Five Flags Center Report 8 18 08THE CITY OF ~,,r Dubuque
Ap-AmerkaCpy
DUB
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi
2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Five Flags Report to the City Council
DATE: August 12, 2008
Leisure Services Manager Gil Spence is requesting that Joyce White, General Manager
of the Five Flags Center for SMG, present the annual report to the City Council.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/Iw
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Gil Spence, Leisure Services Manager
zoos
TO: Michael C. Van Milligan, City Manager-
FROM: Gil D. Spence, Leisure Services Manager
SUBJECT: Five Flags Report to the City Council
DATE: August 8, 2008
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to request that Joyce White, General Manager of
the Five Flags Center for SMG, be placed on the City Council agenda to present the
annual report.
DISCUSSION
Joyce White would like to make a ten minute presentation to the City Council on the
activity level of the Center in FY 2008 and the prospects for FY 2009.
Attached is a written report that Joyce will highlight during her presentation. Things
continue to go well at the Center and SMG has asked to renew their agreement for
another five-year term. A recommendation will be made in January on extension of the
Agreement.
With the ice arena soon to begin construction, the future brings some challenges. SMG
stands ready to take on these challenges and bring new entertainment shows to
Dubuque.
GDS:et
attachment
NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL TOURING COMPANIES
• Performing Arts
o Phil Coulter and His Pops Orchestra
o Tony Kenny's Ireland
o Neil Berg's 100 Year's of Broadway (New York company and cast)
o Peter Pan (New York company and cast)
• Family or Children's Shows
o Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus
o Sesame Street
o My Little Pony
o Arthur Live
o Theatre Works
^ Max and Ruby
^ If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
• Concerts
o ZZ Top
o Lonestar
o Greg Brown
o Bret Michaels
• Sports
o WWE
o AMP Live "Monster Trucks"
• Political events (2)
REGIONAL AND LOCAL PROGRAMMING
• Sporting
o Thunderbird Hockey
o Hurster Cup
o Basketball (American Trust/Wendy's Classic)
o Bull riding
o Mixed Martial Arts (two matches)
o Corncob National Wrestling Tournament
o Iowa Winter Games
o Illinois and Iowa Special Olympics
o Ice User Groups
o Public Skate
• Comedy
o Laugh Tour
o Musical Comedians
• Performing Arts
^ Dubuque Art's Council Presents "Frank and Dean"
^ Jim McDonough's Christmas Show
^ Dubuque Youth City and Heartland Ballet presented
Nutcracker and Giselle, DSO, FBN, Wahlert's South Pacific,
Hempstead Variety Show, All School Chorale, Irish Feis,
Dubuque Dance Recital, Xtreme Dance Recital
• Other
^ Dubuque Kennel Club presents "AKC Dog Show"
^ Graduations -Hempstead and Senior
^ City Expo
^ City Spirit Lunch
^ City Management Meetings
^ Tri-State Veterans Convention "A Long Way Home"
^ Celebration Belle River Cruises -dinner and entertainment
OPERATIONS
• As a component of the City's Main Street improvements, Five Flags received
new sidewalks, curbs, curb cuts, and the installation of historical light poles
on all four sides of the building.
• Fulfilled FY'08 CIP budget by:
o Replacing promenade roof
o Replacing arena heating and air conditioner (HVAC upgrades, and
installation of three new boilers and cabinet heaters)
o Purchasing and installing a new walk-in cooler for the Food and
Beverage Department
o Purchasing and installing step and aisle lighting for arena ($14K
remaining to install aisle lighting in theatre -floor and box area)
• Fulfilled FY'07 CIP budget by:
o Replacing thirty-year old C9 Yamaha grand piano with two-year old
C7 Yamaha grand piano (includes a $lOK trade-in value), humidifier,
piano cover, and C7 piano dolly (includes a $200 trade-in for C9
dolly)
• Staff experienced continuing difficulty with the operation of Munter's
dehumidification unit -resulting in numerous site visits by Munter's
representatives.
