The Calistoga City Council on July 9 approved a fee schedule to rent the Great Lawn at the Fairgrounds, setting a $1,200 daily rental rate, an $800 refundable deposit and a $50 application fee.

Parks and Recreation Director Malek presented the recommendation and explained staff compared similar properties, factored in amenities and staff time, and chose a daily rather than hourly rate. Malek said load-in and load-out days would be charged the same daily rate because the field would be unavailable to other renters on those days.

On nonprofit pricing, Malek told the council the staff recommendation did not include a standing nonprofit discount; instead, any discounts would be considered at the governing-body level. Staff referenced the city’s special-event insurance rules and told council members to consult code section 5.18.090 when evaluating insurance requirements for renters.

Councilmembers thanked staff for the analysis, discussed possible revenue and community use, and voted to adopt the fee schedule. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

What’s next: Staff will implement the fee schedule and follow the city’s special-event insurance requirements when processing applications; council retains discretion to authorize discounts for particular nonprofit uses.