October 28, 2008, work session
Requiring insurance to rent town rooms
Bob Spacdaccia, the town's insurance agent, explained that the town currently does not have a consistent policy regarding the use of town facilities by outside groups; some buildings require insurance and others do not. In some cases the insurance could cost a group $500-$800 for a single use. The absence of insurance for some buildings, he said, created a potential liability for the town.

Mr. Spadaccia explained that the premium for a policy that would cover all town facilities that could be used by outside groups would be based on the number of times during the year that town facilities were used and could be about $3,000 for $1 million in coverage. The minimum premium would be $2,500. It would then be up to the board to set a fee for the groups as a way to recoup the cost.

Councilman Metz expressed concern that the town might be over regulating the use of town facilities. While acknowledging that the town needed a consistent policy for all buildings, he said the key problem was figuring out how to apply it. Councilman Campisi said that the same rate would have to be charged to all groups. It was also suggested that no fee could be charged and that the town absorb the cost of the policy. Councilman Martorano noted that the buildings were “the people's buildings.” Town Clerk Alice Roker expressed concern over fees that would be charged to groups such as the cub scouts and Susan Siegel (the person writing this summary) expressed concern about homeowners who meet on a sporadic basis and don't have a treasury that could absorb a fee.

Ms. Roker will gather data on the number of times town hall is used by outside groups and the board will review the issue at a future meeting. The policy would also cover the Downing Park Pavillion, the gazebo on Veterans Rd, the YCCC and the Sparkle Lake Service Building.