SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Provide direction for design of Imagine Clearwater.
Body
SUMMARY:
In January of 2019 the City engaged Webb Management Services, Inc. to provide a study to assess the feasibility of developing and operating a bandshell in “The Green” portion of the Imagine Clearwater Master Plan.
The study was intended to be done in two parts, with this first part focusing on the viability of a bandshell in terms of supply and demand issues in the operating environment. This portion of the study included a review of project related materials and studies, a look at the arts and entertainment sector as a whole, an assessment of the market, a competitive analysis, interviews with potential users, research on touring product potential for the region, identification of potential operating, programming, and development partners, determination of community benefits and impacts, and research of comparable facilities.
In the initial phase of the work, which was presented February 25th, the consultant provided a set of conclusions and recommendations on the potential development of the facility and Council provided direction to the consultant to inform his financial and operating model.
In second phase of the work, which was presented this past Monday, April 1st, Mr. Webb provided his conclusions with a focus on a recommended operating model, programming plan, staffing requirements, facility management plan, pro-forma operating budget, and a critical path from planning through the start of operations. Additionally, Staff and other various consultants provided information on roofing, seating, and various financial issues.
The direction staff seeks this evening is:
1. Whether or not council wishes to pursue a retractable roof large enough to cover 3,000 seats.
2. Whether or not council is comfortable with a rake generally consistent with what is shown in the plan
3. Whether or not council is comfortable moving forward based on the financial information
4. Identify other areas of the current site plan that need you believe need further discussion.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
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USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
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