Commission hears amphitheater rate proposal, exclusive catering contract and security questions
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Summary
Commissioners were shown council‑approved temporary rates for the new Carson Event Center amphitheater ($700/hour; 50% resident discount) and courtyard ($400/hour; $200 resident resident rate). Staff said the city holds an exclusive catering contract with Cora Event Services and will run a fee study later this year.
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Commission reviewed a temporary fee schedule for the new Carson Event Center amphitheater and courtyard at its Jan. 29 meeting and asked staff to clarify policy questions around use, equipment and security.
Superintendent Bobby Grove told commissioners the city council approved $700 per hour for the large amphitheater with a 50% resident discount, and $400 per hour for the courtyard with a $200 resident rate. "As of right now, the city council approved the rates of $700 per hour and 50% off for residents," Grove said. Staff emphasized a fee study scheduled later this year could raise or lower those figures.
Commissioners pressed staff about whether the venue would be available for political events and how unusual or high‑impact uses would be handled. Grove said events are handled case‑by‑case and must comply with city rules; staff can charge additional fees or decline requests that are "above and beyond." He also explained rentals follow the same equipment policy as other rooms — tables and chairs are included only where catering or other arrangements make them part of the package.
Commissioner Brientes asked whether clients may choose outside caterers; staff replied that the city currently has an exclusive catering contract. "The city is under contract with Cora Event Services, and they're the only — they're the exclusive catering for the city," Grove said. He added the current contract was bid in 2022, had limited bidders, and is in a one‑year extension period; staff said the agreement returns a residual (reported as about 20%) to the city.
Safety and security were also discussed. In response to questions about a widely shared video showing a fight at a holiday party, Grove said the city maintains on‑site security and coordinates with the sheriff’s office for large or alcohol‑service events; however, in that instance the disturbance took place in the parking/atrium area and was resolved by the time deputies arrived.
The commission voted unanimously to receive and file the item; staff said they plan to run the fee study this year and will return with a recommended fee schedule.