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<br /> September 7, 2004, 2004 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was
<br /> called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 5:30 p.m. in the
<br /> Council Informal Meeting Room.
<br /> Persons in attendance included Council Members White, Varner, Kelly, Kirsits, Pfeifer,
<br /> Puzzello, and Coleman; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Frederick B. 011ett III, Director of Budgeting
<br /> & Financial Reporting Tom Skarbek, City Clerk John Voorde, Morris Performing Arts Center
<br /> Executive Director Dennis J. Andres, Assistant Executive Director Sara Ermeti, Theater Event
<br /> Services Manager Denise Zigler, Accounting Manager Marika Hegedus and Kathleen
<br /> Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
<br /> Morris Performing Arts Center Fund# 101-0404 2005 Proposed$849,768
<br /> Palais Royale Fund# 101-0405 2005 Proposed $516,506
<br /> Moms Performing Arts Center Executive Director Dennis J. Andres made his
<br /> presentation on the "Morris Performing Arts Center Complex" is includes the Leighton Theater
<br /> a/k/a Morris Performing Arts Center, the Palais Royale which is the City's premier banquet
<br /> facility, the Morris Bistro and their tenant, the Vine Restaurant. Their goal is to be
<br /> self-sufficient with the use of proper marketing, brochures, event fliers, lobby posters, national
<br /> advertising, websites, church programs, etc.
<br /> Mr. Andres then identified three (3) problem areas, namely maintenance, parking and
<br /> rising costs. In the area of maintenance he noted that the daily maintenance of upkeeping an
<br /> historic building is intense. The ticket surcharge helps. With regard to parking, he noted that
<br /> other venues have large adjacent parking lots which are often free to the locals. He suggested
<br /> looking at the parking lot next to the former Senior Kelly's as well as the lot next to LaSalle
<br /> Hotel. The costs to operate the complex include costs for gas, water, insurance, stage hands,
<br /> security, cleaning, etc., all of which are continuing to rise. He cited an example of the rising
<br /> costs of the artist performing fee for Harry Conik, Jr. began at $50,000, was $75,000 for his 2nd
<br /> performance and his latest performance was$100,000. This resulted in a ticket price for the 2nd
<br /> event being$55 and rising to $75 for the 3rd performance.
<br /> Mr. Andres stated that it is a careful balance of being competitive and the chargeable
<br /> maximums. They look at ten (10) other venues when reviewing charges. Some of the special
<br /> needs included having more visible signage since 20% of ticket sales or 500 seats could be
<br /> generated by marquees. They are also looking at other funding sources and have been in contact
<br /> with State Senator John Broden about a food and beverage tax. He would favor such a tax.
<br /> Looking at a city tax on car and truck rentals would also generate more revenue.
<br /> Mr. Andres stated that he believes the proposed budgets are responsible. He stated that
<br /> the city administration's guidelines were followed in its preparation. He stated that he would
<br /> have like to attend three (3) more conferences next year, but is unable to do so and stay within
<br /> the guidelines. He noted that insurance costs have increased $80,000 over the previous two (2)
<br /> Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting of September 7, 2004 Page 1
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