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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 01-14 EDAP Regular Session I EDA AGENDA CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER JANUARY 14, 1991 (following adjournment of City Council meeting) 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Discussion Item: a. EBF Management Contract Review 4. Adjournment CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER Council Meeting Date 1/1 4 1 Agenda Item Number REQUEST FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEM DESCRIPTION: EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER TRANSITION DEPT. APPROVAL: EDACoordinator Signature - title MANAGER'S REVIEW /RECOMMENDATION: No comments to supplement this report Comments below /attached SUMMARY EXPLANATION: (supplemental sheets attached At the January 2, 1991, Council meeting, AI Beisner submitted a proposal for the City to consider that would have allowed him to continue as the manager of the Heritage Center. The Council, in turn, referred the proposal to • staff directing staff to make a recommendation back to the Council. On Thursday, January 10, 1991, we met with Al Beisner and his attorney to review his proposal and transition issues. After discussing his proposal, Al Beisner withdrew his proposal and stated he no longer seeks any management position or other relationship with the Heritage Center. The EDA is now in the process of completing the transition between the EDA and EBF Management. There are a number of issues yet to be resolved between EBF and the EDA. Primarily, the issues revolve around denied reimbursement requests and contract interpretation. To resolve this matter, it was agreed the EDA would compile a list of issues and the attorney for EBF and Charlie LeFevere would see if they could resolve them. The issues they would deal with are a matter of contract interpretation relating to reimbursable and nonreimbursable expenses. Those items which cannot be resolved in this manner will be submitted to arbitration as provided for in our contract. With the EDA taking a more active role in the management of the Heritage Center, it will be necessary to employ most of the existing staff as EDA employees. As a practical matter, the EDA is currently paying the entire cost of these employees so the change will have little affect on the cost of operating the Center. By taking over EBF Management employees, we also provide the continuity necessary for the operation of the facility. It is my recommendation the EDA take the next six months or so to closely examine the operation of the Center before a final organization structure of the center is established. We would propose that Judith Bergeland become the assistant manager with responsibility for the day - to-day operation of the site. The financial /accounting responsibilities will be transferred directly to the Finance Department. During this six -month interim period, we want to assess the need for additional personnel in the department to handle the Heritage Center work. Currently, we believe we can bring it on line without additional personnel. Brad Hoffman will continue to oversee the operation of the Center and make recommendations to the EDA about the organization structure. Obviously one of the most pressing needs is an accounting system which will provide the EDA with accurate monthly reports. There will be a number of issues that should be handled as budgetary considerations for which the EDA needs to establish priorities. There are also a number of policy decisions we believe should have EDA direction. Obviously, we will keep the EDA closely informed as we go through this interim period. With Al Beisner's assistance and cooperation, the transition is proceeding constructively.