood Law Office, built c. 1830. The building consists of a single historic
exhibit room of approximately 270 square feet, located at 135 Court Street; and
2) Authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution for Lease, and the Manager to sign the Lease
Agreement upon final review by the County Attorney.
BACKGROUND: The Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc. (Preservation Fund), a non-profit
historic preservation organization, has partnered with Orange County since the 1990s to restore
the Norwood Law Office and has furnished it as a historic museum room to depict a typical mid-
19t" century law office. The Preservation Fund raised all funds required for the major restoration
of the structure in 1997 to ensure that Orange County's only surviving brick law office was
preserved at no cost to the County. Since then the Preservation Fund has worked cooperatively
with local historical groups to open the Norwood Law Office to the public for special events and
during regular walking tours of the downtown area. The building does not have heating or air
conditioning, nor does it have any restroom facilities. In 2018, the Preservation Fund provided the
County with additional funding to pay for the restoration of the exterior brickwork. The purpose of
this lease is to formalize this long-term partnership between the County and the Preservation
Fund. The building will continue to be opened for tours and special events.
The Lease Agreement contemplates a three-year period beginning November 1, 2021 and ending
October 31, 2024, with the option to renew for an additional three-year term. The Preservation
Fund will be responsible for maintaining the required liability insurance and will perform additional
interior restoration work as needed, under County supervision. The Lease Agreement includes
language that addresses the possibility of future major redevelopment of the former jail property.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: The County would receive $100 per year for the lease term. In addition,
the County will benefit from having the required level of liability insurance coverage for the
premises provided at no cost. The Preservation Fund will pay all costs associated with interior
painting and other needed interior repairs.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with this item.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board
1) Approve a three-year lease agreement with the Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc.,
for the historic Norwood Law Office, consisting of a single historic exhibit room of
approximately 270 square feet, located at 135 Court Street; and
2) Authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution for Lease, and the Manager to sign the Lease
Agreement upon final review by the County Attorney.
Attachment 1 3
Norwood Law Office
135 Court Street, Hillsborough
Ownership: Owned
Year Built: c. 1830
Year Added: 1925
Gross Square Footage: 270
Building Notes: Historic law office, consists of a single room, no
heating or air conditioning, no bathroom. Restored by private
funds in 1997. Brickwork restored 2018. New wood shingle roof
and gutters installed in 2019.
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1926 Jail
3 Norwood
Law Office
' East Margaret Lane
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Aerial view of property and building
DRAFT Attachment 2 5
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF ORANGE LEASE
THIS LEASE "Lease", made and entered into as of the 1st day of November, 2021, by and
between Orange County, hereinafter referred to as "County," and The Preservation Fund of
Hillsborough, Inc., hereinafter referred to as "Tenant;"
WITNESSETH:
THAT FOR and in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter
set forth, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:
1. Premises. County does hereby lease and let unto Tenant and Tenant does
hereby accept as Tenant those certain premises designated as the Norwood-Jones Law Office,
135 Court Street, Hillsborough, Orange County, North Carolina ("Lease Premises," "Premises,"
or "Leased Premises"), situated on that parcel having PIN 9874068114 and as more particularly
shown on EXHIBIT A appended hereto.
2. Acceptance of Premises. The Tenant represents that the Leased Premises,
the sidewalks and structures adjoining the same, any subsurface conditions thereof, and the
present uses and non-uses thereof have been examined by the Tenant. The Tenant accepts
the same in the condition in which they now are without representation or warranty, express or
implied, in fact or by law, by the County, the nature, condition or usability thereof, or the uses to
which the Leased Premises may be put. Provided, County shall be responsible for ensuring
that the exterior walls and roof, the lighting system (excluding such additions as may be
required for Tenant's business operation) and the exterior grounds are in good repair on the
date of commencement of the Lease term. County represents and warrants to Tenant that it
holds unencumbered fee title to the Lease Premises. The County shall not be responsible for
any latent defect or change of condition in such building, improvements, and personalty, and the
rent hereunder shall in no case be withheld or diminished because any defect in such property,
any change in the condition thereof, any damage occurring thereto or the existence with respect
thereof of any violations of the laws or regulations of any governmental authority, except as
hereinafter provided. In addition, Tenant acknowledges that the Lease Premises is a smoke free
building and grounds and tobacco use inside of the building or on the grounds is prohibited.
Tenant hereby acknowledges that the County may engage in construction activities at or near
the leased site. The tenant agrees that it shall not be entitled to any damages as a result of the
same, or any diminished use of the property as a result of such activities.
