8.1.A 06-10-2009 PRSR - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR ACTION To Item Number Parks and Recreation Commission 8.1.A Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Action/Discussion Items une 10, 2009 Steve Benoit, Recreation Mana er Item Description Reviewed by Lions Park Center and Trott Brook Farm 501(c)3 Usage Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director Reviewed by Action Requested Adjustment to Lions Park Center and Trott Brook Farm rental policies by Elk River 501(c)3 groups. Background/Discussion Lions Park Center is a City of Elk River facility located in Lions Park. The facility houses a large multipurpose room that can provide seating for up to 90 people. Trott Brook Farm is a City of Elk River facility located in Trott Brook Farms Park. This facility has a multipurpose room with seating for up to 48 people. These multipurpose rooms are utilized by a variety of user groups including Parks and Recreation programs, rentals by private groups, and rentals by 501(c)3 groups. Since these facilities have been open, the need has arisen to review and update the rental policies that were originally developed for usage by Elk River 501(c)3 groups. The current policy allows for Elk River 501(c)3 groups to utilize these facilities for no rental fee. The two specific issues that need to be reviewed include the use of these facilities by 501(c)3 groups that wish to use the facility for prayer or other worship services, and the number of total usages 501(c)3 groups may have during a certain period of time. The current policy language that needs to be addressed is listed under the Users and Fees Section of the rental policy: The exempt purposes set forth in 501(c)3 are charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. The usage may not be for prayer or other worship services. Issue number one relates to the policy statement that states that under the 501(c)3 rental policy, the usage may not be for prayer or other worship services. Concern has been raised that this statement conflicts with ensuring all Elk River 501(c)3 groups have equal opportunity to utilize the facility. Issue number two relates the lack of language on the level of usage by 501(c)3 groups. Concern has been raised that 501(c)3 groups could have a large level of usage of these facilities, in some cases up to seven days per week, for no rental fee. This would be in conflict to the intended use of these facilities S:\PARKS & RECREATION\G-10-09 PRC Packet\Authotizadon to Adjust Facility SOlc3 Usage.doc