[SBU Board] Search for a South County NLM Sectional Site

[Tim White]

As my term is nearing its end, I’m sending this note to the entire current board for posterity.

One of the continuing objectives of the Tournaments Sites Committee is to find a site in the South King County area at which to hold an NLM Sectional.  Over the years some of us have looked into and visited a number of candidate sites down there, including most of the school districts and several community centers.  Nothing stuck out.  Perhaps compromise on our part — on acceptable rental fees, or other factors, will be needed if this is to work. 

One prospect that has not been pursued, to my knowledge, is the Federal Way School District.  Yesterday I paid them a visit.  I met with their facility rental coordinator, a nice lady named Toni Tuputala.  I explained our interest in exploring a Sat-Sun rental and some of our key reqts — space, lighting, chairs, parking, accessibility, etc.  She was very helpful, sharing policy and process information.  

The Federal Way School District sets rental fees and terms, but the application process begins by submitting directly to the facility (school) to be rented.  She suggested three starting points if we elect to further pursue — Seqouyah Middle School (in the southern part of the FWSD), Totem Middle School (further north in the FWSD), and Federal Way High School which Moni said has recently undergone a renovation.

There are three use categories; as a non-profit we would be in category 2.  Their rental fee schedule has not been updated since the 2013-14 school year.  Moni said they will update the fee schedule for the 2019-20 school year.  I told her our earliest target date for a rental would be fall 2019.

The hourly rate for a commons area or gym is presently $22/hour; she said to double it for planning purposes pending the new fee schedule.  The issue, as with other school districts, is that they require a custodial person be on site while we occupy (no charge during regular shift but Sat-Sun is all extra time).  The custodian rate on the current fee sheet is $36/hr but surely this too will increase with the new fee schedule for 2019-20.  Terms of payment are invoicing following the event. Deposit is at the discretion of the Business Services dept. — either nothing or perhaps the custodian portion of the cost. 

A survey of one or more of the above suggested sites, down the road, might be considered (one of the reasons having a board member from the south county area would be helpful).

I will bring Moni’s business card, and the other materials she gave me, to the Nov board meeting; perhaps Patti can take custody as I/N Chair.

Thanks,
Tim