3. Term and Rental.
(a) This Lease shall commence on November 1, 2021, and shall continue for a term
of thirty-six (36) months, ending on October 31, 2024, both dates inclusive, unless sooner
terminated as herein provided. Upon mutual written agreement, this Lease may be renewed for
up to one thirty-six (36) month term. Any renewal may be for the entire Leased Premises. Any
such renewal shall be subject to a mutually agreed upon increase in rent.
(b) Tenant shall deliver to County a deposit in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty
Dollars ($250.00. Deposit shall be held as a security deposit against claims for damages. This
money may be deposited for the exclusive use of Orange County and will be returned to Tenant
at the end of the Lease within 30 days provided there has been no damage to the Leased
Premises.
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(c) The Tenant agrees to pay the County without demand at its office, or at
such other place or places as County may from time to time designate in writing, the sum of
One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per year for the three-year lease term, on or before the
November 1 st on each year of the lease term.
(d) The extension of time for the payment of any installment of rent, or the
acceptance by the County of any money other than of the kind herein specified, shall not be a
waiver of the right of the County to insist on having all other payments of rent made in the
manner and at the time herein specified.
(e) If any installment of rent is not received by November 1st, Tenant shall pay as
additional rent a past due payment fee of Fifty Dollars ($50.00). This additional rent shall be
due immediately without demand therefore and shall be added to and paid as a part of the
installment payment of rent with respect to which it is incurred.
4. Holdover. If the Tenant shall remain in possession of the Leased Premises
after the expiration of the original or renewal period as set out above, such possession shall be
as a month-to-month tenant. During such month-to-month tenancy, rent shall be the rent in
effect during the last month of the term immediately preceding.
5. Insurance. The County shall keep in force insurance to provide for property
damage to the building for replacement cost purposes.
The Tenant shall maintain fire and casualty insurance covering the Tenant's fixtures,
equipment, and other property located in the demised premises.
Tenant shall keep the Leased Premises insured, at its sole cost and expense,
against claims for personal injury or property damage under a policy of public liability insurance,
with limits of at least $1,000,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage. Such
policies shall name the County as additional named insured under the policy.
The Tenant shall provide the County certificates of such insurance at or prior to the
commencement of the term of this Lease, and thereafter within ten (10) days prior to the
expiration of such policies. Such policies shall provide that the same may not be canceled
without at least ten (10) days prior written notice to County.
6. Rental Adjustment. In addition to the base rental, the Tenant shall assume
and pay any additional fire insurance premium, hazard insurance premium, or other extended
coverage insurance premium required because of any operation or use of said premises over
and above the insurance premium required to be paid by County in the absence of said
operation or use.
7. Signs. The County will coordinate with the Town of Hillsborough to provide
and maintain a main building identification sign in front of the building. The Tenant reserves the
right to install special signage it deems appropriate to properly direct the public to the services
offered at the Leased Premises. Any special Tenant sign will be at the sole cost of the tenant
but in the same styling, to be approved by the County's Cultural Resources Coordinator,
provided, however, that the County shall not unreasonably withhold approval of such signs as
Tenant may desire. Signage must also be approved by the Town of Hillsborough. Upon the
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termination of this Lease the Tenant shall remove all special signs and repair any damage to the
Leased Premises caused by the erection, maintenance, or removal of such special signs.
8. Repairs. The County shall be responsible for repairs and maintenance of the
roof and outside walls and other external structural members, including the foundation of the
Leased Premises. The County shall be responsible for maintenance of the electrical, plumbing,
and the heating plant/air-conditioning systems in such condition as existed at the
commencement of this Lease, which County warrants to be in good working condition as of the
date of this Lease. The County shall be responsible for the removal of snow (in a timely manner)
from the walkways. In addition, County shall mow the grass on the Leased Premises. The
Tenant shall not cause or permit any waste, damage or injury to the Leased Premises. The
Tenant, at its sole expense, shall keep the Leased Premises clean and in good condition
(reasonable wear and tear excepted), and shall make all repairs, replacements and renewals,
whether ordinary or extraordinary, seen or unseen, including all structural repairs, necessary to
maintain the interiors of the Leased Premises. All repairs, replacements and renewals shall be
at least equal in quality of materials and workmanship to that originally existing in the Leased
Premises. Such repair and maintenance the Tenant shall be responsible for include wall and
ceilings (including the painting thereof); maintenance of floors, and the cleaning of all buildings.
