City of Grand Forks, North Dakota

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	*Grand Forks Events Center Commission* *Regular Monthly Meeting* *December 15, 2010 7:30 a.m.* *Alerus Center Meadowlark Room #12* CALL TO ORDER Randy Newman, Chair, called the Alerus Center Commission meeting to order on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at approximately 7:31 a.m. ROLL CALL Present were David Evenson, Curt Kreun, Darrell Larson, Randy Newman, Dwight Thompson, Laura Block and Duane Hafner establishing a quorum. City: Saroj Jerath Alerus Center: Tami Pearson, Wendy Nimens, Jeremy Linstad, Rod Oas, Charlene Wifall, Vione Jordheim CONSENT AGENDA *A motion was made by David Evenson to approve the consent agenda. Seconded by Duane Hafner. Motion passed unanimously.* APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 2010 FINANCIALS November’s revenue less hospitality tax is $381,611. The revenues fell short of budget by $130,323 as there was a 7,000 person concert and 1,200 person consumer show that did not materialize. Both of these events as well as the lower than anticipated attendance at UND football games affect numbers in various line items of the budget. Revenue in November exceeded budget by $61,837 with catering revenues exceeding budget by over $189,000. November’s expenses are $385,671 which is $48,287 below budget. November utility expense came in $7,583 lower than budget putting the YTD utility expense at approximately $119,000 under budget. YTD revenues over expenses, including the hospitality tax, is $33,548. Staff is currently forecasting a $61,000 loss for 2010. Economic impact numbers were included in the packets. The arena vs convention center break out was reviewed. It was noted that economic impact is greatest on the convention side. Currently there are three events on sale: Elmo’s Healthy Heroes; Celtic Crossroads, Professional Championship Bullriding with Barrel Racing and Jake Owens concert. Commissioner Brian Faison arrived. A motion was made by David Evenson to receive and file the November financials and forward them to the proper City Officials for distribution. Seconded by Dwight Thompson. Motion passed unanimously. BID AWARDS – GREEN SEAL CERTIFIED CLEANING SUPPLIES AND VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE On November 8 bids were opened for green seal certified cleaning supplies. Bidders included: Dacotah Paper Company, Cole Papers Inc and Ecolab. Dacotah Paper Company met the RFP specifications and is the perceived low bidder. Bids were opened on December 13 for variable frequency drives. Graybar Electric was the lone bidder. They did meet all of the specification requirements and are the perceived low bidder. *A motion was made by David Evenson to approve both bids. Seconded by Darrell Larson. Motion passed unanimously.* CANDIDATE NAMES FOR COMMISSION OFFICE Mayor Brown and Rick Duquette, City Administrator, have received notice from Randy Newman on his resignation from the Commission. Potential candidate names should be forwarded to Mayor Brown. CVB/COMMISSION SOCIAL The CVB has requested an informal social with the Commission. Mr. Hafner indicated that the CVB will be meeting tomorrow. He was asked to make the decision on a date. STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS UPDATE Mr. Thompson and Mr. Dennis Reisnour along with staff held a preliminary meeting to begin updating of the Strategic Plan. An extensive plan was in place in 2008 and staff was asked to report back on its accomplishments at the January meeting. Mr. Thompson indicated he would like to put together work groups for various strategic issues and asked Commission members for their assistance. Groups would center around key areas and gathering of advice on how to update the current plan. EVENTS CENTER BOOKING UPDATE Mr. Thompson requested a market area competitor comparison to show the type of events in the market. This was included in the packets. COMMITTEE REPORTS Renovation Committee – The Committee did not meet this past month. Updated numbers will be available from City Finance by the end of the month and a meeting will be scheduled in January. Dollars for the escalator are now available and the process will begin in January in order to meet the timeline to be completed for the upcoming football season. Also to be discussed at the January meeting is turf replacement. Celebration Committee – The primary event will be held in conjunction with The Chamber Business After Hours on March 17, 2011. The All Alerus Center Football Team has been selected with the hopes of bringing them back for the Spring Game. There are some issues with scheduling the spring game. Currently it is not being held at the Alerus Center due to it being scheduled on Easter weekend. UND would like to hold the game here and is currently working on the schedule. The 10-year Anniversary logo is being added to letterhead and will be used during the entire year. An event is not planned for the actual date of February 10. More details will be available following January’s meeting. Convention & Visitors Bureau – The 2011 budget was presented at the November meeting and new officers were elected. Mr. Hafner will serve as treasurer. OTHER UND o Mr. Faison indicated that the UND vs NDSU basketball game was a success and appears to give the opportunity to schedule a date for next year. There will be a certain number of days needed for practice. More information will be released when available. o Challenges encountered this past football season will be addressed including attendance. Also to be discussed will be placing parking fees on the football tickets as that will not work. o The 2011 football schedule is in place. Brady Martz will do the Alerus Center portion of the City’s 2010 audit on February 10 & 11. A date is being confirmed for inventory. In recognition of his service to the Alerus Center Commission, a plaque was presented to Randy Newman with thanks on behalf of the Commission, VenuWorks and the Alerus Center Staff. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:17 a.m. ____________________________ ____________________________ Respectfully submitted, Vione Jordheim Darrell Larson Director of Administrative Services, Alerus Center GFECC Secretary