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Commission Meeting March, 1998 Page 2 Visitors Opportunity to Address Commission: Mrs. Hayes, Chairman, asked Mr. Evangelistic of the Dover Players to present his concerns to the Commission Members. For the past five years they have operated during the summer months in a tent in the parking lot of the North Olmsted Recreation Complex. The Dover Players conduct about three plays per year and draw approximately 1,500 to 2,000 patrons per year. There are no admission fees to their shows but donations are gladly accepted. In a nutshell, the Dover Players are looking for a facility which could be used year round with all the basic accommodations. This would enable them to conduct winter and fall productions. Mr. Evangelistic stated that he would like to come up with a plan that doesn’t cost the City any money. If an existing site could be identified the Dover Players would pay for all the renovations as long as they were granted a long term lease to benefit on their capital investments. Mr. Evangelistic also mentioned that he had a meeting with Mayor Musial on Monday, March 23, 1998. He stated that the Mayor agreed that North Olmsted needed a theater facility and he intended on including this element within the strategic planning program for the City. Mr. Evangelistic discussed several options that could be considered in the interim. The Old Town Hall and Middle School were mentioned. According to Mr. Evangelistic the Middle School is not always available and it would be too costly to use after paying custodial and other fees. The thought of a simple pole barn was discussed but building codes would significantly increase the costs for developing this type of facility. Mr. Jenkins suggested that Mr. Evangelistic needs to consider charging a fee for the plays. Mr. Evangelistic felt that many of the patrons would not be able to afford this added cost and this would reduce their attendance figures. Mr. Gardner asked if he had considered the Senior Center and Springvale as potential sites. Mr. Evangelistic replied that the Senior Center would also charge a fee and might not always be available but Springvale may be a potential alternative. Mr. Kasler asked what his relationship was with the theatrical students of North Olmsted. Mr. Evangelistic replied that they give a scholarship every year to a promising student that is interested in the theater. Mr. Dolansky inquired about strengthening this relationship with the schools so that a mutually beneficial theatrical program could be developed. Mr. Evangelistic stated that he would contact Greg Birney to see what arrangements could be made with the Middle School. He also stated that he had scheduled another meeting with the Mayor in April and he would check into the Commission’s suggestions. Mr. Evangelistic stated that he would possibly report back to the Commission Members in the near future. Mr. Jenkins introduced the topic of Ice Rink renovations. He stated that there was obviously a need to conduct some major renovations in the Ice Rink which is now twenty-three years old. The North Olmsted Hockey Club and the West Shore Figure Skating Club are both requesting renovations to various physical elements within the Ice Rink so he felt it was important for both organizations to understand all the projects that are needed and the financial concerns that exist.