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Parks commission forwards rental-rate schedule for new Japanese Community Center to City Council
Summary
The Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Commission voted to forward a proposed fee schedule for the Japanese Community Center — including nonprofit, resident and commercial rates plus add-on charges — to City Council for final approval on Jan. 6. Staff said reservations would open Jan. 7 if Council approves.
The Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Commission voted to forward a proposed rental-rate schedule for the new Japanese Community Center to the City Council, staff said, with the council expected to consider final approval on Jan. 6.
At a public hearing, department staff said the facility — targeted to open in February — was priced after a comparative review of similar local venues. The recommended base rates are $2,500 per day for nonprofit use (up to about 300 guests, $250 surcharge if attendance exceeds 300), $3,500 per day for residents (up to 300 guests, $500 surcharge over 300) and $4,000 per day for commercial users (up to 300 guests; $500 surcharge for 300–400). A refundable security deposit of $1,000 would be required for all bookings, and a nonrefundable $500 alcohol-permit surcharge would apply where alcohol is served; a licensed ABC vendor and liquor insurance would be required. The venue’s full catering kitchen is included in the rental fee, staff said.
A department presenter told commissioners the rates were set using a “triangle method” and compared with local options including the Santa Maria Fair Park Pavilion, OPAC Community Center and area hotels. “This is a starter for us to be able to open it, to get booking started,” the presenter said. The presenter added staff will re-evaluate rates after the first year to measure actual operating costs.
Commissioners asked about parking and capacity: staff said the Japanese Community Center has seating for roughly 400 and standing capacity up to about 1,100, and the on-site lot has roughly 80 spaces; additional on-street parking on Shepherd Drive is available but spaces behind neighboring businesses were not counted in the 80-space figure.
Following questions, Commissioner Ramirez moved and Vice Chair Godinho seconded a motion to forward the fee schedule to City Council for final approval. A roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from Ramirez, Zamora, Vice Chair Godinho and Chair Carey; the motion passed. The presenter said that if City Council approves the schedule on Jan. 6, staff would open reservations on Jan. 7.
The commission stressed staff should monitor first-year revenue and expenses and return with adjustments if the fees do not cover costs. The commission’s action forwards the proposed rates; final authority rests with the City Council.
