HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Facilities Distict Board - 06/25/2009 (3) •
KENT
WASHINGTON
SPECIAL MEETING
Public Facilities District
June 25, 2009
Board Members Present: Mike Miller, Greg Haffner, Lew Sellers, Cass Prindle
Others Present: Tim Higgins, Beth Sylves, Ron Harmon, Ben Wolters, Patrick
McClusky, Colin Campbell, Robert Nachlinger, Steve Hunter, Julie Pulliam, Dana
Ralph, Russ Farwell
I. Call to Order
a. The meeting was called to order by Chair Mike Miller at 3:35 p.m.
b. Approval of Minutes. Sellers moved to approve the minutes of the
meeting of May 28, 2009. Prindle seconded and the motion carried.
• II. Finance Report
a. Review of State Sales Tax Revenues. Nachlinger reviewed the
monthly figures, noting that the May numbers are similar to April's.
He explained that the $30,000 difference between May 2008 and
May 2009 sales tax revenue is due to the downturn in the economy
and the streamlined sales tax.
b. ShoWare Center Income Statement. McCluskey reported that there
was a loss of $97,000 at the end of April, a loss of $44,000 at the end
of May, and a year-to-date loss of $213,000. He noted that the total
event income for May was $71,096. Higgins explained that SMG
pledged $100,000 in an Opportunity Fund to buy shows when
necessary, that that money was used for the STYX show, and that the
Fund was replenished after the show. He said that although ticket
sales have been light, food and beverage sales have been good.
III. Operator U dp ate.
a. Marketing Update. Beth Sylves gave a presentation on ShoWare's
mission and marketing objectives, including community relations,
publicity and media relations, economic development, and event
advertising and hospitality sales.
• Public Facilities District June 25, 2009
Page Two
b. Status of Event Bookings/Attendance. It was noted that the circus will
be here over Memorial Day weekend, and that the sign board is a
budget issue. The use of banners was discussed and it was noted
that the reader board at Kent Commons has been used for advertising.
It was determined that there is not much competition between events
put on by the Parks Department and those at the ShoWare Center,
due to the size of the audience. Higgins noted that he is in constant
contact with promoters, but that ticket sales are light throughout the
industry.
Higgins stated that the graduations went well, but that most of the
school districts requested that there be no food sales. He noted that
14,000 people attended the graduations, and that 30,000 people
attended events during June.
IV. Seattle Thunderbirds Update.
a. Thunderbird Attendance, Sales and Marketing Update. Colin Campbell
• announced that the opening home game will be held on September 18,
2009, against the Everett Silvertips, and that mailings about it are
going out this week. He said they have been contacting
businesses and taking them on tours of the facility, and that this has
been well received. He added that an additional sales person has
been hired.
Campbell noted that 60% of the club seats and 60% of season tickets
have been renewed, and that those who did not renew are being
contacted. He said a Thunderbirds street team will be appearing at
street fairs, and possibly in the Super Mall and the South Hill Mall.
b. Advertising Sales Update. Campbell said they continue to be
successful with advertising, noting that Allied Waste is happy
about the exposure the score board provides. He then announced that
the University of Phoenix has signed up for $46,000 per year of
building advertising, as well as $16,000 for a concourse sign.
C. Suite Sales Update. Campbell said many businesses are interested in
suites, but that it's difficult for them to make a commitment because
of the economy. He said the tours help and that the prices are right.
He displayed a brochure which is used to help the businesses
• understand that the suites can assist them in making sales.
Public Facilities District June 25, 2009
Page Three
V. Other Business
a. Next Meeting Date. It was suggested that the next meeting be held
after the Thunderbirds' schedule is available; all agreed. Sellers
moved to cancel the regular meeting of July 30 and hold a special
meeting on August 27. Haffner seconded and the motion carried.
Added - Public Health. It was clarified that the public health issue
has been resolved.
Added - Arena Football. Wolters said that after discussing this issue
with Tim Higgins and others today, they are very hopeful and expect
conclusion within six weeks.
VI. Adjournment
a. The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
•
Brenda Jacober, MC
City Clerk
•