Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council discusses Barn Community Center rental rates, viewings and day-rate options
Summary
City staff presented a possible increase to resident and nonresident rental rates for the Barn Community Center, proposed a $25 viewing fee, and discussed adding a day rate and storage for seasonal outdoor furniture; no formal action was taken.
The West Haven City Council discussed proposed changes to rental rates and administrative procedures for the Barn Community Center, including a proposed $25 viewing fee for prospective renters, potential nonresident rate increases, and options for a day rate and storage for outdoor furniture. The council did not take formal action and asked staff to draft a resolution for a future meeting.
Staff presented a fee-comparison analysis showing average current rates in the local area and recommended balancing competitive pricing with maintenance needs. "It is getting more and more popular, and people, are renting it," a staff presenter said, noting the center requires staff time to manage and will need reinvestment as it ages. Staff proposed a $25 fee for a 45-minute preview visit so potential renters can see the space before committing.
Staff reported average event length of about 4.8 hours for wedding-style uses and said most rentals occur during evenings and weekends. Council members discussed a resident/nonresident pricing structure that favors residents, possible introduction of a day rate for events requiring extended setup and teardown, and setting a future effective date for any rate increases to align with the budget year. One council member noted window treatments had been installed that day to address sunlight in the meeting space.
Council members also discussed operational details: verifying one resident contact on rental forms to ensure resident rates are used appropriately, and using an off-site shed area as seasonal storage for outdoor furniture and event equipment. Staff estimated current monthly rental revenue in the low thousands and said that modest additional revenue could help sustain maintenance and future improvements; staff suggested creating a dedicated revenue fund to track rental income and expenses.
No vote was taken. Staff will prepare a resolution with proposed rates, options for a day rate, and administrative clarifications for council consideration at a future meeting.
