Mercer Cnty. C.P. Use of Courthouse Grounds & Procedures to Follow

Ann Coleman – Chair

Timothy M. McGonigle, Commissioner

Roni Shilling, Senior Chief Clerk

724-662-3800 x2512

COUNTY OF MERCER

USE OF COUNTY GROUNDS POLICY

Use of the County Grounds for public gatherings must comply with the policy stated below. This Policy has been

adopted by the Board of Commissioners and is meant to provide equal access, to protect sensitive areas, and to respect

the nature of the Courthouse and its grounds.

POLICY

1. Applications and accompanying documentations must be submitted to the Chief Clerk and approved by the

Commissioners prior to use of the grounds for gatherings/functions.

2. Applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis.

3. If an activity is not in compliance with these rules, the County reserves the right to terminate or prevent the

use.

4. Applicants are responsible for restoring the site and grounds to its condition before use and for cleaning the

premises after use. Applicants must make appropriate provisions for trash removal.

5. If Mercer County staff time is spent on restoration of the site and grounds, the applicant will be billed for the

staff time and costs incurred. The applicant will be denied further usage until the bill is paid in full and may

prohibit applicant from future use of Courthouse grounds.

6. No activity shall impede Courthouse business or proceedings.

7. Use of the Courthouse (internally and externally, excluding sidewalks within the street rights-of-way), and all

other County facilities are subject to the authority of the Commissioners.

8. No fees will be charged to use the grounds.

9. Firearms, candles, fireworks, alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, and the use of vehicles on County properties

is prohibited.

10. No activity or event shall impede Courthouse business or proceedings.

11. The use of tents that require any type of digging or excavation is prohibited.

12. The use of electricity through outlets on County property and buildings is prohibited. Use of electricity at the

Courthouse Bandstand is subject to approval and is controlled by the Mercer County maintenance department.

13. Nothing, including displays, banners, signs, lighting, equipment etc., shall be affixed to poles, fences, signs,

buildings, trees, or any other structure.

14. Gambling, raffles, games of chance and sporting activities (including football, frisbee etc.) are prohibited.

15. Benches or other equipment on County properties shall not be moved.

16. The outside walkways on County property shall be used for pedestrian traffic only.

17. The user must make every effort to protect the trees, grass, or other vegetation.

Ann Coleman – Chair

Timothy M. McGonigle, Commissioner

GATHERINGS

1. All gatherings must follow the policies stated above.

2. Use of the grounds for gatherings (without an application) is limited to 10 or fewer people for and hour or less.

Gatherings of more than 10 people require an advanced submitted application.

3. The application for a gathering should indicate the area(s) to be used for the gathering. The County reserves

the right to restrict the specific locations of gatherings.

4. No bathrooms located inside the Courthouse will be available to anyone using the grounds.

5. The applicant is responsible for naming the County of Mercer as additional insured on any required insurance

policy. The minimum amount of liability insurance is not to be less than One Million Dollars.

6. Rain dates for events will not be permitted – a separate application will be required for new date chosen.

Approved _______

Ann Coleman – Chair Declined _______

Timothy M. McGonigle, Commissioner Date: ____________

USE OF COUNTY GROUNDS –

WAIVER OF LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. An exemption from the liability insurance requirements shall not be waived with respect to any application as

a precondition to the issuance of a permit for assembly on County property will be waived if:

The total attendance at the permitted event is reasonably estimated by the permit application to be within

the number of 25 or less attendees; AND

1. The applicant supplies accurate verified information regarding the applicant’s inability to obtain insurance (as

itemized on Exhibit “A” BELOW); AND

2. The applicant group or organization (or in the case of an applicant being a single individual) will not be soliciting

attendance by persons not members of its group or organization as of the date of its application submittal; AND

3. The applicant, in all notices and/or publications concerning the event, will clearly and unequivocally advise

potential attendees to the event that the applicant group or organization has not provided liability insurance

coverage for the protection of the attendees.

EXHIBIT “A”

I. Please draft a notarized statement that addresses the questions listed below:

II. Have statement notarized that you are an authorized representative of the group and that the facts presented

are true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

1. REGISTRATION

a. Is your group registered under any state or federal law?

b. If so, which law or regulation?

c. What is the date of registration and docket number, if any?

2. Who are the principals of your group? List all the names and residential addresses.

3. INSURANCE:

a. Have you attempted to buy liability insurance for your proposed activity?

b. Was it rejected?

c. If so, by whom and for what reason?

4. Are you intending on advertising the event to the public?

5. Is your intent that the event is limited to members of your own organization?

6. How many members are in your organization?

7. A check in the amount of $250.00 is required as a deposit in the case of any property damage. The

check will be returned to you following your event once an assessment of the grounds is ascertained

by our maintenance department.