HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Facilities Distict Board - 01/29/2009 (3) •
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4100
KEN
WASHINGTON
SPECIAL MEETING
Public Facilities District
January 29, 2009
3:30 p.m.
Board Members Present: Chair Mike Miller, Greg Haffner, Lew Sellers, Cass Prindle,
Randall Smith
Others Present: Brad Tong, Bob Nachlinger, Ben Wolters, Colin Campbell, Tom
Brubaker, Ron Harmon, Beth Sylves, Julie Pulliam, Steve Hunter
I. Call to Order.
a. Introductions. The meeting was called to order by Mike Miller at the
ShoWare Center at 3:30 p.m., and introductions were made.
b. Approval of Minutes. Haffner moved to approve the minutes of the
meeting of October 30, 2008. Prindle seconded and the motion carried.
II. Finance Report.
a. Financial Update. Finance Director Nachlinger noted that as of December
31, 2008, total expenditures were nearly $75,000,000, and that there is $2.4
• million in the PFD Fund.
b. State Sales Tax Revenues. Nachlinger stated that sales tax revenue was
down substantially in December. He said the average amount collected was
$72,500 per month for the past ten months, and that only $48,000 was
collected in January. There was a brief discussion about the option of raising
the amount of the tax rate up to .037% after July Isc
III. Proiect Overview and Update.
a. Final Project Budget. Brad Tong distributed copies of his project report
and monthly budget report. Wolters said it is expected that the project will
be completed at approximately $81,000 over budget. He explained how this
figure was determined, and pointed out that it is less than one-tenth of one
percent of the overall project cost. Brad Tong emphasized that these
numbers are projections and that the final costs won't be determined for
several months.
b. Closeout of Project. Tong noted that 94% of the construction budget
has been spent or invoiced. He reiterated that the budget is projected to
close at or near a zero balance. He reviewed the schedule, noted that punch
list items will be completed within a month, and said design for the ShoWare
sponsor fagade sign is nearly complete. He and Wolters then answered
questions from Board members regarding costs, state certification, and liens.
IV. Operator Update.
• a. Grand Opening Report. Beth Sylves reported that the Grand Opening was
a huge success, that feedback from the public was positive, and high ranking
• Public Facilities District January 29, 2009
Page Two
officials from SMG found nothing negative. She added that the media
coverage was outstanding, that there is a lot of talk about the Center in the
entertainment industry, and that she has received many inquiries on
upcoming events.
b. Media and Marketing Plan for 2009. Sylves and Colin Campbell updated
the Board on suite sales, noting that some sales were lost due to the
downturn in the economy. Campbell added that new clients are looking at
the suites and advertising packages. Wolters noted that infrastructure is in
place for a reader board in the future, and agreed to talk to the Parks
Department about using the Kent Common reader board. It was noted that
advertising on the Zamboni is available.
c. Events Bookings for 2009. Sylves noted that many concert promoters
have expressed interest in bringing events to the Center, but that not
as many entertainers as usual are currently touring due to the economic
downturn. After a discussion of potential events including arena football, it
was noted that food and beverage sales have been higher than projected and
that although attendance is lower than expected, the tickets purchased have
been priced higher than projected.
• Upon a question regarding the policy on noisemakers, Sylves explained that
although some people feel more noise is needed, they are reluctant to
negatively impact others. She said there may be some flexibility, but that
they want to protect the integrity of the event for all spectators.
V. Seattle Thunderbirds Update.
a. Attendance, Sales and Marketing_Update. Colin Campbell stated that he
continues to work on suite sales and sponsorship commitments. He
distributed copies of information on their media promotions including print,
radio, and television and explained each in detail. Sylves added that there
will be a media reception next Friday.
VI. Other Business.
a. Parking (Added Item). Wolters noted that parking was a challenge in the
first few weeks but that patrons are now learning where to park. Sellers
stated that parking on the night of a hockey game at the Center and a
basketball jamboree at Kent Commons was handled very well.
b. 2009 Meeting Dates. It was confirmed that the next meeting dates will
be March 26 and May 28, and that all future meetings will be held in the
ShoWare Center.
VII. Adjournment. Sellers moved at adjourn at 5:10 p.m. Prindle seconded and
the motion carried.
• Brenda Jacober, CM
City Clerk