Minutes Five Flags Civic 5 20Five Flags Commission Meeting
May 20, 2002
PRESENT: Rod Bakke, Gary Dolphin, Cynthia Fuller
ABSENT: Mike Brannon, Mark Nauman
STAFF PRESENT: John Snider, Gil Spence, Paula Wolfe
The Commission meeting convened at 4:35 p.m. in the Manager's Office at Five
Flags Center. Chairperson Cynthia Fuller presided.
Gary Dolphin moved to approve the April 15, 2002 Five Flags Commission
Minutes, seconded by Rod Bakke. Minutes were approved.
John Snider, Concessions Manager of Five Flags wes present to give a report
about the duties of his position (see attached). Discussion centered on duties,
responsibilities, policies, procedures and plans for increasing food choices and
revenue. Mr. Snider will contact similar facilities in the region to survey food and
beverage charges to evaluate and compare Five Flags menu prices. It was also
suggested that inventory control computer software be researched for use at Five
Flags.
During the Manager's Report, Manager Wolfe announced that Gall McMahon has
been hired to replace Jodi Lukens as secretary of Five Flags Center. Gall has a
degree in public relations from Mt. Mercy College and experience as the director of
the Dubuque Gi~r[~s Club, Finley's RSVP Program and most recently has worked in
the City of Dubuque's Finance Department. Gall will be working part-time at Five
Flags and pad-time in the City's Finance Department, until a replacement is found
for her there.
April financials were reviewed. Fifteen non-revenue events took place at Five
Flags in Apdl, with the largest being City Expo and Spidt Lunch for City of Dubuque
employees. Manager Wolfe pointed out concessions for the Lonestar Concert
totaled $8,129.00, an impressive figure for one event. It is the goal to continue to
build this type of business for the center. A correction for the Apdl Revenue
Report was distributed due to an error in revenue for "The Golden Glow." The
accurate total is $689.26.
New business items included the painting of the interior of the arena and the team
building activity that full-time staff will be partidpating in. Gil Spence reported that
Four bids were received from contractors for the painting of the arena. Bids
ranged in the amounts of $71,000.00 - $164,000.00. John C. Kaiser Company
was awarded the project, which will begin after the Priest Ordination in the arena
on June 22. Also at present time, Durant is working on specifications for the
repair of the Theater's roof and facade, along with painting.
Five Flags Commission Meeting
May 20, 2002
Page: Two
The Five Flags full time staff will attend three days of workshops at Four Mounds
Convention Center for the purpose of team building. This activity will take place
under the facilitation of Jim Healy of KSF Associates, Inc., an organizational
consulting firm based in Cedar Rapids.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Chairperson
Five Flags Concessions Report - John Snider- Concession Manager May 20, 2002
Background- private ownership and management of concessions with ARA Services
(McNichols Arena in Denver, Dubuque Greyhound Park), 10 years with Burger ICing
Coorporation.
Five Flags Concession Overview: Most profitable are concerts
Least profitable are theater events (provide bars service for most as a courtesy)
Implemented FY '02 - additional vending machines (gumballs/novelties) $1000.00
profit since October, 2002 (7 months). Added bratwurst and home baked cookies to
menu. Increased catering through addition of sink and cabinets in warming kitchen,
along with the purchase of a commemial grade coffee maker.
Plans for expansion FY'03 - Offer hard lemonade beverages. Price increase recommended - $0.25 on most items.
Computerized Inventory Program to calculate sales and compare profitab'flity.
Five Flags Concession issues
Limited on space - limits food/beverage options.
Can't have grill & Fire.
No mom for expansion in concession stands.
Food items that are most profitable: Popcorn, pop, hot dogs, naehos, (highest mark-up
and lowest waste). Candy and ice cream cost is 58%, but there is little if any spoilage.
Food items that have been tried and found least profitable: sub sandwiches, frozen
piT,as, home made pizzas, outside vendom for pie?as, microwavable sandwiches
(breakfast and lunch), soups, chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks (deep fat fried items),
chili dogs, chili nachos and walking tacos.
Roles and Responsibilities: Staffing, inventory ordering/control, oversee set-up and prep
of stands, keep records, make deposits, control cash.