Agenda Item Wording:
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Consideration for fee waiver - Request from Visalia Gadabouts to utilize the Visalia Senior Center at a reduced rate for the purpose of providing programs and services for senior citizens.
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Prepared by: Laurissa Roggenkamp, Recreation Manager, (559)713-4336, laurissa.roggenkamp@visalia.gov; Jason Glick, Parks & Recreation Director, (559)713-4042, jason.glick@visalia.gov.
Department Recommendation: It is recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission and by staff that the City Council waive the rental fee of $2,952 but assess the direct staffing cost of $1,166.72.
Summary:
Visalia Gadabouts, a local non-profit 501(c)(3), has applied to use the Visalia Senior Center once a month in 2026. As a verified non-profit, they qualify for a 20% reduced rental rate but are requesting a full waiver of rental fees. Staff reviewed the request using the established 2006 process for evaluating free or reduced facility use.
After reviewing the organization's financials, program purpose, and facility needs, staff recommended to the Parks and Recreation Commission that the rental fee of $2,952 be waived, but that the group pay the direct labor cost of $1,166.72 associated with opening and staffing the facility during non-operating hours. This approach supports senior focused programming while avoiding additional cost to the City. The Parks and Recreation Commission supported this recommendation.
Background Discussion:
In the continued effort to support senior programs and non-profit organizations that serve seniors, a process was developed in 2006 to designate free or reduced facility rental fees for use of the Visalia Senior Center. Following the established process, organizations requesting to utilize the Senior Center at a waived or reduced rate must annually submit a Facility Use Application for the upcoming calendar year. The application must include supplemental information including details about the organization/agency, non-pr...
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