TITLE
A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, authorizing the imposition and collection of fees for permits for use of alcohol in the regional park during rental of facilities and softball league and to host special events at the multigenerational center and amending the Copper Sky Multigenerational/Aquatic Center fee schedule to include these fees. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
The Community Services Department charges for the programs, events and rentals for facilities that are coordinated through the department. The goal for the fees and charges is to recover a percentage of what the program actually costs to run. The costs involved in running programs and events include staff time, supplies, contract services, utilities, rental charges and advertising. The costs involved in rental facilities are staff time, set-up, tear down, supplies, utilities and advertising.
Alcohol Permit Application Fee
Currently, park users can purchase a $10 alcohol permit which allows the consumption of beer and wine in parks. Softball teams may purchase alcohol permits for $80 per season. With the opening of Copper Sky Multigenerational Center and Regional Park, a new Parks and Recreation Alcohol Policy was drafted with the assistance of Commander James Hughes of the Maricopa Police Department. That policy was taken to Council on May 20, 2014 and covers (1) alcohol for events within Copper Sky Multigenerational Center; (2) alcohol for events within City Parks for private special events; and (3) alcohol for City sponsored adult softball programs.
To establish best practices locally, the Community Services staff contacted four other municipalities to look at their policies. It was determined that the existing $10 alcohol permit rate is low comparatively and that a fee increase would also be presented after public notice was given.
Special Event Fees
The opening of the Copper Sky Multigenerational Center provides opportunities for expanded program offerings. One area that staff has identified is in offering special event party packages.
The Community Services staff looked at the packages offered in other municipalities along with what is included in the package offerings. Research also showed that package rentals still required the standard refundable room damage deposit.
After obtaining costs, staff has created several special event party packages that include room rental fees, refreshments, decorations and goodies as well as labor cost for staff set-up and take down.
Staff is proposing establishing a range so that if costs for items such as labor, supplies or rental items increase, so can the fees. This will give the department the flexibility to adjust the party package prices without having to go back to City Council every time a price adjustment is needed. Package price fees would only go up if the price of offering the party package goes up.
Notice of Proposed Fees
The proposed fees and charges were presented to the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Advisory Committee (PRL) on April 23, 2014 with the Alcohol Policy. On May 20, 2014 the Alcohol Policy was taken to Council. On June 18, 2014, the fees and charges were posted on the City's website for 60 days for public comment. The Parks, Recreation and Libraries Advisory Committee was informed about the fees and told they would be presented to Council on September 2, 2014.
This item is being presented by Kristie Riester, Community Services Director.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Mayor and City Council approve the proposed fees for Alcohol Permit Application and Special Event Fees for the Community Services Department.