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Nonprofit asks Mayflower council for senior-center access as grant deadline looms
Summary
Antonio Jameson, representing a licensed 501(c)(3) afterschool program funded by a 21st Century Community grant, asked the council for use of the senior citizens facility; council members said they support the idea but need to negotiate a rental/lease agreement, determine insurance and equipment terms, and involve the mayor before making a decision.
Antonio Jameson addressed the council during public comment seeking permission to use the senior citizens community center as a program site for an afterschool and summer program. Jameson said his organization is a licensed 501(c)(3) in operation since 2016, partners with the Arkansas Department of Education, holds a $2 million insurance policy, and submitted a 21st Century Community grant that requires confirmation of facilities by May 31.
"We are licensed 501c3 ... we have a $2 million insurance policy ... to be honest, it's May 31st," Jameson told the council, noting the timeline affects summer programming and federal reporting requirements.
Council members expressed support for the program’s goals and community-building work but said several items must be resolved before approving facility use: whether the senior-center sound equipment belongs to the city or an outside group, insurance and protections for the city’s assets, rental-rate parity (the transcript cited a church renting the space for about $867 per month), and mayoral involvement in final decisions. One council member suggested drafting a lease or rental agreement that addresses equipment use and damage prevention; another said the mayor should be present for a final decision.
Pastor Freddy (not present) was mentioned as an existing user of the facility; council members said any arrangement should avoid showing preferential pricing to one organization over another. The Chair asked staff to review the building’s suitability, insurance coverage, and potential agreements and to return with recommendations. The council did not vote on the request at the meeting.
Next steps listed by the council included scheduling further discussion, reviewing insurance documentation and current rental rates, and preparing a draft agreement so the council can vote at a future meeting prior to the program’s near-term deadline.
