Peletier board reviews draft town-hall use policy, discusses operations and comparable fees

A board member presented a draft policy for the town-hall's use that she said she adapted and modified from a church template and other local examples. The member suggested adding clearer operations language — who manages scheduling, hours of operation, and how many staff are needed to supervise rentals.

"I found something and modified it," the member said, explaining she used a template and asked the board to consider what to prohibit and what to allow. She noted that a nearby West Carteret facility charges "$35 an hour" and suggested the town decide whether to set a comparable fee or leave operations to administration.

Chair (S2) called attention to low public turnout during the public comment period, saying, "I guess the public's not interested in what we're doing here tonight or or any other night because it's mighty slack," and asked whether the board could create an issue to drive attendance — a suggestion another member urged against.

Members agreed the draft was a reasonable starting point and that many operational details are administrative. The draft will be refined by staff and presented again; no formal policy vote was taken at this meeting.

Next steps: the member who drafted the policy will provide a copy for board review; staff will continue to develop operational language and a room-selection map for future consideration.