6-corrinn email exchange freedom center keyword

8/7/2019 6-corrinn email exchange Freedom Center keyword

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Corrinn Conard

From: Jessica FaganSent: Monday, October 15, 2007 8:08 AMTo: Brian Hoffmeister ([email protected]); Lori Payne ([email protected]);

Derek Bridges ([email protected]); OCFCSubject: September2007.html

Below please find the September 2007 Monthly Report to the Commission; please let me know if you have anyquestions.

MONTHLY REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONSeptember 2007

Prepared by: Kathleen M. Fox, FASLA, Executive Director,and the Commission Staff

COMMISSION NEWS

The Commission reimbursed three local project sponsors totaling more than $378,000 on paid invoices during themonth of September. The total amount reimbursed includes:

PROJECT NEWS

Officials from the National Underground Railroad FreedomCenter (NURFC) and Commission staffare moving forwardwith a plan that will make the museum a likely candidate for theCommissions November 2007 meeting agenda. TheCommissions bond counsel is scheduled to draft a proposedextension of the lease agreement with NURFC as well as anaddendum to the Cooperative Use Agreement. The revised lease

would be coterminous with a new Cooperative Use Agreement,and would provide security for the states investment through anextended real property interest in the facility. NURFCs bankwould have to agree to subordinate their interest in the facility tothe proposed lease extension (The Commission holds first lienposition with our existing lease). The proposed arrangement issuggested as a remedy to the $7.75 million gap in the museumscapital funding model. Project Manager Tony Capaci is creating asummary of the revised business plan submitted by NURFC

officials, which will be distributed to Commission members for review prior to the November meeting. The museum plansto seek Commission approval of the $2 million in state capital funds appropriated in the December 2006 capital bill.

$142,464 Akron Art Museum$201,490 McKinley Museum Improvements $34,397 Toledo Museum of Art

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center(Hamilton County)


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Commission staff members are working to resolve insurance issues with the Chester Academy project. TheCommission approved a $25,000 appropriation in August 2006, and legal agreements were entered into with the localsponsor in February 2007. The local project sponsor does not have adequate general liability and property insurance, andappropriate insurance coverage is required as part of the Commissions Cooperative Use Agreement and theConstruction Administration and Funding Agreement. Commission staff is working with the Meigs County Commissionersin an attempt to resolve the issue; the county has general liability and property insurance on the building, to which theymay be able to add the Commission, the state of Ohio, and other necessary parties as additional insureds. Commissionstaff expects to hold further discussions with county officials this month.

Commission Executive Director Kathy Fox and Project Manager Samantha Cothern attended a kick-off meetingwith representatives of Nationwide Childrens Hospital on September 4. The meeting outlined the hospitals $740-million expansion plans as they relate to the facilitys $1-million appropriation to build an amphitheater in an adjacent park.Hospital representatives also discussed the cooperative relationship formed with the City of Columbuss Recreation andParks Department, which owns the adjacent Livingston Parka candidate for the amphitheaters location. The overallexpansion plan will add one million square feet to the hospital complex by 2012, making it one of the largest pediatricfacilities in the nation. Hospital officials have not indicated a timeline by which they anticipate submitting project materialsfor Commission review.

Commission staff met with Senator Tim Schaffer and representatives of the Ohio Glass Museum to discusspossible scenarios for moving the project forward. The museum has a $250,000 appropriation that it plans to use formuseum exhibits and display cases. Sustainability concerns revealed in previous project reviews by Commission staffhave kept state funding for the project on hold. A solution proposed by Senator Schaffer would involve a guarantee by the

Fairfield County Visitors and Convention Bureau to repay state bond funds invested in the project, should the museumdefault on its legal obligations to the Commission. Museum representatives will explore the proposal with the visitorsbureau, and pending the outcome, will resume submitting the necessary materials for review and placement on anupcoming Commission meeting agenda.

Current sponsors of the Fort Piqua Hotel renovation project, representatives ofPiquas Flesh Public Library, and Commission staff are discussing the use ofstate capital funds for the Flesh Public Librarys planned space within thebuilding. The library plans to relocate to three stories of the renovated hotel, whichreceived a $200,000 state capital appropriation. The hotel, listed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places, will also house restaurants, retail, and a banquet hall whenrenovations are complete. The project is utilizing Federal historic tax credits in itsfunding model, which may pose challenges in also investing state bond funds in the

project. The sponsor has also applied for state historic tax credits. A remedy nowbeing explored is for the public library to utilize the appropriation to fund the creation ofa combined art gallery and history museum within the library. More specifics on theproposed plan for the use of state funds and the provision of culture are forthcomingfrom library officials.

The Columbus College of Art and Design recently announced the public phaseof a $12 million capital campaign. The college has already raised $7 million, andhas indicated it will direct $8.8 million to capital improvements at its downtowncampus. A major initiative is expected to center on the Broad Street facilitya formercommercial building now owned by the schoolto create new classroom, studio, and

gallery space. The college received a $250,000 appropriation in the December 2006 capital bill, which is expected to beused for roof and faade repairs at the Broad Street building. College officials have not indicated when they expect tobeing submitting materials for Commission staff review.

Two Commission funded projects are winding down, while another is just beginning. The Midland Theatresproject to conduct exterior drainage improvements is nearing completion after experiencing several delays. Theprojects $175,000 appropriation was approved by the Commission in May 2005. Local sponsors report the project willcome in under budget, leaving approximately $9,000 to be used on a future project. The McKinley Monuments granitestair restoration project is also complete. The Commission approved $800,000 in state capital funds in March 2007.Project Manager Samantha Cothern attended the Monuments 100th anniversary dinner on September 21, and spoke atthe event on behalf of the Commission. Also in attendance at the event were Senator J. Kirk Schuring and Canton MayorJanet Weir Creighton. Meanwhile, officials at Riverbend Pavilion held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new4,100-seat amphitheater to be built using $3.25 million in state capital funds. The project received Commission approvalon August 16, 2007, and local sponsors broke ground on August 30.

