Council debates pavilion rental insurance and considers adding requirement to Agner Hall policy

Councilors on Oct. 6 reviewed rental rules for the Tate Street Recreation pavilion and discussed whether the city should require renters to carry liability insurance for pavilion and facility rentals, including potentially adding the requirement to Agner Hall.

A council member noted the pavilion’s sign reads “Tate Street Recreation” and suggested the signage be made clearer. The meeting then turned to the question of renter’s insurance. Councilors said the current site policy requires proof of liability insurance before receiving keys and quoted an insurance threshold of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.

“It's 1,000,000 per occurrence and 2 per aggregate…2,000,000,” a city official said while clarifying policy language during discussion. Officials said the pavilion requirement appeared in the new site policy; they discussed whether the same requirement should be copied to Agner Hall and whether the city should adjust rental fees if renters must also purchase insurance.

Council members asked staff to obtain concrete cost estimates for short-term liability policies and to compare the Agner Hall and Greendale Cabin rental practices. Staff reported Greendale Cabin rental rates published online: $200 plus $14 tax and $85 deposit for residents (total $299) and $400 plus $28 tax and $85 deposit for nonresidents (total $513). The council asked staff to return with the insurance cost information at the next meeting so the council could consider whether to amend facility rental policies or fees.

The council also confirmed that occupancy limits are set by the fire marshal and would remain part of rental procedures.