Item 4RM E M O R A N D U M
February 24, 2010
TO: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
FROM: Ben Thatcher, Assistant City Manager
Approval of the Proposed Facility Use Policy
SUBJECT:
Action Requested:
City Council approval of the proposed Facility Use Policy.
Background
Information:
The current policy regarding the public use of Town Hall
was approved by City Council on July 17, 2001. Since
that time the City has built more public/community rooms
and the use of these rooms has dramatically increased
as more and more community groups become aware of
the opportunities to use these facilities. With that in mind
there is a need to update our current policy regarding the
use of these community rooms.
At the November 3, 2009 City Council meeting the City
Council discussed the current Town Hall Use Policy, and
staff proposed a few needed changes. At this time staff
is bringing forward a new policy that encompasses public
use guidelines for all of our facilities and incorporating the
following additions and changes:
Comprehensive Policy
- Create a new
comprehensive facility use policy that governs all
the City’s facilities that have community meeting
rooms (i.e. DPS buildings, Senior Activity Center,
the Lodge, and Town Hall). With the adoption of
this policy the Town Hall Use Policy and the DPS
Use Policy will be overridden. (see section I,
Statement of Purpose)
Fees and Deposits
– Currently the Town Hall Use
Policy and the DPS Use Policy outlines a deposit
schedule for use of the community rooms, and at
last November’s City Council meeting staff
proposed the idea of implementing a non-
refundable reservation fee along with the clean-
up/damage deposit. Staff is recommending
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Shana Yelverton
Approval of Facility Use Policy
Page 2 of 4
removing the deposit schedule out of the facility
use policy but referring individuals to the City’s
adopted fee schedule for the associated deposits
and fees. Staff is planning on bringing forward an
amendment to the City’s fee schedule
incorporating the facility use deposits and fees
when the mid-year budget amendments are made
some time in April. (see section VI, Fees and
Deposit)
Signage
- Provide language that speaks to
community group signage outside of the facilities.
Currently the policy addresses signage inside the
Town Hall, but there is no language speaking to
posting signs on or around the building. We’ve
included language that speaks to this for all of our
facilities. (see section VIII, Signage and
Decoration)
Public Art
- Display public art in City facilities. The
City is starting to receive requests from groups
wanting to display art in City facilities, more
specifically Town Hall. Language permitting this
type of use in our facilities has been placed in the
policy.
The Arts Council has discussed how an art
displaying program in the City’s facilities might
work, and Jim Blagg and Kerry McGeath is
working with the Arts Council to create specific
guidelines surrounding this program. (see section
IX, Public Art Displays)
Alcohol
– From time to time we receive inquiries
from groups that would like to do a fundraising
effort in the community rooms that may include
wine tasting, etc. While the use of alcohol is not
allowed in City facilities we are including an option
to request a variance from the City Manager to
allow this use. Currently a similar variance request
procedure is in place for use of Parks facilities (city
code- Ch 12, Parks and Recreation; Sec 12-33,
Variances), of which the Senior Activity Center
and the Lodge currently falls under. Including this
provision in this comprehensive facility use policy
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Shana Yelverton
Approval of Facility Use Policy
Page 3 of 4
would bring all of our community rooms under the
same provision. (see section IV.e, General
Guidelines)
Financial
Considerations:
As mentioned above the policy does not propose an
exact deposit and fee schedule, but refers the public
to the City’s annual fee schedule for those details.
Currently there is no rental fee for the Town Hall and
DPS community rooms, but there is a fee for renting
the Lodge and Senior Activity Center.
Staff is planning to include the below deposits and
fees in the City’s annual fee schedule at a future City
Council meeting for City Council consideration:
Location Cleanup ResidentNon-
FeeRate*Resident
Rate*
Tier I
CommunityDPS HQ $100-$25$50
Room$150
TrainingDPS West $100-$25 $50
Room$150
Foyer AreaTown Hall $450 $25 $50
TrainingTown Hall $100 to $25 $50
Rooms$450
SeniorSenior$100 - $25 $50
CenterActivity$150
Center
Tier II
The Lodge Bicentennial $100 $15 $30
Park
*Rates apply to events held during business hours only.
Events held during non-business hours may require an
off-duty police officer present at an additional cost.
Note that the proposed deposit schedule will not
change from the current deposit schedule. A new
onetime, non-refundable fee will be proposed for the
use of the rooms.
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Shana Yelverton
Approval of Facility Use Policy
Page 4 of 4
Strategic Link:
This policy is a key component of the City’s ability to
Invest to provide and maintain high quality public assets
(F2 on the City’s Strategy Map).
Citizen Input/
Board Review:
The policy was an item for discussion at the November 3,
2009 City Council Work Session. At that time staff
expressed a desire to revise the policy per the City
Council’s direction and bring this item back for
consideration.
