6.f Request to Waive Community Center Rental Fee Staff Report Staff Report
Date of Meeting: May 16, 2023
For: Scandia City Council
From: Brenda ‘Bee’ Stignani, Office Assistant
Subject: Request to Waive Community Center Rental Fees
Issue: The Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Anonymous Club (R&CBAC) has submitted a request to
waive the Community Center rental fees for three indoor American Rabbit Breeders shows at the
Scandia Community Center.
Background: The R&CBAC has hosted 3 indoor American Rabbit Breeders shows in the
Scandia Community Center (November 19, 2022, January 28, 2023, and March 18, 2023.) City
Council has waived the rental fee for all of these events. Staff found no issues with the condition
of the Center following each event, and the Club reported each as very successful. Participants
and judges have traveled long distances for these events (including Canada.) The organizers
deliberately promote Scandia businesses during their events. The R&CBAC is requesting three
additional dates: November 18, 2023, January 6, 2024, and March 16, 2024.
Currently in the Community Center Reservation Policy, rental fees are waived for use of the
facility for the following purposes and/or to the following groups at no charge:
• Meetings conducted or sponsored by the city or other units of local government (such as
Washington County, watershed districts, etc.)
• Firemen’s Ball
• Taco Daze community festival
• All Scandia Marine Lion’s Club functions (in recognition of the in-kind services provided
and the contribution of the kitchen and equipment to the facility)
• Senior Citizen’s Groups and Activities
• 4H Club, Boy /Girl Scout regular meetings, pinewood derby & Eagle Scout ceremonies
(not requiring kitchen use)
• Meetings of homeowner/ resident associations, special interest clubs (car club, horse and
carriage, pony club, etc.) and similar community groups (not requiring kitchen use or
serving alcohol)
While the R&CBAC is not listed, the objective of this show is to invite local 4H, FFA, local
organizations and individuals who are interested in raising rabbits to participate in this event.
While R&CBAC is not currently a non-profit organization, they have low participation fees and
are focused on educating children in 4H, FFA and similar organizations. Their entrance fees for
each event are set to cover their direct expenses. If the City were to collect a rental fee, this
expense would be passed on directly to the participants.
Staff recognizes the educational nature of this event, and has been assured by the applicant that it
is not the intent of R&CBAC to financially profit from these events. The purpose of this
organization falls into an acceptable category for waiving community center rental fees: 4H
Club, Boy /Girl Scout regular meetings, pinewood derby & Eagle Scout ceremonies (not
requiring kitchen use).
Options:
1. Approve waiving Community Center Rental fees for R&CBAC events requested for
November 18, 2023, January 6, 2024, and March 16, 2024.
2. Do not approve waiving Community Center Rental fees for R&CBAC events.
Staff Recommendation:
Option 1