Council discusses making Enders Building available for public rentals while state park proposal proceeds

Council members discussed whether to make the Enders Building available for public rental while the city continues to explore a separate state parks proposal for the site. Staff proposed a temporary rental program that would allow weddings, meetings and community events on the main floor, with security gates to restrict unsupervised access to museum and boiler areas and with a scheduling/calendar system run through City Hall to avoid double‑bookings.

Council members said they supported the general idea but asked staff to draft a formal rental agreement, a fee schedule (including a cleaning deposit), an inventory checklist and a process to verify condition after events. Staff also suggested limiting kitchen access and reserving the basement/boiler access while rentals are authorized on the public floor. Several local groups — including a mining company planning a job fair and the high school student council interested in a homecoming dance — have already expressed interest in using the facility, and staff encouraged a low administrative fee with a suggested donation option to “Friends of the Park” or similar group.

The council directed staff to return with a proposed rental agreement and schedule for a future meeting so the members could approve fees, access rules and any required building modifications (such as installable gates at the top and bottom of the stairs). The council discussed potential short‑term revenue and the need for insurance, a cleaning deposit, and a staff inspection process following events before the building would be listed for public bookings.