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