Fort Piqua Hotel(Miami County)


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The Southern Hills Arts Council was awarded a $30,000 grant by the Governors Office of Appalachia to supportrenovations of the Markay Theatre. The theater was a focal point of the city of Jackson when it was built in the 1930s,and continues to be a critical element in efforts to revitalize the downtown. The Markay has a $200,000 state capitalappropriation, which is expected to be used for various interior improvements, including the box office, restrooms, andstorage areas. Local sponsors report a recent anonymous gift of $50,000 in addition to the $30,000 state grant, andindicate they are planning to submit materials in the coming months for assessment by Commission staff.

The Great Lakes Science Center received approval to build its proposed walkway connecting to the SteamshipWilliam G. Mather Museum. The Cleveland City Planning Commission approved a design for the 400-foot climate-controlled walkway, which would enable the science center to open the Great Lakes freighter year-round, rather than thesix months the steamship is currently open. The cost of the project is estimated at $3.3 million, and science center officialshave stated that they expect the walkway will be open one year from now. The Steamship Mather Museum has stateappropriations totaling $700,000 that could be used to fund a portion of this project, but officials have not indicated whenthey expect to begin submitting materials for review by Commission staff.

Approximately 10 cultural facility projects are currently in assessment for potential placement on theCommissions November meeting agenda, along with two projects of the Ohio Historical Society. Those projectsthat successfully submit the necessary materials for assessment by the posted deadlines and, after thorough review, canbe recommended by Commission staff, will be placed on the Commissions upcoming meeting agenda.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Substitute House Bill 9 of the 126th

General Assembly, Ohios new public records law, took effect on September29, 2007. Although the definition of public records remains unchanged, the law imposes on public offices newobligations with regard to responding to public records requests, and requires public offices to adopt a public recordspolicy for responding to such requests. In compliance with the new law, the Commission Executive Director has approveda public records policy, and has adopted the general schedules for records retention as established by the Department ofAdministrative Services. The agencys new public records policy will be presented to the Commission for formal adoptionat the November 2007 meeting.

Preliminary discussions on requests for the 2008 capital bill are heating up. Commission staff members have fieldedan increasing number of inquiries in recent weeks from local project sponsors and public officials regarding potentialprojects and eligibility requirements. In addition to a number of phone inquiries, Commission staff held two meetings inSeptember with potential project sponsors; a meeting with a third potential sponsor is scheduled for early October.

STAFF NEWS

LeeAnne Woods has been promoted from Project Analyst to Project Manager as part of the Commissions effort toincrease the agencys project services group, a result of the agencys increased operating funds included in the FY 2008-2009 operating budget bill. LeeAnne was selected from among a pool of qualified candidates to fill the Project Managerrole. A staff member since March 2007, LeeAnne has quickly grasped the policies and procedures of the project servicesarena. LeeAnne holds an M.B.A. from Florida International University as well as law degree from Case Western Reserve.As a result of the promotion, the Commission will now look to hire two project analysts in order to fully staff three projectmanagement teams.

In other staffing news, the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) has not yet approved the Commissionsrequest to increase the agencys personnel ceiling by four, which was submitted more than two months ago. Theadditional staffing is within the Commission-approved operating budget contained in Am. Sub. H.B. 119, signed into lawby the Governor in June. The Commission Executive Director and Assistant Director continue to work with OBM torespond to requests for information about the staffing plan. Selection processes for the new personnel have beencompleted, and so in the interim, Commission management has hired three of the four on contract or through temporarystaffing firms in order to meet the demands of the project workload.

NEW PROJECT PROFILE


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Vinton County Historical Society

Alices House

The Vinton County Historical Society Alices House project received a$50,000 appropriation in the December 2006 capital bill. Alices House is thename of the historic property that houses the Vinton County Historical andGenealogical Society. State funds will be used for a variety of renovations,including new windows and storm doors; new HVAC, security, and fire alarmsystems; exterior painting; and an entrance ramp compliant with the Americanswith Disabilities Act.

The King Arts Complex, located in Columbus, is the recipient of $150,000in state capital funds, appropriated in the December 2006 capital bill. Themulti-arts facility serves the community with visual and performing artsprograms, arts education initiatives, and permanent exhibitions. State funds willbe directed toward sidewalk improvements, lighting and electrical work, and anew sump pump and other drainage remediation. The King Arts Complexs state

funds come from a shared appropriation with the Lincoln Theatre under the appropriation line-item name King-Lincoln Artsand Entertainment District.

FUTURE COMMISSION MEETINGS

Thursday, November 29, 2007 10:00 AM at the Commission office2008 meeting schedule TBA

cc: Brian Hoffmeister, Legislative Services CommissionLori Payne, Office of the Attorney GeneralDerek Bridges, Office of Budget and Management


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Corrinn Conard

From: Jessica FaganSent: Monday, August 13, 2007 11:31 AMTo: OCFC; Derek Bridges ([email protected]); Brian Hoffmeister

([email protected]); Lori Payne ([email protected])Subject: July2007.html

The Akron Art Museum officially reopened tothe public on July 17, 2007 after its

$42-million expansion project.

Below please find the Monthly Report to the Commission for July 2007 -- please let me know if you have anyquestions.

MONTHLY REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONJuly 2007

Prepared by: Kathleen M. Fox, FASLA, Executive Director,and the Commission Staff

COMMISSION NEWS

The Commission reimbursed two local project sponsors totaling morethan $114,000 on paid invoices during the month of July. The totalamount reimbursedincludes:

Many other project invoices were in process in July; see related article onthe new OAKS financial system in the Items of Interest section of thisreport.

