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Gonzales council approves PACE Center agreements, adopts tighter rental policies
Summary
Council approved two corporate endeavor agreements to host the Louisiana Fire Chiefs conference and multiple Ascension Chamber events at the PACE Center, and adopted updated event policies clarifying fronting, specialty equipment fees and deposits; approvals were unanimous and contingent on final legal review where noted.
The Gonzales City Council unanimously approved two agreements and a set of updated event policies for the PACE Center at its March meeting, aiming to increase facility use while protecting city assets.
Council approved a corporate endeavor agreement to host the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association annual conference at the PACE Center after Chief Norman, the association president, described expectations for statewide attendance, vendor exhibits and new firefighting technology demonstrations.
The council also approved an agreement with the Ascension Chamber of Commerce to reserve a minimum of six discounted events at the PACE Center. Donnie Miller, the chamber’s president and CEO, said the partnership will promote the venue and bring business to the city; staff said the package would generate roughly $14,000 of additional weekday business after proposed discounts and noted marketing commitments such as QR codes and social media promotion.
Separately, council adopted updated PACE Center event policies and procedures intended to tighten language around "fronting" (using another organization’s name), clarify Wi‑Fi and cleanup responsibilities, and enumerate fees for specialty items such as a Marley dance floor and moving lights. Staff said there have been no major disturbances during the center’s first 14 months of operation but recommended clearer rules and the ability to charge for excessive cleanup. The updated policy includes a $500 deposit and language allowing legal to set final terms; council approved the update by roll call, contingent on final legal review.
Councilmembers said the agreements and policy updates aim to grow PACE Center bookings while protecting city resources and ensuring the facility remains financially sustainable.
