11/05/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to adopt the resolution. ~ Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. . VII. POLICY STATEMENTS AND USER RATES FOR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER--INITIAL PRESENTATION (memo and additional information distributed) Mr. Reynolds stated that the commission, in its second meeting, adopted a mission statement to use as a guideline in developing future policies and its budget with an emphasis on the desire to attract local, reqional, and national artists. Also, these guidelines affect the public relations and marketing programs. He thought that without a large defined market, success would be endangered. The center shall produce or co-produce as many events as possible to assure a variety of performances and good audience development. The artists must feel comfortable that things are handled in a professional manner; for example, acoustics must be good. They must meet the needs of the promoters, the artists, and producers, as well as the public audience. They will strive toward eventual financial independence by maximizing departmental revenue sources, seeking special grants, using available room tax funds, and pursuing a prudent fiscal plan to expend available funds. They will encourage other uses of their facility when it is not being used by performing arts groups to eipand community cultural opportunities and to accommodate appropriate public gatherings. Mr. Reynolds stated that Policy 2 establishes certain services as the exclusive responsibility of the management. These would include operation of the box office, concession or novelty sales, providing house managers, stage manaqement, technical support staff, ushers, ticket takers, and security. Their desire is e to be able to assure that uniform quality of service upon which both users and the public can rely. With trained employees, the public will be assured of a responsive, cordial, and well-informed staff. Many of them will be part-time employees. This training would payoff in the day-to-day operation as well as when staff must respond to operational problems like emergency evacuation procedures, medical emergencies, and other problems. However, this does not preclude a limited use of volunteer ushers working under the supervision of center staff. The Performing Arts Commission has requested that staff consider these possibilities once the center has gone through its opening. Exclusive operation of the box office, concessions, and novelty services are essential to maximize generation of operating income. Mr. Reynolds said, in regard to Policy 3, that the commission has deleqated some supervisory responsibilities to the center Director. This would include estab- lishing up to 16 house seats so that commission members and other people with official City business can attend events in the facility. Mr. Reynolds said that Policy 4 requires staff to develop a tenant agreement form. This responds to the need to contractually protect the City from unneces- sary liability exposure. Mr. Reynolds stated that Policy 5 allows the Executive Director to respond to market conditions when either of the halls are not in use. Fqr example, if the ORT summer production on the Eugene Mall is threatened by a cancellation due err MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 5, 1980 Page 10