Barre Universalist Church
Facility Usage Policies for Renters
Adopted October 2023
The following usage policies apply to all rental events held in the Barre Universalist Church (Barre UU). Members of the public may rent the Church facilities by arrangement with the Barre UU church governing council. By signing the Rental Agreement, the Renter agrees to pay the required fees in the attached Fee Schedule and comply with all policies and conditions included in this document. Special arrangements may be made for church members.
** The maximum number of people that can be accommodated upstairs in the sanctuary is 158.
** The maximum number of people that can be accommodated downstairs in the vestry is 140.
Renters will be required to indemnify Barre UU and may be required to provide a certificate of insurance and have Barre UU named as an additional insured in accordance with the attached indemnity agreement. All users agree to indemnify and hold Barre UU harmless from all claims, liability, damage, injury, penalty, fine, or loss, directly or indirectly, by any persons, authority, or entity, for injuries to persons or property or damage which in any way relates to the use of said premises by users; and if any suit or proceeding shall be brought against Barre UU on account of damage, injury, omission, neglect, commission, liability claim or loss occasioned by the use or by activities on said premises, including the parking area, whether by third parties, or employees, agents, invitees, licensees, or guests of the user, or any other person, the user, at its sole expense, will defend same, and will pay any judgments which may be recovered against the Barre UU.
Alcohol is not permitted anywhere on the premises except under the following conditions:
3.1 Renters must notify and receive the approval of the Rental Coordinator at the time the reservation is made and the intention to serve alcohol on the premises must be indicated on the Rental Agreement in addition to the number of people attending the event.
3.2 Bring your own bottle (BYOB) may be permitted for events with fewer than 50 people in attendance. No alcohol may be sold at a BYOB event.
3.3 Events with 50 people or more in attendance must have the alcohol served by a Licensed Caterer whether or not the alcohol is sold. The Licensed Caterer is responsible for obtaining all permits and licenses from the City of Barre Liquor Control Board. (A list of Licensed Caterers is available at the Department of Liquor Control website: http://liquorcontrol.vermont.gov/sites/liquorcontrol/files/Downloads/caterer.txt)
The Board reserves the right to refuse to allow or to cancel any underage or youth event which fails to meet the following conditions:
4.1 Reservations for use of the Hall may be made by youth ONLY in collaboration with someone 21 years older and the Rental Agreement must be signed by the person 21 years or older who assumes full responsibility for compliance with the Rental Agreement and the Facility Usage Policies.
4.2 Events, including dance events, expected to be attended by youth must be chaperoned by a ratio of at least 1 adult per 10 youth.
The following conditions apply to ALL renters of the Church:
5.1. All renters must have a reservation and have a signed Rental Agreement prior to the date of the event.
5.2. All deposits are due at the time the Hall is reserved unless specifically waived by the Rental Coordinator.
5.3. No reservation is secured until a Rental Agreement and a $100 “facility usage” deposit are received by Barre UU.
5.4. Full rental fee is due on or before the day of use.
5.6 If necessary, renter will be provided with a key to the building. Copies of the key may not be made and the renter must keep the key in their possession until returned to the Rental Coordinator.
5.6 Reimbursement from renter may be requested for cancellations that have resulted in expenses incurred by Barre UU.
5.7. “Facility usage” deposits will be refunded when the Rental Coordinator verifies that the facility usage policy 6.2.5 has been satisfied. Renters may be charged for any costs of cleaning or damage that exceed any sums retained.
5.8. Special arrangements are available for periodic/repeat renters by arrangement with the Rental Coordinator who may waive the deposit requirement and/or permit alternative payment arrangements.
6.1 Having food will be discussed with the Rental Coordinator and written permission for use of the
kitchen and/or food being brought in will be given prior to the event.
6.2. At the end of the rental period:
6.2.1 Barre UU has trash and recycling bins. Excess trash or recycling must be removed from the premises by the renter.
6.2.2. The main hall, kitchen, and bathroom floors must be left broom clean and all surfaces must be wiped clean.
6.2.3. Tables, chairs, and other equipment belonging to the Church must be returned to their proper storage places. Equipment is inventoried and anything missing will be charged to renter.
6.2.4. All equipment brought to the Church by the renter must be removed. Barre UU is not responsible for the loss or damage to any of the renter’s equipment or any other items (such as lost property) relating to the rental.
6.2.5. The renter must return the facility to its pre-use condition.
6.2.6. All lights shall be turned off.
6.2.7. All windows and doors shall be closed and locked.
6.3 Absolutely nothing may be stuck to finished walls and doors. NO TAPE, TACKS, PUSHPINS, NAILS. Some display boards are available if needed.
6.4 Do not use duct tape on wood floors. Masking or painter’s tape is acceptable.
6.5 Children under the age of 12 must be supervised at all times.
6.6 Only service animals are permitted on/in the church grounds.
7.1. LAWFUL USE - The renter shall not use the facilities in any manner which violates federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Illegal use of drugs or alcohol is NEVER permitted on Church property.
7.2. SMOKING AND FIRE - State law prohibits smoking anywhere in Barre UU building interiors.
7.2.1. Smoking is also prohibited on exterior porches and within 10 feet of any entrance.
7.2.2 The use of any and all open flames and/or pyrotechnics anywhere on the premises is strictly forbidden. Candles may only be used with prior written permission.
7.3 There is a ground level, accessible entrance to the Vestry (downstairs) of the church building. The church building is also equipped with an elevator which goes from the Vestry to the Sanctuary levels. Users of the Sanctuary may make arrangements with the Rental Coordinator for instruction in the use of the elevator at a time prior to their use of the building.
If at the discretion of the Board of Trustees it is deemed advisable to have a police officer present at the event, the renter will be required to hire an officer at the renter’s expense. If renters have any security concerns, they are advised to consult with the Barre City Public Safety Department 802-476-6613
Renter has the sole responsibility for all fees associated with music royalties or music licensing fees.
Renters shall be liable for any breakage, loss or theft of any Church property.
There is parking for 5 cars at the back entrance to the Church.
Additional parking is available on Church Street or behind the Barre Opera House.
Permission to use the Barre UU buildings does not constitute endorsement of the subject matter of any event or viewpoints expressed by participants in the programs.
13.1 Fees for any services provided by the minister or musicians are in addition to the below and are the responsibility of the renter.
13.2 Events not sponsored by Barre UU or involving a church member may require an event assistant at the rate of $15 per hour. Renter will pay the event assistant directly.
13.3 Fees are as outlined below:
Sanctuary
Full day – 4 hours or more $350
Half day – less than 4 hours $250
Vestry/minor kitchen use (making coffee, tea, and snacks - no cooking)
Full day: $100
Half day: $50
Vestry/ full kitchen use
Full day: $150
Half day: $75
Vestry/ small meeting of 15 or less people
Contact the Events Coordinator to discuss the fee.
(if the gas stove/oven is to be used, our insurance policy requires that a church member be present to light it)
13.4 Minister’s fees are separate and arranged directly with the minister.
13.5 Heating season surcharge The Church buildings are kept at 50 degrees. It takes a lot of fuel to raise the temperature to 68 degrees. Therefore a surcharge of $50 for the Sanctuary and $25 for the Vestry is added between the period of November 1 – April 1.
13.6 Checks should be made payable to the Barre Universalist Church and sent to:
Barre Universalist Church
PO Box 764
Barre, Vt. 05641