UUCFM FACILITY USE POLICY

Policy Statement
The buildings and grounds of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, Inc. (UUCFM) represent a tangible asset which, if managed in a responsible and consistent fashion, will make significant contributions to the goals and objectives of the church. These are:

• To build community recognition for UUCFM and Unitarian Universalism
• Publicity and recruitment of potential new members
• Community service
• To help fund the operating budget to support the activities of the UUCFM

It is our policy that rental fees will cover all UUCFM costs incurred, or resulting from use of, the facilities, including a significant contribution toward upkeep and future capital improvement of those facilities. While it is desirable that rentals bring in additional monies to the operating budget of UUCFM, it is recognized that rentals (at minimal fees) could, in themselves, contribute directly to achievement of UUCFM's goals and objectives.

Priorities

We are a liberal religious community. Rentals may be made to any group or function whose purpose, goals, ideals, or philosophy is not inconsistent with the broad ideals of UUCFM. Priority for all activities, including UUCFM events, is determined on a first come, first serve basis, so long as these are scheduled in advance with the UUCFM Administrator. Long-term rental contracts should only be entered into after careful consideration of the potential effects on Church programming and facility availability, and no contract should be written with a term longer than one year. All long-term rental contracts require approval by the Board of Trustees.

Requesting Procedures
Individuals or groups planning an event must complete a Facility Use Request Form (Attachment A), and submit it for approval by delivering it to the Administrator. The Administrator will notify of approval after confirming availability and, if necessary, obtaining Board approval.

Member Use

Church facilities shall be available for use by our own Church organizations at no cost, including programs sponsored by Church committees. If custodial services are required outside of the custodian's normal schedule, this cost will be passed on to the sponsoring committee.

Any member wishing to use Church facilities for non-Church-related activities (personal use) may rent the facility in accordance with the regular Facility Fee Schedule (Attachment C) with the following exceptions:

After one year of membership, any active or associate member who wishes to hold his or her wedding in the Sanctuary will not be charged a rental fee, but is still responsible for any related Staff Service fees including but not limited to custodial services, music or sound services, and repair of damages caused by participants or anyone they have hired in connection with the wedding. Use of any other facilities (e.g. Hobart Hall for a reception) would be at the normal rental rate as per the Facility Fee Schedule.

Memorial services, funerals, and child dedications are provided to Church members at no facility cost. Service fees, including those of the minister, may apply.

Rental Requirements
Parties wishing to rent UUCFM facilities for non-Church events must complete a standard Lease Agreement (Attachment B). All renters must add UUCFM onto their insurance (this is sometimes called a One Time Event Endorsement) with coverage of $1,000,000. A copy of the rider must be given to the office for rental to be approved.

Fees and Costs
Facility usage fees, required staff services, and security/damage deposits will be governed by the most current Facility Fee Schedule (Attachment C).

Staff Services

• 1. Separate arrangements must be made with the Minister if their services are to be requested.
• 2. Usage of the Sound Room in Miller Sanctuary requires a UUCFM-sanctioned sound technician, and the fees associated with this service will be paid according to the most current Facility Fee Schedule.
• 3. Custodial services are required for any non-Church events using Hobart Hall or Miller Sanctuary, and the fees associated with this service will be paid according to the most current Facility Fee Schedule.

Facility Usage Guidelines

• 1. No events shall be scheduled on Sundays prior to 2:00pm.
• 2. The facility may not be rented after 11:30pm.
• 3. The number of persons permitted in each room is specified on the Facility Fee Schedule.
• 4. Charges are hourly. If the event extends beyond the time requested, payment for the additional time will be charged at the specified hourly rate, and can be deducted from the security deposit.
• 5. All non-members applying for use of the facility must be at least 18 years of age.
• 6. A damage/security deposit is required for all rentals. Rules governing these deposits can be found on the Facility Fee Schedule.
• 7. Decorations - No nails, tacks, screws, staples, nor paint-damaging tape may be used on the walls and/or ceilings, nor may any other modifications be made to the building, its electrical system, carpeting, walls, furnishings, or surroundings.
• 8. Smoking is not permitted in any Church buildings.
• 9. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed on the premises, as long as a responsible person will monitor drinking and uphold Florida law regarding the serving of alcohol to minors.
• 10. No animals are permitted in Miller Sanctuary, with the exception of service animals.
• 11. No food or beverages are allowed in Miller Sanctuary or the narthex.
• 12. Children must be supervised at all times. Use of playground equipment is at user's own risk.
• 13. UUCFM participates in a recycling program, and anyone using the facilities is required to use the appropriate recycling bins to reduce the amount of trash created. We recycle paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass.
• 14. Publicity - No facility user may advertise the Church name in their marketing or promotional literature as a sponsoring organization without approval from the Publicity Committee unless it is a Unitarian Universalist Church event or affiliated organization event. Non-Church events are prohibited from listing the Church phone number on advertising materials as a contact number for further information. It is the responsibility of the user to provide all necessary information, including directions, to those who may need them.
• 15. Requests for use of the organ, piano, video projector, fixed PA system, or any other equipment belonging to the Church shall be made to the appropriate committee, through the Administrator.
• 16. All users must complete a Facility Check-Out Form (Attachment D) upon event conclusion.
• 17. In the event the Church determines at any time that any violation of the terms of this agreement or any applicable laws, ordinances or regulations is likely to occur in your use of our premises for your function, we reserve the right to cancel your function at any time. Any such determination shall be pursuant to our sole discretion and shall be binding and final and we shall not be liable either to you or your caterer for any such cancellation.

Return to HomePage