Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facility Rental Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council staff review James P. Nick Center rental rules; insurance coverage the primary open question
Summary
City staff presented updates to the 2007 James P. Nick Center rental resolution including resident/nonresident rates, cancellation policy alignment and a proposal to add insurance requirements; council asked staff and insurer/legal counsel to recommend appropriate liability thresholds and any thresholds tied to event size or alcohol service.
City staff presented proposed revisions to the James P. Nick Center resolution, last updated in 2007, recommending updated rental rates, resident/nonresident distinctions and alignment with recently revised Civic Center policies. The city flagged insurance requirements as the primary unresolved element.
Paige, the staff presenter, said the update consolidates older verbiage, adjusts prices and establishes resident and nonresident ballroom rates to match city practices. The draft also adopts similar cancellation policies already used at the Civic Center. The city does not currently require event insurance for Nick Center renters; Civic Center rentals require a $1 million policy. Staff asked whether the smaller Nick Center should have the same threshold and whether any thresholds should vary by event type or attendance.
Council members pressed for parity and practical thresholds. “The value of their life is the same whether they're in the civic center or not,” said Council member Jay, arguing for consistent injury coverage across venues. Staff and members recommended consulting the city’s insurer and legal counsel to determine municipal liability limits and whether a graduated threshold (for example, required insurance when alcohol is served or attendance exceeds a particular number) would be appropriate. Lisa said she spoke to Robbie (legal) and recommended following up with legal.
Paige said she will work with Marcus, Jay and the city insurer/legal counsel and return with a specific recommendation and suggested threshold so the council can act on the revised resolution at an upcoming meeting.
No formal vote occurred during the work session; the council asked staff to proceed with insurer/legal review and to circulate the draft to council members for comment before placing the resolution on a future meeting agenda.
