Princeton board adopts community center rental rates, hires cleaning contractor

The Princeton Board of Commissioners on Oct. 6 approved a community center rental-rate schedule, a cleaning-services contract and a small non-profit discount. The board voted unanimously, 4-0, to adopt the schedule and the recommended cleaning contractor.

Staff presented the proposed rental structure as three session types (examples in the packet: a daytime session roughly 9 a.m.–3 p.m., an evening session roughly 5 p.m.–11 p.m., or an all-day booking). Staff cited an example rate of $100 for a morning session and said a deposit and a cleaning fee would also be required; packet materials included two cleaning proposals, from Britney Atkinson and Makayla Owens. Staff told the board Atkinson could provide the service at the lower cost and comes with local references; Owens did not respond to staff outreach.

The board awarded the cleaning contract to Britney Atkinson and approved a contract term that, as requested by Atkinson, includes one free half-day (six-hour) rental per year provided it does not conflict with other bookings. The board also approved a 15% rental-rate discount for registered non-profit organizations; the discount applies to the rental rate only, not the deposit or cleaning fee.

Commissioners discussed several operational details before voting. The rental agreement requires the applicant to provide proof of a $2,000,000 alcohol-liability policy 30 days prior to any event where alcohol is permitted; the draft also states alcohol is not permitted at events without the policy and that violations will forfeit the deposit and may trigger a $1,000 penalty and bar the applicant from future rentals. Board members asked staff to check state statutory limits on municipal ordinance fines and to use a credit-card hold or certified payment method on file to secure penalties if violations occur. Staff said the town will prioritize bookings on a first-come, first-served basis once deposit and required paperwork are received.

Several commissioners suggested a 3–6 month review period to monitor bookings, usage and revenues and to adjust rates or policies if needed. The board voted to approve the rate schedule, the rental agreement language as presented, and the cleaning contract; the vote was recorded 4-0.

The board also asked staff to prepare guidance for the board on how to consider occasional complimentary or reduced-cost use by established town organizations (examples discussed were the Women's Club and the Princeton Civic Association). Commissioners directed that any recurring or regular complimentary use should be considered by the full board rather than handled administratively.

Staff said the town paid for recent interior work at the community center (electrical, floor trim, LED lights, installation of doors and A/V equipment) and that final furnishing purchases remain for future budget consideration.