Some impressions from MCC public comment meeting

There was a public comment meeting about the proposed Non-profit/Charitable Facility Use Discount Policy, hosted by the Mayo Civic Center Commission task force which developed the policy.  Donna Drews was also on the panel. The goals in developing the policy were threefold: keep the "civic" in Mayo Civic Center; provide a uniform, transparent, efficient process for all potential users; assist the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau in their work of marketing the facility.

While lightly attended, several people did make comments or ask questions. Following is a brief, informal summary for general information:

• The importance of making the MCC available to local, not only touring, groups was stressed, as well as the importance of supporting the growth of local arts and cultural organizations, and honoring local reservations, even when a bigger option comes along, was highly encouraged. 
• A clarification was sought about whether the discount applied to current rates or whether rates would be increased so that even with the discount, the cost remained prohibitive. Task force members did not have specifics about rates, but it seemed a general consensus from the panel that rates on rooms in the policy (which excludes the new construction) would not change substantially.  It was later remarked from the audience that even with the discounts on performing spaces such as Presentation Hall, other options, such as schools or churches are still much more affordable.
• The fact that many small organizations, arts or cultural, don't have any budget or even official 501c3 status was brought up, and attendees were directed to Section 6 of the policy which indicates the option of applying for greater discounts.  The task force members also referenced their own research into other meeting place options, such as is available in the public library, at the new senior center (125 Live), and other locations in Rochester. These are often offered at an hourly rate that most non-profits can afford.
• City entities, such as the Rochester Public Library and the Civic Music Board, are in an unusual position in that they are not 501c3 organizations and have certain restrictions because of their status as part of the city. The task force is aware of this conundrum, and this will be something that will be kept under consideration.
• The assembly was reminded that the Rochester Area Foundation can work with new or emerging non-profits, whether through RAF acting as fiscal agent, providing affordable meeting rooms, or by making available their new incubator spaces.
• Previous MCC users sought clarification on how "legacy" activities may be affected by the new policy as far as the discount, lead time for reservations and holiday use. It was pointed out to the panel as well that catering rules, as in Section 5, are a challenge for non-profits and their budgets.
• While not necessarily a part of this policy, the idea of a city-wide, aggregated calendar of non-profit fundraisers, events, performances, was brought up and met with enthusiasm by the panel, although the MCC commission would not be in the position to be able to coordinate such a project.

The comments and questions will be brought by the task force to the next regular meeting of the Mayo Civic Center Commission, which will be Wednesday, June 8, 3:00-5:00 pm in the Riverside Suites of the MCC. This is a public, open meeting and there will be, as usual, a public comment period at the top of the agenda at 3:00 pm.