HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-12-11 PARC CommitteePARC 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.
On a motion by Tim Rouse seconded by Kyle Chamberlin and supported by all, the bill
was sent to full Council favorably.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson
Puzzello adjourned the meeting at 3:47 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Puzzello, Chairperson
PARC Committee