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Youth Center damage has Smithfield looking at punishing any rule-breakers By
Marie Griffin SMITHFIELD -- After the damage done to the city's Youth Center last weekend, officials are wondering how far they'll have to go to make users respect city facilities. The city had just paid $350 to have the building's floor refurnished, but after the wedding that took place Saturday night there is nothing left to show for it. Guests wore down the finish, leaving a cloudy appearance instead of a shine. Also, there was a sticky residue left on the floor that wouldn't wash out even after two cleanings. Doug Allen, the man in charge of events at the Youth Center, vouched that the floor had been in normal condition after the Friday night bands. Those who rent city facilities are made aware of the rules and pay a $100 deposit to cover any damages caused by breaking those rules. One such rule prohibits drinking alcohol. Officials found evidence of alcoholic beverages after the event Saturday night. Reportedly, the renters had asked if the only consequence of their disregard for the alcohol rule would be to have their deposit withheld. The $100 deposit was withheld from the renters, but as Dean Clegg, Smithfield city recorder, said at last Thursday's City Council meeting, "We're still out $250." The council debated options that would solve the problem at hand and prevent future occurrences. "Our biggest problems come from Spanish renters," City Manager James Gass said, adding he didn't want to sound offensive but "that's the track record." Saturday night's renters were Hispanic, but to the members of the council, that didn't solve their problem. Councilman David Buys said, "If we're having problems, we're having problems with everyone." The council contemplated requiring law enforcement at large events--perhaps one officer for every 100 guests. Renters would pay the officers for their time. The idea the council seemed to like the most was creating forms that had to be signed by the renter after an examination of the state of the building prior to their event. That way, if the group damaged anything, officials would have a contract to support themselves. The council knows these measures will help to prevent future encounters, but what about the current situation? Councilman Jeffry Gittins suggested taking legal action. He believes that, since the damages are their responsibility, the renters should pay them. If the council takes the case to small claims court the problem may be finding proof.
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