• Lengthy winter resulted in emergency purchase of new snow removal unit
(brush and shaft).
• Purchased and installed in-house server to allow staff computer networking
capabilities and essential file backup
• Purchased and installed Mail Manager (a Ticketmaster marketing software)
• Received and passed inspections from:
o City Health Inspection
o Fall Protection Inspection
o Hoist and Chain Motor Inspection
o Zurich Risk Assessment
GREEN INITIATIVES
• Goddard Solid Waste Agency provided recycle receptacles allowing Five Flags to
implement a re-cycle plan during the Hurster Cup. Five Flags has since written
and received a matching grant which will allow a continuation of the recycle
program.
• Other "green" initiatives included installing automatic soap and paper towel
dispensers throughout public restroom areas and utilizing environmentally
friendly soaps, janitorial and cleaning supplies.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Highlights include:
• Sixty-six full and part-time personnel received Customer Service Training
through K'nekt, SMG's designed training contractor.
• In conjunction with SMG policy, Five Flags was "Secret Shopped" at a
January 12, 2008 Thunderbird hockey game. Staff reviewed the report and
implemented appropriated recommendations.
• IAAM School of Ice Technology -
o Most recently, the third member of the Operations Department spent
a week in Kansas City where he had received instruction from experts
in the industry regarding the latest techniques in ice making
technology. Additional opportunities included networking with other
individual who work in similar positions in venues throughout the
country and attending an event at Kansas City's new Sprint Center.
• Operations Manager completed third and final year of training to received
the CIT designation (Certified Ice Technician)
• Two staff members attended aone-day course on Maintenance and Ice
Resurfacing sponsored by R & R Specialties.
• All full time staff received CPR and AED training and certification
• SMG Human Resources Conference -Accounting & HR Manager
• SMG Regional Managers Meeting - GM
• IAAM Annual Conference and Trade Show - GM
• Regional Food Shows - F & B Manager
• Staff member attended a payroll training seminar from SMG's payroll
provider, ADP
• Trained and certified additional fork lift and bobcat drivers
COMMUNITY AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
• Five Flags was represented in two local trade shows this past fiscal year:
Dubuque Main Street's Business PM and Dubuque Chamber's Toot Your
Own Horn".
• Five Flags and the Dubuque Thunderbirds co-hosted a Chamber Noon-
Networking Luncheon.
• Promoted and supported staff involvement in a variety of community and
civic organizations including:
Dubuque Rotary Club, Dubuque Chamber Ambassadors, Dubuque Regional
Sports Commission Board, CVB Advisory Board, Dubuque Main Street
Board of Directors, Jaycees.
• Staff members participated in a variety of community efforts including:
Putzin'Around Golf Tournament hole sponsor, Homers for Health Softball
Tournament with proceeds donated to Crescent Community Health Center,
American Cancer Society Relay for Life, American Red Cross Pie Auction,
and various Rotary fundraisers.
• Five Flags and "Monster Truck" promoters donated tickets to Hillcrest
Family Services for distribution to Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the
Adolescent Residential Program.
• Five Flags and Lonestar promoters participated in "Operation: My
Christmas List", an Adopt-a-Platoon program.
COMPARATIVE FY'07 AND FY'08 FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL DATA
• Number of events increased by 33% over 2007
• Attendance was flat from 2007
• Total Event Income is up 5% from 2007
• Total Indirect Expenses for 2008 are down by 1% from 2007
• Net Loss increased by 3 1/2% from 2007
• Performed under benchmark for 2006, 2007, and 2008
FORWARD
• Identify local and regional entertainment competitive elements vying for
Dubuque's entertainment dollar
• Assess Five Flags ability to compete with local and regional venues
• Propose that City Council revisit restrictions under which Five Flags may
seek business opportunities
• Continue to increase programming for all components of Five Flags Center
• Continue to operate Five Flags within subsidized funds
• Increase revenue and control expenses
• Continue to provide opportunities for employee growth and development
THE CITY OF
I~UB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligan, City Manager
FROM: Gil D. Spence, Leisure Services Manager
SUBJECT: Five Flags Report to the City Council
DATE: ,August 8, 2008
INTRODUCTION
Dubuque
All-AmericaCity
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200
The purpose of this memorandum is to request that Joyce White, General Manager of
the Five Flags Center for SMG, be placed on the City Council agenda to present the
annual report.