Legal Review:
This policy was modeled after the Town Hall Use Policy
which was reviewed by the City Attorney.
Alternatives:
Alternatives may include the following:
Input towards the discussion and policy revision as
desired.
Ongoing use of the City’s current use policies in their
various forms.
Supporting
Documents:
Supporting documents include the following items:
Copy of the proposed Facility Use Policy
Copy of the current Town Hall Use Policy
Staff
Recommendation:
Staff recommendation to City Council is to approve the
new Facility Use Policy.
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City of Southlake
Policies and Procedures
Policy:
Facility Use Policy
Source:
City Council
Category:
Facilities
Effective Date:
March 2, 2010
I. Statement of Purpose
The City of Southlake has several facilities that offer opportunities for public use. The
Facilities Use policy is a guideline for the management of these public facilities. The
adoption of this policy will replace the Town Hall Use Policy as well as the DPS Use
Policy.
For information about available facilities and associated staff contacts, please see
Attachment A.
II. Definitions
a.Business Hours: Business hours for the designated public use rooms in Southlake
facilities are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
b.Deposit: Amount established in the City’s fee schedule, provided at the time of the
room reservation, to be kept by the City in the event that after usage, the facility is
damaged beyond normal wear and tear and requires cleaning and/or repair.
c.Fee Schedule: The annual, City-adopted schedule which lists all fees associated
with reserving community rooms.
d.Not-for-Profit: A group organized for some charitable, civil or other social purpose
which does not entail the generation of profits for shareholders.
e. Off-Duty Officer:City of Southlake Department of Public Safety police officer hired
to attend meetings occurring outside of business hours.
f.Resident: Citizen who lives within the city limits of Southlake.
III. Building Use Disclaimer
Use of all Southlake public facilities shall be for the primary purpose of conducting
official business on the behalf of the City of Southlake. Tarrant County also has a
priority to use public meeting rooms in Town Hall to conduct its business. Meetings of
the City Council and/or Tarrant County, City and/or County Committees, City and/or
County appointed boards and commissions and City and/or County departments shall
take precedence over other community uses of facilities.
The City of Southlake shall have the authority to schedule priority functions that may
necessitate the removal of community use activities previously scheduled. If such
change is required, the appropriate staff person shall notify the contact person
identified on the reservation request form as soon as possible and will attempt to
suggest and offer space in another City facility to hold the event.
As the county is a partial owner in the Town Hall facility, they may schedule events in
their areas (identified in the interlocal agreement entered into by the City and County)
as desired; however they will coordinate all scheduled meetings outside of their
designated areas with the City Manager’s Office.
IV. General Guidelines
a.Building Use: City facilities are not available to for-profit, for commercial uses or
for the promotion or sale of products. Facilities are available for public uses,
community benefits and not-for-profit uses, unless otherwise restricted. Approval
for events or meetings in city facilities will be considered in accordance with the
following criterion:
i. The requesting organization is a not-for-profit organization.
ii. The request is reasonably related to City or County business.
iii. The requesting organization is based in Southlake, that is its Post Office
address is a Southlake address, or that a majority of its members, including
officers, reside in the City of Southlake, or that the proposed use is deemed a
community benefit.
iv. The event is requested in sufficient lead time for staff to determine impact on
the facility and previously scheduled events.
v. The sponsoring organization agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City
and its agents and is capable of carrying sufficient liability insurance as may
be required.
vi. The sponsoring organization will provide a deposit and any other necessary
fees as may be required by the City’s fee schedule.
vii. The event will not cause detrimental impact to City staff and available
resources, or to the physical capacity of the requested location to host the vent
including but not limited to:
1. The parking capacity at the requested location and the potential impact of
the requested event on other planned events
2. The number of planned participants and the traffic impact upon the
requested location
3. Other scheduled events and/or uses of the requested location that
increase the usage of the requested location above the recommended
capacity.
Appropriate staff as designated by the City Manager or her designee may approve
events that meet the criteria described. If the event does not meet these criteria,
or the application is denied, the requesting organization may petition the City
Manager for review and recommendation of approval or denial to the City Council.
The City Council’s decision shall be final.
Use of the City Council Chambers and Executive Conference Room shall be
reserved for City of Southlake decision-making and other appointed bodies.
b.Application Submission: Written requests in the standard format for reservations
shall be submitted to the appropriate staff for review. In order to consider a
request, the City of Southlake must receive the Facility Use Request form within at
least ten (10) business days prior to the requested time. See Attachment B for
form.
