Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Matthew Rainwater at 7:30am. Steve Bearman led the flag salute.

Minutes:

Peggy moved to accept Nov. 6 and Nov. 20 minutes, seconded by Jack. Motion passed.

Announcements:

Matthew talked about an upcoming email detailing information about board nominations, the PABA Christmas Party on Dec. 18, voting on annual dues being changed to $50.

John B said Dec 2, from 3pm – 6pm at Studio Bob’s is the pot luck memorial service for George Bergner.

Tom Allen from Kiwanis sold gourmet nuts at $20/can for their annual fundraiser.

Sam P. announced a retirement reception for Asst. Chief Mike DeRousie on Thursday.

Shenna announced that it is giving Tuesday and to visit clallamgives.mightycause.com/giving-events/clallamgives for ways to give. Matching funds are involved.

Program:  PA Waterfront Project

Chris Thomsen introduced fellow board members Judith Morris and Nathan West, and Paige Robins from their office downtown. He spoke of his Port Angeles history and is the co-chair of the center’s capital campaign. They’ve raised about 55% of their budget. He introduced Chris Fidler, his long-time friend, the center’s executive director. The other co-chair of the capital campaign is Gail Ralston. Chris Fidler said it all started with $9.5M from Donna Morris. They hired LMN Architects to prepare drawings and Dorothy Field purchased the waterfront property. LMN took them on a tour of their Seattle area performing art center projects where they learned many design details and what they would have done differently.

Local business leaders asked them to consider a convention center in the conceptual design. This type of technical building takes much longer. They determined 500 seats is what the market will bear and fills an existing gap. He showed membership schematic drawings including a 300-seat conference facility on the second floor with divisible rooms. They invited the National Marine Sanctuary Center and Fiero Marine Center to be part of the project because of extra space from building up. The Lower Elwha will also have a contemporary interpretation of a longhouse. Mortenson Construction has been selected as GC during the initial drawings will happen in the spring. He talked about how artists could begin or end their Canadian tour in the US. The center will have 2 years booked out when they open. Stage accommodates 45 musicians. Ambient circulating air will come from under the seats and they will create space with LED lights throughout. A nationally known business specializing in acoustics will be involved and there will be a large screen for film.

When asked about parking, he said there are 1100 parking spots downtown and the city is considering selling a lot to build a parking structure. After 6pm there are plenty of spots. He anticipates using a cut out on Front Street for buses for kids and older Sequim residents who won’t drive at night. He mentioned the possibility of a valet service. This is a $45M project and they’ve raised almost 55% to date. They own the property and will establish ground leases with partners ans will have input in their designs.

What they have left to raise is not all on members, there will be foundations and other funds. Organizations have waited to see them get further before committing funds.

When asked about catering Chris said there will be a professional warming catering kitchen as a result of a listening session with caterers. They learned about loading docks, width of hallways, professional dishwashers, scullery, no need for commercial grade equipment, and ease of us of the center’s dishware. They will have about a half-dozen preferred caterers.

There is a balance between attracting talent and pricing Chris said when asked about economically challenged population. He said it’s for everyone and most requested acts are country western and light opera. There will be up to a dozen full time staff as an early estimate with part time and volunteers during performances. Their general contractor will contract local vendors for the build. For happy hour type events there will be smaller spaces at the marine center, lobby, and longhouse with synergy in all buildings.

Upcoming Meeting:

Dec 4: Interim Director Julie Knott from the EDC will talk about the Emerald Coast Opportunity Zones.

Meeting adjourned at 8:48am.