DCC Is In Violation Of The Lease Agreement For A Third Time And Is In Default Of The Lease
Term #14. Commencement and Completion of Renovations: Lessee shall commence renovations to the leased property within twelve (12) months from the date of this Lease.
Default. Lessee shall be deemed in default under the terms of this Lease if: (c) Lessee fails to fulfill any duty or obligation imposed by this Lease.
The Lease Agreement specifies that DCC is to begin renovations to the courthouse within twelve (12) months from the date of the Lease, which was executed on March 18, 2008.
One year later nothing has been done except an asbestos survey has been conducted at the Historic Courthouse
From the minutes at the October 6, 2009 County Commissioners Meeting: Commissioner Johnny Hutchins asked J.T. Scruggs about the statue of the elevator at the Historic Courthouse. Mr. Scruggs explained that the architect is looking at that now and hopes to have a design by the beginning of January. [2010]
An article in The Star on January 25, 2010, states: Scruggs Center eyes renovations, opening- It’s been almost two years since the ink dried (on the lease agreement). There’s been no construction. Emily Epley says phase one design for the Scruggs Center began last quarter. There are substantial grants in the works for the Scruggs Center, Epley said, and construction could be dependent if and when they go through. As it stands now, officials hope construction could start in the second half of 2010.
By this time DCC has received $500,000 of the $1.5 million county commitment to renovate the courthouse, plus the $250,000 Golden LEAF grant for the courtroom.
Since DCC has received this money, why has renovation not begun? Where is this money?