Civic Center manager reports steady bookings, requests modest capital and lighting upgrades

Mitch Stange, speaking for the civic center, told the council the facility continues to have steady rentals and is becoming a regional option for small conventions and community events. Stange said weekends are heavily booked (many dates reserved a year in advance) and weekday business is a target for new marketing.

Key requests and updates included audiovisual upgrades, replacement of two air-conditioning/heating units (two others already repaired), continued replacement of aging tables and chairs (Stange cited roughly $20,000 of periodic replacements), and replacement of an exterior light pole (a planning estimate of about $7,000 was cited). Stange said the civic center works to remain a mid-priced option and takes steps to control wear-and-tear, including a $500 deposit for ceiling-hanging decorations and a $500 alcohol deposit to cover additional cleaning when required.

Technology and services: the chamber currently pays for building Wi-Fi (a 100-meg connection); staff described how bigger events can strain that service and said they are evaluating technology upgrades. Stange said the civic center and tourism staff are coordinating brochure distribution and marketing to attract midweek events; he reported a recent event drew about 300 regional attendees.

Finances: Stange said the civic center aims to recover credit-card convenience fees and expects the city and chamber to implement a convenience fee at the same time. He also noted the civic center contributes materially to the chambers finances and that facility management remains an important revenue source for the chamber.

Stange invited councilmembers to tour the facility and said staff will include lighting and risk-management items in future work.