Non-profits can use community center for free

City chooses LeFebvre Catering for all events at the facility

CAMBRIDGE – Local non-profits can hold their meetings at the new Cambridge community center at no charge.
Among those organizations that can use the facility for free are those that give back to the community. These include the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cambridge Ambassadors, Isanti County Historical Society, Jaycees, Lions, Masons, Rotary and 4-H.
If these groups use the kitchen or the assembly hall, they will be charged the $20 an hour supervision fee by the National Guard, noted Cambridge City Administrator Lynda Woulfe. during the Cambridge City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Isanti County may also use the community center at no charge.
Other groups will be charged half the cost. These include any non-profit that can provide a 501c exemption letter, athletic associations that serve Cambridge residents, and local schools (District 911, Cambridge Christian School, Christ the King parochial, and the home school cooperative).
Council member Bob Shogren suggested that the list be modified.
Those eligible for free rent will be reviewed by the Community Center Task Force and any recommendations brought back to the city council.
FULL-DAY RENTAL FEES REDUCED
Council members had set rental fees in January. However, after hearing that the fee charged for a full-day event was too high, the amount was lowered on Tuesday night.
Hourly rates will be as follows:
• Assembly hall, Monday to Friday: $40
• Assembly hall, Saturday and Sunday: $60
• Assembly hall and kitchen, Monday to Friday, $75 with a maximum of $500
• Assembly hall and kitchen, Saturday and Sunday: $95 with a maximum of $500 per single day event (plus a $20 an hour supervision fee)
• Classrooms, Monday to Friday: $20
• Classrooms, Saturday and Sunday: $40
CATERING SERVICES
LeFebvre Catering, together with the Cambridge American Legion (liquor provider), will serve as the caterer at the community center.
Two caterers submitted proposals for the city to consider: LeFebvre Catering and Spectacular Catering. The fees for the two were nearly similar, noted Woulfe.
Both employ a number of local people as part-time employees to help serve at events.
Prior to the regular council meeting on Feb. 17, both caterers provided a sample meal for council members and guests.
After reviewing the proposals, the city council appointed LeFebvre Catering.
“I think they both did a fabulous job,” noted council member Lisa Iverson.
USE POLICY
A policy governing the use of the community center was also approved on Tuesday night.
It was written by the community center task force and then forwarded to the city council.
Those who would like to rent the facility should contact Cambridge City Hall at 763-689-3211.
A non-refundable deposit of 50 percent is required for any reservation of the assembly hall.
Any alcohol for events must be provided through the city’s approved caterer.
Weapons are not allowed on the premises, unless it is for a special event that is pre-approved by the city (such as a gun show).
Camping is not allowed.
Council member Dave Schornstein questioned the restrictions placed on grilling. Woulfe clarified that commercial grills being used by caterers or a local non-profit doing a benefit (such as the Rotary) would be allowed, following approval by the city’s fire chief and city administrator.