HAMLET — The city council approved an extensive policy governing the rental of facilities owned and operated by the city during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday.

Hamlet City Hall, Main Street Park, Hamlet Depot and Museums, recreational ball fields and picnic shelters are all subject to the policy, as well as the Hamlet Fairgrounds — except for the Fair Building, which is rented through the Lion’s Club and subject to its rules of use.

Under the new policy, the Hamlet City Council Chambers “may be reserved by individuals or groups to use as a meeting space providing that the event does not conflict with city business,” and may only be reserved during normal business hours.

Hamlet Depot Rotunda requires completion and approval of an application and rental agreement, and renters must provide proof of insurance.

Picnic shelters may be reserved for small group gatherings, but those planning to use them for larger events and festivals must now complete a special event application.

FEES

The Hamlet Depot Rotunda fee is $100 for three hours during the day and $200 for six hours during the night, with an additional $50 fee per hour in both cases.

For the Rotunda Annex, the fee is $75 for three hours during the day and $150 for six hours during the night. Audio equipment is available for use for $50.

Renters are responsible for event insurance, and a deposit equal to half the rental rate or a minimum of $100 is required.

Rental fees for recreational areas are:

• Hamlet Fairgrounds — $250 per event;

• Gymnasium — $100 per two-hour use;

• South Hamlet Park — $250 per event, with an additional $25 for lining the field, if needed; and

• Hamlet Babe Ruth Park — $300 per sport season.

Forms “will eventually be located on our website,” said City Manager Marcus Abernethy. That URL is www.hamletnc.us.

For now, anyone wishing to make rental or reservation arrangements can obtain applications and copies of rules by visiting Hamlet City Hall.

OTHER CITY NEWS

The City of Hamlet will observe Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11. City offices will be closed, but water treatment facilities, the police and fire departments will operate as usual. Garbage and sanitation schedules will not change.

City offices will be closed for Thanksgiving on Nov. 24 and 25. Garbage normally picked up on those days will instead be collected on Wednesday, Nov. 23.

The annual tree lighting ceremony takes place on Nov. 28 in the park on Main Street across from the Depot.

Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @meloniemclaurin.

Abernethy
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_MarcusJPEG.jpgAbernethy

By Melonie McLaurin

[email protected]