The County shall in no event be required to make any repair, alteration or improvement to the
interior of the Leased Premises, excepting obligations which are the responsibility of the County
as noted above or which are made necessary because of fire and other unavoidable casualties
covered by the County' fire and extended coverage insurance, and excepting reasonable wear
and tear. The Tenant shall be responsible for grounds care, if any is required, except for
mowing and snow/ice removal on walkways. The Tenant shall promptly notify Orange County
Asset Management Services for notice of any needed repairs. The Tenant shall repair and
maintain those things that are the responsibility of the County if repair and maintenance is
necessary because of the fault, act, or negligence of the Tenant, its agents, subtenants,
employees, or business invitees. Any equipment replaced by the Tenant shall belong to the
Tenant, save equipment replaced in connection with Tenant's obligation to maintain the Leased
Premises in the same condition as exists at the commencement of this Lease, and all proceeds
from the disposition thereof may be retained by the Tenant. The Tenant shall indemnify the
County against all costs, expenses, liabilities, losses, damages, suits, fines, penalties, claims
and demands including reasonable attorney fees, because of Tenant's failure to comply with the
foregoing.
9. Improvements. No substantial alteration, addition, or improvement to the
Leased Premises shall be made by the Tenant without the written consent of the County, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed. Any alteration, addition, or
improvement made by the Tenant after such consent shall have been given and any fixtures
permanently installed as part thereof, shall, at the County's option, become the property of the
County upon expiration of or other sooner termination of this Lease; provided however, that the
County shall have the right to require the Tenant to remove such fixtures at the Tenant's cost
upon such termination. This clause shall not preclude Tenant from decorating the interior of the
Leased Premises from time to time in Tenant's discretion.
10. Liens for Improvements by Tenant. The Tenant shall not permit any
mechanic's lien to be filed against the fee of the property because of work, labor, services, or
materials supplied or claimed to have been supplied, whether prior or after the commencement
of the term hereof, to the Tenant or anyone holding the Leased Premises, through or under the
Tenant. If any such mechanic's lien shall at any time be filed against the Leased Premises, the
Tenant shall, within 30 days after notice of the filing thereof, cause such lien to be discharged of
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record by payment, deposit, bond, order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or otherwise. If the
Tenant shall fail to cause such lien to be discharged within such 30 day period, then, in
addition to any other right or remedy of the County, the County may, but shall not be obligated
to, discharge such lien either by paying the amount claimed to be due or by procuring the
discharge of such lien by deposit or by bonding proceedings, and in any such event the County
shall be entitled, if the County so elects, to compel the prosecution of an action for the
foreclosure of such mechanic's lien by the lienor and to pay the amount of the judgment for and
in favor of the lienor, with interest, costs and all other allowances. Any amount paid by the
County for any such purposes, shall be repaid by the Tenant to the County on demand, with
interest thereon at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of payment, and if unpaid may be
treated as additional rent as provided for elsewhere in this Lease. Nothing in this Lease shall
be construed in any way as constituting the consent or request of the County, express or
implied, by inference or otherwise, to any contractor, subcontractor, laborer or materialmen for
the performance of any labor or the furnishing of any materials for any property or as giving the
Tenant the right, power of authority to contract for or permit the rendering of any service or the
furnishing of any material that would give rise to the filing of any mechanic's lien against the
fee of the Leased Premises.
11. Tenant's Warranty of Non-Disturbance. Tenant hereby expressly covenants
and agrees that the Tenant shall be responsible for controlling the noise level emanating from
the Tenant's use of the demised premises in such a way that other occupants of the building of
which the demised premises are a part shall not be disturbed. Tenant shall be responsible for
and pay for the installation of any special padding for other noise suppression devices that may
be required for control of the level of sound emanating from the demised premises.
12. Tenant's Obligation to Comply with Applicable Laws and Compliance with
Requirements of Insurance Policies. The Tenant shall, throughout the term of this Lease at
its sole expense, promptly comply with all laws and regulations of all federal, state, and
municipal governments and appropriate departments, commissions, boards and officers thereof,
and the orders and regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, or any other body
now or hereafter exercising similar function, which may be applicable to the Leased Premises,
the fixtures, and equipment therein, and the sidewalks and curbs adjoining the Leased
Premises. The Tenant shall comply with the requirements of all policies of public liability, fire
and all other types of insurance at any time in force with respect to the building and other
improvements on the Leased Premises.
