Conklin nears reopening of Floyd Maines Community Center; town weighs operating costs and rental rules

Town officials said the Floyd Maines Community Center will re-open when remaining work is complete and the new kitchen appliances are installed; the Board is weighing long-term operating costs and whether to change rental fees or use rules for community and nonprofit groups. Deputy Supervisor James Finch said the building has required substantial repairs after the 2011 flood and that the Town’s flood insurance and FEMA will cover much of the reconstruction cost, but ongoing operating costs remain a concern.

Council members debated rental rules and insurance requirements for users. Town Attorney Cheryl Sacco recommended one-day liability certificates for groups that do not have ongoing rental insurance and confirmed the board can require proof of coverage or a one-day special-events policy. ‘‘We will need rules and posted requirements for the facility,’’ the attorney advised, and the board formed a Community Center Committee to recommend operating rules and a rental fee schedule to minimize the subsidy from town taxpayers.