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Community center open for business
By MELISSA LATTMAN
| Article published on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 |
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BELLEAIR BEACH – The new Belleair Beach Community Center is now available for rentals.
At its inaugural meeting in the new council chambers, the City Council passed an ordinance and resolution setting up guidelines and rates for facility rentals. The council said they would review the rates as needed with the city manager.
Mayor Lynn Rives said he thought the proposed resident rental rates were too high.
“I think it’s a lot of money considering the taxpayers paid for this facility. It is a high fee going from what we used to charge ($100) and now $900.”
Council member Stan Sofer said they should consider the cost of maintenance and cleaning of the facility when coming up with the rental rates. He said they could test the market and adjust the fees as needed.
Available rental spaces are the complete community center main hall, half of the hall and a conference room. The main hall has a 56-foot by 41-foot usable area for functions. The space can be divided into two function rooms for meetings and rentals. The council chamber includes a catering room with a refrigerator and microwave. The conference room is for groups of 12 or less. Food and beverages can only be served in the main hall.
Councilors decided to set rates at $1,500 for nonresidents and $900 for residents for the community center main hall for six hours of use. Half hall rates are $800 for nonresidents and $500 for residents for six hours. Hourly conference room rates are $35 for nonresidents and $25 for residents. Additional damage deposit fees apply to all facility rentals.
The city manager can adjust the rates to reflect a particular applicant’s use of the facility on a case-by-case basis, said City Attorney Paul Marino.
Gonzalez and the city staff researched rates and visited nearby community rental sites. They researched the Clearwater Community Sailing Center and municipal facilities in other towns including Belleair Bluffs, Clearwater, Madeira Beach, Largo, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach. This is a brand new facility with a huge room, Gonzalez said.
The council applauded the hard work in construction of the new 10,000-square-foot facility, recognizing and thanking people involved in the project, including Councilor Rob Baldwin, City Manager Nancy Gonzalez and the staff.
“This is a wonderful facility – great job from all. I am looking forward to seeing the center get used by the community,” Council member David Dumville said.
Residents also praised the new community center.
“Congratulations are in order for this wonderful new city meeting place. I think all should be proud of this,” said resident Bill Ward.
The public is invited to the community celebration of the new community center’s opening. The ribbon cutting and open house will be Thursday, Oct. 22, 5 to 7 p.m. Rives said it is going to be a first class event.
“Please come and enjoy showing off our new city hall,” he said.
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Article published on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
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