CC Minutes - 06/14/99 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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private, nonprofit operations, and were not just venues but were institutions with full-time staffs, operating endowments, and major fund-raising campaigns. Such facilities may or may not allow carry-in foods. The manager of the Brit Festival had indicated to Mr. Scheeland that he preferred that foods not be allowed and would change the policy if he could because it affected the facility's concession revenues. Mr. Scheeland reviewed the Budget Committee's charge to the staff to continue to operate the amphitheater by making it possible for commercial promoters to bring in nationally recognized entertainers with the proviso the facility operate on a break-even basis and not require additional staff. He suggested the directive pushed the facility into the commercial category. He said that a change to the policy would represent a 180 degree change in the direction given to staff. Ms. Niles discussed the impact of a change in the policy at this point. She said that the City worked with two very large ticket vendors, Fastix and Ticketmasters, and it would be difficult to communicate the changes to those organizations, which had many points of sale locations. In addition, the ticket holders of presold tickets may not receive the information about the policy change in time to make a choice. Ms. Niles noted that the City had agreements with eight food vendors who believed that there would be no carry-in food at the facility, and a change in the policy could significantly impact the City's relationships with those vendors. She said that the change in policy would result in the return of long lines as well as irritation from patrons whose food containers were searched to protect other patrons and minimize the City's liability. Mr. Kelly moved, seconded by Ms. Taylor, to direct staffto revise the operational practice regarding carry-in food and beverages, and allow patrons of the Cuthbert Amphitheater to carry in food and nonalcoholic beverages in plastic containers, and to further direct the Cultural Services Department Advisory Committee to study the issue in relation to the comprehensive long-range business plan for the future of the amphitheater and other Cultural Services Division venues. Mr. Kelly acknowledged Mr. Scheeland's remarks and the background he provided, but suggested that the change in policy was the staff decision to no longer allow patrons to bring food and beverages to the venue. Regarding the problem of long lines, he suggested that an express line for those with no picnic baskets in combination with a big sign stating the searches occurred because of State regulations would alleviate the issue. Mr. Meisner supported the motion. While he acknowledged the staff concerns, he agreed with Mr. Kelly that the motion did not represent a change in long-standing practice but rather a change to a policy decision made the previous year. He agreed with Mr. Kelly an express line for those who did not bring food would be appropriate. Mr. Meisner said he was sympathetic to the vendors, but did not think everyone patronizing the facility would carry in food. He did not think that the expectations of those who had advance tickets was a concern given that the capacity of the facility was 4,000, the average audience for an event was 2,850, and there were only 3,500 tickets presold, a little more than a single concert's attendance. Mr. Meisner endorsed further study of the issue. Mr. Pap~ asked about the revenue stream to the City from the concessions. Mr. Scheeland said that last season there was total revenues of approximately $94,639 from all activities, including rents. The City realized $25,900 for beverage sales and $4,912 for food sales, or approximately $31,000. The amphitheater had unreimbursed expenses of $67,562. He reminded the council that there was no management time charged against the amphitheater. Mr. Scheeland added that commercial promoters, not the City, brought acts to the MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 14, 1999 Page 8 5:30 p.m.