Minutes Five Flags 7 21 03Five Flags Commission Meeting
July 21, 2003
PRESENT: Rod Bakke, Gary Dolphin, Cindy Fuller, Mark Nauman
STAFF PRESENT: Gil Spence, Paula Wolfe, Gall McMahon
PUBLIC PRESENT: Ted Scherr
The Commission meeting convened at 4:37 p.m. in the Manager's Office at Five Flags
Center. Chairperson Mark Nauman presided.
Gary Dolphin moved to approve the June 16, 2003 Five Flags Commission Minutes,
seconded by Cindy Fuller. Minutes were approved by all.
Manager Wolfe reported that the staff has had a lot of success making the change from
the busy season to preparing for the upcoming season. Staff is in high-speed mode for
cleaning the building, dasher boards, offices, etc.
The month of June started out with nearly 7,000 people attending Hempstead and
Senior Graduation, Fly By Night Productions celebrated its 20th anniversary with Flight
Time: 174, 740 Hours. The show featured scenes from several of the productions FBN
produced throughout the last 20 years. The National Ayrshire Convention held June 18-
21 drew attendees from throughout the United States and Canada and cows from as far
east as Pennsylvania. On June 24 the last available ticket for the Willie Nelson concert
was sold. On July 9 the City Budget Hearing was held in the theater.
June financials were reviewed. The fiscal year ended June 30, with Five Flags showing
a self supporting increase of 4.7 %. June revenue was a little lower than June of the
previous year, however, some June events moved to May this year. The fourth quarter
ended very strong.
In response to questions regarding Five Flags events moving to the Grand River
Center, Manager Wolfe reported that to date, only the Spring Craft Show has been
confirmed for the new conference center. Events that have been approached about
relocating to the Grand River Center include Marsville, Callahan Spring and Fall Craft
Shows, Christmas Craft Show, and the Home Show. The Grand River Center is
offering reduced rates to Five Flags patrons during this transition pedod.
The calendar of events through December was distributed and reviewed. Staff is
currently working on updating the mailing list to send out brochures for the upcoming
season.
Paula Wolfe reported she will be attending the IAAM Conference July 26-29 in New
Odeans.
Five Flags Commission Meeting
July 21,2003
Page 2
Old Business. The proposal to reduce the Building Supervisor to half-time was
approved at the City Budget Hearing on July 9. However, a proposed utility franchise
fee may allow the position to remain full-time.
New Business. In the election of officers Cindy Fuller moved to elect Rod Bakke as
Chairperson. Gary Dolphin seconded the motion and it was approved by all. Gary
Dolphin moved to nominate Mark Nauman as Vice Chairperson. It was seconded by
Cindy Fuller and approved by all. Gary Dolphin moved to nominate Cindy Fuller as
Secretary. It was seconded by Rod Bakke and approved by all.
The commission reviewed proposed changes for the Schedule of Usage Fees. Gary
Dolphin moved that the rate changes be approved as presented, with the addition of
skate rental and public skate fees. It was seconded by Mark Nauman and approved by
all.
Gary Dolphin commented that it would be great to get an NHL exhibition game. The
Quad City Mallards have approached Five Flags about an exhibition game. Another
hockey organization has expressed interest in playing at Five Flags. Ted Scherr,
Dubuque Thunderbirds General Manager, addressed the commission, expressing
concern about this organization coming to Five Flags. He thinks it would be a bad road
for Five Flags to go down as it is a renegade league that wants to place a team
somewhere in Iowa.
Ted Scherr of the Dubuque Thunderbirds reported the organization is getting geared up
for the upcoming season, tf the dehumidification system is installed next year, the
Thunderbirds would like to see ice in mid-August so they could hold the league camp in
Dubuque. The first season home games are October 4 & 5.
There being no further business, Gary Dolphin moved to adjourn the meeting. It was
seconded by Rod Bakke and approved by all. The meeting adjourned at 5:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Nauman
Chairperson