HHS-PHED Committee Work Session Summary—Tuesday June 22nd

The Health and Human Services (HHS) and Planning, Housing & Economic Development (PHED) Committee met on Tuesday, June 22 regarding the Review of the Use of the Silver Spring Civic Building by the Round House Theatre.

BACKGROUND:

Both committees received a presentation from the Executive staff, Round House Theatre representatives and comments from the Chair of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board regarding the Round House Theatre’s use of the new Silver Spring Civic Building and additional space in Silver Spring.

A few weeks prior to the work session, the Council received a letter from the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board (SSCAB) expressing concern about two issues related to the opening of the new Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza. They felt that if Round House was going to receive the use of additional space at the Civic Building (which other groups might be able to use if Round House were not there) the County’s Lease Agreement with Round House should require that Round House contribute to the community. Additionally, the SSCAB reviewed the proposed fees for other spaces in the Civic Building and was concerned that the fees were too high for most community groups.

Several Broader issues that were discussed included the extent to which the County assisted non-profit organizations; and there was contemplation on the following:

• The Round House Theatre is one of several arts and humanities organizations that receive substantial assistance because it is located in space owned by the County. Moreover, many organizations do not have the advantage of being in County space and must obtain and pay for space on their own.
• Some non-profit organizations that provide other types of services are housed in County space and others are not.
• Round House Theatre has been charging other nonprofits to rent the space that was leased to them by the County (for free at two Silver Spring locations, and for a $1 annually at a Bethesda location) and keeping the proceeds as revenue.
• Silver Spring has several very active non-profits which either have no space or inadequate space, while Round House is about to get more space.

DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

A. The Executive Office, represented by Diane Schwartz –Jones, said they would maintain the agreement established with RHT, and that there would be evaluations on what would be fair modifications in light of changing fiscal climate and the fees paid by other nonprofits of equal maturity to RHT.

B. The SSAB recommended that stakeholder discussions be held on policy implications for the use of community space and to have a conversation that establishes clearer criteria for the accommodation of diverse arts and nonprofit community groups.

C. Most Councilmembers were in agreement that a re-evaluation of expectations was in order of what the County can feasibly continue to support, as it pertains to subsidizing leases and utility bills of nonprofits.

D. The Council asked Ms. Schwartz-Jones to provide a follow-up report on the final deal struck with RHT on their lease agreement at the new Civic Building.

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with your questions regarding this HHS-PHED Committee session.