Commission Secretary Treasurer George Oberer and Member JulieKunkel, CPA, participated in the Audit Exit Conference on July 16, 2007for the FY 05-07 performance audit of the Commission undertaken by theState Auditors Office. The final draft of the Audit Management Letter, aswell as Managements response letter, were sent to all CommissionMembers on July 17. Commission Members will receive the State Auditors

official report by mail, directly from the Auditor.

PROJECT NEWS

COSI Toledo got a boost when the Lucas County Citizens Tax LevyReview Committee voted to recommend that the museums tax levy be placed on the November 2007 ballot (readfull article). A proposed tax levy in 2006 failed at the polls by 1,200 votes. At that time, the tax review committee hadremained neutral on recommending COSIs levy request to county commissioners for placement on the ballot. Thecommittee chair cited COSIs increased outreach and services to county residents as a reason the committee voted tosupport the levy. David Waterman, COSI Toledos board chair, has indicated that the committees recommendation is a

$13,745 John Bloomfield Home Restoration

$101,251 Ohio Historical Society various projects


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The Akron Art MuseumsJohn S. and James L. Knight Building

positive sign. Waterman has also stated that failure to pass the levy in 2007 will result in the museums closing. COSIToledo has been appropriated a total of $11.9 million in state bond funds, and approximately $10.8 million has been paidout.

Officials from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Commission staffare investigating acourse of action that may put the museum in a position to receive Commission approval for the $2 million appropriated inthe December 2006 capital bill. After a meeting on July 11, 2007 and a subsequent conference call on July 26, partiesagreed to move forward with investigation of a proposal from the Freedom Center that would extend the Commissionsexisting leasehold interest in the facility. The current leasehold interest would be extended to be conterminous with a newCooperative Use Agreement that would be entered into upon Commission approval of the recent capital appropriation. Inexploring the proposal, Commission staff are seeking input from legal and bond counsel. The arrangement would permitthe Freedom Center to continue to util ize interest income from its endowment/investment account to close the capitalfunding gap, and provides security for the states investment through an extended real property interest in the facility.Pending satisfactory review of an updated business plan and other required materials, the Freedom Center could appearon the Commissions November 2007 meeting agenda. On a related note, Freedom Center representatives indicatedprogress in the establishment of an operating endowment with a $5 million goal.

The City of Toledos Marina District project will appear on the Commissions upcoming August 2007 meetingagenda, seeking to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the Commission. TheCommission utilizes MOU agreements to provide preliminary approval of projects in instances where the Commission isable to make one or more, but not all, of the required determinations that result in a projects full approval. The agreementoutlines the steps project sponsors must undertake before they can be brought before the Commission a second time toreceive remaining approvals. In many cases, the Commissions preliminary approval can be leveraged by local sponsors

to complete capital campaigns, because the MOU demonstrates the states commitment to the project. Marion PalaceTheatre is an example of a project that has utilized the Commissions MOU agreement to work towards completion offundraising for its capital improvements project. The theater appeared before the Commission in August 2005, howeverthe project was not fully funded at that time. The Commission determined the need for the project in the community, andsubsequently authorized the execution of an MOU. Marion Palace Theatre is tentatively scheduled to appear on theCommissions upcoming August 2007 meeting agenda. Should the Commission be able to grant final approval of theproject, the local sponsors can begin to access the total $1.575 million in state appropriations.

The RiverSouth project, in which the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) now proposes tocreate a 150-seat cabaret-style theater in downtown Columbus, continues to experience delays in movingforward. The project has a $1 million state capital appropriation.Although the local project sponsor has submitted anumber of materials for assessment by Commission staff, major omissions include a narrative business plan to supportthe five-year pro forma that was submitted, as well as documentation for the use of federal funding which would

demonstrate full funding for the project. The local sponsor plans to fit out the first floor of a planned four-story building forthe theater and its operations, and further documentation will be required of the commercial developers secured fundingsources for the construction of the project as a whole. The theater concept has been changed over the last year from afacility for legitimate theater that would be the primary home of the Contemporary American Theatre Company, to themore recently presented concept of a cabaret-style theater space with the primary user being CAPA as a presenter andseveral local organizations using the space for a few weeks each year. Commission staff will continue to work with theproject sponsor to obtain the remaining necessary materials. CAPA indicates that they now are hoping to be including on

the Commissions November 2007 agenda.

The long-awaited reopening of the Akron Art Museum occurred inJuly, with a series of special events leading up to the museums firstofficial public day on July 17, 2007. The museums Defy Gravity GrandOpening Gala was a sell-out, with 1,500 patrons turning out for the blacktie event on July 7. The gala was followed by members-only previewdays, VIP receptions, and a free, ticketed public sneak-peak on July 15.The museum has garnered local, national and international press, andhas been reviewed by The New York Times, Los Angeles Times,Chicago Tribuneand the Washington Post. The Los Angeles Timescalled the new wing soaring, audaciously sculptural, (read review) andthe Chicago Tribunewrote, If architecture is frozen music, the museumnow sings because of its enlivening tensions between gravity andweightlessness, classical containment and explosive, almost ferocious,baroque energy, (read review). State appropriations total $8.7 million,of which $$7.45 million has been reimbursed to the museum to date.


