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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-11 02-108 ORDERDace: z -u -oz Item/Subject: Order, Authorizing a Public Information/Marketing Campaign to Replace the Bangor Auditorium/Ovic Center and in Support of Legislation Authorizing a Local Option Sales Tax for this Purpose. Responsible Department: CIN Council Over the past several years, the City Council has undertaken a variety of public information and outreach efforts addressing the future of the Bangor Auditorium/Ovic Center. These have included a series of neighborhood meetings, meetings with other regional govemments, the preparation of informational pieces, and the formation of the Special Committee on the Future of the Bangor Auditorium. The Special Committee report, which has been adopted by the Council, recommends that Mese facilities be replaced at an estimated cost of $30 million. It also recommends Mat a new complex be funded by a limited and targeted local option sales tax. Legislation which would authorize such a tax, subject to approval of local voters, Is currently pending before the State Legislature. The attached order will authorize a public information/marketing campaign on the need to replace the Auditorium ivic Center and In support of this legislation. Department Head ManageY6 Cornmeal This order has been reviewed by the Strategic Issues Committee, which recommends your approval. In addition, both the Strategic Issues and Business and Economic Development Committee have discussed the proposed public information/marketing campaign. Qty Manager Associated Information: Order Appmximately$17,500 is available In the Bass Park Replacement/Publicity Account. This account was initially established last year as one of a number of uses Identified for Revenue Sharing II funds received from the State. 4"yl///nn� D1 r Legal Approval: Indmiduaid bar oar X Passage First Reading Page_ of Referral 02-108 'l A iuftod to Councilor Paler Pe6vuary 11, 2002 C"o, CITY OF BANGOR 41 (MILE.) Order, Authorizing a Public Information/Mateting Campaign to Replace the Bangor Auditorium/Civic Center and in Support of Legislation Authorizing a Local Option Sales Tax for this Purpose WHEREAS, the Bangor Auditorium is almost 50 years old and is both showing its age and suffering from a variety of design flaws which limit As usefulness; the Chic Center, while newer and in better condition, also presents Issues which limit its use and Flexibility; and WHEREAS, the Auditorium and Civic Center are important elements of our local economy hosting more than 300,000 visitors each year and generating an estimated economic impact of $30 million to our regional economy; and WHERE , these facilities provide an important venue for local recreational and cultural events; and WHEREAS, the Special Committee on the Future of the Auditorium, a group which is broadly representative of the business and governmental community, has recommended that the current complex be replaced at an estimated cost of $30 million; and WHEREAS, this Committee has also recommended that the new complex be financed by a limited and targeted local option sales tax; and WHEREAS, a proposal for such a tax Is now under consideration by the Maine State Legislature; and WHEREAS, this proposal has also been en loresad by the Maine Service Centers Coalition, the Maine Municipal Association, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, the qng Administrator, and a variety of other groups and organizations; and WHEREAS, the Bangor City Council has repeatedly emphasized that a new Auditorium/Civic Center cannot be financed through the local property tax alone; and WHEREAS, it is important that members of the public from Bangor and throughout Northern and Eastern Maine be educated about the condition and shortcomings of the current facilities, the nature of the new facilities to be constructed, and the potential for financing this project through a limited and targeted local option sales tax. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE C1TT OF BANGOR, THAT: A public information/marketing campaign to replace the Bangor Auditonum/Ovic Center and in support of legislation authorizing a local option sales tax for this purpose is hereby authorized and City Staff is directed to take the necessary steps W implement such an effort. This effort may include but not necessanly be limited W the dissemination of written material and advertising in both print and electronic media. In CITY COUNCIL 3 February 11. 2002 02-108 Notion Made BASE Seconded for Passage Doug Cleudi®iog. Deeper ORDER resident. Opposed Local Option Sales Tar A Building Title, Authorizing A Public Infotvtion/ New Auditorium/Civic: Center Marketing campaign to replace the Bangor at Its Current Location Auditorium/Civic Center and in Support Passed of Legislation Authorizing a local Option Sales Tar for this Furs e Assigned ro C xf eimu Councilor