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Council asks for financial details after discovering pavilion user is a for‑profit Step Up vendor
Summary
Council asked staff to gather financial records and usage schedules after learning the group seeking to use multiple pavilions at Chisholm Park is a for‑profit school program that receives Step Up vouchers; staff said the city's standard for‑profit agreement is a 75/25 split and the group asked for reduced fees.
During discussion of park pavilion use, staff said the group that earlier requested use of four pavilions four days a week is a for‑profit education operator that accepts Step Up vouchers. The city manager and parks staff described the group's stated request (four pavilions, 4 days/week, roughly 30–40 children per session, 32 weeks/year) and said the standard city agreement for for‑profit entities is a 75/25 revenue split.
Council members expressed concern about fairness and the use of public park assets by private, revenue‑generating programs. Deputy Mayor Gilbert and others asked staff to obtain meeting summaries, revenue information and the operator's proposed payment model; Council member Paul invited the operator to meet with her to demonstrate inability to pay the standard rate.
Staff said the operator proposed lower options—e.g., a small per‑student fee—but had no firm financial documentation on the public record. Council directed staff to compile a synopsis of prior meetings and the operator's proposed finances for an upcoming council discussion before deciding on any special concession or alternative agreement.
