Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Center Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council supports raising Isanti Community Center fees; staff to implement block scheduling and monitor impact
Summary
Staff presented a proposal to raise rental fees at the Isanti Community Center, add block scheduling and charge for Wi‑Fi; council supported a fee schedule (sample: private <50 full day $170; nonprofit full day $75; weddings/large events $375) and asked staff to implement, monitor use and return after a full year.
City staff urged the Isanti City Council to raise rental rates at the Isanti Community Center (ICC), add block scheduling to increase availability, and add optional Wi‑Fi for renters.
Staff said the ICC had not had a fee increase since 2013, currently averages about $65 per rental and operates at an annual net operating shortfall of roughly $26,000. Staff recommended block rental hours (7 a.m.–11 a.m., noon–4 p.m., 5 p.m.–9 p.m.) to create more rental slots and proposed a revised fee schedule.
Council discussion settled on a set of recommended rates for staff to implement and monitor: private events of fewer than 50 people — $170 for a full day or $85 for a four‑hour block; nonprofit full day $75, four‑hour block $35; larger private events (weddings/over‑50 guests) $375. Staff also proposed adding Wi‑Fi at roughly $2.75 per rental (estimated average) and moving to DaySmart for reservations.
Council asked staff to post the ordinance change for the required 10‑day notice before adoption and to select an effective date; staff said implementation could be staged so existing bookings remain at the prior rate and new bookings would pay the updated fee. Council asked staff to monitor bookings and revenue for a full year and return with results before further adjustments.
No ordinance was adopted at the meeting; council gave staff direction to post the updated ordinance language and implement block scheduling and DaySmart with the stated fee structure.
