Convention Center Committee- April 11, 2025

CONVENTION CENTER COMMITTEE MEETING
April 11, 2025
1:00 p.m.
Present: Charley Johnson, Clare Hughes, Joe Raso (via conference call),
Kent Kolstad, Emma McIntyre, Taylor Snelling, Denise Kolpack,
Tim Mahoney, Dave Piepkorn, Shannon Full.
Absent: Mallari Ackerman, Katlyn Balstad, John Strand, Michelle Turnberg.
Others Present: Jim Gilmour, Assistant City Attorney Erik Johnson (via video
conference), Michael Redlinger, Susan Thompson.
Charley Johnson said Caroline Rhyan, formerly of Royal Media, was ill today and is
unable to attend. He said she was to discuss Royal Media's interest in Convention
Center venues. He said there will be no meeting next week due to the Good Friday
holiday. He said Tom Hazinski from HVS will provide an updated market analysis,
hopefully by the meeting on April 25th. The analysis will include ancillary space needs,
he said.
Jim Gilmour provided an overview of the RFP outline. He said proposals will be
submitted online through a city system which also allows for numerical scoring of
proposals. He said the RFP outline will include the following:
• Background information on the CVB.
• HVS market assessment work.
• Public-private partnership options.
• Facility needs.
• Selection process.
Susan Thompson said she has been working with Baker Tilly to determine available
funding. She said a range will be provided to bidders, considering potential capital
escrow and operating deficits.
Eric Johnson clarified that taxable bonds are likely the better approach versus
nontaxable bonds.
Mr. Gilmour detailed the information requested in the initial proposal:
• Development team qualifications and experience.
• Primary contact person.
• Strategy for financing private aspects of the project (hotel, etc.).
• Site information (location, size, ownership, control, utilities, adjacent land
uses, expansion potential, etc.).
• Conceptual drawings of the convention center and adjacent spaces.
• Parking and access details.
• Adjacent amenities and services.
• General operating plan (responsibilities of public and private parties,
maintenance, catering).
Commissioner Piepkorn inquired about including square footage requirements for
specific areas such as the kitchen and storage.
Mr. Johnson said that the HVS report would include those decisions.
Shannon Full said she would like to request similar RFPs for reference and initiated a
discussion about the decision-making matrix and weighting scale. She said she would
also like to see which operating plan elements are negotiable and non-negotiable.
Commissioner Kolpack emphasized the importance of unique aspects of the location
and building.
Joe Raso questioned the importance of entertainment, retail and other development and
the potential for related public resources, i.e. a TIF District.
Mr. Johnson confirmed the HVS model includes a category for "urban" development
potential and will request additional model RFPs from HVS.
The Committee discussed the need for detailed plans, cost guarantees, financial plans,
pro formas, revenue sharing and timelines in the detailed proposal phase.
Ms. Full requested clarification on the RFP timeline and process.
Mr. Gilmour suggested 90 days for the initial phase, potentially shortened to 60 days.
Mr. Johnson said he will follow-up with HVS for additional model RFPs and the status of
the market analysis.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:39 p.m.