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Committee tables Oak Avenue rental fee plan after debate over charging longtime groups
Summary
After a presentation on a phased rental-fee plan for Oak Avenue Community Center space, the committee discussed alternatives—including using room tax or exempting basement storage for long-standing groups—and took no motion, effectively tabling the item.
The committee debated a proposed rental-fee program for groups that use space and storage at the Oak Avenue Community Center but did not act on the item on March 17.
Parks and Recreation Director Justin Casperson presented lease agreements and a phased fee schedule the parks committee had recommended: no fee in 2026, 50% of the established rate in 2027, and 100% of the established rate in 2028; staff said the established rate is $0.34 per square foot. Casperson explained the recommendation responds to rising facility operating and maintenance costs and noted the parks committee excluded the Zoological Society from charges because its mission directly supports Wildwood Zoo, which the city owns and operates.
Committee members raised alternatives and concerns. Mike suggested exploring room tax or economic development dollars to offset the impact on community groups. Rebecca said first-floor program space suitable for public programming is different from low-quality basement storage and recommended exempting basement storage used by long-standing nonprofit groups; she noted Oak Avenue lacks an elevator and has access and HVAC limitations. Scott said bringing the proposal forward was reasonable as part of ongoing budget discussions.
Justin Casperson said the city currently pays about $30,000 a year for maintenance of the building and collects roughly $13,000 in revenues from rentals and community events, and that a phased approach is intended to allow organizations time to adjust. No motion was made and the committee left the item on the table for further consideration.
The committee did not approve or reject the lease agreements at the March 17 meeting; staff will return with additional information or the item may be brought forward to council later.