13. Utilities. Tenant shall be responsible for gas and electricity where separately
metered, as well as telephone, pest control and water, used, rendered, or supplied upon the
Leased Premises. The County shall be responsible for trash and recycling costs.
14. Condition of Premises. The Tenant shall, during the term of this Lease and
any renewal or extension hereof, at its sole expense, cause the Leased Premises to be kept
clean and in a manner satisfactory to the County.
15. Surrender in Same Good Order and Condition. The Tenant shall vacate the
Leased Premises in the good order and repair in which such property now is, ordinary wear and
tear excepted, and shall remove all its property therefrom so that the County can repossess the
Leased Premises no later than Noon on the day upon which this Lease ends, whether upon
notice or by holdover or otherwise. The County shall have the same rights to enforce this
covenant by ejectment and for damages or otherwise as for the breach of any other condition or
covenant of this Lease. Tenant may at any time prior to or upon the termination of this Lease
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or any renewal or extension thereof remove from the Leased Premises all materials, equipment,
and property of every other sort or nature installed by the Tenant thereon, provided that such
property is removed without substantial injury to the Leased Premises. No injury shall be
considered substantial if it is promptly corrected by restoration to the condition prior to the
installation of such property, if so requested by the County. Any such property not removed
shall become the property of the County.
16. Prohibition Against Unlawful or Extra-Hazardous Use and Enforcement
Against Subtenants. The Tenant may use and occupy the Leased Premises for general office
uses, educational programs, and special events and for no other purpose without the prior
written consent of County. Tenant shall not use or occupy nor permit the Leased Premises or
any part thereof to be used or occupied for any unlawful business, use or purpose, nor for any
business, use, or purpose deemed extra-hazardous, nor for any purpose or in any manner
which is in violation of any present or future governmental laws or regulations. The Tenant shall
promptly, after the discovery of any such unlawful or extra-hazardous use, take all necessary
steps, legal and equitable, to compel the discontinuance of such use and to oust and remove
any subtenants, occupants, or other persons guilty of such unlawful or extra-hazardous use.
The Tenant shall indemnify the County against all costs, expenses, liabilities, losses, damages,
injunctions, suits, fines, penalties, claims, and demands, including reasonable counsel fees,
arising out of any violation of or default in these covenants.
17. County's Right to Cause Expiration or Termination upon Listed Defaults
(a) The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an event of default:
1. Delinquency in the punctual payment of any rent or additional rent payable
under this Lease when such rent shall become payable. Should such rent payment not be
made when due then upon the expiration of five days after the due date, such rent payment
shall be delinquent.
2. Delinquency by the Tenant in the performance of or compliance with any
of the conditions contained in this Lease other than those referred to in the foregoing
subparagraph 1, for a period of 30 days after written notice thereof from the County to the
Tenant. In the event, Tenant is incapable of curing the default within such thirty (30) day period,
the County may in its discretion extend the time for as long as the County deems necessary to
cure such default. Provided, however, the Tenant shall promptly and diligently commence
action to cure such default and provide County with evidence of Tenant's intent to cure the
default. Any additional period beyond thirty (30) days granted to Tenant to cure any default
shall not be extended to jeopardize the interest of the County in this Lease or to subject the
County to any civil or criminal liabilities.
3. Filing by the Tenant in any court pursuant to any statute, either of the
United States or any state, of a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or for reorganization, or for
the appointment of a receiver or trustee of all or a portion of the Tenant's property, or an
assignment by the Tenant for the benefit of creditors.
4. Filing against the Tenant in any court pursuant to any statute, either of the
United States or of any state, of a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency, or for reorganization, or
for appointment of a receiver or trustee of all or a portion of the Tenant's property, if within 180
days after the commencement of any such proceeding against the Tenant such petition shall not
have been dismissed.
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(b) Upon the expiration or termination of this Lease, the Tenant shall peacefully
surrender the Leased Premises to the County, and the County, upon or at any time after such
expiration or termination, County may, without further notice, reenter the Leased Premises and
repossess it by force, summary proceedings, ejectment, or otherwise, and may dispossess the
Tenant and remove the Tenant and all other persons and property from the Leased Premises
and the right to receive all rental income therefrom.
(c) At any time after such expiration, the County may relet the Leased Premises
or any part thereof, in the name of the County or otherwise, for such term (which may be greater
or less than the period which would otherwise have constituted the balance of the term of this
Lease) and on such conditions (which may include concessions or free rent) as the County, in
its uncontrolled discretion, may determine, and may collect and receive the rent thereof.
