Minutes Five Flags Civic 9 15 3Five Flags Commission Meeting
September 15, 2003
Paula introduced and welcomed Mary Hunt, the new long-term secretary, to the
Commissioners.
PRESENT: Rod Bakke, Cindy Fuller, and Gary Dolphin
STAFF PRESENT: Gil Spence, Paul~ Wolfe and Mary Hunt
PUBLIC PRESENT: Ted Scherr
The Commission meeting convened at 4:30 p.m. at the Managers Office
at Five Flags Center. Chairperson Rod Bakke presided.
Approval of Minutes: Gary Dolphin moved to approve the August 18, 2003
Five Flags Commission Minutes, seconded by Cindy Fuller. No discussion
followed. Motion carded.
Manager's Report: Manager Wolfe reported that we had a very interesting
August, with a few very intense events. NlCC held the annual summer
graduation in the theater. The sold-out Willie Nelson Concert, was held in
conjunction with a last-minute presidential rally on that same day. The staff
received compliments on how everything was handled.
Five Flags staff is picking up the pace, and adding events to the calendar
daily. The Five Flags web page lists all of the events scheduled to date.
Manager Wolfe read a listing of events that are going on sale, and the schedule
of events to the commissioners present.
Manager Wolfe stated that with all of the Five Flags ticketed events; we
are managing a lot of promotion. She distributed a 8 % x 11 full-color glossy
stuffer that will show up in your TH Sunday edition. The TH is pdnting 40,000
copies and inserting them for under $3,000, a very reasonable pdce. The flyers
will be inserted in 36,000 Sunday papers on September 21. Gary Dolphin stated
the only change he would like to see is to have the day in front of the date.
Commissioners felt that this insert will be saved by potential ticket-buyers, and
felt the day should be added next time. The commissioners complimented the
Manager on this piece of promotion.
Manager Wolfe reported that we have had a very successful ice making
process with the weather cooperating. We will be ready for the first practice on
Wednesday and the Zamboni is ready to go, and looks great.
Cindy Fuller questioned whether the HVAC system is being studied. Gil
Spence stated that the engineering study was budgeted for replacement,
however the estimate came in at $800,000, and he is not sure how we will be
able to afford the new system. It will probably have to re-budget and be done in
phases.
Financial Review: Manager Wolfe stated we netted a high profit for the month of
August, due to the unusual time we scheduled a concert for the end of August..
Cindy Fuller commented on the complaints received on food being served at Irish
Feis. Manager Wolfe explained the complaints to commissioners.
Old Business: Gary Dolphin discussed his recommendation to install a plaque
on the outside of the theater to let passer-by know that this building is on the
National Historic Records, and about the history of the building. He cited the
plaque at the Old Jail as an example. Manager Wolfe is to have a sample
paragraph at the next meeting, and then place this on next month's agenda.
New Business: Thunderbird Contract - Gil Spence said he has not heard
anything from the Thunderbirds regarding the contract. So we do not have
anything to act upon at this time.
Gil Spence stated that the City Council did a goal setting session, that the Five
Flags was a top priority for the City Council. Privatization will be studied as an
option for operation. This evaluation is being requested within three months. Gil
to give everyone a copy of the last report that was done in consideration of
privatization five years ago.
With no further business to discuss, Gary Dolphin moved to adjourn at 5:20,
Cindy Fuller seconded. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Rod Bakke
Chairperson
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