Board accepts amended Coxhall Gardens catering contract pending legal updates

At the June 15 meeting, Director Chris Stice summarized an amended agreement proposed by Ritz Charles to serve as the 10-year catering partner for Coxhall Gardens. Under the amendment Ritz Charles would fund, install and maintain a new Cripe Pavilion tent (via vendor A Classic), receive 100% of tent rental revenue, and the Department would receive 15% of tent rental and associated liquor revenue (the Department currently receives 50% on other spaces). Ritz Charles also requested the Department subsidize any shortfall toward an assumed $90,000 annual tent-rental revenue for the first two years; Stice said the Department’s maximum liability under the amendment would still be less than its projected investment under the current arrangement.

The amended proposal also asked for a more current name for the tented area; Stice said Cripe representatives indicated they understood a name change might be appropriate. Attorney Chris Neeson reviewed and updated contract wording and asked the Board whether the amendment met the RFP criteria or whether the Board wanted to re-bid; the Board voted to accept the amended contract pending final legal updates and adjustments to the agreement language. Robyn Pauker moved the acceptance, Dr. Campbell seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.