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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-90 Personnel & Finance R THE PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMMEE MEETING The August 23, 1990 meeting of the Personnel Finance Committee Meeting was called to order at 4:15PM in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members; Luecke, Coleman, Voorde, and Puzzello: Don Porter, Brian Hedman, Dale Balsbaugh, Katie Humphreys, Steve White, Mr. Ed Ehler, Liz Rowe, Terry Coleman, Ron Radecki, Steve Lobdell, John DeLeisenring, Kenneth Brandy, and Kathleen Cekanski Farrand. Council Member Ann Puzzello voted that the first item to be reviewed by the Committee was the Century Center Budget. Century Center,716,009 representing 8.89%Increase in Personnel, Overall Budget 2,045,736. Mr. Hedman noted that under the personal cost there was an additional $8840 included for the Part-time Special Events Coordinator. He noted that this individual would be in charge of various special promotional type items as well as special events. He then highlighted various special events which will be sponsored by Service America. He also noted that currently there are 3 nights per week where there is no security coverage. In the proposed budget this will be rectified by increasing security from $11,330 to $18,000. He also noted that there's an addition for one full-time maintenance person for a proposed budget of $18,450. He noted that the Century Center is larger than the entire County City Building which has 12 maintenance people. Council Member Coleman questioned wether the wall hangings could be cleaned or replaced. Mr. Hedman noted that $1500 has been received from Hotel/Motel for such a project. He also stated that the hangings are 13 years old and that the original designer and manufacturer has been consulted for advice. The wall hangings were originally purchased for $57,.000. Mr. Coleman also asked wether there's a possibility of utilizing the Century Center for basketball games such as IUSB. It was noted that the floor itself would not be a problem but the bleachers may be. It was noted that Mr. Homer Drew, the former Valparaiso Basketball Coach, has cost this project some time ago. Mr. Ed Ehler, the President of The Century Center Board of Managers and former Boston Celtics Star, noted that often times when floors are placed over ice for hockey games that that does cause a problem. He also noted that the bleachers may be a problem but it would be looked into further. Mr. Hedman also noted that AV and part-time budgets have been increased. Promotional expenses have also been increased for the first time. Personnel and Finance Committee August 23, 1990 2 Ann Puzzello questioned the utility cost. It was noted that Service America pays a percentage of their gross sales as utility expenses per month. Mr. Hedman also noted that an Energy management system has been presented to the board of The Century Center and that a vendor will be paid off the savings generated by such energy savings. Liz Rowe stated that $7000 has been requested for computer equipment to maximize computer usage and that additional sprinklers have been added to the budget. Mr. Hedman stated that this is the most ambitious Capital Equipment Program ever requested by the Century Center. Council Member Puzzello questioned the status of Island Park. Mr. Hedman noted that it was structurally fixed approximately 3 years ago, however additional assistance is needed and that the Park Department is being consulted. He also noted that specifications for redesigning the restrooms are in the process of being met. There is also a Building & Grounds Committee which will have many of these improvements under their supervision. Mr Ehler noted that the overall budget is approximately $100,000 short of being in the black. He stated that cash projections look good unless the Middle East affects it. He stated that the Century Center needs more space and would like to transfer the museum over to the Studebaker Museum. He noted that rent for that space is $25,000 per year and that conservatively proceeds could be doubled by moving the museum. He further noted that the Century Center is committed to keeping the Plate Collectors locally. However, with the purchase of the project by a London Company there have been assurance that in 1991 it will be in South Bend but thereafter its' future in uncertain. Mr. Hedman and his staff were complimented by Mr. Ehler as well as the good working relationship with the city. Discover Hall,Page 79,$210,000 Overall Budget. Mr. Steve Lobdell, Chairman of Lungridge Planning Committee was introduced by Mr. Ron Radecki. Mr. Radecki noted that currently $62,000 has been received in admission proceeds to date. The gift shop has received over $80,000 in sales to date. He noted that The Dinosaurs Alive Exhibit last year, which was a 12 week exhibit, had 8500 visitors to it. 120,000 people visited Discovery Hall in 1989. The Dinosaur Alive Exhibit generated $60,000 in capital and the new white truck was purchased from the proceeds. He noted Personnel and Finance Committee August 23, 1990 3 that an "Experimental Science & Technology Program" will be one of the chief exhibits later this year. Council Member Voorde questioned the availability of rental of the space for social activities. It was noticed that it could by on a case by case effort. The Great Volunteer Program was also highlighted which meets Wednesdays and build exhibits and refurbish the automobiles. Council Member Voorde congratulate Mr. Radecki and his staff on the South Bend entry in the Great American Race. 80 or 120 cars finished with the City's entry finalizing in 40th position. It was further noted that the first 20 vehicles were all owned by professionals. Mr. Radecki noted that twice crowds around the city vehicle delayed its departure time. It was also noted that the National Studebaker Club will meet back in South Bend in 3 years. Mr. Radecki also noted that the Studebaker Museum does not plan to enter the Great American Race next year but hopes to thereafter. Mr. Lobdell highlighted the crowds in Luddington during the race. In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello, it was noted that all salaries come out of "1 pot", but that each is properly