TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Recommendation Memorandum for Event Cost Reduction Strategies.
Recommended Action
I move to direct the City Manager to draft a fee schedule for bounce houses and specialized activities at special events, and to develop a sponsorship strategy to offset event costs, to be brought back to the City Commission for review.
City Commission Options
Option 1: I move to direct the City Manager to draft a fee schedule for bounce houses and specialized activities at special events, and to develop a sponsorship strategy to offset event costs, to be brought back to the City Commission for review.
* Pro: This option actively addresses rising event costs and creates multiple new municipal revenue streams through user fees and corporate partnerships.
* Con: It may face resistance from residents accustomed to free activities and creates an immediate administrative burden for City staff to develop fee structures, collection methods, and sponsorship packets.
Option 2: I move to direct the City Manager to explore event sponsorship opportunities and/or a sponsorship program, to be brought back to the City Commission for review.
* Pro: This approach generates potential revenue to offset municipal costs while keeping events inclusive, family-friendly, and completely free for residents.
* Con: It relies heavily on variable sponsorship income that is not guaranteed and requires dedicated staff time and marketing efforts to secure and manage.
Option 3: I move to decline further action at this time and direct the City Clerk to notify the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
* Pro: Declining action guarantees that City events remain completely free and accessible for all community members without creating any new administrative workload or logistical changes.
* Con: It fails to address the ri...
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