Public Works committee debates community center hours, fees and approves temporary FCA extension

The Public Works committee spent significant time reviewing community center rental rules, deposit and fee levels, and fee-waiver procedures for local 501(c)(3) groups. Members discussed posting clean-up expectations in the kitchen and entry areas and asked the mayor’s office to propose a formal policy on waivers and hour exceptions.

Committee members said the center’s current $100 daily rental fee is ‘‘very low’’ for full-day use and proposed options such as splitting daytime and evening rates, increasing the fee for multi-day rentals, and charging a larger deposit when utilities and extended clean-up are likely. One member suggested a $50 bump would help cover utilities; another suggested a $150 daily rate for multiple-day bookings with a higher deposit.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) asked to hold youth gatherings after ballgames. Committee members noted the group had provided photographic evidence of cleanup and volunteered to assume responsibility for cleaning. A motion was made to allow FCA to meet on Friday nights after games until 11 p.m. and to require the group to have the building cleaned by 11:30 p.m. for now; the committee indicated support and asked the mayor, Sherry and staff to return with a written proposal on formal rules and fees at the next meeting.

Members emphasized the need for consistent written rules to avoid perceptions of favoritism and asked staff to compare fees and policies used by surrounding counties.