Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Carol Johnson at 7:30am. Jon F. led the flag salute.

Minutes:

Edna moved to accept Nov 5 meeting minutes, second by Debby F.  Motion passed.

Guests:

Shelly Lynn with Express staffing agency. Judith with Field Arts & Events Hall.

Announcements:

Peggy N. is selling gourmet nuts for Kiwanis. School Superintendent Marty Brewer is speaking at Thursday’s noon Kiwanis.

This is Jon Fager’s last meeting.

Kaj gave a NOLA Committee report stating priority issues are prevailing wage, predictive scheduling and employee reporting. They may possibly include a rule affecting salary and hourly wage employees.

Program:  Chris Fidler, Field Arts & Events Hall

They received the storm water permit this past Friday and start construction this week. As a reminder, they elected an architect and general contractor both at the same time in order for them to work together.

Economic Impact: More than $30 million in new construction, increased local construction related business including lumber supply, concrete, etc. and over 200,000 craft worker hours. Also increased staffing needs in restaurants, over $3 million in state and local taxes and over $400,000 in permits and fees.

They predict over $1 million in hotel revenue and over $500K in local restaurant revenue.

New renderings show more timber features than the original steel and glass.

A webcam will show construction progress.

They will install a professional grade catering kitchen to service the 300 – 400 seats on the second level conference center.

Chris showed two promo videos:

youtube.com/watch?v=Efy3iHwh8M4

youtube.com/watch?v=iP0UMNAPE00

They estimate 55 new indirect full time jobs and $1.2 million in new household income for the area.

They are currently working on rates.

Orchestral setting is for up to 45 musicians on stage with its shell, twice the size of the 5th Avenue Theater. Chris sees no negative impact on local community players, but as an addition to what we have.

It is a combination building which needs other revenue. A coffee shop will be leased space and they have a donor who will fund the endowment. They have raised $3 million and need $6 million more which will provide $250K a year to subsidize their needs. They need to get year three to be fully sustainable. Their target is 140 events a year.

There is 41,000sf for both levels. They are currently working on marketing, and have two years to be ready for when the doors open.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30am.