HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Facilities District Board - 01/31/2013 (2) OTPublic Facilities District
Board Minutes
January 31, 2013
ShoWare Center
625 West James Street
Board Members present: Mike Miller, Lew Sellers, and Randal Smith
Others Present: ShoWare General Manager Tim Higgins, ShoWare Director of
Marketing Beth Sylves, ShoWare Director of Finance Patrick McCloskey, Seattle
Thunderbirds Vice President / Assistant General Manager Colin Campbell, Seattle
Thunderbirds Director of Ticket Sales Sean Runnels, Council President Dennis
Higgins, City Finance Director Bob Nachlinger, City Attorney Tom Brubaker , City
Director of Economic Development Ben Wolters, Administrative Assistant III, Julie
Pulliam, and Reporter for the Kent Reporter, Steve Hunter
I. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order by Board Member Mike Miller
at 4:00 P.M.
a. Introductions. Tom Brubaker introduced City Clerk Ronald F. Moore.
b. Election of 2013 Officers. Mr. Brubaker suggested nominating Ronald
F. Moore, City Clerk as the Secretary of the Board.
Lew Sellers nominated Ronald F. Moore as the Secretary, seconded by
Randal Smith. Motion carried 3-0.
Lew Sellers nominated Mike Miller as Chair of the Board, seconded by
Randal Smith. Motion carried 3-0.
Mike Miller nominated Lew Sellers as Vice Chair of the Board, seconded by
Randal Smith. Motion carried 3-0.
Mr. Brubaker verified that Mr. Nachlinger is the permanent Treasurer of the Board
as noted in the bylaws.
C. Motion to approve the minutes of October 25, 2012
Lew Sellers moved to approve the minutes of October 25, 2012, seconded
by Randal Smith. Motion carried 3-0.
d. Setting of the 2013 Public Facilities District meeting schedule
{
The board members confirmed that the meetings for the year 2013 would be held
on April 25, July 25, and October 31.
e. Discussion of the Public Facilities District board vacancy - Ben Wolters
updated the board on the vacancy and qualifications. Mike Miller discussed a
specific person as a possible fit.
II. Finance Reports
a. City of Kent. Bob Nachlinger, Finance Director - Mr. Nachlinger
presented the City of Kent finance report and noted that the sales tax collections to
date from 2012 were $608,700. He added that he is expecting an additional
$70,000 to close out 2012 at around $680,000 which would represent a 4 percent
increase.
b. ShoWare Center. Patrick McCluskey, ShoWare Director of Finance
discussed the year to date loss of $706,000 and noted the variances. He noted that the
loss on paid attendance was $174,000 and that the B&O tax wasn't budgeted for. He
communicated that there were compressor repairs that were also done which weren't
budgeted to include having to repair broken plexiglass. Mr. Sellers inquired if the
plexiglass was under warranty and Mr. Wolters replied that the City would discuss it in
the future with the general contractor because the City feels that the subcontractor is
responsible for the problem. Mr. McCluskey continued and presented several graphs he
distributed to the attendees which included the ShoWare usage and income reports, to
include the budget. Mr. Nachlinger stated that the City includes admissions tax to the
final loss amount which would make the final loss amount on the City's budget about
$430,000. Mr. Randall communicated that the ShoWare is contributing to the amount
of consumers in the immediate area and that the restaurants are always full. Mr. Miller
inquired about the admissions tax and Mr. McCluskey confirmed that they are included
in the City's budget.
III. Operations Update
a. Operator Update. Tim Higgins, ShoWare General Manager - Mr.
Higgins stated that promoters are being cautious and won't book unless the risk is
shared. He noted that Comcast and other venues use the same philosophy. He
communicated that ShoWare has contacted promoters and stated that things have
picked up. He communicated that ShoWare is serious about booking quality
entertainment.
b. Marketing Update. Beth Sylves, ShoWare Director of Marketing - Ms.
Sylves displayed the City of Kent promotional video. She discussed the Pandora
Love on- Ice video and communicated that the spot generated an increased amount
of traffic to the ShoWare website. She noted that the ShoWare has gotten more
into social media and highlighted the Constant Contact survey she passed out. She
discussed upcoming events to include high school playoffs and the Harlem
I Globetrotters on Saturday, February 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Other
upcoming events are college basketball featuring Seattle University. She added that
there is a faith-based culture event coming up. The Seattle Mist which has been
renamed the Legends Football League will be playing beginning in April. Community
events include the Chamber, U Me We, and other auction events to generate the
catering revenue. She discussed the $30K advertising budget and the 92.7 approval
rating for the venue. She highlighted the TV ratings survey.
C. City Update. Ben Wolters, Economic & Community Development
Director - Discussed the presentation to the City Council concerning economic
impact study and the recommendations from the Seattle Thunderbirds and the
ShoWare General Manager. He noted the meeting with the Operations Committee
and the discussion with the Council concerning SMG and that they will be sharing in
the risk with the promoters for upcoming shows at ShoWare. He stated that the
bottom line is in order to grow the concerts and have quality shows, the risk must
be shared between SMG and the promoters. This, he stated, should improve the
bottom line and grow the success of the ShoWare Center.
Randall Smith departed at 4:43 p.m.
IV. Seattle Thunderbirds Update
a. Sales, Marketing & Attendance Update. Colin Campbell, Vice President
/Assistant General Manager discussed the team and sponsorship. He noted that the
Muckleshoot Casino is still a sponsor and sponsorship is going well. He discussed
attendance and selling 4,100 tickets to last Tuesday's game. He highlighted
upcoming promotions and group nights. He discussed press releases and suite sales.
He noted that the team has donated over $150,000 back into the community and
over $120,000 has gone directly to Kent youth sports. Mike Miller inquired about
ticket sales and Mr. Campbell replied that they have been doing well. Comments
continued about how well attendance has been.
V. Other Business
Council President Higgins thanked the board members for their service and stated
that the Council is interested in making ShoWare a success. He communicated that
he will be at future meetings and is willing to work with anyone who wants to help
in the success.
VI. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.
Ronald F. oor , MC
Board S cret y