(d) No such expiration or termination of this Lease shall relieve the Tenant of its
liability or obligations under this Lease, and such liability and obligations shall survive any such
expiration or termination. In the event of any such expiration or termination, whether or not the
Leased Premises or any part thereof shall have been relet, the Tenant shall pay to the County
the rent and additional rent required to be paid by the Tenant up to the time of such expiration,
and thereafter the Tenant, until the end of what would have been the term of this Lease in the
absence of such expiration, shall be liable to the County for, and shall pay to the County, as
and for liquidated and agreed current damages for the Tenant's default:
1. The equivalent of the amount of the rent and additional rent which
would be payable under this Lease by the Tenant if this Lease were still in effect, less
2. The greater of:
(a) The fair rental value of the Leased Premises for the remaining term
of the Lease, after deducting all the County's reasonable expenses in connection with such
reletting, including, without limitation, all repossession costs, brokerage Commissions, legal
expenses, reasonable attorney's fees, alteration costs, and expenses of preparation for such
reletting.
(b) The net proceeds of any reletting effected pursuant to the provisions
of paragraph d. of this article, after deducting the County's reasonable expenses in connection
with such reletting, including, without limitation, all repossession costs, brokerage
commissions, legal expenses, reasonable attorney's fees, alteration costs, and expenses of
preparation for such reletting.
(e) The Tenant shall pay such current damages (herein called "deficiency") to the
County monthly on the days on which the rent and additional rent would have been payable
under this Lease if this Lease were still in effect, and the County shall be entitled to recover from
the Tenant each monthly deficiency as such deficiency shall arise. At any time after any such
expiration, whether the County shall have collected any monthly deficiency, the County shall be
entitled to recover from the Tenant, and the Tenant shall pay to the County, on demand, as and
for liquidated and agreed final damages for the Tenant's default, an amount equal to the
difference between the rent and additional rent reserved hereunder for the expired portion of the
Lease of the Leased Premises for the same period. In the computation of such damages the
difference between any installment of rent becoming due hereunder after the date of termination
and the fair and reasonable rental value of the Leased Premises for the period for which such
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installment was payable shall be discontinued to the date of termination at the rate of four
percent per annum.
(f) The terms "enter", "reenter", "entry", or "reentry" as used in this Lease are not
restricted to their technical meaning.
18. Lien on Tenant's Improvements and Personal Property. The County shall
have first lien paramount to all others on every right and interest of the Tenant in and to this
Lease, and on any building or improvement on or hereafter placed on the Leased Premises, and
on any furnishings, equipment, fixtures, or other personal property of any kind belonging to the
Tenant, or the equity of the Tenant therein, on the Leased Premises. Such lien is granted for
the purpose of covenanted to be paid by the Tenant, and for the purpose of securing the
performance of all the Tenant's obligations under this Lease. Such liens shall be in addition to
all rights of the County given under statutes of this state, which are now or shall hereinafter be
in effect. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be applicable to liens existing at the
commencement of this Lease.
Provided, that the County may, at its option, agree to subordinate this lien to liens
arising about purchased of equipment or leasehold improvement financing by Tenant, which
agreement County covenants not to unreasonably withhold.
19. County's Right to Receiver upon Tenant's Default. In addition to any other
security for the performance of this Lease, the Tenant hereby assigns to the County all the rents
and profits which might otherwise accrue to the Tenant from the use, enjoyment, and operation
of the Leased Premises, such assignment to become effective, however, only after default by
the Tenant in the performance of its obligations under this Lease. If the County, upon default of
the Tenant, elects to file a suit in equity to enforce the Lease and protect the County's right
hereunder, the County may upon notice to the Tenant, as ancillary to such suit, apply to any
court having jurisdiction for the appointment of a receiver of the Leased Premises, the
improvements and buildings located thereon, the personal property located therein, and
thereupon the court may forthwith appoint a receiver with the usual powers and duties of
receivers in like cases. Such appointment shall be made by such court as a matter of strict
right to the County and without consideration of the adequacy of the value of the Tenant's
interest in the Lease, or of the value of the property, or the commission of waste thereon, or the
deterioration thereof. Nothing herein shall prevent the enforcement of the County's lien for rent
in any court or by proceeding authorized to the laws of this state, or the institution by the County
of a separate proceeding in equity for the appointment of a receiver as an ancillary remedy to
protect the rights and interest of the County. Any and all remedies or proceedings are
considered cumulative and not exclusive.
