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Hiram council agrees in principle to allow for-profit rentals at Grays Mill with higher fees
Summary
After discussion of safety, staffing and cost recovery, Hiram council signaled consensus to permit for-profit groups to use Grays Mill Park under the city's special event permit process and to charge a higher fee than nonprofits, with additional requirements for security, cleanup and insurance.
Hiram City Council discussed expanding use of city facilities to include for'profit groups and signaled a consensus to treat such requests under the existing special event permit process but with higher fees and additional conditions.
Councilwoman Bridal said she raised the item to allow for'profit groups to use Grays Mill Park to increase community engagement and tourism. City staff described the current policy as permitting nonprofit community events and noted that any for'profit use would first require council approval and a special event permit.
Staff and councilors discussed safety and staffing. City staff said engineering and a site inspection are scheduled for Grays Mill and that certain areas (for example, the top field) should be used while repairs are completed. The city attorney noted that known defects must be addressed and that the city could require releases of liability and insurance documentation if it opens the park to broader public use.
On pricing, staff said the nonprofit fee had been $300. Councilmembers proposed higher fees for for'profit renters; $400 was suggested and $500 emerged as the preferred figure in discussion. Council members also said for'profit groups should be responsible for costs for police or public works services, supply their own portable restrooms and trash receptacles if needed, and post a cleanup deposit or pay a cleanup fee if city crews must respond.
Council directed staff to carry the nonprofit application and permit framework forward for for'profit applicants, with the higher fee, a requirement for a special event permit, proof of insurance, and explicit cleanup/security provisions. Staff said individual events would still require council permission.
Council did not adopt final ordinance language at the meeting; staff will prepare formal permit language and contract terms for a future agenda.
“The same process for nonprofits will be carried over, but for'profits will be charged a fee and required to meet the permit conditions,” Melissa, city staff, said during the discussion.
