LENDING A HAND – Jacob Parsons helps with a renovation project at the Chico Public Library this week. In the spring, the library was awarded a $39,575 grant from the Tocker Foundation to remodel the main room. Library Board President Michelle Slonaker told the Messenger in April that the library is “becoming more of a community center, and we’re aiming to make it a place not only to check out books, but also a place to gather.” Work was scheduled to run through Monday. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
Chico’s new community center is almost ready for its Aug. 4 open house.
The cafeteria of the former Chico Elementary School is now the centerpiece of Chico’s new City Hall at 400 S. Hovey St. With a stage up front and a kitchen at the back, the facility was the target of an $80,000 remodel that is in its final stages.
The city opened for business in the new building July 5.
In a meeting that day, the council approved several items related to the new City Hall, including $699 for a podium to be used both in the council chamber and the community center, and $5,750 for a new phone system.
They also OK’ed a fee schedule for those wishing to rent the community center. Fees are:
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., $200;
- 5 p.m. to midnight, $200;
- 8 a.m. to midnight, $300;
- kitchen use, $50;
- set-up and tear-down fee, $100 (this is only if city staff sets up and takes down tables and chairs).
A $200 deposit, required for all rentals, will be refunded if nothing is damaged and the facility is left clean. Renters can also pay an optional $200 cleaning fee. If they leave the facility clean – including vacuuming the community center, mopping the kitchen and returning all tables and chairs to the storage closet – they’ll get their deposit back. If not, the money will be used for cleaning.
The facility will be inspected for damage and cleaning before the deposit is returned.
Those wishing to serve alcohol at the community center will pay an additional $200 deposit and must obtain a city alcohol permit at least three weeks prior to the event. There is no charge for that permit, but a city police officer must be present at all times while alcohol is being served or consumed, and the renter must pay the assigned officer $35/hour for at least four hours – payable in cash upon arrival.
Rental of the community center includes access to the park and playground but does not preclude public use of the park during that time.
It was also noted that the community center is a tobacco-free facility.
For information or to rent the facility, call City Hall at (940) 644-2435 or drop by City Hall at 400 S. Hovey St.
