Title
Thomas Center "A" Building Use Regulations and Fees (B)
Explanation
The Department of Cultural Affairs proposes making four changes to the Thomas Center "A" Building Use Agreement, and its Building Regulations and Fees attachment.
The first of these proposed changes is to address an issue that was raised regarding a renter's request to transfer her deposit for rental of the Thomas Center to another City facility. As the rental document did not specifically prohibit such an action, the citizen's request was honored. This last-minute change caused the loss of booking for a desirable week-end date, and the resultant loss of revenue for the Thomas Center. There also was a complicated transfer of funds that required much staff attention. The addition in the
"12. FEES." paragraph (page 4) of terminology to read "This non-refundable deposit is not transferable to other City departments or facilities." will eliminate such an issue in the future.
The second proposed change is for a modification in the Building Attendant fee {"(B) Building Attendant Fee." page 5}. Current regulations charge $50 for the first three hours per staff person, with a subsequent charge of $12 per hour per staff person. The proposed change to a flat rate of $15 per hour per staff person has been suggested by renters as less confusing, and with very little average net difference in total charge per event.
The third proposed change is for an increase in the after-hours rehearsal fees, from $12 per hour, to $15 per hour, for staff presence, to be consistent with the change in the hourly rate for the Building Attendant fee {"(C) Rehearsals." page 5}.
The fourth proposed change is to add language to assure compliance with the City's designated holiday schedule. An "Operational Schedule" paragraph would be added, ("29. OPERATIONAL SCHEDULE." page 6), stating that "The Thomas Center will be closed on City of Gainesville designated holidays."
Fiscal Note
There will be no further loss of revenue to the Department of Cultural Affairs due to transferal of deposit fees and lost rental dates.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager to revise the Thomas Center "A" Building Use Agreement Building Regulations and Fees to reflect a non-transferable deposit, a modification of the hourly charge for the Building Attendant fee and a corresponding modification of the hourly charge for after-hours rehearsals, and an operational schedule consistent with the City's designated holiday schedule.