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<br /> Clo Hp mammon (burnt of the Oltng of f►outjl litnik INFORMAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
<br /> The April 14, 1983 informal meeting of the Common Council
<br /> was called to order by Beverlie J. Beck, President, in the regular Council
<br /> meeting room.
<br /> Persons in attendance included, Councilmen Serge, Szymkowiak,
<br /> Beck, McGann, Taylor, Zielinski, Crone, Harris and Voorde, Terry Miller, Jan
<br /> Jenkins, Joe Butkus, Tom Brubaker; Brian Hedman, Gust Saros, Betty Tucker,
<br /> Dave House, Gloria Miller, Leroy Brown, Mary Kay Huzar, Attorney Tom Walz,
<br /> Cindy Medich, Alfred Rubin, Rich Wagner, T.Brooks Brademas, Milton Kovis,
<br /> Ron Radecki, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Mr. Jack McDaniel, various members
<br /> of the news media and other interested citizens.
<br /> President Beck stated that the purpose of the meeting was to
<br /> receive an update for discussion on the Century Center. She then introduced
<br /> the Council Members and announced that persons other than those giving a•
<br /> formal presentation would be limited in time.
<br /> Mr. Terry Miller, President of the Century Center Board of
<br /> Managers then addressed the Council. He passed out a copy of the annual
<br /> report. He noted that in 1982 the City received a fair return for their
<br /> $297,300 investment with the remainder being funder by Hotel/Motel Room Tax and
<br /> User Fees. He then introduced various Board members who were in attendance.
<br /> He noted that the various attacks on the Century Center Board of Managers were
<br /> by people interested only in their own interests rather than the Community's
<br /> Approximately 40-0, 000 people go through the Century Center annually and has
<br /> an $11 Million Dollar impact on the Community. He then reviewed various goals
<br /> namely, to re-organize the staff, to expand rental space available, to
<br /> have a detailed parking study, to see that the island wall is repaired by the
<br /> Board of Works and Park Department and to clarify the duties and responsibilitie
<br /> of Discovery Hall and the Studebaker Museum. He stated that the cost of these
<br /> two facilities is too high for the City, $121,000 for Studebaker Museum and
<br /> $119, 000 for Discovery Hall. He believed a Community based board would be
<br /> the answer.
<br /> Mr. Miller also noted that Morris Auditorium was receiving no
<br /> property tax support in 1983. He saw potential for tourism in the Washington
<br /> Street corridor, a Studebaker days festival and needed historical tours.
<br /> • Mr. Miller complimented Mr. Al 'Rubin of Colonial Caterers and
<br /> stated that their service is unmatched. Additional proposals for the caterering
<br /> service at the Century Center would be taken at the end of 1984.
<br /> Mr. Brian Hedman then introduced various members from his staff.
<br /> Mr. Tom Walz, attorney for the St. Joseph County Hotel/Motel
<br /> Association then gave a formal presentation. He noted that this group
<br /> represents over 80.0 employees, 1,287 rooms., has a $5 million dollar payroll,
<br /> and $2.0 million dollar gross revenues yearly. The purpose of the Association
<br /> is to promote the economic environment for St. Joseph County so that groups
<br /> like the Board of Managers operate in an efficient, business-like manner. He
<br /> stressed the need for the Century Center to break even or be profitable.
<br /> •
<br /> Mr. Walz then pointed out several major concerns. The first
<br /> involved the proposed renovation of the existing storeroom. He quoted State laxA
<br /> rate pate. me*. IV.\Ieulaa CO-
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