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Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) has been named a Champion in Action for its excellence in community artsprogramming. The Champion in Action award is given quarterly by Charter One Bank and WJW FOX 8 to worthynonprofits that address community needs in northeast Ohio. The award provides a $25,000 grant, public relations andvolunteer support. Cleveland Public Theatre is a leading experimental performance venue that prioritizes developing localtalent and innovative community outreach. CPT completed an improvements project through the Commission in 2004utilizing a $112,000 share of a larger appropriation for the West Side Arts Consortium, and has been designated to utilizea $100,000 appropriation for the Gordon Square Arts District for planned HVAC upgrades. The organization is raising thenecessary funds for the project before beginning the Commission assessment process.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

The Commission launched a new website on August 1, 2007. In addition to a fresh look for the site, the new designstreamlines navigation, includes expanded content, and provides online versions of the Commissions publications.Among the new additions to the websites content are an online Press Room, featuring recent press releases andCommission fact sheets; a Project Planning section that serves as an introduction to capital project planning; and aResources page with links to a variety of websites and publications for nonprofits including business planning, fundraisingand strategic planning. The redesigned site maintains the same web address: www.culture.ohio.gov

Commission staff will undertake three project pre-assessments in the coming weeks. The first will be undertakenfor a project located in Hamilton County. The project received a $100,000 appropriation in the December 2006 capital billand was assigned to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for oversight. After discussions in which ODNR

representatives indicated they have no statutory authority to work with the project, and conversations with the legislatorswho sponsored the appropriation, Executive Director Fox offered to review the project to find out if it meets Commissioneligibility requirements. Commission staff will begin gathering information from the local project sponsors for assessment.Should it be determined that the project fits within the Commissions guidelines, the necessary legislation would then berequested to transfer the appropriation from ODNR to the Commission for oversight. The Commissions proposed ModelProcess for Community Capital Improvements Projects seeks to reduce or eliminate instances in which community capitalprojects get improperly assigned by gathering sufficient information through the pre-assessment process to understandwhich agencies are equipped to oversee each project.

The initial assessment of potential projects as part of the capital appropriations process would also play a role in providinglegislators with a better understanding of proposed capital projects, their strengths and weaknesses, and their readinessto utilize capital appropriations, should they be made by the Legislature.State Representative and Ex-Officio Commission Member Shawn Webster requested a pre-assessment of a potential

capital project in his Butler County district. After working with the local project sponsor to obtain information about theproject plans, the Commission staff will provide an objective evaluation of the project for Representative Webstersconsideration as the capital bill process gets underway in 2008. A third pre-assessment was requested by RepresentativeT. Todd Book for a proposed expansion of the Portsmouth Murals project, which consists of a series of murals on thePortsmouth flood wall. These pre-assessments are being done as a courtesy to members of the Legislature. Only a smallnumber of pre-assessments will be feasible within the Commissions operating resources. Providing better service forcurrently-assigned projects will be the focus for the additional staff to be hired using funding restored in FY 08-09 (seeStaff News, below, for more information).

Daytons arts sector saw impressive growth over a recent ten-year period, according to a study published by anOhio-based arts consultant. The Dayton Daily News reported on the study, which shows that although annual operationsfor arts organizations tripled from $15.7 million in 1994 to $46.4 million in 2005, smaller organizations still struggle, and onthe whole the arts have insufficient endowments and reserves. On a positive note, Dayton arts organizations operate atbetter-than-national-average ratios of earned income to private and public support. The news story also indicates thatCulture Works, the largest provider of general operating support for arts organizations in Greater Dayton, is working toestablish a common endowment fund that would benefit the arts sector as a whole, and could generate as much as $2.5million in additional operating support annually (real full article).

The Commission has started a new fiscal year under the states new OAKS system. The financial component of thesystem launched as planned on July 1, 2007, the beginning of fiscal year 2008. Although there have been a fewtemporary system-wide glitches, the Commissions fiscal officer Myra LaCava has been able to pay vendors utilizing thenew system. In the coming months, Commission staff will begin developing new internal procedures in order to align withthe OAKS system, consistent with the Commissions guidance at the November 2006 meeting.


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STAFF NEWS

New Positions: Using the increased resources afforded by the operating funds restored to the Commission in the statesoperating budget bill, we are recruiting for three positions in the project services group. Another new position will be filledto coordinate the Commissions increasingly complex computerized information systems.

Operations Coordinator: We are also recruiting to fill the Operations Coordinator position.Cheri Millerwill become Regional Marketing Manager for The Little Clinic, a healthcare services company that manageswalk-in clinics placed inside retail locations. In her exciting new job, Cheri will be responsible for marketing initiatives inColumbus, Toledo and Detroit.

NEW PROJECT PROFILE

The County Line Historical Society of Wayne/Holmes Counties received a$100,000 appropriation in the December 2006 capital bill. The Society is currentlyrenovating an 1870s building on the main street in Shreve, Ohio, for conversion into ahistorical museum. The state-funded portions of the project will include the completionof construction of an addition to the historic building, as well as the rehabilitation of theoriginal portions of the building, known as the Old Tin Shop. Completion of these twoprojects will allow the Society to open the museum to the public.

Karamu House provides dynamic arts education programs and a renownedtheater program, as well as social, economic and educational developmentopportunities in the Cleveland community. A $100,000 appropriation was included forKaramu House in the December 2006 capital bill. The local sponsors hope to utilizethe state funds to assist with replacing the facilitys HVAC/boiler system.


Thursday, August 16, 2007, 10:00 AM at the Commission officeThursday, November 29, 2007 (starting time and location TBA)

cc: Brian Hoffmeister, Legislative Services Commission

Lori Payne, Office of the Attorney GeneralDerek Bridges, Office of Budget and Management

County Line Historical Society(Wayne/Holmes Counties)


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Corrinn Conard

From: Jessica FaganSent: Monday, July 09, 2007 9:15 AMTo: OCFC; [email protected]; Lori Payne ([email protected]);

Anthony Perry ([email protected])Subject: June2007.html

Two sports projects assigned to theCommission revealed preliminary designs to

the public during the month of June:

Toledo Ice Arena (Lucas County)

Huntington Park (Franklin County)

Below please find the Monthly Report to the Commission for June 2007.

