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Recreation Commission Meeting May 5, 2003 Now, because of the computer age and kids really playing very little video in places like the Rec Center, redemption is the big thing with them right now. Games of chance, where the kids have a chance to win something, are what is hot right now. A game of chance called “Gravity Hill” was placed at Thornton Hill. It’s a game of chance where children try to win a prize and, if they don’t, they get a crazy ball. This is where the dollars are. This is called “portable redemption.” You give prizes out in a portable way. Mr. Iafelice asked for questions. Mr. Jesse asked what the typical revenue would be in a similar rec center. Mr. Iafelice replied that there are definite dollars there. The point is: kids are not going to be excited about playing the same game they can play on their home computer at the Rec Center. This is where the money is falling off. On the other hand, “Gravity Hill” made $141.00 the first week and $164.00 the next week. The “Skittle Ball” made $329.00. The “Carnival Crane” which is basically a crane, made $490.00. The whole idea is the fact that the kids are winning something. They’re not going to win every time, but the ratio is about 25%. If you get enough kids walking around with stuffed animals, it generates more business. Those figures are the gross of the coin box. The current agreement is 50% of that. With redemption, you’re talking 60/40, because with video, once the investment is paid off, there’s nothing else to pay for. The machines are constantly being filled with merchandise. Mr. Jesse asked if this was a bid process or if Metropolitan Vending was a preferred provider. Mr. Iafelice responded that Metropolitan Vending feels it is a preferred provider participating in the community. As example, his company has backed two hockey teams at North Olmsted Rec from the beginning. The concept of redemption has started the last couple years. Besides the main room at the Rec Center, a bank of capsule machines can be placed in the hallways redeeming sticky fingers, etc. Those four of five pieces (capsule machines) are doing $400 or $500 a week. For the traffic coming in and out, no one will be offended. Mr. Gareau interjected that what’s offensive must be revisited as an issue at this time. This should be discussed in a far larger forum than what was discussed the last time. A lot of times in local government one or two people complain and there’s a knee-jerk reaction, and it’s done. Mr. Gareau continued that he did not know how broad the concern was that Mortal Combat was an issue, particularly when a young man or young lady can go home and play that game at home. The Commission should look at the games and play the games. Iceland would be a good place to go. Strongsville Rec would be another location. Mr. Jesse asked a reasonable volume that could be generated from the Rec Center. Mr. Iafelice said, not even looking at the video, $1,000 a week, gross, would be a conservative minimum. The money is in the redemption pieces. Mr. DiSalvo and Mr. Gareau asked whether these machines would accept $1 bills, to which Mr. Iafelice responded they did. If you have the $1, it’s generally spent in the machines. It was asked of Mr. Iafelice why none of the games at the Rec Center accepted $1 bills, to which he responded that $1 bill changers are easily jammed. Mr. Gareau asked, “Who controls the money?” Mr. Iafelice said that, since Metropolitan Vending has been with the Rec Center, no one empties the machines without someone (from the Rec) being there, the money is counted on site, and the Rec Center gets its 50% then. There was general lighthearted discussion among the members about one of the first Pac Man games placed at the North Olmsted Rec Center many Page 10