Application Review: Staff shall review all requests and notify applicant of approval
c.
or disapproval within two business days of submission.
d.Cancellation and Scheduling of Multiple Dates: The City of Southlake requires
notice of any cancellations within a forty-eight (48) hour period prior to the
reservation time. Failure to comply will be grounds for the City’s denial of the
privilege or reserving facilities in Southlake in the future.
In order to maximize the availability of the facility for community use, consideration
of requests will be on a case-by-case basis. Multiple dates for community use
submitted at one time will not be approved. Community groups that would like to
use the rooms on an ongoing weekly or monthly basis may submit one reservation
request for three months worth of use. During the last month of the current
reservation quarter the group may then submit a request for another three month
segment of use.
e.Alcohol: The use of alcohol at City facilities is not allowed. However, for events
held outside of normal business hours, a variance to this requirement may be
granted upon request, at the discretion of the City Manager. A variance shall not
be granted by the City Manager unless a written request is submitted which
demonstrates:
i. Special circumstances exist which are particular to the applicant’s event,
ii. Applicant has agreed to hire an off-duty officer for the duration of the event,
iii. That the use of the facility by other groups will not be adversely affected by
granting the variance, and
iv. The organization has met the following insurance requirements:
Any organization or association that desires to serve alcohol while utilizing
public facilities belonging to the City of Southlake shall be required to provide
proof of insurance. Such organizations shall have a general liability policy,
naming the City as an additional insured for an amount of at least one million
dollars ($1,000,000) for personal injury or death arising out of any one
occurrence and property damage insurance in an amount of not less than five
hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for damage to property arising out of any
one occurrence. Organizations subject to this provision shall be required to
submit to the City of Southlake proof of insurance in a form acceptable to the
City Attorney prior to approval of requested variance.
f.Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in City facilities.
g.Possession of Firearms: Civilian possession of firearms is prohibited in City
facilities.
h.Equipment: Due to the sophisticated systems within City of Southlake facilities and
limited staffing, utilization of facilities’ audio / visual equipment is prohibited.
i.Amplification During Business Hours: As community rooms are located in City
facilities where the business of the City and County is operated, amplification
through the use of microphones and speakers is not allowed during business hours
in order to minimize the disruption to those working adjacent to or in close
proximity of these community rooms.
V. Facilities
: See Attachment A for a list of facilities available for public use.
VI. Fees and Deposit
: A usage fee and deposit, as specified in the City’s fee schedule,
is to be paid prior to the usage date and within forty-eight (48) hours of application
approval.
Proof of payment of the applicable fee must be received by the appropriate staff within
a forty-eight (48) hour period from the approval date, or the approved request is
subject to be invalidated. Deposits will be returned to the applicant upon staff review
and approval of the condition of the areas utilized by the individual and/or
organization. If a determination is made that the facility is damaged beyond normal
wear and tear, the submitted deposit will be retained by the City.
VII. Requirement of Off-Duty Police Officer
– At certain facilities, when events are held
outside of business hours with no staff member present, the person making the
reservation is required to hire an off-duty police officer to be present for the event. See
Attachment A for list of applicable facilities.
The organization submitting a reservation request must pay the cost of a Department
of Public Safety Police Officer to be present during the reservation period. Approval of
requests during non-business hours is subject to the availability of a police officer to
be present during this time. Forms for requesting an off-duty police officer are located
in Attachment C of this document.
VIII. Signage and Decoration
Any interior or exterior decorations and signage may not be affixed to any walls,
furniture, finishings, equipment, or be placed in the ground inside or outside the City
facility unless prior approval is obtained.
IX. Public Art Displays
The display of public art is a permitted use in City facilities. Public art display requests
are subject to the public art guidelines as outlined by the Southlake Arts Council and
City Council. The placement of public art is left to the discretion of city staff, and will be
addressed in the approval process. Public art is subject to all terms within the
Facilities Use Policy.
X. Fundraising Events in Public Facilities
a. Authorized Fundraising Events: City-initiated events and events approved by the
City Council as a budgeted special event area allowed in City facilities. All other
fundraising events by outside organizations must meet the criteria of Section IV.a.
b. Fundraising Events by Not-for-Profit Organizations: Organizations requesting use
of public facilities for fundraising events shall complete and submit an application
to the appropriate staff as indicated in Attachment A. Generally, the City will grant
approval only for events which meet the criteria listed in Section IV.a of this policy.
XI. Individual and/or Group Responsibilities
a.Facility Setup: The responsibility for setting up tables and chairs (if applicable)
shall remain with the individuals or the organization making the reservation. The
City does not provide staffing or materials to aid in the setup or cleanup of the
facility.
b.Damages: Individuals or groups making reservations are responsible for any
damage to the facility during the reservation period, and deposits may be retained
by the City for damages that exceed normal wear and tear. In addition, the City
reserves the right to assess additional charges for damages as warranted, and that
individuals and/or groups are subject to applicable criminal and/or civil penalties.
Finally, damages to the facility by individuals or groups may result in the denial of
future reservation requests.
c.Facility Clean-Up: If applicable, tables, chairs, and any provided equipment must
be returned to the original arrangement when the use of the facility is complete.
Individuals and organizations must remove all trash, equipment, and other items at
the end of the reservation time. Facilities must be left in good, clean condition
when the activity is complete. Individuals and/or organizations making the
reservation are responsible for turning off all lights and securing the facility.
XII. Compliance with Applicable Procedures, Policies and Pertinent Ordinances
Users of City facilities must comply with procedures, policies, restrictions, and all
pertinent ordinances of the City of Southlake. Any questions regarding items not listed
in this policy should be referred to the City Manager’s Office.
XIII. Intent of Non-Discrimination
The City will not discriminate against any person or persons because of their age, sex,
race, religion, color, or natural origin, not will the City permit the individuals or
organizations making the reservations to engage in such discrimination.
XIV. Releases of Liability
:
With submittal of the use application, the petitioner agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless the City of Southlake, its officers, agents, servants, and employees from and
against any and all claims or suits for bodily injury, illness, death, personal injury, or
property damage (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses of
attorney, expert witnesses and other consultants) arising out of any negligent act or
omission committed by the petitioner, its officers, employees, agents, guests, and
invitees, in connection with the activities conducted under this agreement. This
indemnification shall specifically include any claims arising from the negligence or the
City, its agents, officials and employees.
The City assumes no responsibility for property placed in the facility in connection with
the use of the facility.
Attachment A
List of Available Facilities
Facility Available Room Staff Contact
Town Hall Third Floor Training RoomsCity Manager’s Office Assistant
Town Hall Foyer Area City Manager’s Office Assistant
DPS Headquarters Community Room Police Services Office Assistant
DPS West Station Community Room Police Services Office Assistant
Senior Activity Center Meeting room Community Services Office Assistant
The Lodge Entire facility Community Services Office Assistant
Attachment B: Facility Use Request Form
Please Note:
All reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental Fee, Deposit, and Off-Duty Officer
Reservation (if necessary) are due prior to reservation confirmation.
Town Hall DPS FacilitiesCommunity Services
Training Room A Headquarters Community Room Senior Activity Center
Training Room B West Community Room The Lodge
Training Room C
Training Room D (kitchen included)
Foyer
CONTACT INFORMATION
Person Responsible: _____________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________
Cell Phone Number: _________________________ E-Mail Address: ______________________________________
Address: _____________________________ City ___________________________ State ________ Zip ________
Alternative Contact:
Name: __________________________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________
EVENT INFORMATION
Requested Date: _______________________________ From: ___________AM/PM To: ___________AM/PM
Type of event/meeting/activity: ________________________________________________________________________
Detailed Information about the event, including planned activities or any equipment/special needs:*
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Number of participants expected to attend: ______________________________________________________________
Organization Represented: _____________________________________ Non-Profit: Yes _______ No _______
Is this event a fundraiser? Yes ________ No ________ Please explain:
Does your organization maintain a Southlake Mailing address or PO Box? Yes ________ No ________
Does your event provide a community benefit? If yes, explain below. Yes ________ No ________
Do a majority of your members, including officers, reside in Southlake? Yes ________ No ________
Will your event cause any impact on City Staff or City resources? Yes ________ No ________
Is your group willing to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Southlake? Yes ________ No ________
Does your organization carry liability insurance? Yes ________ No ________ Amount: $ _________________
Estimated space requirements for this event: _____________________________________________________________
Estimated parking requirements _______________________________________________________________________
Number of planned participants________________________________________________________________________
* If more space is needed, please continue on an additional piece of paper and attach to this form.
(continued on next page)
FUPC:
ACILITY SEOLICY OMPLIANCE
Please thoroughly read through the Facilities Use Policy attached to this form. By signing below, you are stating that you
understand the rules and regulations pertaining to Southlake facilities and their proper use. Furthermore, you fully agree to abide
by and uphold these rules throughout your reservation and leave the facility in the same condition in which you found it. Failure
to abide by these rules may result in forfeiture of security deposit and denial of future use of City of Southlake facilities.
Signature of Applicant: ____________________________________________ Date ____________________________
ERSA:
VENTSEQUESTING TO ERVE LCOHOL
With submittal of this application, the petitioner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Southlake, its officers, agents,
servants, and employees, from and against any and all claims or suits for bodily injury, illness, death, personal injury or property
damage (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expense of attorney, expert witnesses and other consultants) arising
out of any negligent act or omission committed of the petitioner, its officers, employees, and agents, in connection with the
activities conducted under this agreement. This indemnification shall specifically include any claims arising from the negligence
of the city, its agents, officials, and employees.
The petitioner at its own expenses, shall obtain and keep in force during the term of the event public liability insurance as will
protect the petitioner and the City from all claims for damages to property and person, and such insurance policy shall carry the
City of Southlake as an additional insured.
Signature of Applicant: ____________________________________________ Date ____________________________
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, CONTACT D.P.S. AT 817-743-4524 or 911
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:
Date Received / Processed by: _______________________________ Rental Fee: $ ______________________
Date Approved: ___________________________________________ Deposit: $ _________________________
Approved by: _____________________________________________ Date of Payment: ___________________
Off Duty Officer Reservation Rcvd: ____________________________ Check _____ Cash_____ Credit ____
Amount Refunded: __________________
Date Refunded: ____________________
Attachment C
Southlake Department of Public Safety Off-Duty Work Agreement
The City of Southlake is pleased to offer opportunities to its police officers for off-duty
assignments.. However, the City must ensure that your business will agree to certain
conditions before it will allow the placement of off-duty officers. These conditions are as
follows:
Members of the Southlake Police Department are prohibited from accepting off-duty
assignments wherein the actual or potential use of law enforcement powers or other
public safety related authority is anticipated unless such assignments are scheduled
through the Southlake Department of Public Safety. Therefore, all requests for officers
to work such off-duty assignments must be made through the Southlake Department
of Public Safety by contacting Michael Bedrich at 817/748-8137.Any arrangements
made with any individual officer will not be honored.
Police Officers assigned to work off-duty assignments wherein the actual or potential
use of law enforcement powers or other public safety related authority is anticipated
will be paid by your business thirty-two dollars and fifty cents ($32.50) per hour for
every hour worked by the officer. The checks should be made payable to the
individual officer(s) and forwarded to the Southlake Department of Public Safety no
later than ten days following the date the off-duty assignment is performed. The
Southlake Department of Public Safety will forward the checks to the individual
officer(s).
The Department of Public Safety believes that compliance with these conditions is necessary
not only for the benefit of its officers, but also for the benefit of the public as whole.
Therefore, if your business is unable or unwilling to comply with these conditions, the
Southlake Department of Public Safety may not elect to authorize its officers to work off-duty
assignments for you.
Your signature below signifies that you have read this agreement and agree to comply with
the conditions set forth herein for the placement of off-duty police officers.
I have read the conditions set forth in this agreement for placement of off-duty police officers
and agree that __ (Insert as appropriate I/my business) will comply with them. I understand
that failure to comply with these conditions may result in the refusal by the Southlake
Department of Public Safety to authorize its officers to accept off-duty assignments __ (Insert
as appropriate I/my business) offer(s).
Printed Name Date
Title
Signature
Attachment C
Southlake Department of Public Safety Off-Duty Officer Request Form
City of Southlake
Policies and Procedures
Policy:
Town Hall Use Policy
Source:
City Council
Category:
Southlake Town Hall
Effective Date: July 17, 2001
Revised Date:
--
I.Purpose.
The purpose of this policy is to serve as a guideline for the management and scheduling
of uses within the Southlake Town Hall, to balance the requirements necessary to conduct
public business with the needs of citizen and community-based access and use of the
Town Hall.
II.Building Use Priority.
Use of the Southlake Town Hall shall be for the primary purpose of conducting official
public business on the behalf of the City of Southlake and Tarrant County. Meetings of
the City Council (“City”) and/or Tarrant County (“County”), City and/or County
Committees, City and/or County appointed boards and commissions, and City and/or
County departments shall take precedence over other community uses of the facility.
III.Town Hall Facilities and Permitted Uses.
A.Third Floor Training Rooms – The third floor training rooms (Rooms #3a, 3b, 3c,
and 3d) are available for community uses when they are not previously scheduled
for City and/or County business.
B.City Council Chambers and the Executive Conference Room – Outside of use by
the members of the City Council, the City Council Chambers and the Executive
Conference Room are available only to City and/or County decision making
bodies (please refer to Appendix “A” for further clarification).
C.Mayor’s Office – As the official office of the Mayor and City Council, this area is
not available for community use.
D.Foyer Area – The Foyer area is available for community use during non-business
hours when the area is not previously scheduled for City and/or County business.
Please note that applications for the use of this facility must include a request to
hire an off-duty police officer to be present in the building during the entire
reservation period (please refer to Section VI(B) of this policy, “Access During
Non-Business Hours” for further clarification regarding this requirement).
E.Municipal Court and the Southlake Public Library – The Municipal Court and the
Southlake Public Library are subject to the individual sets of policies and
City of Southlake – Town Hall Use Policy 02/24/10 Page 1 of 9
City of Southlake
Policies and Procedures
procedures that guide the management and use of those facilities, as approved and
periodically revised by the City and/or the County.
F.Fundraising Events in Southlake Town Hall – Fundraising events may be an
eligible use in the areas where community use is allowed, provided that that the
event is reasonably related to City or County business, or that the request derives
from a City-sponsored organization. All fundraising requests are subject to the
consideration requirements and approval process (including the assessment,
collection, and return of cleanup fees) assigned to community usage of the
facility.
IV.Approval Process.
A.Approval Authority – The City Manager may approve events (or suggest and
offer space at an appropriate City facility) that meet the criteria described, and
may provide explanation as to other criteria considered in processing the request.
B.Request Review – The City Manager or his designee will review and approve or
deny the use request based upon criteria including, but not limited to, the
following:
1.The request being reasonably related to City or County business;
2.The request is of a not-for-profit nature;
3.The facility may not be used for commercial purposes or the promotion or sale
of products;
4.The event will not cause a detrimental impact to the City and/or County staff
and available resources, or the physical capacity of the requested location to
host the event, including, but not limited to:
(a)The availability to have City or County staff to accommodate requests for
reservations during non-business hours.
(b)The parking capacity and the potential impact of the requested event on
other planned events.
(c)The number of planned participants and the traffic impact upon the
location.
(d)Other scheduled events and/or uses of the location that increase the usage
of the Town Hall facilities above the recommended capacity.
C.Appeal of the City Manager’s Decision – If the event does not meet the stipulated
criteria or the application is not approved, the requestor may petition the City
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City of Southlake
Policies and Procedures
Council for review and approval or denial. The City Council’s decision shall be
final.
V.Scheduling Procedure.
A.Required Notice – Written requests in the standard format for reservations shall
be submitted to the City Manager’s Office for review. In order to consider a
request, the City of Southlake must receive the request form for community uses
of the building within at least ten (10) business days prior to the requested time.
For information regarding reservations within Southlake Town Hall, please
contact the Secretary to the City Manager at (817) 481-1420, or submit a request
in writing to the following address:
City of Southlake
Attn: City Manager’s Office
1400 Main Street, Suite #460
Southlake, Texas 76092
B.Required Notice of Cancellation – The City of Southlake requires notice of any
cancellations within a forty-eight (48) hour period from the reservation time;
failure to comply may be grounds for the City’s denial of the privilege of
reserving facilities in Southlake Town Hall in the future.
C.Non-Approval of Submitted Multiple Dates – In order to maximize the
availability of the facility for community use, consideration of requests will be on
a case-by-case basis. Multiple dates for community use submitted at one time
will not be approved by the City Manager’s Office.
D.Reservation Overrides – The City of Southlake shall have the authority to
schedule priority functions that may necessitate the removal of community use
activities previously scheduled. If such change is required, the City Manager or
his designee shall notify the contact person identified on the submitted request
form to the City Manager’s Office as soon as possible, and will attempt to suggest
and offer space in another City facility to hold the event.
E.Tarrant County Scheduling – As the County is a partial owner in the facility, they
may schedule events in their areas (identified in the interlocal agreement entered
into by the City and County) as desired, however they will coordinate all
scheduled meetings outside of their designated areas with the City Manager’s
Office.
VI.Use Regulations.
A.Required Staff Support – Business hours for the Southlake Town Hall are from
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For reservation requests that are
approved for events to be held during business hours, the City Manager will
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City of Southlake
Policies and Procedures
designate a staff official to assist the individual and/or organization during the
reservation period. If no staff is available at the reservation time, the meeting
request must be scheduled for another time when staffing is available.
B.Access During Non-Business Hours – A City and/or County official or a member
of the City and/or County staff must be present for all community uses of the
facility during non-business hours (times other than 8:00 – 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday). If there is no such presence planned in the building during a
reserved community use, the individual and/or organization submitting the
reservation request must pay the cost for a police officer to be present during the
reservation period. Approval of requests during non-business hours is also
subject to the availability of a police officer to be present at that time.
C.Assessment of Cleanup Fees – Upon request approval the applicant will submit to
the City Manager’s Office the applicable cleanup fee for the event category
(please refer to Appendix “B” or to the City of Southlake Fee Schedule for
clarification of the applicable fees). Payment of the applicable fee must be
received by the City Manager’s Office within a forty-eitght (48) hour period from
the reservation period, or the approved request is subject to be invalidated.
Cleanup fees will be returned to the applicant upon staff review and approval of
the condition of the area(s) utilized by the individual and/or organization. If a
determination is made that the facility is damaged beyond normal wear and tear,
the submitted cleanup fees will be retained by the City.
D.Equipment – As general practice, due to the sophisticated systems within
Southlake Town Hall and limited staffing, utilization of the building’s audio /
visual system is prohibited. However the City does have some limited portable
audio / visual equipment that is available for use during approved reservations.
Please contact the City Manager’s Office for a description of such items.
E.Access to Parking Adjacent to Town Hall – The City of Southlake and Tarrant
County own the parking spaces adjacent to the Town Hall Building. However, as
general practice the parking spaces adjacent to the building will not be reserved
for the exclusive use of the Town Hall, but will be available for the customers
and/or patrons of Town Square. The City of Southlake reserves the right to
designate reserved parking spaces in these areas on a temporary basis for use(s)
directly related to City and/or County business.
F.Prohibited Activities – The following prohibitions shall apply to reservations in
the Southlake Town Hall:
(a)Decorations – Decorations may not be affixed to any walls, furniture,
finishings, or equipment in the Town Hall facilities. Questions regarding
allowable decorations may be directed to the City Manager’s Office for
clarification prior to the reservation time.
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(b)Smoking and alcoholic beverages – Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not
allowed in the Town Hall facility.
(d)Possession of firearms – Civilian possession of firearms are prohibited in
Southlake Town Hall.
G.Other City Meeting Facilities – If the City is unable to grant a space in Southlake
Town Hall for a community use, the City Manager or his designee will attempt to
provide space at other City facilities to accommodate the request, subject to
availability. These other facilities potentially available for public use include the
following:
(a)Senior Activity Center, 307 Parkwood Drive;
(b)Community Center in Bicentennial Park, 400 North White Chapel Boulevard;
(c)Department of Public Safety Facilities, 667 North Carroll Avenue and West
Site Facility, 2050 W. Southlake Boulevard (upon completion).
VII.Individual and Group Responsibilities.
A.Facility Setup – The responsibility for setting up tables and chairs (if applicable)
shall remain with the individuals or organizations making the reservation. The
City does not provide staffing or material(s) to aid in the setup or cleanup of the
facility.
B.Facility Cleanup – If applicable, tables, chairs, and any provided equipment must
be returned to the original arrangement when the use of the facility is complete.
Individuals and organizations must remove all trash, equipment, and decorations
at the end of the reservation time. Facilities must be left in good, clean condition
when the activity is complete. Individuals and/or organizations making the
reservation shall be responsible for turning off all lights and securing the facility.
C.Responsibility for Damages – Individuals or groups making reservations are
responsible for any damage to the facility during the reservation period, and
cleanup fees may be retained by the City for damages beyond normal wear and
tear. In addition, the City reserves the right to assess additional charges for
damages as warranted, and that individuals and/or groups are subject to applicable
criminal and/or civil penalties. Finally, damages to the facility by individuals or
groups may result in the denial of future reservation requests.
VIII.Compliance with applicable procedures, policies, and pertinent ordinances.
A.Required Compliance – Users must comply with procedures, policies, restrictions,
and all pertinent ordinances of the City of Southlake. Any questions arising about
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Policies and Procedures
items not specifically addressed in this policy should be referred to the City
Manager’s Office.
IX.Non Discrimination.
A.Intent of Non Discrimination – The City will not discriminate against any person
or persons because of their age, sex, race, religion, color, or natural origin, nor
will the City permit the individuals or organizations making the reservations to
engage in such discrimination.
X.Release of Liability.
A.Indemnification – With submittal of the use application, the petitioner agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the City of Southlake, its officers, agents, servants,
and employees, from and against any and all claims or suits for bodily injury,
illness, death, personal injury or property damage (including, without limitation,
reasonable fees and expenses of attorney, expert witnesses and other consultants)
arising out of any negligent act or omission committed by the petitioner, its
officers, employees, agents, guests, and invitees, in connection with the activities
conducted under this agreement. This indemnification shall specifically include
any claims arising from the negligence of the City, its agents, officials, and
employees.
B.Responsibility for Property - The City assumes no responsibility for property
placed in the facility in connection with the use of the facility.
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Please return this form to the City Managers Office at:
1400 Main Street, Suite 460 – Southlake, Texas 76092
Phone (817) 481-1433 - Fax (817) 481-1463
Organization:
Request submitted by: Date:
Date of Event:
Time of Event:
From: AM / PM To: AM / PM
Facility Requested:
Type of event:
Description of Event (includes estimated space and parking requirements, the number of
planned participants, an estimated turnover time among participants, the time and
resources the petitioner(s) have contributed to the planning of the event, etc.)
Contact Person: Work Phone:
Home Phone: Mobile Phone:
Address:
City State Zip Email Address (If applicable)
WITH SUBMITTAL OF THIS APPLICATION, THE PETITIONER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD
HARMLESS THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS, AND EMPLOYEES, FROM AND
AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OR SUITS FOR BODILY INJURY, ILLNESS, DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, REASONABLE FEES AND EXPENSES OF
ATTORNEY, EXPERT WITNESSES AND OTHER CONSULTANTS) ARISING OUT OF ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR
OMISSION COMMITTED BY THE PETITIONER, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, GUESTS, AND
INVITEES, IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. THIS
INDEMNIFICATION SHALL SPECIFICALLY INCLUDE ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF
THE CITY, ITS AGENTS, OFFICIALS, AND EMPLOYEES.
Upon approval, this signed petition entitles the scheduled user to full use of the requested facilities herein. This reservation takes priority over
any first-come users or non-reserved parties.
_________________________________________ ____________________
Signature of Responsible Person Date
_________________________________________ ____________________
City Manager or his designee Date
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Appendix A
Use of the City Council Chambers and the Executive Conference Room
A.Use of the City Council Chambers and Executive Conference Room - The City Council
Chambers and the Executive Conference Room shall be reserved for the City of Southlake
decision-making bodies. These include the following:
The Southlake City Council;
The Southlake Planning and Zoning Commission;
The Southlake Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA);
The Southlake Parks Development Corporation (SPDC);
The Southlake Building Board of Appeals (BBOA);
The Southlake Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD).
B.Other Boards and Commissions Use of Southlake Town Hall – The following advisory bodies
to the City Council and ancillary boards and commissions may meet in the Southlake Town
Hall as appropriate in the third floor conference room areas. These bodies will receive priority
consideration over community uses. These include the following:
The Southlake Parks and Recreation Board;
The Southlake Library Board;
The Joint Utilization Committee;
Metroport Teen Court;
The Executive Committee and Standing Committee of the Southlake Program for the
Involvement of Neighborhoods (SPIN), including public meetings sponsored by SPIN as
the facility is available.
Friends of the Southlake Library (due to the work ongoing in the Southlake Public
Library, this would be on an interim basis until the facility is open).
Other City Council appointed committees, task forces, or advisory bodies.
Questions regarding the use of specific facilities in Southlake Town Hall may be directed to the City
Manager’s Office at (817) 481-1420.
C.Other Regular Meetings and Locations – The following boards and commissions will continue
to meet at the following locations, but may use Town Hall facilities as needed:
Southlake Crime Control and Prevention District Board of Directors – DPS Training
Room, 667 N. Carroll Avenue.
Joint Drug and Alcohol Committee – DPS Training Room, 667 N. Carroll Avenue.
The Southlake Library Foundation – Senior Activity Center, 307 Parkwood Drive.
Keep Southlake Beautiful (KSB) – Community Center, Bicentennial Park, 400 N. White
Chapel Boulevard.
The Southlake Youth Action Commission (SYAC) – Community Center, Bicentennial
Park, 400 N. White Chapel Boulevard.
Southlake Sister Cities – Senior Activity Center, 307 Parkwood Drive.
Senior Advisory Committee – Senior Activity Center, 307 Parkwood Drive.
Friends of the Southlake Library (FOSL) – Southlake Public Library (upon opening of the
facility).
Mayor’s Advisory Committee – Senior Activity Center, 307 Parkwood Drive or Southlake
Town Hall (as determined by the Mayor).
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APPENDIX B
CLEANUP FEES ASSOCIATED WITH TOWN HALL RESERVATIONS FOR
COMMUNITY USAGE
A.Cleanup Fees for Community Usage of Town Hall – The following cleanup fees are to be
assessed for community use of the Town Hall facility. Upon approval, the applicable fees are
to be remitted to the City Manager’s Office within forty-eight (48) hours prior to the
reservation time. The fees will be returned to the applicant upon staff review of the facilities
utilized at the conclusion of the reservation period, and a determination is made that the
facilities were in good condition, and the area was returned to the original condition. The City
reserves the right to keep the fees if it is determined that the facilities were not left in good
condition, or that damages beyond normal wear and tear exist.
rd
Meetings / Events – No Food and Drinks, limited usage of the 3 floor training room area
- $100.00.
rd
Meetings / Events – Food and Drinks, limited usage of the 3 floor training room area -
$150.00.
rd
Meetings / Events – Usage of foyer area and/or usage of the complete 3 floor training
room area - $450.00
B.Responsibility for Damages – Individuals or groups making reservations are responsible for
any damage to the facility during the reservation period. The City of Southlake reserves the
right to assess additional charges for damages as warranted, and individuals and/or groups are
subject to applicable criminal and/or civil penalties as a result of damaging the facility.
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