Changes to Mamou complex discussed at council meeting

MAMOU — Although no action was taken Wednesday evening, discussion by the Mamou Town Council indicates that big changes are coming for the rental of the Mamou Recreational Complex.
The council discussed raising the rental and deposit fees for use the complex. It also discussed adding a new clause to the rental agreement that would prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages on the premises during an event organized on behalf of underage attendees.
The rationale for increasing the fees is to help defray the cost of maintaining the facility. The complex is currently closed while undergoing improvements to repair damage to the floor and walls, and for general refurbishment.
Mayor Ricky Fontenot said that the town still has at least $20,000 to spend just on the floor. It should reopen in time to host prom and graduation activities, among other events.
There are two different rates that are being proposed, one for private parties and one for public events at which the organizers are collecting admission for the event.
The rental fee for private parties would remain at the current $750 rate. However, the deposit would be increased from $100 to $300. There would also be a new clause in the rental contract that would hold the signers liable for any damage that goes over $300.
For public events, like zydeco dances, the rental fee would go up significantly, from the current $850 to $2,000, with a $700 deposit.
Fontenot said that while these fee increases may seem like a lot, the town “will never recover the money we’re spending on maintaining this building.”
“For the size of the building,” added Councilman Robin Young, “that price isn’t outrageous. It’s probably the right price.”
Fontenot agreed, adding that the complex is “the largest facility around here.”
Before the fee changes can be made, the council would first have to introduce them as a proposed ordinance. A special meeting is being considered before the end of the month so that they can be introduced before the April regular meeting. They would then be officially approved in April and go into effect immediately for any new rentals.
The other change, forbidding alcohol at certain events, would not need specific approval in the form of an ordinance. It could simply be added into the rental agreement.
That suggestion came from Councilwoman Jessica Fontenot.
Helping to curb underage drinking “is my passion,” said Jessica Fontenot. “I am asking the council to please consider adding a clause to the contract with would not allow any alcoholic beverages on the premises by anyone, even adults, during a youth function.”
Specifically, Jessica Fontenot mentioned events helping to celebrate prom and graduation. Mamou High School does not organize celebrations for those events. Consequently, the dances have become private parties that are held in the complex.
“Parents should consider that the parties are for their children, not for them,” she said.
The council did not vote on whether or not to add Fontenot’s suggestion to the rental agreement, but it will take up that discussion at the next meeting.
Another change to the rental agreement will include stipulations that staples, nails, and other fasteners cannot be used to affix things to the building.
“We pulled out enough staples to fill half of a 55-gallon drum,” Ricky Fontenot said.
There were only two action items for the council during its regular monthly meeting. The Council approved the hiring of Paulette Seay as a part-time dispatcher.
It also agreed to raise various fees for the police department. The proposal would raise fees from $5 to $10 for finger prints, accident and incident reports, and complaint reports. Background checks, which were being done for free, would now cost $25. The new fee rates will have to be approved by the adoption of an ordinance at the regular meeting on April 13.