Commission debates tournament policy and revenue-sharing as it approves pickleball and tennis reservation dates

Commissioners discussed how other cities manage tournaments and whether Franklin should route outside tournament requests to the Recreation Department. Commissioners said neighboring municipalities require nonprofits or in-house rec departments to host tournaments, including insurance, special-event permits and, in some cases, police or fire coverage. One commissioner argued that because the Recreation Department already manages leagues, external tournament requests should be directed there so hosts follow established protocols for registration, insurance and vendors.

Commissioners also debated whether host groups should share a portion of tournament revenue for court maintenance. Staff noted there is currently no fee schedule for outdoor court rentals and that the parks budget is part of the public works budget with no dedicated user-fee fund. Commissioners instructed staff to consult Recreation Director Leah, the mayor and finance to explore options — for example, adopting a percentage-based contribution model like some intergovernmental SRO arrangements — and to return with recommendations.

Despite the outstanding policy questions, the commission voted to approve the dates and times submitted by Franklin Recreation for pickleball and youth tennis programs. Both motions were made, seconded and recorded as carried.

Separately, commissioners reviewed third-quarter financial reports and capital encumbrances. Finance staff (Danielle Brown) provided an updated format and commissioners asked for clearer line-item presentation to reconcile budgeted capital amounts, amounts under contract (encumbrances), and paid expenditures. Commissioners asked staff to provide clearer reporting in the next packet.