Rental costs, alcohol policies considered in rentals of new Plum facilities

Facilities at Plum’s new municipal center are in demand, and borough officials are working on rates and terms for renting them.

Plum started moving into the $20 million facility on Old Mine Road in November. “Christmas at Plum Creek” on Dec. 1 was the first event there.

In addition to housing offices for the borough’s administrative and police departments, the building features a banquet hall with a kitchen, gymnasium and party rooms.

A patio is outside the banquet hall, and an outdoor amphitheater is expected to be built there this year.

Borough Manager Michael Thomas said the borough has been overwhelmed with requests to rent the facilities, most notably the gym.

In response, borough staff put together a proposal, which Thomas reviewed with council at its January work session.

Thomas said council has decided to not act on the proposal this month. With the borough having a goal of starting rentals officially April 1, he said council likely will adopt final policies in March.

In the interim, Thomas said some use of the facilities might be permitted.

Alcohol rules debated

While Thomas said the borough will permit alcohol on the property for events such as graduation parties and weddings outside of business hours, Mayor Harry Schlegel objected to self-serve being allowed.

Renters would be required to sign waivers, and events would be monitored by borough staff and police.

Thomas said the recommendation is to allow self-serve for beer and wine, but, for hard liquor, to require renters to use a bar and bartender the borough would provide through a contracted service.

Renters would have to pay the cost of the service, Thomas said.

Schlegel said he opposes any self-serve alcohol because of liability concerns. He said, if a person comes to the municipal center already intoxicated, has one drink and then gets into an accident, the borough could be held responsible as the last place that person consumed alcohol.

Borough solicitor Bruce Dice is looking into Schlegel’s concerns, Thomas said.

The full list of proposed rental fees was not released because they are not final.

Fees ‘below average’

In determining fees, Thomas said, officials looked at what other communities with similar facilities are charging residents and nonresidents. He said Plum is setting its rates below average while covering its costs.

For the gym, Thomas said, the proposed weekday, hourly rate for residents to rent the gym was $70. He said the lowest rate found in the area is $80 per hour. The highest, he noted, is $190.

As proposed, those who do not live in Plum would be charged 20% to 25% more than borough residents. Rental fees also would be higher for Friday evenings and weekends.

Fees for combination rentals also are being considered, such as the amphitheater and banquet hall for weddings, and the gym with a party room.

A discount from hourly rates could be offered for full-day rentals, Thomas said. Community groups might be given access for free or at a discount.

Deposits, security deposits and cancellation fees would be collected and assessed. Bookings would be done online.

Minimum rental times would apply and vary by the facility. Use of outdoor facilities would be limited to April through October.

Council appeared to agree on a minimum age of 21 to rent facilities. Certain holidays might be made blackout dates.