Parks commission tables Hostochi rental policy, asks staff and legal to redraft resident-priority and non-endorsement language

The Parks Commission on June 4 took up resolution R8926, a draft rental policy tailored to Hostochi, the city’s multi-use facility with an indoor kitchen and educational space. Staff described the draft as an initial implementation meant to allow civic organizations to reserve the space while staff monitors actual usage and returns with recommended refinements.

Eric Shriner, speaking for staff, said the policy was designed specifically for Hostochi rather than a general parks rental policy because the facility’s features (kitchen, multi‑purpose interior) make blanket park rules inappropriate. "This is the initial implementation of a rental policy before we get something in place," Shriner said, and staff will assess frequency of reservations and adjust the policy over time.

Commissioners raised several recurring concerns: whether the facility would have an attendant on-site for rentals; how to prioritize local residents and resident organizations when demand exceeds supply; whether interior and exterior spaces should be reserved jointly; and whether stronger nondiscrimination and non-endorsement language should be added. One commissioner proposed language stating "permission to use city facilities does not constitute a city's endorsement" and suggested giving priority to Fitchburg residents and resident organizations on a viewpoint-neutral basis.

Because the proposed non-endorsement and resident-priority clauses could raise legal questions, staff recommended legal review. A commissioner moved to postpone R8926 and direct staff to work with legal to incorporate the suggested changes and return a redrafted policy in July; the motion was seconded and carried.

Why it matters: Hostochi differs from park shelters and may require different operational rules and staffing. The commission’s decision to table the policy preserves staff time to consult legal counsel and gather more data on likely demand and staffing implications before adopting a policy that could affect access and free-speech considerations.

Next steps: Staff will consult with the city legal department, incorporate commissioners’ suggested language around non-endorsement and resident priority where appropriate, and return a redraft of R8926 to the July Parks Commission meeting for further consideration.