12-12-11 PARC Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

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PARC COMMITTEE DECEMBER 12, 2011 Committee Members Present: Ann Puzello, Tim Rouse, Buddy Kirsits Citizen Member Kyle Chamberlin Other Members Present: Tom LaFountain, David Varner, Karen White Other's Present: Tim Maher, Mike Danch, Becky Bonham, Aladean DeRose, Mayor Stephen Luecke, Gregg Zientara, Rita Kopala, Kevin Allen, Mark Lyons, Gary Gilot Agenda: Bill No. 80 -11 Amendment to Lease Management Agreement between South Bend & Studebaker National Museum Chairperson Ann Puzzello opened the meeting noting all committee members, save one, were present constituting a quorum. Chairperson Puzzello called upon City Controller Gregg Zientara to present Bill No. 80- 11, initiated by the city amending the lease agreement between the city and the Studebaker Museum. Gregg explained the current agreement had expired at the end of 2010. The amendment extends the arrangement for five years and allows the Museum the option to renew for 3 additional 5 year periods. The city would pay the museum $225,000 per year to manage the operation. Councilmember Varner asked if the agreement provided for an escalator clause for the management fees? Zientara said no but anticipated the fee be reviewed at the end of the first five years. Becky Bonham, Director of the Museum, reported attendance and rentals were both up this year marginally surpassing the opening year totals five years ago. Citizen Member Kyle Chamberlin wondered why the 5 year renewal options were Studebaker's and not the city's? No real answer was forthcoming. Councilmember White was told attendance was nearly 40 thousand people this year with 65% of those being outside the city by Becky. Councilmember Varner asked Bonham about the Museums effort to create an endowment to maintain and enhance the collection as well as the building. Bonham responded the Museum BOD was cognizant of the endowment needs and planned to re- launch a fundraising campaign next year.