City Council

CONVENTION CENTER SIOUX CITY, IOWA AUGUST 15, 2024 JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE EVENTS FACILITIES AND TOURISM ADVISORY BOARD A Joint Meeting of the City Council and Events Facilities and Tourism Advisory Board was held on August 15, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. The following Council Members were present on call of the roll: Moore, O’Kane, and Watters. Absent: Schoenherr and Scott. (Scott entered the meeting at 12:05 p.m.) Staff members present: Robert K. Padmore, City Manager, Nicole M. DuBois, City Attorney, and Heidi Farrens, City Clerk. Members of the Events Facilities and Tourism Advisory Board present: Mark Baltushis, Julie Enockson, David Gross, Sydney McManamy-Hermann, Jodi Reitmeier, and Barbara Sloniker. Others present: Nick Palmiotti, Tyson Events Center, Orpheum Theatre, and Convention Center General Manager (OVG360); Emily Vondrak, OVG360 Marketing Manager, Kristi Franz, Explore Siouxland Executive Director, Ragen Cote, Downtown Partners Executive Director, and Korey Smith, Small Business Development Center Regional Director. McManamy-Hermann welcomed attendees and introduced Franz. Franz reported record hotel/motel tax collections for FY 2024, $2,843,241.80. The events supported by the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau generated a $35,000,000 economic impact in Siouxland. Franz shared accomplishments including the First Explore Siouxland Destination Guide, a new Facebook page and rebranded website, and three new hotel partners. Palmiotti discussed accomplishments at the Tyson Events Center including implementing Ticketmaster to streamline ticketing and increase customer technology offering. March 2023 boasted more than 20 days of events earning millions in economic impact. The Tyson Events Center operating deficit was below $1,000,000 for the fourth consecutive year. Palmiotti shared that the new sound system installation was completed, staff underwent additional safety training, and repairs were made to the roof and pipes. Palmiotti reviewed successes at the Orpheum Theatre. Comedy shows were among the most successful heavily influencing the financial performance of the theatre. There were 56 events held at the theatre with a paid attendance of $33,054. Projects in FY 2023 included LED lights in the lobby, dressing rooms, and backstage for energy efficiency, seat maintenance, re-plastering and painting backstage, and a new security system. OVG360 assumed management of the Convention Center on April 1, 2024. Palmiotti discussed the initial focus of the team is to improve quality and selection of food and beverage offerings, deliver exceptional service, and increase event volume at the venue. A tasting event was held in June to showcase the updated offerings and thank the community for their support. Palmiotti shared that some OVG360 staff will work across all managed venues in the City, but some staff was hired or retained to continue working at the Convention Center full time. Upcoming events include the Siouxland African Festival, Iowa League of Cities Meeting, a Bridal Fair, and the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Small Business Expo. (August 15, 2024 - Joint Meeting Minutes) Page 1 Cote announced a new Arts and Entertainment Coalition. Events Facilities and Tourism Advisory Board member David Gross was named the new president of the coalition. Cote discussed downtown construction and the newly implemented downtown recycling offering. Upcoming events include ArtSplash, Food Truck Festival, Alley Art Festival, Martoberfest, Oktoberfest, Downtown Tailgate, and Fall Fest. Cote discussed Fall Restaurant Week which will focus on lunch. Later this year, Restaurant Week will be held featuring brunch and another in February promoting happy hour. McManamy-Hermann shared praise for Franz and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and complemented Downtown Partners and their flower arrangements. McManamy-Herman thanked those in attendance and the City Council for their support. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m., on motion by Scott, seconded by Moore, all voting aye. ATTEST: ____________________________ _____________________________ Heidi Farrens, City Clerk Robert E. Scott, Mayor City Council agendas are available at www.sioux-city.org u:\City Agenda\Agendas and Minutes\Council Minutes\2024\081524m Joint EFTAB (August 15, 2024 - Joint Meeting Minutes) Page 2