Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Facilities Distict Board - 09/25/2008 (3) • KENT WASHINGTON Public Facilities District September 25, 2008 3:30 p.m. Board Members Present: Chair Mike Miller, Vice-Chair Greg Haffner, Secretary Lew Sellers, Randall Smith and Cass Prindle. Others Present: Economic Development Director Ben Wolters, Finance Director Bob Nachlinger, Tim Higgins, General Manager of the Events Center, Brad Tong of Shiels Obletz Johnsen, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Events Center Beth Sylves, and Administrative Assistant Julie Pulliam. I. Call to Order a. Introductions. Miller called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and introductions were made. b. Approval of Minutes. Sellers moved to approve the minutes of • July 31, 2008. Haffner seconded and the motion carried. U. Project Overview and URdate a. Overview of Project Budget. Tong noted that 73% of the project budget has been spent, that 76% of the construction budget has been spent, and that the mitigation and financing budget and the construction contingencies budgets have either been spent or are committed to be spent. He noted that project life to date expenditures are at 73%. b. Overview of Project Schedule. Wolters noted that things are going well, and though there are challenges ahead, he expects the Center to open as planned on January 2"d. He stated that he will be testifying before a state legislative task force which is looking at public facilities districts and funding for them next week. Tong pointed out that the general contractor has committed to a January 2nd completion date, and that although they are currently seven days behind the early completion commitment, everyone is working to maintain the schedule. • C. Current Status of Construction. Tong noted that the ice slab was cast effectively, and that critical path activities include the Club • Lounge, James Street Plaza, and interior millwork. He outlined other construction and contractor activities which are taking place. Tong and Wolters then answered questions relating to construction. d. Status of Design. Tong noted that design is essentially completed and that procurement is in progress. III. Operator Update Tim Higgins noted that Savor has been selected as the food and beverage provider, said that he is in the process of hiring, and commented that there has been a lot of interest in putting together sports teams. He added that contracts have gone out for housekeeping and security. He said that bookings for the first quarter are light due to the economy, but that the Harlem Globetrotters are scheduled for February. IV. Sales and Marketing Update a. Thunderbirds. Colin Campbell was not in attendance, so no update was given. b. SMG. Beth Sylves explained the work she has been doing with radio stations in the area promoting the events at the Center. She . said they are working on branding of the Events Center and on development of a website, and that she expects to see the first draft in mid-October. She noted that she's also working on advertising for the grand opening. V. Finance Report a. Financial Update. Nachlinger distributed copies of the revenues and expenses report as of August 31, 2008, and explained the figures. b. Review of State Sales Tax Revenues. Nachlinger stated that downturns in the economy result in people seeking entertainment closer to home. He said he has noticed attendance at the AMC movie theater in Kent has recently increased, and that he feels confident about attendance at the Events Center. VI. Other Business a. Kiosk. Miller mentioned that downtown merchants have asked about a kiosk in the Events Center which would contain information on local restaurants and so forth. Wolters asked Miller to work with Tim to find good locations for a kiosk. Miller also mentioned that merchants would like a shuttle bus service. • b. Next Meeting Date. Miller questioned whether this group should meet monthly from now on, and it was so agreed. It was also noted that as soon as possible, this group's meeting will be held at the Events Center. Wolters agreed to have Julie poll the Board as to whether they can meet on October 23rd, and if not on the 23rd, then on October 3oth. The meeting will be at the same time and same place. VII. Adjournment At 4:45 p.m., Haffner moved to adjourn. Sellers seconded and the motion carried. Mary Simmons Deputy City Clerk