20. Waiver of County's Rights Only by Written Instrument. No failure by the
County to insist upon the strict performance of any item or condition of this Lease or to exercise
any right or remedy available on a breach thereof, and no acceptance of full or partial rent
during the continuance of any such breach shall constitute a waiver of any claim, breach, or of
any such term or condition. No term or condition of this Lease required to be performed by the
Tenant, and no breach thereof, shall be waived, altered or modified, except by a written
instrument executed by the County. No waiver of any breach shall affect or alter any term or
condition in this Lease, and each such term or condition shall continue in full force and effect
with respect to any other then existing or subsequent breach thereof.
21. Performance of Tenant's Obligations - Unpaid Insurance Premiums
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(a) If the Tenant shall at any time fail to pay any amount in accordance with the
provisions of this Lease, or shall fail to take out, keep in force, or shall fail to perform any of its
other obligations under this Lease, then the County may after notice and opportunity to cure in
accordance with the provisions of Section 17(a)2, or without notice if any emergency exists, and
without releasing the Tenant from any obligation of the Tenant contained in this Lease, may
(but shall be under no obligation to) pay any amount payable by the Tenant hereunder, and
perform any other act required to be performed by the Tenant hereunder. The County may
enter upon the Leased Premises for such purposes and take any action necessary therefore.
(b) All sums so paid by the County and all costs and expenses incurred by the
County in connection with the performance of any such act, together with interest thereon at the
rate of 6% per annum from the respective dates of each such payment and such costs and
expenses, shall constitute additional rent payable by the Tenant under this Lease and shall be
paid by the Tenant to the County on demand.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, the County shall not be
limited in any damages which the County may claim against the Tenant by reason of the
Tenant's failure to provide and keep insurance in force to the amount of the insurance premiums
not paid or incurred by the Tenant. The County shall also be entitled to recover as damages for
such breach the uninsured amount of any loss, together with damages, costs, and expenses of
any suit offered or incurred by reason of damage to the Leased Premises occurring during any
period when the Tenant shall have failed to provide and keep such insurance in force.
22. Taxes. The County shall pay and be responsible for: any and all the ad
valorem real property taxes and assessments with respect to the Premises. Tenant shall pay
and be responsible for: any and all taxes and assessments on the equipment, inventory, or
other business assets.
23. Right of Entry. The County or its agent shall within twenty-four (24) hours
notice have the right to enter the Leased Premises at reasonable times during normal County
business hours in order to examine it or to show it to prospective purchasers or lessees. The
County shall be allowed to take all material into and upon the Leased Premises that may be
required therefore without the same constituting an eviction of the Tenant in whole or in part.
During the last month prior to the expiration of the term of this lease, the County may place
upon the Leased Premises the usual notices "To Let" or "For Sale", which notices the Tenant
shall permit to remain thereon without molestation. If during the last month of the term the
Tenant shall have removed all or substantially all of the Tenant's property therefrom, the County
may, with the Tenant's permission, immediately enter and later, renovate and redecorate, the
Leased Premises without elimination of abatement of rent and without liability to the Tenant for
any compensation, and such acts shall have no effect upon this Lease. If the Tenant or its
employees shall not be personally present to permit entry at any time when an entry therein
shall be immediately necessary, as herein provided, the County may enter the premises by
such means as may be appropriate, including forcible entry, without rendering the County or
such agents liable therefore (if during such entry the County or his agents shall accord
reasonable care to the Tenant's property), and without in any manner affecting the obligations
and covenants of this Lease. The County's right of reentry shall not be deemed to impose upon
the County any obligation, responsibility or liability for the care, supervision or repair of the
Leased Premises other than as herein provided. In the event that it becomes necessary for
County to replace or repair any major component or any structural or other system in the
Leased Premises, the County shall have full and unrestricted access to the building and the
Leased Premises. The County reserves the right temporarily to interrupt, curtail, stop or
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suspend air-conditioning and heating service, and all other utility or other services, because of
accident or emergency or for repairs, alterations, additions, or improvements, or because of
the County's inability to obtain, or difficulty or delay in obtaining, labor or materials necessary
therefore or compliance with governmental restrictions in connection therewith, or because of
any other cause beyond the County's reasonable control, provided that, except in cases of
emergency, the County will use its best efforts to limit such stoppage to after-business hours,
will notify the Tenant in advance, if possible, of any such stoppage, and, if ascertainable, its
estimated duration, and will proceed diligently with the work necessary to resume such service
as promptly as possible and in a manner and at times as will not materially interfere with or
impair the Tenant's use of the Leased Premises. No diminution or abatement of fixed rent or
other compensation shall be claimed by the Tenant, nor shall this Lease or any of the
obligations of the Tenant hereunder be affected or reduced by reason of such interruption,
stoppage, or curtailment, nor shall the same give rise to a claim in the Tenant's favor that such
failure constitutes total or partial eviction from the Leased Premises, provided that if the
Leased Premises shall be unreasonably untenantable for a continuous period of more than four
business days by reason of any such stoppage, the fixed rent payable by the Tenant shall
abate until the Tenant shall be again able to use the Leased Premises.