audited each year. All of the records for Discovery Hall will be computerized after the first of the year. House Member Puzzello thanked Mr. Radecki and Mr. Lobdell and their staffs for their service and work to the city. Morris Civic Auditorium,Pages 74-76,Personnel Budget$81,264 Representing a 3.27%Increase. Overall Budget:$363,165 Requested For 1991. Mr. Dale Balsbaugh noted that currently there is no need for the Assistant Manager Position. The position was placed into the budget in light of the entertainment district which was proposed. He noted that the City lost the Starlite Express Production in light of the small stage which the Morris Civic has. He noted that new spotlights have been ordered and that computerization with the assistance of the City's last appropriation and the Broadway Theatre League will bring the equipment into being a realty. It will be fully computerized by 1991 and should operate like a "Mini Ticket Master". Council Member Puzzello noted that the City is becoming a regional entertainment focal point. Mr. Balsbaugh noted that we basically reach out to an approximate 100 mile radius. Council Member Voorde stated that additional revenue is needed to sustain and improve our programs. He again reiterated the need for a Food & Beverage tax on a county wide basis. He stressed the need for a study to be made to project the type of revenue that would be generated. ti Personnel and Finance Committee August 23, 1990 4 Mr. Balsbaugh noted that 1989 was a good year in that the current year is also a good year. He noted that the Morris Civic is listed in The New York Theatre Tour Book. The seating capacity at the Morris Civic is the same to many theaters in Chicago and New York. The sound system is excellent however space and physical needs are a growing problem. He noted that "Miss Singapore" which will open in New York in 1991 and will have selling tickets selling at $100 per ticket. He noted that the days of the $10 ticket are long gone. Katie Humphreys complimented Mr. Basbaugh and his staff for an excellent job. She stated that basically there are 3 core people who operate the entire Morris Civic. Council Member Coleman questioned whether there is a type of "Welcome Wagon" for the various cast that come in for the theaters. Mr. Basbaugh noted that basically these are "Bus and Truck Tours", however with proper oversight such a Welcome Wagon proposal could work. Council Member Puzello also voiced favorable comments on the proposal. Art Association,$36,000 Overall Budget. Susan R. Visser, the Executive Director of the South Bend Art Center, then reviewed her budget. She had a very comprehensive handout, highlighting 1990 fact sheets on the Art Center as well as attachments from various exhibits this past year. She noted that the $36,000 goes directly to The Century Center subject to the terms of a lease which has been in affect for the past 13 years. She noted that the overall budget is $355,000. 10,000 persons saw The American Masterpieces Exhibit earlier this year. A sculpture competition will be held at The Art Center from October 28 thru December 30 of this year. In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello, Mrs. Visser highlighted the Educational Programs offered through the Art Association. She noted that all 5th graders in the South Bend & Mishawaka Public School Systems go through the Art Center. She also noted that a "Art-Smart Indiana" Slide program will be presented this year for 4th graders in preparation of their 5th grade tour of The Art Center. She noted that the Art Association sponsors 10 lunches per.year and that discussions are being held to consider an After Hours Coffee Hour for key individuals. She noted that South Bend Community Schools allocate $96,000 to their budget and that Mishawaka Schools allocate $2000. It was also noted that neither St. Joseph County nor the City of Mishawaka contribute anything to their overall budget. • Personnel and Finance Committee August 23, 1990 5 Katie Humphreys complimented Mrs. Visser for her commitment to the community. She has been with the Art Center for 3 years this September and she noted that she plans to make it a long term commitment. Community Affairs,page 8,$68,136 Representing a 9,02%Increase. Overall Budget:$107,694. Mikki Dobski highlighted the activities of Community Affairs. She stated that the overall mission is to coordinate all city activities with special events. A comprehensive handout was presented to the Committee (copy attached). It listed major projects for the current year. She noted that 130 applicants applied for the one position that was available. Promotional expenses are projected at $33,000 and that $18,000 have been raised in private donations. Council Member Puzzello suggested that art work for various pamphlets and other promotional type items be considered being done through St. Mary's, Notre Dame or IUSB. It was also noted that Purdue could also be a part of this. Mikki Dobski noted that the Events Coordinator should be upgraded to the position held at the Century Center. Susan O'Connor has taken over the East Race coordination of activities and has done an excellent job. Mikki Dobski then provided an update on the Ethnic Festival as far as its success and future challenges. It was noted that Mishawaka through the Hotel/Motel tax receives $19,500 for their Summerfest. Mikki Dobski stated that they would like to add childrens rides and volleyball as new activities to the Ethnic Festival next year. New sight locations are also under consideration. Council Member Puzzello stated that vendors cannot absorb any more fees. It was noted that some vendors pay as much as $900 for fees to participate in the Ethnic Festival. Mikki Dobski then reviewed the IACT activities. It was noted that 800 registrants are anticipated which would be approximately 150 people over the last time that South Bend was the host of the Annual Cities & Towns Convention. Katie Humphreys and members of The Personal Finance Committee complimented Mikki Dobski and her staff for her many contributions. There being no further business to come before The Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50PM. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Ann Puzzello, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee