Minutes_Civic Center 8 4 14PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
MINUTES
APPORVED;
VOTE:
FUTURE OF
FIVE FLAGS:
Five Flags Civic Center Advisory Commission Meeting
Monday August 8, 2014
Unapproved by Commission
McKenzie Hill, Bryce Parks, Tyler Daugherty, Rod Bakke
Marie Ware, Don Howes
Ben Jacobson of Telegraph Herald
It was moved by Parks, seconded by Daugherty, to approve the minutes of
the July 28, 2014 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Commission Chair, Hill, began discussion to find bullet points to support a
feasibility study for Commission members to discuss with City Council
Members before their Goal Setting sessions.
Commissioner Bakke began the discussion. Bakke discussed the history of
the building, he has served for nearly 30 %ears. In first decade Five Flags
was the true entertainment center of Dubuque, 98% positive comments. In
second decade, problems came through and were handled. In third decade
a lot of questions were asked of the future of Five Flags, was there any
planning, more venues creating competition. Community members have
asked him "How far will tax payers go to keep lights on and doors open?"
Bakke stated that his goal is to find how we can create a viable and
sustainable event center. Five Flags management and staff have continued
to work to keep the strong reputation with clients and community. Bakke
then offered the idea of a survey to the community to understand
needs/wants.
Commissioner Parks continued the discussion, Parks has been a
commissioner member for 10+ years. Parks started with despite the curve
balls the building has been thro n. Staff continue to work and stay within
budget. When community members asked about tax dollars, they are not
paying more, they have been paying the same because the building makes
budget each year. He recapped the renovation in 2004-2005 that set the
building up for Hockey, meeting rooms were made smaller, larger
concession stands were created, the main floor was set up for ice and
Hockey. Around this time the Grand River Center was finished and the
contract with Five Flags was changed stating Five Flags could not compete
for flat floor shows in Dubuque. Then in 2010 when the Mystique
Community Ice Center was built, the contract with Five Flags was changed,
the building could now compete for flat floor shows, but not for ice users.
The buildings ice, hockey, and skating equipment was transferred to the new
building. These hurdles thrown at the building showed a lack of planning for
the future of the building. Parks stated that the building itself is in great
condition and has been maintained. Bakke agreed and they both spoke of
the asset of Five Flags Staff maintaining the building and working to find new
ways to utilize the building. Parks continued to discuss while the building is
in great condition, the scale is no longer appropriate to touring acts. The
building is about % the size it needs to be to fit larger concert performances,
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sports, or other events.
Commissioner Daugherty continued the discussion, a new commission
member for around 1 year, Daugherty brings fresh energy and ideas to the
commission. Daugherty describes Five Flags Center as a Jack of all trades.
Then questions if that is what it should be. He points out the strengths of the
Five Flags in location and staff. Then discusses information he brought
based on Youth Sports and the concept of Five Flags focusing on being a
venue for tournaments. Discussion was held on the growth of youth sports
and the economic impact it would have on downtown Dubuque.
Commissioners discussed a focus of Five Flags on youth sports and larger
concerts.
Director of Finance, Don Howes added to the discussion that NCAA is now
requiring seating for 6-7,000 for national tournaments. And larger touring
bands require a minimum of 7,000 seats. While discussing the capacity for
these events is good, building cannot focus on only sports and concerts.
Five Flags is a Civic Center, we hold regional Bull Riding, High school and
College Graduations, and many other community events. Five Flags needs
to stay a multipurpose facility to guarantee events continue to be held in
Dubuque. The feasibility study would help determine what the community
needs. Perhaps it is a focus on capacity for sporting tournaments and
concerts, maybe it is a full kitchen to prepare catering for conventions and
concerts. The feasibility study could also show that some of the CIP items
that have been pushed back to future years are more of a priority. If a
feasibility study is held in FY15, it could be 3-5 years out before the changes
could be made. Some CIP items could be finished in less time if needed.
Howes quickly discussed the ideas of a new exterior Message Center or
Marquee and lighting, changing to LED would create a large savings in utility
costs. If an overall renovation is started, these CIP items might fall within the
renovation.
Commissioner Daugherty brought the group back together that while the
commissioners may have individual goals in the end, they all agree the
feasibility study is the start. Commissioner Hill focused the group to the goal
of the meeting, creating clear talking points to deliver to City Council
members.
Commissioner Hill asked Marie Ware the correct process for meeting with
City Council members. Mare Ware, director of Leisure Services,
recommended the commission put together a 1 sheet page to give the
council members and schedule small informal meetings at a coffee shop or
other location to discuss the talking points. Ware also reminded the
Commission of the funding given by SGM corporate specifically for a
research study. When the new contract between City of Dubuque and SMG
was approved, SMG gave $100,000. $70,000 of this is in a Marketing fund
that will help promote events and the building over all, while $30,000 was
given specifically for a research study. This money can be used as a match
with city funding or other possible grant funding.
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ADJURN;
VOTE:
Commissioner Daugherty motioned the Commissioners meet with City
Council members to discuss the importance of doing a feasibility study for
Five Flags Center before the planning sessions held August 25-26, 2014.
Commissioner Bakke seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Daugherty will put together the 1 sheet information and
distribute to Commissioners. Discussion was held on who would meet with
the different Council members. Commission members will schedule meeting
times directly and will follow up with Council members after planning
sessions.
Commissioner
Council Member
Rod Bakke & Tyler Daugherty
Ric Jones & Joyce Connors
Rod Bakke
Karla Braig
Tyler Daugherty & McKenzie Hill
David Resnick
Bryce Parks
Roy Buol, Lynne Sutton, & Kevin Lynch
It was moved by Parks, seconded by Daugherty, that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion passed unanimously.
NEXT MEETING: Next quarterly meeting held in the General Manager's Office on Monday
October 27, 2014 at 3:30PM. Five Flags staff will place an email "Thursday
before" to remind commissioners of the meeting.
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