Jason Fochtman
Shenandoah City Council was lukewarm about purchasing a block party trailer that residents can rent with members concerned about
liability and regulations on its use.
Councilman Ted Fletcher said the block party trailer concept first came up for discussion last year as a way to encourage residents to get together in their neighborhoods.
“It wasn’t a lot of capital to make happen and bring neighbors together,” Fletcher said.
The trailer would include games, a bounce house, coolers, tables and chairs. It would also have a barbecue grill and canopy. According to the city, those items have already been purchased.
“It would be managed through our parks department,” Fletcher said. “It would not be just people coming in to
reserve it, they would have to have the approval of the neighborhood. It would be something the city would deliver to a location.”
Councilman Charlie Bradt was concerned about the trailer’s $25,000 price tag.
“I just don’t think it is necessary; we have a lot of things we’ve got to do,” Bradt said. “I just don’t know if it is going to be an
albatross for the city or not. I think the cons outweigh the pros.”
Councilman Jim Pollard said he wasn’t sure the city would generate much revenue from a block party trailer.
“Seems like we are taking on a lot and not sure how much we get for it,” Pollard said.
City Attorney Bill Ferebee
said staff looked at other municipalities, such as Arlington, Sugar Land and Plano, and how they managed similar trailers. Ferebee said trailer users were responsible for any and all damage, and some require insurance to cover any loss.
“Most city's troubles seem to be with damage to the trailer and contents, and people don’t want to pay for the damage done,” Ferebee
said.
Ferebee said those cities also prohibit using the trailers for several events, including activist rallies, marches, animal obedience, fireworks events, or commercial use.
“All cities require bathroom facilities; it can be in someone’s house, but there has to be open
bathroom facilities for anyone associated with the use of the trailer,” Ferebee said. “Apparently some cities have had problems with the lack of bathroom facilities.”
Council tabled the issue and will discuss it at a July 10 meeting.
