07/16/2007 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1Vlinutes of the Combined Caucus/Council Meeting 7-16-07 Page 14 Mr. Saponaro asked if there is a proposed restaurant or is that just wishful thinking. Greg stated that they have a block of space between their existing tenancy which is almost 100% built out and operational and the proposed conference center area. That leaves us with a block of space in between the existing tenancy and the conference center somewhere between 15,000-20,000 feet that can be used. Plans could involve a full service restaurant that would be contiguous to the conference center so there could be some synergies between kitchen facilities and so forth. At this point, Greg does not have a commitment from a restaurateur that he could share with us. The conference center is being designed to have a full kitchen to do full food service for events up to 500 people. Mr. Saponaro asked if the hotel will be a limited fare. Greg said the current prototype, which they are building the most modern version, has a full service restaurant. It is not a large one, but it is in the actual hotel itself on the first level. Matt added that it is actually a full service kitchen that can serve the three large meeting areas located on the south wing of the hotel itself as well as the rest of the hotel, including room service. Mr. Buckholtz asked if it will comfortably seat 500. Greg replied that the main ballroom is about 7500 feet. That can accommodate 500-600 banquet style. It's not the largest ballroom you have ever seen, but it can handle larger size events. From a management standpoint, their hospitality company will be the management company that handles functions at the conference center for consistency. Mayor Rinker stated that it was at least 4 years ago when this idea was first discussed. You were even on the other side of the road. It is nice to see this coming to fruition. Mr. Bakos advised that he is sorry this took as long as it did. They obviously would love to be open and operational as they speak tonight. It is a process. There are a certain amount of risks that have to be managed. At this point in time, with the great help of City Architecture, they are very pleased with the results aesthetically and the way that this thing will function. They can't wait to get it built. They hope to be a little piece of the cornerstone. Mr. Buclcholtz asked if there were any other questions. There were none. Roll Call: AYES: All Motion Carried NAYS: None Recommendation Approved Motion to authorize expenditure in the amount of $103,387.00 to Wichert Insurance for renewal of insurance program for 2007-2008, effective July 1, 2007. Mrs. Mills, seconded by Mrs. Cinco, made a motion to authorize expenditure in the amount of $103,387.00 to Wichert Insurance for renewal of insurance program for 2007-2008, effective July 1, 2007. Council President Buckholtz asked if there was any discussion. Roll Call: AYES: All Motion Carried NAYS: None Expenditure Authorized