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After‑school program asks to use Mayflower senior center; council asks staff to draft rental agreement
Summary
Leaders of a local after‑school program with federal 21st Century funding asked to rent the senior/community center two afternoons weekly. Council authorized staff to work with the group and the senior center, confirm DHS and fire‑safety capacity, and return a draft contract for a vote.
Antonio Jameson and Sylvia Garvey told the council their after‑school program — operating inside the storm shelter for three years — needs dedicated space and asked to rent the senior/community center two days a week from about 3:30 to 7 p.m. They said their program provides certified teachers, food from a Little Rock nonprofit and curriculum including reading, Spanish and coding.
Council members said the request was appropriate but that detailed terms (hours, rental amounts, DHS licensing/capacity and fire‑safety requirements) should be negotiated by city staff before the full council votes. One council member recommended Chris (city code/fire staff) prepare a draft rental agreement and meet with the program and senior‑center stakeholders so the council could vote on a polished proposal at the next meeting. "We need to have DHS and our fire marshal confirm capacity and the safety requirements," a council member said.
Council also agreed senior‑center representatives should have input in the process to avoid conflicts with existing senior activities. The council said a workshop or a July meeting could include a recommendation and vote once staff and stakeholders finalize the terms.
No contract was approved at the June 24 meeting; council set a near‑term target for staff to return with a draft for council consideration.