24. Destruction by Fire or Other Casualty. In the event the premises or any
substantial portion thereof are destroyed by fire or other casualty during the term of this Lease,
it is understood and agreed that County shall have no obligation to rebuild and, at the election
of County or Tenant, the Lease may be terminated.
25. Condemnation. If the whole of the Leased Premises, or such portion thereof
as will make the Leased Premises unsuitable for the purposes herein leased, is condemned for
any public use or purpose by any legally constituted authority, then in either of such events this
Lease shall cease from the time when possession is taken by such public authority and rental
shall be accounted for between the County and the Tenant as of the date of the surrender of
possession. Such termination shall be without prejudice to the rights of either the County or the
Tenant to recover compensation from the condemning authority for any loss or damage caused
by such condemnation. Neither the County nor the Tenant shall have any rights in or to any
award made to the other by the condemning authority.
26. Assignment of Lease. The Tenant shall not assign, mortgage, or encumber
this Lease, nor sublet or permit the Leased Premises or any part thereof to be used by others,
without the prior written consent of the County in each instance. Tenant may request an
assignment authority from County. Such authority may only be granted in a written instrument
approved by County. If this Lease is assigned, or if the Leased Premises or any part thereof, is
sublet, or occupied by anybody other than the Tenant, the County may, after an event of default,
as hereinabove defined, by the Tenant, collect rent for the assignee, subtenant, or occupant and
apply the net amount collected to the rent herein reserved. No such assignment, subletting,
occupancy or collection shall be deemed a waiver of this covenant, or the acceptance of this
assignee, subtenant, or occupant as tenant, or a release or amendment of covenants in this
Lease. The consent by the County to an assignment or subletting shall not be construed to
relieve the Tenant from obtaining the consent in writing of the County to any further assignment
or subletting.
27. Assignment of Interest in Rents. The County shall have the right, without
selling its fee interest in the Leased Premises or assigning its interest in this Lease, to assign
from time to time the whole of the net rent at any time payable hereunder to persons, firms,
corporations, trusts or other entities designated by the County in a written notice to the Tenant,
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and in any such case the Tenant shall pay the net rent, subject to the terms of this Lease, to
the County's designee at the address mentioned in any such notice for the period covered by
such assignment.
28. Exoneration from Liability. The County shall not be liable and Tenant shall
indemnify and defend County for any personal injury to the Tenant or to its officers, agents and
employees, or to any other occupant of or third party on any part of the Leased Premises,
regardless of how such injury or damage may be caused, whether from action of the elements
or acts of negligence of the occupants of adjacent properties, or any other persons; provided
that nothing contained herein shall relieve the County of the consequences of its own
negligence.
29. Reimbursement of Expenses. The Tenant shall defend and indemnify the
County against all legal costs and charges, including reasonable attorney fees lawfully and
reasonably incurred, in obtaining possession of the Leased Premises after default of the Tenant
or after the Tenant's default in surrendering possession upon the expiration or earlier
termination of the term of the Lease or enforcing any covenant of the Tenant herein contained.
The Tenant further covenants that in case the County shall be made party to any litigation
commenced against the Tenant, due to act or omission on the part of the Tenant alone, then
the Tenant shall pay all expenses, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by or
imposed on the County in connection with such litigation, and such expenses, costs, and
attorney's fees shall be additional rent due on the last day after services of notice of such
payment or payments, together with interest at a rate of 6% per annum from the date of
payment, and shall be collected as any other rent specifically reserved herein. Provided that
this claim shall not be applicable where the County shall be made a party by reason of any
independent liability of the County caused by some act or omission on the part of the County or
resulting from any act or omission on the part of both Tenant and County.
30. Smoke Free Facility. Tenant acknowledges that County buildings are smoke-
free. Tenant shall ensure that employees, customers or invitees of the Tenant abide by the
County's ordinances and Board of Health Rules which prohibit smoking.
