Baldwin City adopts building-code update 5-0; mayor rejects Bullpen lease extension

BALDWIN CITY - The Baldwin City Council adopted Ordinance 1542, updating the city's building codes, Tuesday on a 5-0 vote after a motion and second, according to the meeting recording.

Staff said the update covers residential, commercial and industrial construction, replaces codes dating to 2003, and removes a fire-sprinkler requirement for homes while keeping sprinkler rules for some commercial buildings.

During public comment, the owner of the Bullpen, a bar in a city-owned building that shares a wall with City Hall, asked to stay month to month while the council decides the property's future. She said the business plans to close Dec. 20 ahead of a Dec. 31 deadline and that the city collects about $1,000 a month in rent. "I am not asking you guys for another 5 year lease," she said.

Later, Mayor Gerald "Gerry" Cullumber answered: "There is no extensions. There's no 30 days." Council members discussed selling the Bullpen building and City Hall together or separately; staff said both sit on one parcel and that several businesses have asked to rent the Bullpen space.

Source: Baldwin City Council meeting video, Nov. 3, 2026, with transcript moments on Citizen Portal; mayor identified on the city elected-officials page.