DISCUSSION
Joyce White would like to make a ten minute presentation to the City Council on the
activity level of the Center in FY 2008 and the prospects for FY 2009.
Attached is a written report that Joyce will highlight during her presentation. Things .
continue to go well at the Center and SMG has asked to renew their agreement for
another five-year term. A recommendation will be made in January on extension of the
Agreement.
With the ice arena soon to begin construction, the future brings some challenges. SMG
stands ready to take on these challenges and bring new entertainment shows to
Dubuque.
GDS:et
attachment
NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL TOURING COMPANIES
• Performing Arts
o Phil Coulter and His Pops Orchestra
o Tony Kenny's Ireland
o Neil Berg's 100 Year's of Broadway (New York company and cast)
o Peter Pan (New York company and cast)
• Family or Children's Shows
o Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus
o Sesame Street
o My Little Pony
o Arthur Live
o Theatre Works
^ Max and Ruby
^ If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
• Concerts
o ZZ Top
o Lonestar
o Greg Brown
o Bret Michaels
• Sports
o WWE
o AMP Live "Monster Trucks"
• Political events (2)
REGIONAL AND LOCAL PROGRAMMING
Sporting
o Thunderbird Hockey
o Hurster Cup
o Basketball (American Trust/Wendy's Classic)
o Bull riding
o Mixed Martial Arts (two matches)
o Corncob National Wrestling Tournament
o Iowa Winter Games
o Illinois and Iowa Special Olympics
o Ice User Groups
o Public Skate
• Comedy
o Laugh Tour
o Musical Comedians
Performing Arts
^ Dubuque Art's Council Presents "Frank and Dean"
^ Jim McDonough's Christmas Show
^ Dubuque Youth City and Heartland Ballet presented
Nutcracker and Giselle, DSO, FBN, Wahlert's South Pacific,
Hempstead Variety Show, All School Chorale, Irish Feis,
Dubuque Dance Recital, Xtreme Dance Recital
• Other
^ Dubuque Kennel Club presents "AKC Dog Show"
^ Graduations -Hempstead and Senior
^ City Expo
^ City Spirit Lunch
^ City Management Meetings
^ Tri-State Veterans Convention "A Long Way Home"
^ Celebration Belle River Cruises -dinner and entertainment
OPERATIONS
As a component of the City's Main Street improvements, Five Flags received
new sidewalks, curbs, curb cuts, and the installation of historical light poles
on all four sides of the building.
Fulfilled FY'08 CIP budget by:
o Replacing promenade roof
o Replacing arena heating and air conditioner (HVAC upgrades, and
installation of three new boilers and cabinet heaters)
o Purchasing and installing a new walk-in cooler for the Food and
Beverage Department
o Purchasing and installing step and aisle lighting for arena ($14K
remaining to install aisle lighting in theatre -floor and box area)
• Fulfilled FY'07 CIP budget by:
o Replacing thirty-year old C9 Yamaha grand piano with two-year old
C7 Yamaha grand piano (includes a $lOK trade-in value), humidifier,
piano cover, and C7 piano dolly (includes a $200 trade-in for C9
dolly)
• Staff experienced continuing difficulty with the operation of Munter's
dehumidification unit -resulting in numerous site visits by Munter's
representatives.
• Lengthy winter resulted in emergency purchase of new snow removal unit
(brush and shaft).
