HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Facilities Distict Board - 04/24/2014 (3) ' KENT
Public Facilities District
Board Minutes
April 24, 2014
ShoWare Center
625 West James Street
Boardmembers present: Mike Miller, Cass Prindle, Lew Sellers, Randall
Smith, and Jeff Piecewicz
Others present: ShoWare Center General Manager Tim Higgins, ShoWare
Director of Marketing Ryan Hart, Seattle Thunderbirds Vice President /
Assistant General Manager Colin Campbell, Acting Finance Director (Board
Treasurer) Paula Barry, Assistant City Attorney Kathy Hardy, City Clerk
(Board Secretary) Ronald F. Moore and Reporter for the Kent Reporter,
Steve Hunter
I. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order by Chair Mike Miller at
4:00 p.m.
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a. Introductions. Attendees introduced themselves.
b. Motion to approve the minutes of January 30, 2014.
Cass Prindle moved to approve the minutes of January 30, 2014,
seconded by Randal Smith. Motion carried 4-0.
N. Finance Reports.
a. City of Kent. Paula Barry, Acting Finance Director discussed the
financials for the PFD. She noted that the starting fund balance in 2014
was better than the beginning of 2013. She added that the revenues are
expected to be at $3.8 million, including funds from the city of Kent for
the debt service. She discussed the ShoWare Operating Fund and stated
the city of Kent's portion of that fund deficit was $2.7 million and a gain of
$300,000 occurred.
Miller confirmed that sales tax continues to grow a little.
b. ShoWare Center. Tim Higgins, General Manager communicated
that projections change daily and the income statement shows a variance
year-to-date is better by $25,000. He noted that it was a good quarter
and that is related to the extra hockey games and a concert that did well
in March. He communicated that the utility costs are doing fine.
Miller inquired if there are any costs related to the pumps in the
compressor system and Higgins replied that they are minimal. He
communicated about an issue with the brine pumps that occurred with the
ice during the playoffs.
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Campbell discussed the issue with the ice during the playoffs and
communicated that Higgins' team did a great job in saving two of the
playoff games.
Miller also commended Higgins' staff for the work they did in repairing the
compressor during the playoffs.
III. Operations Update.
a. General Manager/Marketing Update. Ryan Hart, ShoWare Director of
Marketing communicated that the facility has done $10,000 ahead of last
year's pace in the first quarter. He also added that the facility is getting
close to having 2 million total visitors. He noted that there are also 2
million unique visitors to the website, 500 more likes on Facebook, and
over 1.8 million friends of fans on Facebook. He discussed upcoming
events such as the Seattle Mist football games, Crossfit Games, the Kent
International Festival, and the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
He communicated that they are working on installing murals on each of
the big walls around the arena.
Piecewicz inquired about the CrossFit Games and inquired if there is a
correlation with the sales tax revenues and having the event here. Higgins
communicated that he has spoken to the hotels and they have told him
that it does impact hotels here and Kent Station with over 4,000 people in
attendance.
Smith inquired about having concerts last two consecutive days and
Higgins replied that it could happen if there weren't other venues around
here that have concerts.
Higgins communicated that the Mexican concert was sold out and there
were 6,800 people here for it. He noted that there will be three total
events just like it here this year.
Miller discussed the Kent International Festival and noted that that brings
in about 7,000 people a day. Higgins noted that it is one of those
community-type events that don't necessarily bring in a ton of revenues,
but they support the City and retail sales.
IV. Seattle Thunderbirds Update
a. Sales, Marketing & Attendance Update. Campbell communicated
that it was good to have Everett play here and it builds that natural
rivalry. He noted that the team came in fourth for the year. There was
discussion about cowbells and banning them. He noted that the team won
the series in five games and it was good for the facility. He stated that the
team lost the second round in four games and at the end of the season
two of the players went to Finland to play for the Canadian team and
three are now trying out to play pro hockey with the New York Islanders
organization. Campbell noted that attendance went up ten percent this
year and 2-for-Tuesday night games have been averaging 5,000 fans. He
noted that the team is nominated for an award for business practices and
it will be awarded in Calgary. He noted that ten of the 20 suites were
booked throughout the year and there are five new companies that are
looking into buying a suite on an annual basis. He communicated that
they have targeted certain companies to buy suites, such as banks,
attorneys, etc. He announced that Allied Waste, Republic and Sound
Mental Health have renewed as sponsors. He stated that they are going
through the scheduling right now and twenty of the thirty-six home games
are scheduled.
Miller confirmed that there will be seven or eight 2-for-Tuesdays this
upcoming season. He also noted that the first game is schedule for the
third week of September.
Campbell confirmed for Piecewicz that having the players go to the pro
level means that the program here is running well.
Campbell discussed the philosophy concerning the suites.
Miller verified that there are companies that use their suites for other
events and have put a deposit down so they can pick and choose other
events they want to attend.
Sellers communicated that it is great to attend a game and see the suites
full. He also inquired how the buffet dinners work and stated that they are
for the suites. Higgins communicated that the program is going well.
Campbell communicated that the food service department here at the
ShoWare is doing outstandingly well. Higgins added that it is all about
finding ways to make revenue.
Meeting adjourned at 4:33 p.m.
Ronald F. M re, MIC
Board S etary
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