MONTHLY REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONJune 2007Prepared by: Kathleen M. Fox, FASLA, Executive Director,

and the Commission Staff

COMMISSION NEWS

Governor Strickland signed the states operating budget bill forthe 2008-2009 biennium into law on June 30, 2007. A House-Senate conference committee kept provisions included in the Senateversion of the bill that restore the Commissions project managementfunding to the appropriation level of fiscal years 2004-2005. TheCommissions first priority will be to hire additional project

management staff to oversee the more than 250 projects that havebeen assigned to the Commission.

Commission Member Harry Lehman has been appointed to theboard of the School Employees Retirement System by OhioTreasurer Richard Cordray. Mr. Lehman will fill an unexpired term asthe treasurers investment designee, effective immediately. His termwill run through December 2, 2008.

The Commission reimbursed five local project sponsors totalingmore than $5.7 million on paid invoices during the month of June.The total amount reimbursed includes:

$675,920 Akron Art Museum$2,000,000 Great American

Ball Park$155,335 Ohio Historical

Society variousprojects

$2,753,237 Schuster Center forthe Performing Arts

$158,891 Western ReserveHistorical Society


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PROJECT NEWS

Officials from the Western Reserve Historical Society, which operates Hale Farm and Village, have indicatedplans to move forward with their project to renovate two wings of the Jonathan Hale House, the primary building atthe historical village. The project received a $250,000 appropriation in Am. Sub. H.B. 16 of the 126th General Assembly,and received Commission approval in May 2006; however, construction plans were put on hold when bids came backhigher than anticipated. The project sponsor received revised bids that meet the project budget, and anticipatesconstruction will begin as soon as the county issues a building permit, which is expected to be this summer.

Commission staff requested a variety of submittals and reporting requirements of the Johnny AppleseedHeritage Center, Inc. (JAHCI) in correspondence dated June 20, 2007. The letter reiterates the need for JAHCI toadequately and fully address prior questions posed by Commission staff regarding its financial recovery plan. In addition,the letter outlines additional reporting requirements, including a progress report summarizing the results of a fundraisingcampaign, and operating revenue and expense reports, by September 15, 2007. Additional documentation is beingrequired as soon as July 1, 2007.

At the request of the Commission, the Board of Directors of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD),from whom JAHCI leases the facility, is considering a resolution that approves the reduced level of cultural programmingnow being offered by JAHCI and waiving the requirement for an outdoor drama specifically related to Johnny Appleseed.In addition, the resolution would authorize MWCD to work with the Commission to explore contingency options, whichcould include contracting with a new operator, should JAHCI be declared in default by the Commission. The resolution isexpected to be adopted by September 2007.

Commission staff will review the information received from JAHCI and will report to Commission members on progressand recommended actions as appropriate.

Executive-level comings and goings were reported at several Commission project sites over the last severalweeks. The Dayton Art Institute has announced its hiring of David Brigham as Director and CEO. Brigham will take thehelm on August 20, 2007, and is most recently executive director of the Allentown Art Museum in Pennsylvania (read fullarticle). Leadership at two historic theaters is changing hands: Stambaugh Auditorium director Steven Small resigned,effective May 25, 2007, and executive director Costin Manu of the Sandusky State Theatre (SSTI) announced hisresignation (read full article). Manu reportedly will continue to serve as a consultant to Sandusky State Theatre, andleaves the theater with a new operating plan in place and a 2007-2008 season on the schedule. Finally, two high-levelexecutives are leaving the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: president Spencer Crew and executive vicepresident of advancement Love Collins III are leaving the Cincinnati institution for new jobs (read full article). BothStambaugh Auditorium and the Freedom Center received new appropriations in the December 2006 Capital Bill.

Franklin County officials publicly unveiled plans for the new Columbus Clippers baseball stadium, HuntingtonPark, to be built in the Arena District near downtown Columbus. Designers are planning a ballpark to seat 10,000 fans,with the closest seats located just 48 feet from the bases. Driven in part by the small 8-acre footprint the stadium willoccupy, 360 Architecture, in association with Moody Nolan, has designed an intimate but state-of-the-art stadium that willinclude suites, club seating, and a rooftop patio available for parties. County officials intend to keep Clippers gamesaffordable, retaining $3 - $6 general admission ticket prices, $3 event parking, and the popular Dime-A-Dog nights (readfull article). Huntington Park received a $7 million appropriation in the December 2006 Capital Bill. County officials havesubmitted materials to Commission staff, which are currently in assessment for potential placement on the August 2007meeting agenda. The Commission has engaged sports facility consultants Brailsford & Dunlavey for services includinganalysis of economic and fiscal impact, market and financial feasibility studies, and construction plans, specifications,contracts and schedules.

Arena plans were also unveiled in Toledo, as Lucas County officials revealed preliminary designs for a newdowntown sports arena to the public on June 13, 2007, and announced plans to seek community input in several publicforums. The future arena, which has a $5.5 million state appropriation, is expected to seat up to 10,000 people. Countyofficials are emphasizing the importance of community input to create a final design, hoping to build broad-based supportfor arena events, which will include minor league hockey, concerts, and more (read full article). This project is also movingforward through the Commission assessment process, including analysis by sports facility consultants Brailsford &Dunlavey.

Commission staff met with representatives of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center regarding theinstitutions most recent capital appropriation of $2 million in Am. Sub. H.B. 699 of the 126

thGeneral Assembly.

Funding models submitted by Freedom Center representatives in February 2007 indicate that the institution has not madeprogress toward completing its capital campaign. Prior approvals from the Commission for the expenditure of state funds


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Massillon Museum(Stark County)

French Art Colony(Gallia County)

were based upon the understanding that the Freedom Center would set aside funds from its endowment/investmentaccount that would stand in the place of its capital fundraising shortfall, and that within a short period of time the FreedomCenter would complete its capital fundraising campaign, producing project funding to equal the total project costs.

