The West Side Development Center

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Dennis Melton
5 years ago
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The West Side Development Center West Side Development Center was built with funds provided by Motiva, following the Motiva crude expansion project.

1 The West Side Development Center West Side Development Center was built with funds provided by Motiva, following the Motiva crude expansion project. With respect to the community and city the corporation wanted to give back to the community and help revive the West Side of Port Arthur and encourage the development of the community. The gift of the West Side Development Center stands as a reminder of Motiva s partnership with the City of Port Arthur and the community as they celebrate becoming the largest refinery in the nation. Nick Smallwood, Crude Expansion Project director, said the company wanted to leave a legacy project something that would impact the community for years to come. The community investment of a million dollars granted to Port Arthur Positive Action, a charitable group that will in administer construction of the project. Upon completion, ownership of the approximate 5,000 sq. foot building was transferred to the city. The vision and mission of the center is to serve as a location where non-profit organizations can provide services and deliver programs for residents. Because of the unique purpose of the facility the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County was contacted as a partner to administer the facility on a year to year basis. The United Way MSJC s ongoing relationship with many area nonprofits and their work to bring specialize training opportunities to the nonprofit sector made their partnership in the project a logical step. The facility provides office space for non-profits that will in turn assist many of the West Side community on a short term basis. Opportunities for training and education will also be available in the center, utilizing the meeting rooms available.

2 Who is eligible to use the facility? The West Side Development Center offers free meeting space during business hours for the development of the nonprofit sector within the community. Nonprofit organizations must have 501(c) tax-exempt status or be an entity working within Port Arthur to use the facility. The focus and format of each meeting may be determined by the nonprofit, as long as the content or goal is a focus of development. Those wishing to use the facility and or unsure if their program is in line with the Center vision and mission is invited to contact the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County. Verification of General Liability Insurance must be provided if event is open to the public. Proof must be on file prior to scheduling space at the West Side Development Center. Fax information application and insurance information to , Attention: West Side Development Center. Please include a contact name and phone number on the FAX cover sheet (provided) to ensure call back. The West Side Development Center Management reserves the right to refuse accessibility and/or usage to any group, business, organization or resident if their stated purpose does not reflect the intended of the use of the facility. Alcohol Alcohol is prohibited on facility and grounds. In the event that alcohol is brought on grounds your event may be cancelled immediately, if mediation is not successful. Animals/Pets We do not allow animals on site during the meetings, with the exception of animals assisting individuals with disabilities. Service Animals must be in service animal uniform and provide proof of licensing upon request. Application An application for use and reservation of the WSDC must be completed and submitted at least 20 days in advance of event. Application can be found at on the page tab for West Side Development or as an attachment to this document. Beverage Services Please note these guidelines for beverage services: No red or dark colored punch or beverages may be served. No glitter for decoration. Blowups, Moonwalks and Bouncers are not permitted on grounds or in buildings due to the possibility of injury. Cancelations Cancellations require a 24 hour notice. Children and Youth Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. No children are to be left unattended. Programs with youth participants must insure reasonable with no less than two adults on premises and a two per ten ratio.

3 Concealed Weapons West Side Development Center prohibits entry on/in its property/buildings of any person who is carrying a firearm or other weapon, including a licensed concealed, except authorized security personnel and law enforcement officials. Decorations All decorations must be approved prior to the meeting or event. Table top and free standing decorations are permitted. Tape, push pins or tacks on the walls are not allowed due to the damage they can cause to paint. Metallic confetti or glitter may not be used. Deposit A deposit of $100 is due 20 days prior to event and will be returned once the facility has been inspected following your event. Deposit is refundable once inspection is complete, no damage is found and facility is left as it was found. You will be notified regarding your deposit refund no more than 30 days post your event. The WSDC accepts checks, credit cards and money orders. Checks should be made payable to: United Way of MSJC and must have WSDC in memo. Receipts are available upon request. No future meetings may be scheduled until all fees are paid. Deposit is forfeited if cancellation is less than 24 hours. Cancellation requires confirmation of cancellation from WSDC point of contact assigned to your event. Destructive Behavior and/or Activities In the event that destructive behavior or activities on grounds your event may be cancelled immediately, if mediation is not successful. Faith/Church Activities The West Side Development acknowledges the importance of faith in our neighborhood, culture and community and the positive impact of faith organizations. While these activities are vital to the community and are developmental in a sense they are outside the vision of the center. The WSDC is for the development of all and with a neutral, nonbiased programming requirement. The need to keep the center completely void of controversies, political agendas and open for the developmental needs prohibits the use of the facility for religious services. That does not include all religion based programming but refers to church services, revivals, Bible classes or sermons. The final review of the activity will be made by the WSDC. Fees There is no rental charge for the use of the meeting facilities. In return, groups assume the responsibility for cleaning the meeting space and leaving it ready for use by other groups. See Deposit. Fire In the case of a fire alarm or fire, all guests are required to vacate the Building. Re-admittance to the Building will be given by either United Way personnel or the Fire Department. The tampering of any fire alarm will result in fine or criminal charges, as determined by the fire of law enforcement responding. Fundraising No organization may use the facility or grounds for political activities, fundraisers, galas, or auctions. This includes entry fees. As a public asset to the community the end recipient should not be charge for services or programs.

