Dennis-Yarmouth committee approves updated facility rental fees, sets turf-field reserve plan

The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Committee voted Jan. 5 to adopt an updated facility rental-fee schedule, replacing a structure last revised in 2015 and establishing rates for newly completed turf fields and the Ken Jenks Performing Arts Center.

Director of Facilities Mister Fouchard led the presentation, explaining a market review of nine regional districts and recommending proposed hourly rates including $75 an hour for nonprofit use and $200 an hour for-profit use of turf fields, and a Ken Jenks Performing Arts Center rate of $250 an hour for nonprofits and $350 an hour for-profit groups (the auditorium capacity was listed as 775). He said other adjustments would remove rarely used line items (computer lab) and modestly raise indoor-room rates for some categories.

Committee members asked about custodial and field-supervisor costs for large events; Fouchard said a field supervisor would be required for tournaments at $45 an hour with a four-hour minimum and that ground staff would handle cleanup. He emphasized restrictions for turf fields—no food and strict limits on foreign objects—to protect the artificial-surface warranty and reduce health risks.

Superintendent Doctor Smith told the committee that, if the new fee schedule is adopted, the administration will return with language to establish a separate revolving account to deposit turf-field revenues and build a reserve to fund replacement or major repairs 10–15 years from now. Smith said the district will present specific revolving-account language at a subsequent meeting.

A motion to accept the proposed fee schedule was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee directed administration to finalize the rental-application process and bring revolving-account language for approval at a later meeting.