By Megan Ma

Los Altos City Councilmembers unanimously approved a final lease agreement with the Los Altos Community Foundation for operation and maintenance of the Neutra Cottage, a 980-square-foot house transplanted to city land last November.

For the past year, foundation board members and city officials have wrangled, waited and watched to secure a final lease agreement and define how renovations on the home should proceed.

Chief fundraiser for the house renovations and former Councilman King Lear said he was relieved.

“It’s really important to have an agreement. We’ve been halted on fundraising since June,” he said. The foundation needs approximately $40,000 for the total project costs, which include landscaping and interior renovations on the home, known for its distinguished architect Richard Joseph Neutra.

Foundation secretary and pro bono attorney Henry Roux said there were no drastic or surprising changes in a contract that has been discussed since early summer.

“There’s no disagreement on the purpose. We all understand that the objective is

the same,” Roux said. The

cottage is intended to flourish as an asset to the community - a spot for meetings and small city events.

Councilman David Casas responded to one speaker’s apologetic words that the yearlong process had inadvertently generated bitter feelings.

“The journey has been difficult, but the endpoint is rewarding,” Casas said. “I think the long gap has produced a better document.”

In other action, the council:

• Directed staff to draft an ordinance amendment regarding two-story additions in single-story overlay districts.

• Directed staff to refund any unspent funds from the original SPLASH contribution to the community swimming pool project at Rosita pool.