RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
DIRECT the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors to cause a notice of public hearing to be published in accordance with Government Code Sections 6062a and 66018.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% County Service Area (CSA) M-17 Funds.
BACKGROUND:
Staff analyzed the costs related to the use of Montarabay Community Center facilities and found that expenses for maintenance and operations related to rental use, exceed revenue from rental income. Increased maintenance costs, higher energy costs, and equipment replacement costs all contribute to depleting Montarabay Community Center’s reserves.
Staff anticipates that improvements for greater accessibility and deferred maintenance expenses will exceed revenues. Accessibility expenses include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements to make the parking lot accessible, including the addition of ADA parking stalls, striping and signage. Deferred building maintenance expenses include interior painting, floor covering, and chair and table replacements to maintain an acceptable appearance for rental of the Center. Roof repairs and exterior painting are also needed.
On March 23, 1999, the Board approved fee increases and revisions to the Rules and Regulations for use of the Montarabay Community Center. There have been no changes to the Community Center Rules and Regulations, increase in rental fees, and inclusion of insurance requirements during the past 20 years. Staff surveyed other community centers and learned that the Montarabay Community Center fees are below the fees charged by other facilities for similar services. Staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors hold a hearing to consider approving the increase in rental fees, effective December 18, 2019, (Attachment 2) to enable staff to make the needed improvements discussed above and adequately maintain the facilities.
Staff also recommends that the Board approve changes to the Community Center Rules and Regulations in order to limit the County’s liability exposure and to protect the facilities from damage. Rules and regulations changes include; a requirement that renters obtain a food permit from the County Environmental Health Division of the County Health Services Department when selling or serving food to the general public; a requirement that renters obtain a license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) when a renter intends to sell alcohol; all renters obtain insurance with coverage of $1,000,000; and a specific prohibition against the use of inflatable jumpers.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the hearing is not held, the Board of Supervisors will not be able to consider increases in the community center rental fees. Rental revenue at the current rates make it difficult for County Service Area M-17 to generate enough revenue to pay for maintenance of the Montarabay Community Center building, grounds and equipment. Increased rental fees will help provide the revenue needed to make necessary improvements, adequately maintain the rental facilities, and support staffing a Facility Coordinator at the site.