• Purchased and installed in-house server to allow staff computer networking
capabilities and essential file backup
• Purchased and installed Mail Manager (a Ticketmaster marketing software)
• Received and passed inspections from:
o City Health Inspection
o Fall Protection Inspection
o Hoist and Chain Motor Inspection
o Zurich Risk Assessment
GREEN INITIATIVES
• Goddard Solid Waste Agency provided recycle receptacles allowing Five Flags to
implement a re-cycle plan during the Hurster Cup. Five Flags has since written
and received a matching grant which will allow a continuation of the recycle
program.
• Other ~~green" initiatives included installing automatic soap and paper towel
dispensers throughout public restroom areas and utilizing environmentally
friendly soaps, janitorial and cleaning supplies.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Highlights include:
• Sixty-six full and part-time personnel received Customer Service Training
through K'nekt, SMG's designed training contractor.
• In conjunction with SMG policy, Five Flags was "Secret Shopped" at a
January 12, 2008 Thunderbird hockey game. Staff reviewed the report and
implemented appropriated recommendations.
• IAAM School of Ice Technology -
o Most recently, the third member of the Operations Department spent
a week in Kansas City where he had received instruction from experts
in the industry regarding the latest techniques in ice making
technology. Additional opportunities included networking with other
individual who work in similar positions in venues throughout the
country and attending an event at Kansas City's new Sprint Center.
• Operations Manager completed third and final year of training to received
the CIT designation (Certified Ice Technician)
• Two staff members attended aone-day course on Maintenance and Ice
Resurfacing sponsored by R & R Specialties.
• All full time staff received CPR and AED training and certification
• SMG Human Resources Conference -Accounting & HR Manager
• SMG Regional Managers Meeting - GM
• IAAM Annual Conference and Trade Show - GM
• Regional Food Shows - F & B Manager
• Staff member attended a payroll training seminar from SMG's payroll
provider, ADP
• Trained and certified additional fork lift and bobcat drivers
COMMUNITY AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
• Five Flags was represented in two local trade shows this past fiscal year:
Dubuque Main Street's Business PM and Dubuque Chamber's Toot Your
Own Horn".
• Five Flags and the Dubuque Thunderbirds co-hosted a Chamber Noon-
Networking Luncheon.
• Promoted and supported staff involvement in a variety of community and
civic organizations including:
Dubuque Rotary Club, Dubuque Chamber Ambassadors, Dubuque Regional
Sports Commission Board, CVB Advisory Board, Dubuque Main Street
Board of Directors, Jaycees.
• Staff members participated in a variety of community efforts including:
Putzin'Around Golf Tournament hole sponsor, Homers for Health Softball
Tournament with proceeds donated to Crescent Community Health Center,
American Cancer Society Relay for Life, American Red Cross Pie Auction,
and various Rotary fundraisers.
• Five Flags and "Monster Truck" promoters donated tickets to Hillcrest
Family Services for distribution to Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the
Adolescent Residential Program.
• Five Flags and Lonestar promoters participated in "Operation: My
Christmas List", an Adopt-a-Platoon program.
COMPARATIVE FY'07 AND FY'08 FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL DATA
• Number of events increased by 33% over 2007
• Attendance was flat from 2007
• Total Event Income is up 5% from 2007
• Total Indirect Expenses for 2008 are down by 1% from 2007
• Net Loss increased by 3 1/2% from 2007
• Performed under benchmark for 2006, 2007, and 2008
FORWARD
• Identify local and regional entertainment competitive elements vying for
Dubuque's entertainment dollar
• Assess Five Flags ability to compete with local and regional venues
• Propose that City Council revisit restrictions under which Five Flags may
seek business opportunities
• Continue to increase programming for all components of Five Flags Center
• Continue to operate Five Flags within subsidized funds
• Increase revenue and control expenses
• Continue to provide opportunities for employee growth and development