31. Weapons Prohibited. Tenant acknowledges that by law weapons are
prohibited in County facilities. Tenant will ensure that employees, customers, or invitees of the
Tenant abide by the County's ordinance that prohibits weapons in the facility.
32. Notice by Registered or Certified Mail. Any notice under this Lease must be
in writing and must be sent by registered or certified mail to the last address of the party to
whom the notice is to be given, as designated by such party in writing. The County hereby
designates its address as:
Orange County
Attn: Director of Asset Management
131 West Margaret Lane; Suite 301
PO Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-245-2658
The Tenant hereby designates its address as:
The Preservation Fund of Hillsborough
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Attn: Pat Revels
329 West King Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone number: 502-432-4662
33. Grammatical Usage. In construing this Lease feminine or neuter pronouns
shall be substituted for those masculine in form and vice versa, and plural terms shall be
substituted for singular and singular for plural in any place in which the context so requires.
34. Use of the Premises for Historic Preservation and Educational Purposes.
Tenant agrees to utilize the Premises for the purposes of carrying out its organizational mission
to promote the preservation of historic structures, properties and other cultural resources in and
around Hillsborough, NC, and will allow for regular public access to the Premises through
guided tours and other historical interpretive programs.
35. Memorandum of Lease. County and Tenant shall execute a Memorandum of
Lease for recordation. Such Memorandum of Lease shall comply with Article 8 of Chapter 47 of
the North Carolina General Statutes.
36. Entire Agreement. This Lease contains the entire agreement between the
parties, and any executory agreement hereafter made shall be ineffective to change, modify, or
discharge it in whole or in part, unless such executory agreement is in writing and signed by the
party against whom enforcement of the change, modification or discharge is sought.
[Signature Page to Follow]
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IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and
year first above written.
COUNTY: ATTEST:
BY:
Bonnie B. Hammersley, County Manager Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
TENANT: WITNESS:
Pat Revels, President
The Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
ORANGE COUNTY
I, a Notary Public for said County and State, do hereby
certify that Laura Jensen personally appeared before me this date and acknowledged that she
is the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, and that by authority duly given
and as the act of Orange County, the foregoing instrument was signed in its name by Bonnie B.
Hammersley, sealed with its official seal, and attested by herself as its Clerk.
Witness my hand and official seal, this the day of , 2021
Notary Public
My Commission expires:
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF ORANGE
I, , a Notary Public, do hereby certify that personally
appeared before me this day and acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing Lease
Agreement.
WITNESS my hand and official seal this the day of , 2021.
Notary Public
My commission expires:
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RES-2021-063 Attachment 3 17
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION LEASING PROPERTY UP TO TEN YEARS
Whereas, Orange County owns the historic Norwood Law Office, located at 135 Court
Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278, comprising approximately 270 unconditioned square feet
(the "Premises"); and
Whereas, The Norwood Law Office, built c. 1830, was purchased by Orange County in
1925 at the time it was preparing to develop a large new jail, built in 1926; and
Whereas, Orange County has utilized the Norwood Law Office for a variety purposes
since 1925, including as the first office of the Agricultural Extension Agent; and
Whereas, The Historic Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc. desires to lease the
Norwood Law Office, Hillsborough, Orange County, North Carolina, for the purpose of
maintaining the interior historic exhibit room for the public benefit; and
Whereas, The Historic Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc. raised private funds to pay
for the cost of critical structural repairs and the full restoration of the Norwood Law Office
in 1997, and
Whereas, The Historic Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc., will pay an annual rent of
$100 over the course of an initial 3 year term with automatic renewal for one three (3)
year term; and
Whereas, North Carolina General Statute 160A-272 authorizes the lease of county-
owned properties for terms of up to ten years upon resolution of the Board of
Commissioners at a regular meeting after thirty days' public notice; and
Whereas, in consideration of the annual rent and the need to continue to preserve the
historic Norwood Law Office, the Board of Orange County Commissioners desires to
lease the building to The Historic Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc., the required
notice has been published and the Board of Commissioners is convened at a regular
meeting;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Orange County Commissioners
hereby approves the lease of the County property described above to The Historic
Preservation Fund of Hillsborough, Inc., for a term of three years commencing November
1, 2021, with the option to renew for up to one three (3) year term, approves the signed
lease, and directs the execution, registration, and filing of all necessary instruments
accordingly.
This the 19th Day of October, 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners