ITEM TITLE:
Consider approving a resolution to eliminate fees for renting public spaces in City Hall and discontinue the practice of leasing public spaces within City Hall to the public.
INITIATOR: Dewayne Burk, Deputy City Manager
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Dewayne Burk, Deputy City Manager
BACKGROUND: In 2011, the City established fees for the rental of public spaces within the City Hall Building. Initially renting these public spaces was a great success. However the level of interest in renting spaces at City Hall has significantly dwindled over the years, particularly in the aftermath of the quarantine and COVID procedures from 2020 to 2022. As a result, the number of individuals and organizations renting these spaces has slowed tremendously. From June of 2022 to present day, there have been two rentals of City Hall spaces and one rental of chairs and tables. Additionally, staff in the City Manager’s office performed a comparison with Lawton’s six peer cities and found that none of the peer cities rent space in their City Hall buildings to the public.
EXHIBIT: Resolution No. 24-, Fee Comparison with Peer Cities
KEY ISSUES: N/A
FUNDING SOURCE: N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the resolution to eliminate fees for renting public spaces in City Hall and discontinue the practice of leasing public spaces within City Hall to the public.