Council asks staff to draft updated Town Hall rental policy, considers waiving alcohol and piano fees

Garrett Park — The Town Council asked staff on June 8 to prepare a resolution updating the town’s 2013 Town Hall rental and use policy, including possible elimination of the piano and alcohol fees for Category 2 groups and residents if legal review shows it is permissible.

Councilmember Chris Deutsch said staff found that the 2013 policy previously exempted Category 2 groups only from the rental fee, not other fees such as the piano or alcohol fees, and proposed clarifying that Category 2 groups be exempt from all rental-related fees. Assistant Town Manager Kayla Buker outlined current reservation practices, including a required security deposit for all bookings (Category 2 groups typically use a $125 deposit or maintain a rolling deposit), and staff recommended keeping a deposit requirement. The council supported a resolution removing the piano fee and potentially the alcohol fee, provided staff confirms there are no state or county legal impediments. Council asked whether refunds should be issued for pending reservations that already include fees if the resolution takes effect; the council supported issuing refunds for reservations dated after the anticipated July adoption.

Resident Jim Cole, who helped develop the original 2013 policy, urged council caution, warning the alcohol fee historically served as a disincentive to rowdy behavior. Councilmember Gerilee Bennett asked staff to include information in the reservation portal about Montgomery County rules and best practices for serving alcohol.

Staff will prepare a draft resolution for the July meeting reflecting the agreed changes and legal review.