HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-19-1985 Civic Center MinutesLANSING CIVIC CENTER
November 19, 1985
A. Meeting called to order by Chairman Rex Sessions at 7:30pm.
B. Present: Hendrickson, Sessions, Schwan, Redburn, Lane.
Absent: Story, Perez.
C. Minutes of the October 15, 1985 meeting approved.
NO PUBLIC PRESENT
D. Unfinished Business:
1. Chairman Sessions reported regarding the Civic Center consultant
report. He stated he had received a call from the Mayor's office
assuring him the the City was not planning on closing the Civic
Center at this time. The consultant's report on the Civic Center
was expected by November 15, 1985 and Mr. Sessions was told as
soon as the report was received a copy would be sent to the
Civic Center Board.
Mr. Sessions also reported he received a letter from Council
President Charles Creamer regarding the future of the Civic Center.
Mr. Sessions read the letter to the board (see attached) which
again stated a report was forthcoming from the consultant and
went on to assure Civic Center Board members there was no "intention
of reneging on commitments to the veterans, the Prudden family, or
the senior citizens." It also stated the board would be informed
fo any determination made regarding the Civic Center.
Mr. Sessions went on to say it seems the City is beginning to
realize the Civic Center Board is seriously concerned about the
future of the facility and the commitments to the Prudden family
and veterans, as he had been contacted twice withing a short
period of time regarding these matters.
Mr. Schwan stated the board still does not have a specific commit-
ment as to the future accomodations for the Prudden name.
Mr. Sessions remarked there was a gentlemen's agreement between
the City and the Prudden's.
2. Mr. Askie distributed a lay -out of the new Exhibition Center to
the Board and there was some discussion regarding the progress of
the new center.
' The new Exhibition Center will have 36,600 square feet, whereas
the Main Auditorium of the current facility has only 20,000. it
was also mentioned, one of the largest conventions in the Civic
Center at this time, the Vegetable Growers Show, would be accomodated
in the new Exhibit Center with the exception of the large farm
equipment which would have to be left outside the building. The
new center will not have enough ceiling height to accomodate a lot
of the machinery.
CIVIC CENTER BOARD MEETING
November 19, 1985
Page -2-
E. New Business:
1. Mr. Askie reported the City Attorney is currently working on
revising liability insurance requirements for the Civic Center
as well as liquor liability due to the fact many people cannot
afford the premiums to hold their parties here in the building.
Mr. Lee Hendrickson inquired if the City Attorney was working on
the entire umberella policy for the City or just working on
the liability requirements for the Civic Center.
Mr. Askie stated he thought it was the entire umberella policy
and it would most likely be a very lengthy process.
There was some discussion regarding insurance premiums and the
high rates being charged to business all over the State.
F.. Manager's Report:
1. Mr. Askie reported the revenues are up slightly over last year
and answered Mr. Redburn's question regarding how much the City
subsidizes the Civic Center for operating, as approximately
$300,000.00 per year.
Mr. Askie went on to say the Civic Center would do better if allowed
to run as a business, allowed to hire it's own labor and operated
under the authority of an acting board, not just an advisory board.
2. Mr. Askie reported he is now attending all the contracting meetings
of the new Exhibition Center and has been assured the current Civic
Center is still a viable entity. However, he attended a Capitol
Improvements budget meeting (which projects long-term improvements
for buildings) and was told the City still does not know the future
of the building.
3. Mr. Askie stated the City has hired a consulting firm to go over
.the heating and ventilation system at the Civic Center. They
will replace or repair faulty valves and pipes and moniter the
system from their main office. If anything seems to go wrong in
the system, they can contact our maintenance crew right away in
order to take care of the problem immediately. The City has hired
the consulting firm to go through all the City buildings, however,
Mr. Askie stated .he is not aware of the cost for this service.
Mr. Rex Sessions inquired if the Civic Center Board now had a full
eight memebers. Which it does not.
Mr. Schwan made a motion a letter be sent to the Mayor and City Council
reminding them the Civic Center Board is still one member short and
to request an appointment to this position. Seconded by Mr. Redburn.
Unanimously approved.
CIVIC CRIIM BOARD MEETING
November 19, 1985
Page -3-
G. Announcements:
1. The Convention Bureau Holiday Open House is coming up in December.
Mr. Askie will let the Convention Bureau Office know the Civic Center
Board will provide greeters at the doors for that evening. .
2. Mr. Sessions reported that Sparrow Hospital held it's annual auction
at the Civic Center and grossed approximately $25,000.00 from the
event. He also stated the auctioneer, Mr. Paul Sartos, commented
the Civic Center staff was very helpful and friendly in all it's
accomodations for the function and the Terrace Room was the best
room he had worked in, as it created the type of atmosphere desired
for a good sale.
3. Mr. Sessions made a motion to cancel the December Civic Center
Board meeting unless something of great importance came up.
Seconded by Mr. Hendrickson. Unanimously approved.
Mr. Askie said as soon as the consultant's report regarding the
Civic Center came in, it would be mailed out to the Board members.
4. Mr. Askie also announced the catering agreement had been approved
by City Counil last week and we should be receiving that in the
mail shortly.
H. Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.
1�—L- .0 —V1 0413
Robin Edmondson
Recording Secretary