02/27/1984 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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- e - benefit of all the involved groups. He then reviewed the "Alternatives for Financingll as listed in the Executive Summary, which outlined the proposed work of the Eugene Arts Foundation and the City in funding the Hult Center. Speaking to the issue of staffing, Mr. Fredrickson stated that the current organization was developed to meet the needs of the center during its formulative period. He acknowledged the excellent job done by the staff, but he stated that the configuration is not appropriate for the future. He reviewed the staffing recommendations, stressing that the changes were based on an effort to make the center more effective, less expensive, and more responsive to the community. He continued his review of the major issues and recommendations as listed in the Executive Summary. He stated that the emphasis of the report was on the Silva Hall and Soreng Theater, but he added that there is a need to activate the rest of the theater complex. He suggested that non-performance uses (such as lectures and film performances) be developed for the two halls. He also suggested that the City study its pricing strategy for non-theater uses, explaining that the two halls were currently priced out of the market. In addition, he stated that staff should attempt to increase the use of non-theater spaces such as the rehearsal hall, exhibit space, and the lobby areas. He also recommended that management of the Conference Center be transferred to another City department or the Eugene Hilton, stating that its operation was becoming a strain on the Hult management personnel. With regard to performance indicators, Mr. Fredrickson suggested that the Hult Center attempt to reach an operating deficit of $600,000 for the next year or two, with future deficits to be reduced to approximately $400,000 within a ten-year period. The meeting was recessed at 6:45 p.m. Reconvening the meeting at 7:00 p.m., Mayor Keller suggested that the management study be discussed first prior to focusing on the recommendations made by the City Manager. In response to a question, Mr. Fredrickson stated that all areas of expenses were studied, but he added that it was difficult to make recommendations due to the short history of the center. He said the expense issue should be worked through the budgetary process. He added that other areas which might have impact included increasing rental rates, ensuring a break-even point for in-house productions, increasing the patron user fees, passing on more of the user fees to the out-of-town patrons, increasing concessions revenue, and an increased use of volunteers for ushers. William Baer, also a consultant with Alexander Grant & Company, stated that some expenditures could be reduced by more computerization and reviewing the current contract services such as maintenance and janitorial servi ces. In response to a question, Mr. Fredrickson clarified that the "operating deficit" in the study referred to all the operations expenses less the earned revenue. He stated that the current projected deficit for the Hult Center would be approximately $800,000 for the 1984/84 fiscal year if the recommended staffing changes were not made, dependent on scheduled pay increases. He said the report recommended cutting 5.5 positions and adding 1 position. Mr. Gleason stated MINUTES--Eugene City Council/Performing Arts Commission Feb. 27, 1984 Page 4