Council delays approval of farmhouse facility fees and alcohol policy after councilors and residents raise concerns

The Town of Oak Ridge Town Council voted 3-2 to delay adoption of the Farmhouse Community Center facility fee schedule and alcohol policy, asking the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and staff to refine language on commercial use, insurance requirements and senior access before returning the full policy to council at the December meeting.

The policy package includes a fee schedule for resident and nonresident rentals, a senior-citizen concession (two free hours for Oak Ridge residents aged 65 and older, Monday–Thursday, subject to availability), and rules governing commercial vendors, event signage, parking, vendors, inclement weather, and alcohol service. Council members raised detailed questions about where the policy draws the line between informal community uses and commercial activity, the…