CC Minutes - 02/26/01 Work Session

Home Browse Search

Pierce, member of the DAC and chair of a former committee appointed to determine whether the City should retain operation of the Hult Center. The DAC was subsequently formed in 1999 to determine how that could occur in a financially sustainable way. Ms. Westlund reviewed the DAC's recommendations related to arts company residency, which included retention of center residency, increases in the minimum number of resident company performances, institution of annual reporting requirements related to the residency criteria established by the DAC, and a requirement that resident companies support the center's educational mission. She reviewed recommendations related to the presenting program, which included a recommendation the center retain a presenting program operated by City staff, that the number of events not be arbitrarily set, that the center be receptive to community collaboration and partnerships that support its mission, that a programming review committee not be established, and that the City not develop or subsidize a private presenting organization. Mr. Pap~ arrived at the meeting. Ms. Westlund reviewed the DAC's recommendations related to the rental rates, which included a recommendation for a rate structure for the Silva Hall. Under "Operational Efficiencies," the committee recommended evaluation of the full-time to pad-time employee ratio, a benchmark study to explore variables that impact the center's fixed costs, the completion of a cost allocation model and managerial budget format, and identification of ways to increase the Soreng Theater's contribution to fixed costs. Mr. Morton reviewed the DAC's recommendations for revenues sources, which included a recommendation that the City support external fund-raising for certain capital projects that cannot be handled in the center's budget, that all Transient Room Tax revenues continue to be dedicated to the Cultural Services Subfund, that the City continue to allow the existing level of sponsorships at the Hult Center, that the City allow unsolicited or voluntary cash sponsorships for certain performances, and that the City bring together different groups to discuss alternatives to fund arts education. Mr. Morton reviewed the DAC's recommendations related to governance. Those included establishment of a governance/advisory body with roles outlined by the DAC, a proposal for the membership of the advisory committee, and recommendations related to the committee's structure and education. Mr. Morton reviewed the DAC's recommendations regarding the Cuthbert Amphitheater, which included a recommendation that the City increase activities and the exposure of the Cuthbert, that the City avoid risk at the facility, that the City create a programming plan to take advantage of the facility and to address facility and environmental issues, and to form a subcommittee to oversee the development of an overall Cuthbert plan. Ms. Nathanson asked Mr. Johnson if the recommendations had policy implications for the council. Mr. Johnson said yes; as examples, he highlighted the recommendation on parking revenues, which would affect the General Fund, and the recommendation for a permanent advisory committee. Ms. Nathanson asked if the department had sufficiently analyzed the recommendations so staff could state that in two years there would be as many local performing artists at the center as there MINUTE--Eugene City Council February 26, 2001 Page 2 Work Session