A rescission motion to reduce the Berrima District Historical and Family History Society's lease from 21 years to 12 months has been defeated.
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The motion was moved by Councillors Garry Turland, Larry Whipper and Ken Halstead at the March 27 council meeting.
At the last council meeting on March 13, council approved a 21-year lease for Memorial Hall at 114 Main Street in Mittagong, next to the Mittagong Playhouse theatre.
There were several concerns among members of the Mittagong Playhouse theatre group including the length of the lease, availability of parking spaces and "overcrowding" at the front of house for patrons.
Mittagong Playhouse theatre group representative Steve Cheers asked councillors to delay their decision to allow further discussion about alternative solutions.
The lease of the hall was set at the rate of $1 per annum, in accordance with council's policy for the lease and licence of council property for not-for-profit organisations.
Councilor Garry Turland said he believed a 21-year lease was "too long" and there were better spaces for the society to operate from.
"We can try and get both parties to be happy with the end result," Cr Turland said.
Councillor Ian Scandrett said he would vote against the rescission motion to ensure "the security" of the Berrima District Historical and Family History Society.
Councillor Larry Whipper suggested a five-year lease to give councillors the opportunity to discuss the future of the Mittagong Playhouse theatre group and the Berrima District Historical and Family History Society.
Cr Ken Halstead said he supported the five-year lease idea floated by Cr Whipper.
"The other group [the Mittagong Playhouse] should be accommodated as well," Cr Halstead said.
Cr Peter Nelson said he couldn't support the rescission motion.
"The historical society needs certainty and only a 21-year lease will give them that certainty," Cr Nelson said.
Cr Nelson said the society had about $15,000 in its kitty, and would use the money on new carpet and computers.
He said the society has also applied for grant funding.
"You don't get grant funding on a five-year lease. I'm going to go with the 21-year lease," Cr Nelson said.
Cr Grahame Andrews said the Historical and Family History Society deserved certainty.
"The historical society have been great tenants of the building and they deserve to be there," he said.
After the debate, the rescission motion was put to a vote and lost.
Councillors Whipper, Turland and Halstead voted in favour of the motion.
