CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP — With a dying boiler system and a leaky roof, time is not on the side of the Crystal Community Center. The building’s fate has been discussed frequently during recent Crystal Township Board meetings, with total estimates figured at a minimum of $300,000 to make necessary repairs to keep the structure in decent condition. While no decisions have been made on the fate of the building, the Township Board took action Wednesday evening to take a small step toward restoring order and possibly raising some initial funds in the process. A number of tenants currently use the facility for open gym nights, Zumba classes and Girl Scout troops; however, the fee system for rental space of rooms and gym time has always been loosely structured. In a unanimous 4-0 vote, with Supervisor Chris Johnston absent, the board voted to solidify a rental agreement that will now be implemented with each current and potential tenant of the building. The structure will include a rental rate of $25 for room rental at the building, with a cleaning deposit of $15.
For the gymnasium, the hourly rental rate will be $10, unless the building’s kitchen, tables and chairs are also requested, in which the rate for gym space increases to $20 an hour. “I think this is pretty clear and direct,” Treasurer Ted Padgett said. The rates will go into effect on April 1. Clerk Patty Baker-Marek will contact all current tenants of the building and have them sign the new rental agreement. Groups such as the local line dancing club and various exercise clubs and church groups have previously operated on a donation basis, but Baker-Marek said that system can no longer be adopted if the township is to treat everyone fairly. “The MTA (Michigan Township Association) says that is not appropriate, you can’t not charge one group and then charge another group. You can’t pick and choose who to do donations with,” she said. “I think we needed to do something, instead of just (putting it off).” Baker-Marek said the township’s attorney was shocked to learn that only one building tenant, EightCAP Inc. Head Start, has a signed lease with the township for use of the building.
“We have that to address that,” she said. “And the rates that they are charged.” Baker-Marek said she would like board members to evaluate the current rental rates for permanent tenants and reach a decision on an official lease agreement system at next month’s meeting. “I think we need to decide what we are going to do. Each of us needs to spend some time this month and truly look at this, instead of just saying ‘we are going to,’ and come back next month and really talk about it,” she said. Baker-Marek said a standard lease agreement could be drafted by the township attorney to be used for room rental. The Township Board also voted unanimously to hire a part-time Department of Public Works (DPW) employee. The decision came after a discussion of whether to hire a full-time employee instead, as there may be enough work for two full-time employees within the department. Currently, DPW Director Roger Gooding has been working as the lone employee throughout the past several months.
According to the DPW handbook, a full-time employee receives the benefit of vacation days if they work more than 1,500 hours annually, or approximately 29 hours a week. In discussing a potential full-time worker, Trustee George Bahm said he would like to review the specific duties that would be required of the new employee. “In order for me to feel justified in another full-time employee, I’d like to see it broken down into a plan,” he said. “I’d like to know what activities that employee would be doing, and the hours needed per week. In average, what is that person going to be doing to fill all 40 hours? I know Roger is always busy, but I don’t always know what he is doing. Before I’d feel comfortable with a full-time person, I’d like to see justification of what they are doing.” Padgett said with the department’s work depending heavily on seasonal activities, it would be difficult to expect the same type of work to be done on a consistent basis. With four applications already received for the advertised part-time position, the board decided to go ahead with interviewing those candidates and hire a new part-time employee.
The board said they would be willing to re-evaluate the position to determine if there is potential for upgrading to a 40-hour-per-week position.Home » Departments » Recreation and Parks Department » Lion's Club Pavilion Government/Non-Profit/Town Resident Rate $100.00 per day (Non-profit organizations as defined by the IRS) Commercial/Non-Town Resident Rate $200.00 per day Additional Trash Dumpster $ 30.00 Each Police/Security $ Rate Per Hour Electricity $ 50.00 Per Daily Event
Rental Times for the Lions Pavilion daily are: 1). 7:00 – 11:00 AM Rental fee schedule is subject to change without notice. All federal and state laws and town ordinance are to be observed. Requests for use will not be guaranteed inside of seven (7) business days. Decisions to grant use of the Lions Pavilion will be made in accordance with the following prioritized ranking of users and user groups: 1. Town of Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department 2. Programs sponsored by the Lions Club 3. Programs sponsored by town-affiliated non-profit organizations 4. All other functions scheduled on a first-come first-served basis. Requests will not be granted to groups that have exhibited unacceptable conduct during previous rentals at this pavilion. The renter shall pay the rental fee to hold the event date. Fees shall be paid at the time the reservation is made. Town of Fort Kent and its employees are not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Fees may be charged for special events to cover the costs of Town employees providing services in association with the event. Use of charcoal grills, propane grills, open flames (i.e. candles) and fog machines in pavilion is prohibited. Youth groups, or rentals on behalf of youths, must have a minimum ratio of 1 to 12, adults to youth. The facility and surrounding park area must be vacated no later than 10 PM or as otherwise stated. Parking is allowed in designated areas only. Driving or parking on the grass or trails is not permitted. Notice of cancellation must be given to the Pavilion Management Committee (PMC) at least seven (7) business days prior to the scheduled date of activity or forfeit payments made. The rental agreement must be signed by a legally responsible party, who must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age. The user is responsible for all guests, caterers, vendors and service providers associated with the event and shall abide by the rules set by the PMC.
Any damage to the site or building is the liability of the renter and may result in denied use of the facility in the future, as well as, additional charges, All plans and arrangements are to be reviewed and approved by the PMC. All set up and take down will be the responsibility of the renting party. Do not tape, staple, nail or attach in any other way items to the Pavilion structure. The construction of the Pavilion involved a great deal of time, effort, and money, so please, treat it with the respect it deserves! Banners, signs and other such items May not be taped, nailed, stapled, or attached in any other way to the Pavilion. If you need to have your banner/sign displayed inside or outside, arrange to have freestanding poles for attachment to. The collection and/or removal of all trash generated by the event is the responsibility of the renter. Waste receptacles will not be provided by the Town. Additional charges for damages and/or improper clean up will be the responsibility of the renting party.
All clean-up must be completed within 24 hours of event ending. Alcoholic beverages and Tobacco products are prohibited in Town of Fort Kent pavilion and buildings and on all park grounds. The use of sound amplifying equipment will be monitored to ensure noise levels are comfortable for all other park users. The PMC shall have the right to enforce the Lions Pavilion facility rental policies. This includes cancellation of rental, at any time during the rental period for violation of the rules. The Renter hereby agrees to obtain a Certificate of Insurance with a Minimum $1,000,000.00 bodily injury and property damage liability limit per occurrence, per event, and naming the Town of Fort Kent as an additional insured. $1M Host Liquor Liability (with Town Council Approval) Liquor Hosted Events Private Public/Non-Profit Daily Rental $300.00 $150.00
Other: Table & chair rental, clean-up ????? *Paid separately and refunded if no damages found. **Coordinated with Fort Kent Police Department. Home Phone#:_______________ Work Phone#:________________ Cell Phone#:____________ I have read, understand, will comply with and agree to be bound by the restrictions and conditions stated in the attached Lions Pavilion Rental Policy including, without limitation, all indemnification provisions. I understand and agree that if the Lions Pavilion is used in a manner not permitted by the Town of Fort Kent or damaged during my rental period, then the Town may: ban me and/or my organization from using this facility, seek reimbursement from me for damages to Town property, and subject me to other enforcement action as authorized by law. Rental Date:_________ Reservation Made on:_____________