10-14-06 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Varner countered by claiming the current arrangement gives the Hall of Fame an open line of credit and would like to see contractual changes because, in fact, the city's support is growing. Charlotte Pfeifer again called for productive discussion on the best way to move forward. Rick Walls director of the Hall of Fame, said he cannot dispute the past; but pledges to work cooperatively for the benefit of all, the NFF, the city, the Hall of Facne, and downtown. He said all Hall of Fame revenue stay here, some $600,000 dollars last year. He went on to cite ways in which the Hall of fame was working hard to help itself succeed. Namely, reducing expenses, helping find sponsors far the growing success of the enshrinement festival, developing a Hall of Fame Website that received 600,00 hits this year, and claiming attendance of 62,000 this year. Also Keith Jackson has made a promotional public service announcement at no cost. And Centerplate has made 30-40 thousand dollars on 300-400 thousand revenue directly generated by the Hall of Fame. Additionally, the Hall of Fame is working with the SBCSC to develop a program for all school kids with free admission as it is for all residents on Tuesdays. Speaking for the Hall of Famc, former City Attorney Dick Nussbaum offered to give all the history of how the Hall of Fame came to South Bend. He said the "blame game" should stop. He then stated from its inception there was no intent to circumvent the City Council or cut it out of dollar decisions. The Join Committee includes Council representation. The NFF is willing to come to South Bend in the spirit of cooperation to make the Hall of Fame succeed. He admitted the NFF needs to step-up efforts to raise endowment dollars for the Hall of Fanrze. Charlotte closed the Hall of Fame portion at 9:30 a.m., thanked all and looked forward to productive discourse in the future. Moving on to Project Future issues, Charlotte reiterated the Council's position that a multiyear commitment to Project Future was "off the table," even without Project Future's letter withdrawing the request for same. Charlotte also reiterated her desire to have 5 or 6 appointments to Project Future's Board of Directors. While recognizing the Council Attorney's opinion that the City Council did not have authority to appoint Project Future board members, dollar support from the City Council could be tied to that. Furthermore, Charlotte asked Project Future to report on business' leaving South Bend, where they went, why, and Project Future's role in their decision. David Varner echoed her call, saying we needed an economic development report card. President Rouse felt Roland Kelly as chair of the Community and Economic Development Committee should be part of the discussion. He then read a letter from Project Future regarding their recent efforts to include minority business representation of Project Future's Board.