HomeMy WebLinkAboutCivic Center Board Minutes 10-21-20_CIVIC CENTER BOARD OF MANAGERS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020
9:30 A.M.
Pursuant to Executive Order 20-09, Section 4 (A), issued by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and continued
by Executive Order 20-18, by which strict compliance with Indiana’s Open Door Law is currently suspended
due to the COVID-19 health emergency, the City of South Bend Civic Center Board of Managers met on July
29, 2020, at 8 a.m. by both in-person and video/telephone conferencing in which a quorum of members
participated. This meeting was made available to members of the public and the media as provided by the
Open Door Law.
Members Present Members Absent
Dennis Andres, Jr. Linda Doshi
Greg Downes
Randy Kelly
Michael Neises
Aaron Perri
The meeting was called to order at 9:31 a.m. by President Perri. Approval of the consent agenda,
including the minutes from the July 29, 2020 Civic Center Board of Managers’ meeting and year-to-
date financial statements, was moved by Greg Downes, seconded by Randy Kelly and motion
carried.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Mr. Perri welcomed everyone to the meeting and conducted roll call. Mr. Perri congratulated the
Morris and Century Center teams on their continued hard work during the challenging time. He
acknowledged Jeff Jarnecke for his leadership.
Mr. Perri noted the agenda included some important and special news about the upcoming 100-year
anniversary of the Morris and a resulting capital campaign to help celebrate.
Mr. Perri also noted that business within the Century Center was increasing including having hosted
Mayor Mueller’s wedding.
Mr. Perri concluded his remarks by noting the FY21 budget had been passed by the Common
Council.
VENUES REPORT
Morris Performing Arts Center
Mr. Jarnecke provided an updated on the event schedule saying that it was unlikely any additional
events would occur in 2020 due to the pandemic. He went on to share the Q1 and Q2 of 2021 are
also very light. He anticipates the operation closing out 2020 with more than a $600,000 deficit. The
staff also generally remains furloughed or has been temporarily assigned to another unit within VPA.
Mr. Jarnecke provided an update on the celebration of the Morris 100 years. With the leadership of
Greg and Mary Downes, along with participation by Linda Doshi, a community-based committee has
been formed to help raise more than $27 million for improvements and renovations to the Morris. It
is expected the work would be done in phases with hopefully much of it done in 2021 so that 2022
would be a celebration, which is the 100th year of the Morris. Additional updates would be provided
in the future.
Civic Center Board Minutes
10/21/20
Pg. 2
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Palais Royale
While there have been several events within the Palais, Mr. Jarnecke noted business is still quite
limited. He expects the deficit for the operation to be more than $160,000, which is actually close to
the budget. It was noted the Fatbird Restaurant would open this year in the space formerly occupied
by Tapastrie.
Century Center
Mr. Jarnecke noted the staff of the Century Center also remains largely furloughed. Notre Dame
football is using the space on game weekends so that has been a nice and unexpected lift in
business. Bookings are still slow and are expected to be through at least Q1 of next year. The
yearend deficit is expected to be around $300,000 but Mr. Jarnecke noted this could grow if
additional events cancel due to the pandemic yet this year. Every measure to minimize expenses
are being realized and will continue until event bookings increase.
Mr. Jarnecke did note that the esports initiative is progressing well. The gaming center would be
ready in mid-December and would open to the public in January 2021. We would also issue another
set of bid specifications for additional investment in the Bendix. It is expected this work would be
completed in Q2 of 2021.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Mr. Perri entertained a motion to adjourn. It was moved by Michael
Neises, seconded by Greg Downes and the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:17 a.m.
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