Fairhope staff propose updated rules and higher rental rates for James P. Nicks Center after renovations

Fairhope City staff presented a revised resolution updating rules, rates and rental procedures for the James P. Nicks Center, which staff say has received renovations and audiovisual upgrades and will use resident/nonresident pricing similar to the Civic Center.

Paige, the staff presenter, told the council the last resolution for the facility dated from 2007 and outlined proposed rental changes including an economy of combining the ballroom base fee and cleaning charge into an eight-hour all-in rate. She said the recommended eight-hour resident rate for the ballroom would be $12.50 and the nonresident eight-hour rate $17.50; the proposal also adds fees for city-recognized holidays and extra hours.

Why it matters: Paige said the city has invested in upgrades — new LED lights, ceiling tiles, roof, windows, repaving and upgraded audiovisual — and compared the facility’s market to nearby municipal and private venues to justify the proposed rates. “In the last 2 to 3 years we have changed out all the lights to LED… the interior has been all renovated,” she said.

Council questions and liability: Council members asked for clarification on operational details that will affect users. One council member noted a line in the draft that removes the instruction that renters must tie garbage bags in containers; Kim Rylan, senior services manager at the James P. Nicks Center, said the city has outside garbage containers but that staff combined several lines to clarify what can remain (for example, large decorative items the renter must remove). On liability for events with alcohol, council members identified existing city practice: the Civic Center requires liability coverage when events are open to the public or alcohol is served. One council member noted: “I think we do a hold harmless. So I saw an indemnity in there from what I read.” Staff said they would confirm insurance and indemnity language and consider whether ticketed events with the Alabama ABC or similar rules should require additional coverage.

Spaces and use: Staff proposed reclassifying the card room (referred to in the draft as the Door Schnell card room) as primarily a weeknight community meeting space because permanent card tables and members’ belongings limit the room’s use for receptions. Staff said they will keep the option for combined rentals (ballroom plus card room) for receptions but that weekday community use is the primary market for the smaller room.

Next steps: Staff asked council to review the redlines and return any edits; they noted that many bookings already exist through mid-year and some changes may not take effect until late 2025. No formal vote or ordinance adoption occurred at the work session.

Ending: Staff will refine the draft language on trash removal, indemnity and holiday fees and return a final resolution for council adoption on the formal agenda.