HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-13 PARC and Personnel & Finance PARC JANUARY 28, 2013
PERSONNEL& FINANCE
4:54 P.M.
PARC Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Tim Scott
PERSONNEL& FINANCE Committee Members Present: Dr. David Varner, Val Schey,
Karen White, Henry Davis
Other Council Present: Derek Dieter, Oliver Davis
Others Present: Greg Downs, Kathryn Roos, Scott Ford, Paul Gifford, Mark Neal, John Murphy
Agenda: Bill No. 13-14 Recommending Century Center Board of Managers
Update Century Center RFP—Scott Ford
Councilmember Henry Davis, Chairperson of the PARCS Committee, took the lead in this joint committee
meeting of the PARCS and Personnel & Finance Committees.
On the agenda was consideration of Resolution No. 13-14 initiated by Henry Davis. In his explanatory
letter filed with the resolution. Mr. Davis advocates public discussion of the findings in the AECOM report
prior to extending the current management contract for Century Center or advertising an RFP for
management of the Center beyond the current contract. The AECOM report was commissioned by the
Redevelopment Commission to analyze and report the Center's economic impact on the community as
well as an analysis of the management of the Center, the Morris Performing Arts Center and the Palais
Royale. Henry goes on to say the resolution will formally trigger these public discussions so that informed
decisions reflecting the best interests of the city can be made. Ultimately the resolution is all about
transparency and communication.
Henry Davis opened the discussion asking why Global Spectrum's contract to manage the Center was
extended even though financial losses at Century Center continue to mount. He went on to question the
issuance of an RFP before discussion of the study or receiving Council input.
Valerie echoed the same sentiments suggesting an RFP was premature to discussions about
management performance. In fact, she said any decisions regarding the expenditure of public dollars
whatever their source without Council review and discussion would violate her sense of stewardship of
public dollars.
Gavin Ferlic asked if there were any specifics in the RFP that were found objectionable?
Scott Ford, Director of the Department of Community Investment, responded saying the RFP did not
preclude Council input. Operating losses were indeed a concern; but they were to be compared to what?
He said performance measures were established and there have been input opportunities from all
interested stakeholders. He maintained effective communication needed to flow both ways. Scott noted
actions such as the issuance of the RFP were taken because of time concerns. Global Spectrum's
contracted was extended until July 1, 2013 so the City could get input, evaluate the AECOM report and
develop an RFP so decisions could be made to allow a 3 month management of the Center transition
should that be necessary.
Greg Downes, President of the Century Center Board of Managers, argued that input has always been
welcome, meetings are open to the public and decisions are not made behind closed doors.
At this point Valerie Schey asked her amendment establishing a timeline be followed by the City
Administration, Century Center Board of Managers, and the Board of Public Works to facilitate greater
transparency, inclusiveness, and dialogue. Tim Scott motioned to approve the amendment adding the
word "must." Henry Davis seconded and a majority affirmed. Tim Scott made another motion to add the
words"or sooner"to the timeline. Derek Dieter seconded and again the majority approved. Finally, a
motion to approve the amended resolution was made by Valerie Schey with Henry Davis seconding and a
majority agreeing. Gavin Ferlic and Dr. Fred Ferlic went on record opposed to the resolution.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, PARC Chairperson, Henry
Davis, adjourned the meeting at 5:53 p.m.
Resp: Ily Submitted,
Or4.‘, ,
1-qry Da ' , Jr., Chairperson
- 'AR ommittee