Two years later, the Commission staff assessment indicates that the project is not fully funded. Total project costs to buildthe Freedom Center were nearly $117.7 million, and the organizations total received and confirmed funding sources areapproximately $110 million, including state appropriations, resulting in an apparent funding gap of $7.75 million. Althoughthe Freedom Center completed a successful $8-million fundraising campaign in 2006 to reduce operating debt,Commission staff remains concerned that no further fundraising progress has been made with regard to the capitalproject. Commission staff have suggested an expedient solution to achieve full funding for the project, in which theFreedom Center may identify a guarantor for the $7.75 million funding gap. Such an action would permit Commission staffto recommend the Freedom Center for placement on an upcoming Commission meeting agenda for approval of the recent$2 million appropriation. Freedom Center officials will meet with Commission staff again in July to discuss the status.

Several Commission-funded projects are the recipients of appropriations in the states 2008-2009 operatingbudget bill. Operating funds were granted to a number of Commission partners, including: $100,000 per year of thebiennium for the Cincinnati Arts & Technology Center, the Contemporary Arts Center, the Great Lakes Historical Societyand the Steamship William G. Mather Museum. The Tecumseh! outdoor drama received $60,000 per year, and $350,000per year went to both the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Western Reserve Historical Society. The list also includesToledos Marina District Riverfront Park project, which has a $4.9 million state appropriation through the Commission.The project earned a $1.5 million state grant, putting the City of Toledo closer to assembling the required funds to beginconstruction on the park, in cooperation with developer Dillin Corp. Plans for the park call for several community gatheringspaces that can be used for outdoor performances, public art, festivals, and other cultural activities. Missing from the list is

the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; in the original version of the budget, $250,000 per year was setaside for the museum, but was removed in the House version of the bill. All of the above operating funds are assignedthrough other state agencies. The Commissions statute prohibits the Commission from providing operating funding.

NEW PROJECT PROFILE

The Massillon Museum is a local art and history museum that holds majorcollections of photography; costumes and textiles; china, glass and pottery;domestic appliances; and circus memorabilia. Housed in a 1930s building that wasoriginally a dry goods store, the museum was renovated in the early 1990s andopened as the Massillon Museum in 1996. An appropriation of $275,000 in Am. Sub.H.B. 699 of the 126th General Assembly will assist the Massillon Museum with

necessary upgrades to its storage area, HVAC system, lighting and security.

The French Art Colony received a $100,000 appropriation in the December 2006Capital Bill. Housed in an 1855 Greek Revival building listed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places, the French Art Colony is located in Gallipolis' HistoricDistrict along the Ohio River. This community arts center offers exhibitions andworkshops, hosts meetings and special events, and sponsors a variety of artsclasses for all ages. Local sponsors plan to use the $100,000 appropriation fornecessary renovations to parking areas, walkways, and ADA-compliant entrances, aswell as improvements to the building's front porch and patio.


Thursday, August 16, 2007 10:00 A.M. at the Commission OfficeThursday, November 29, 2007 (starting time and location TBA)

cc: Brian Hoffmeister, Legislative Services CommissionLori Payne, Office of the Attorney GeneralAnthony Perry, Office of Budget and Management


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Corrinn Conard

From: Kathy FoxSent: Sunday, June 10, 2007 11:34 AMTo: OCFCSubject: Gongwer article on the Freedom Center.

This article ran in Gongwers statehouse newsletter for Friday 6/8 regarding testimony at the SenateFinance Committee:

Public Testimony: A small earmark for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnatibecame an object of scrutiny as witnesses opposed additional public funding before a Senate panel Friday.

Nearly half of the Freedom Centers $110 million price tag has been footed by federal, state, and local taxpayerdollars, said Cathy Nelson, state coordinator for the Ohio Underground Railroad Association. The state shouldspend the $250,000 earmark other Underground Railroad sites.

The Freedom Center, which was intended to be a private endeavor, reported a $5.5 million deficit after its first

18 months of operation, she said. Now it needs another $2-3 million of public funding to continue operating.At this point, surely the question should be raised, where is all that money going?

Some of that money is being spent on overly generous salaries for Freedom Center officers, Friends of Freedommember Rosalind Fultz suggested. The new CEOs salary is nearly double the governors pay.

A lot of people were offended by that, she said. The culture of the Freedom Center seems to be permeatedwith a sense of elitism.

Sen. Ray Miller (D-Columbus) said funding for other Underground Railroad sites shouldnt come at theexpense of the Freedom Center. Lets not frame this as, Lets not give them any money and give them moneyover there.

Ms. Fultz said they opposed state funding for the Freedom Center because resources are limited.

Kathleen M. Fox, FASLAExecutive DirectorOhio Cultural Facilities Commission20 E. Broad Street, Suite 200Columbus, OH 43215-3416

Vox: 614.752.2770Fax: 614-752-2775e-mail: [email protected]

[email protected]: www.culture.ohio.gov

The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission, formerly the Ohio Arts & Sports Facilities Commission, oversees capital improvement fundsappropriated by the Ohio General Assembly and Governor for community cultural facility projects including non-profit theaters, museums,historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues. You are invited to visit www.culture.ohio.gov or call (614) 752-2770 for moreinformation on the Commission or to learn how we can assist your cultural facility project.


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Corrinn Conard

From: Kathy FoxSent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 9:23 AMTo: OCFCSubject: news articles regarding amphitheatre changing economics

FYI, two articles regarding the changing economics of outdoor concert venues, included below. Should be goodbackground info for the Toledo Marina Dist, and Riverbend project assessments.-K

CONCERT VENUES

Amphitheaters at risk nationwideSunday, June 3, 2007 3:36 AMBY JOHN GEROMEASSOCIATED PRESS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- David Kells immediately recalls the first concert he attended: Aerosmith with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in 1990 at

Starwood Amphitheater.

Through the next 16 years, he spent few summers without catching at least one show from the grassy slope at Starwood.

Not this year, though: The 22-year-old Nashville amphitheater was sold for $4.2 million to a developer who plans to level it for homes.

Amphitheaters in at least four other markets -- Columbus, with Germain, as well as Indianapolis; Sacramento, Calif.; and San Antonio -- are

up for sale and likely to close.

The outdoor venues, known as "sheds" in the business, aren't as financially feasible as they once were, according to folks who monitor the

concert industry.

Tiered ticket pricing draws more revenue to arenas, and the land on which many amphitheaters were built 20 years ago is viewed as prime

residential property.

"It's similar to what happened with drive-in movie theaters," said Gary Bongiovanni, editor in chief of the concert-industry publicationPollstar.

"You couldn't justify using that much land for that purpose."

The divestiture represents a plan to maximize the real-estate portfolio of the Los Angeles promoter Live Nation, which sold the 65-acre

Starwood and owns the four other amphitheaters on the market.

Officials with Live Nation declined to comment.

When it opened in 1985, Starwood was considered a prototype: The place, owned by PACE Concerts, accommodated about 17,000 and had a

covered pavilion with reserved seating and a grassy area for general admission. It cost far less to build and operate than a covered sports arena.

Several other amphitheaters followed, with promoters spying an opportunity to capture a larger share of the revenue.

"If they owned their own venue, they could tap into concessions, parking -- things that were off-limits to them at the arenas," explained Ray

Waddell, who covers the touring industry for Billboard magazine.

The sheds became summer favorites for concerts by acts such as Jimmy Buffett and the Dave Matthews Band.

"Growing up in Nashville, I had experiences there and good times there," said Kells, 31. "It's no different than it would be for a baseball park or

anyplace where there's an emotional attachment. When things change, there's a little sadness."


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Corrinn Conard

From: Jessica FaganSent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 5:34 PMTo: '[email protected]'; Lori Payne ([email protected]); Anthony

Perry ([email protected]); OCFCSubject: February2007

February 2007 Monthly Report to the Commission

MONTHLY REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONFebruary 2007Prepared by: Kathleen M. Fox, FASLA, Executive Director,

and the Commission Staff

COMMISSION NEWS

Commission Members: Paul Sieben and Roger Booker are no longer serving on theCommission due to expired terms. Mr. Sieben has indicated that he does not wish toseek reappointment, and Mr. Booker resigned as State Architect effective February 23,2007. Commission Chairman Ron Pizzuti is making recommendations to GovernorStrickland for appointments to the Commission, including the reappointment ofCommission Member Otto Budig, who has expressed interest in a reappointment. The

Speaker of the House has reappointed Representative Shawn Webster as the Housesadvisory member to the Commission, while the Senate President has reappointedSenator David Goodman as that chambers Commission advisory member. Legislativemembers serve terms concurrent with the two-year session of the General Assembly.

The agenda for the upcoming March Commission meeting will reflect a minorchange, with the removal of COSI/Toledo. A copy of their financial recovery plan,requested by the Commission, is still indevelopment by COSI/Toledo staff and will bepresented to their board in March. With little concrete information to report at this point,the planned update has been removed from the agenda. Commission staff willcontinue to provide updates on COSI/Toledo through Monthly Reports, until furtherdiscussion before the Commission is warranted. COSI/Toledo staff have indicated theyagain will place an operating levy on the local November ballot, and they continue to

work on contingency plans if the proposed ballot issue fails at the polls.

The Commission reimbursed 23 projects more than $846,000 on paid invoicesduring the month of February. The total amount reimbursed includes:

$272,215 Akron Art Museum$ 3,523 Beavercreek Community Theatre$178,169 Canton Palace Theatre $ 3,194 Cincinnati Arts & Technology Center $ 76,184 COSI/Toledo$ 11,466 Jamestown Area Historical Society$141,149 Ohio Historical Society various projects

Site Visits Conducted byCommission Staff in February:

McKinley Museum (Stark Co.)

Art Academy of Cincinnati

(Hamilton Co.)


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$132,000 Western Reserve Historical Society $ 29,059 General Lytle Homestead Harmony Hill

PROJECT NEWS

Commission staff Samantha Cothern and Dave Wartel are working to schedule a March meeting withrepresentatives of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), owners of the Johnny AppleseedHeritage Center (JAHCI) site. Commission staff will seek action from the MWCD board confirming that the level of culturalprogramming currently being provided by the JAHCI does not put them at risk of default on their lease with the MWCD.Commission staff and representatives of the MWCD will also discuss how both entities can continue to jointly support theJAHCI. Representatives of the JAHCI are slated for the upcoming March Commission meeting agenda to discuss theirfinancial recovery plan, which was included in briefing books mailed to Commission members.

A slate of management agreement renewals will be presented to the Commission for approval at its March 15, 2007meeting. Previously, leases and management agreements were entered into with local sponsors of projects funded withOBA-issued bonds. Certain of these management agreements have two year terms and are subject to Commissionreview and approval. When a specified set of conditions are met, the management agreements can be renewed for termsconcurrent with the lease terms. Eleven projects, in addition to several Ohio Historical Society-managed sites, will bepresented for two-year management agreement renewals, while five projects will be presented for two-year renewals thatare conditional upon the Commissions receipt of outstanding reports. One project, the Perry County Historical Society,will be presented for Commission approval of a management agreement renewal to be concurrent with the lease term.

Commission staff conducted several project site visits in February includingthe Art Academy of Cincinnati, whichreceived a $500,000 appropriation in Am. Sub. HB 699 of the 126

thGeneral Assembly, as well as the General Lytle

Homestead Harmony Hill (Williamsburg), which has an appropriation from a prior capital bill. Project Manager SamanthaCothern and Communications Manager Jessica Fagan visited the McKinley Museum (Canton), the MAPS Air Museum(North Canton), and attended an on-site meeting with representatives from the Amherst Historical Society andRepresentative Matthew Barrett regarding potential plans to utilize their appropriation from Am. Sub. HB 16 of the 126

th

General Assembly.

Two of the Commissions project partners have announced the hiring of new Chief Executive Officers. TheWestern Reserve Historical Societys new CEO, Dr. Gainor Davis, Ph.D. assumed her post on February 5, 2007. Dr.Davis, a historian with over 25 years experience in museum operations and administration, most recently served asPresident and CEO of the York County Heritage Trust in York, PA. (Read full press release.) The National UndergroundRailroad Freedom Center has named Don Murphy as its new CEO. Murphy has served as Deputy Director of the National

Park Service in Washington, DC, since 2001. Murphy will relocate to Cincinnati and assume his new post on May 1, 2007.(Read full press release.)

The Akron Art Museum has been steadily increasing its acquisitions, boosting its collection by 10 percent during2006, with 334 new objects. Though many of the new acquisitions were gifts from artists and collectors, the museum hasmade a few key purchases in anticipation of its grand reopening in July 2007, including Chuck Closes 2005 Self-Portrait/Photogravure, which will complement existing works by Close already in the collection. Photography makes up thebulk of the new acquisitionsand comprises 48 percent of the collectionbut works in sculpture, painting and collage byregional, national and international artists have been acquired. (Read full article.) The Museum is submitting requiredmaterials for assessment by Commission staff in anticipation of being placed on the agenda for the Commissions Maymobile meeting, which will be held in Akron. The Commission will be asked to approve a $1 million state appropriationfrom Am. Sub. H.B. 699, the December 2006 capital bill. This appropriation brings the total state funding for the project tojust over $8.7 million for the $41 million museum expansion project, scheduled to open in July 2007.

The Cincinnati Arts and Technology Center (CATC) celebrated the opening of their new state-of-the-art ceramicsstudio, funded in part by a $100,000 appropriation in Am. Sub. HB 16 of the 126

thGeneral Assembly, with a ribbon

cutting ceremony on March 2, 2007. The CATC offers hands-on arts and technology curriculum to urban at-risk highschool students at no charge, helping to foster motivation to stay in school and advance to higher learning.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Governor Strickland will deliver his first State of the State address at noon on Wednesday, March 14, at which timehe is expected to highlight his priorities for the upcoming two-year state operating budget. The Governors proposedbudget Blue Book is expected to be introduced on Thursday, March 15, as required by state law. During years when a


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new Governor first takes office, state law adjusts the operating budget introduction to allow the new Governor more timeto prepare his budget proposal.

Dayton was cited in a story by the Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader for several savvy cultural organizations that havegrown stronger through collaboration, allowing this midsize city to compete with nearby, larger cities for tourism dollarsthanks to the strength of its cultural attractions. The story notes the merger of Carillon Park and the Montgomery Co.Historical Society to form Dayton History. The combination of the popular Carillon Park and the county historical societyhas helped them attract visitors. Dayton History has a project slated for the Commission agenda in March. The story alsolauds the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, another facility funded through the Commission, which was created a numberof years ago by the merger of the Dayton Museum of Natural History and the Childrens Museum of Dayton. With amarketing strategy that promotes a zoo, planetarium, natural history museum, a childrens museum, and a science andtechnology centerall in one locationthe Boonshoft attracts 250,000 visitors each year. (Read full article.)

The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky arts community will need over $624 million for cultural facilitiesconstruction and improvements over the next 20 years, according to a study commissioned by the Cincinnati BusinessCommittee and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. The report concludes that the areas public and private resources forthe arts trail far behind similar cities such as Minneapolis, Denver and St. Louis. The report was released as the CincinnatArt Museum is in the midst of planning for a potential $100 million expansion project, and while many major artsinstitutions, including the Cincinnati Museum Center, strive to build their operating endowments in order to decreasereliance on public funds. Arts supporters make the case that Greater Cincinnatis cultural scene is critical to drawing andretaining people to the region. (Read full article.)

STAFF NEWS

LeeAnne Woods was hired as a Project Analyst, effective March 5, 2007. Woods holds an MBA from FloridaInternational University and a law degree from Case Western Reserve. As Project Analyst, Woods will support projectmanagement staff, particularly in the areas of business plan and financial statement analysis, and in the preparation oflegal documents.

NEW PROJECT PROFILE

The Holmes County Historical Society received a $140,000 appropriation in the2007-2008 Capital Bill, and will use the state investment to fund a roof replacement.The Society houses a collection of Holmes County history and its museum of

Victoriana in a 28-room Queen Anne-style Victorian home on the National Registerof Historic Places. The Society will replace their current asphalt shingle roof with amore historically-appropriate slate roof.

Theater upgrades for the Cincinnati Ballet are in the works, funded in part by a$200,000 appropriation in the recent state capital bill. The Commission worked withthe Ballet on a prior appropriation in 2005, which helped to build the Mickey JarsonKaplan Performance Studio. The 8,000 sq. ft. performance space, which doubles asa rehearsal studio, will get lighting, sound system and seating upgrades through thenew state funds.


Thursday, May 24, 2007 (Akron, starting time TBA; this will be a mobile meeting with activities starting Wednesdayevening and continuing through the day on Thursday)Thursday, August 16, 2007 (starting time TBA) at the Commission officeThursday, November 29, 2007 (starting time TBA) at the Commission office

cc: Brian Hoffmeister, Legislative Services CommissionLori Payne, Office of the Attorney GeneralAnthony Perry, Office of Budget and Management

6-corrinn email exchange freedom center keyword

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