4 Insurance Requirements Proof of General Liability for public events is required, no exceptions. The standard general liability insurance amount is one million dollars and will serve as the primary insurance for any incidents during the event. Long-term Use The WSDC is not intended be used for ongoing operations for any business, nonprofit organization or entity but for programs, activities and events that would contribute to the residents of City Port Arthur. Office space is provided on a temporary basis for those using facility for programs, not for temporary office location. The facility use is intended to be in six hour increments for up to 18 hours a week. Media Coverage/Press Conference Groups must request special approval to allow media coverage or press conferences on WSDC property. Requests for media/press coverage must be made a minimum of 8 hours or as soon as possible to the WSDC. If media presents without notice please contact WSDC. Planning media involvement without prior authorization may result in no future use of facility. United Way of MSJC reserves the right to review meeting details and content when a group requests permission to allow media coverage. We also reserve the right to approve or decline media access to meeting facilities based on the topic compatibility with the mission of the WSDC or a risk to the WSDC property or guests. Meeting Scheduling Eligible organizations may book up to three months at a time. Additional meetings can be scheduled at a later date. Reservations require a minimum of a 20 notice. No Shows/ Cancelations Once a meeting is confirmed, it is the group's responsibility to notify the WSDC if meeting is cancelled. If no cancelation notice is received and the event is not held or attempted on the day of the meeting, it is considered a failure to cancel. No shows forfeit the $ deposit. No future meetings may be scheduled until the fee is paid. Cancellations require a 24 hour notice. Occupancy Limits Occupancy limits for the meeting rooms will be enforced. Emergency exits should remain clear at all times. Groups are expected to cooperate with WSDC efforts to maintain security of the buildings and grounds and to provide for the safety of all people visiting the center. Political Activities Political activities and activist play a roll of importance in our community and country. While these activities are vital to the community and are developmental in a sense they are outside the vision of the center. The WSDC is for the development of all and with a neutral, nonbiased programming requirement. The need to keep the center completely void of controversies, political agendas and open for the developmental needs prohibits the use of the facility for political activities. The final review of the activity will be made by the WSDC. Reservation Confirmation Once your application has been reviewed, we will send a confirmation or a letter of regret to confirm the status of your application. To confirm the reservation: Check the reservation application to confirm that all details are correct. If you have any changes, please call the WSDC.

5 Make a copy for your records. Proof of Insurance must be received a minimum of ten business days before your scheduled event, or your reservation may be canceled. Signage Signage is not permitted on WSDC property. A daily meeting schedule will be posted in the WSDC lobby and the electronic outdoor sign. If wall posting are needed for classes please painters tape and (3M type) adhesive paper may be permitted. Smoking The WSDC is a smoke-free facility. Social Events The WSDC will attempt to assist in meeting the needs of the community for social events. While social events are not within the original intended purpose an attempt to work with the community needs will be made. Please note that developmental programming will be given priority over social events. The WSDC coordinating management will determine on a case by case basis if the WSDC is available and suitable for the requested social event within the bounds of the policies and staffing limitations. Weather Closures: The WSDC reserves the right to cancel meetings or revise business hours in case of inclement weather conditions, such as flood, freezing rain, ice, hurricane, tornado, snow etc. The safety of our staff and clients is very important to us. The Executive Director of the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County is responsible for all office and facility closures due weather. Change in Weather Conditions: Should weather conditions change during the day, attendees on-site will be notified and a decision may be made to bring meetings to a close for the safety of our guests as they leave the facility. Please call us to reschedule any meeting(s) if necessary at *ALL POLICY AND PROCEDURES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Westside Development Center

Westside Development Center West Side Development Center was built with funds provided by Motiva, following the Motiva crude expansion project. With respect to the community and city the corporation wanted to give back to the community