DeSoto Parish committee rescinds restriction on outdoor use of David Means 4‑H building

At a special meeting, the DeSoto Parish Administrative Committee voted to rescind the policy adopted Aug. 19, 2024, that had limited outdoor use of the David Means 4‑H Building to inside areas and restricted grilling/cooking and parking‑lot use.

The motion to rescind the policy was moved by Mister Fuller and seconded by Miss Burrell; the chair announced, "Motion passed." The transcript does not record a roll‑call or final tally.

Jurors said the August policy had unintentionally restricted a range of community events — from trail rides and horse shows to senior activities and school fundraisers — and risked excluding long‑standing users. "We can't discriminate or leave nobody out," one juror said during debate, arguing the parish should allow outside programming while protecting taxpayers and the facility.

Several jurors urged clearer boundaries between the parking lot and the adjacent field, which is under a hay lease. A juror noted the field lease and hay‑cutting schedule should not be disrupted by events using the parking area; staff agreed to map and clarify the usable boundary.

Juror Latham recommended stronger renter protections to limit taxpayer exposure, proposing that renters obtain a surety bond in lieu of the current $300 deposit. He described the idea as a way to secure immediate payment for damage instead of pursuing judgments against individuals. The transcript records Latham saying a surety bond figure of "$2,550,000" and later referring to a payment of about "$2,300," but committee members did not reconcile those figures during the meeting; staff were asked to research options and costs.

Committee staff and other jurors said the current requirement is a certificate of liability insurance with a $1,000,000 minimum. Staff noted special event policies that include property‑damage coverage can be obtained separately and estimated one option at about $200. Jurors discussed requiring property‑damage coverage in addition to liability and asked staff to return with recommended policy language and cost information.

The chair said the rescission returns the committee to the previous policy language and that staff would draft amendments to permit outside events under clarified rules and insurance or bond requirements. The committee adjourned after the vote.

What happens next: staff will research insurance and bonding options, draft amended policy language that clarifies the parking‑lot versus field boundary and allowable outdoor activities, and present those recommendations at a future committee meeting.