DRCFA Meeting
Detroit Regional Convention Facility AuthorityDetroit, MI 48226 (Directions)
Check the source website for additional information
Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team
Hear from the board responsible for TCF Center, where Detroit has been vaccinating residents
Today’s meeting starts at 10am and will be taking place remotely and via Zoom. Here’s the agenda: https://t.co/vmDy7ibvKQ
The DRCFA was created by the Michigan legislature to oversea operations at the TCF Center, and the 5 board members represent the state of MI, Detroit, Wayne Co, Oakland Co and Macomb Co respectively.
The meeting has just begun with all Board Members present. Minutes from previous meetings were approved without corrections. We’ve moved on to the annual Audit Report for FY 2019-2020
Patrick Fuelling reports that overall the Authority’s cash flow and financial positions are quite good. While the pandemic greatly reduced revenue, it also reduced operating costs. A large portion of revenue is provided by state subsidies.
Patrick Bero is now presenting the CEO/CFO report and discussing February’s profit and loss statement. They are ahead of budget. https://t.co/eeeAFxBEH9
DRCFA has an existing contract with the Pope Francis Center, who moved its services for homeless Detroiters to TCF center to comply with Covid-19 guidelines. The original contract from Nov‘20-Mar‘21 is getting extended 2 months through the end of May‘21 https://popefranciscenter.org/our-mission/
More on this agreement between the DRCFA and the Pope Francis Center is discussed here: https://www.thehubdetroit.com/pope-francis-center-to-continue-serving-detroit-homeless-at-tcf-center-through-june-1/
Becky Davenport is now presenting the Strategic Initiatives Update, including potential Westside Expansion of the TCF Center. Board Chair Larry Alexander stated that this Go/No-Go decision on expansion in December will have wide-ranging ramifications for the entire region. https://t.co/emUJ1iUHEV
Board member Mary Lane believes that the potential bankruptcy of the downtown Westin Hotel should be weighed heavily on the decision whether to expand or not.
A major art sculpture by Scott Hocking is being commissioned for installation in front of the TCF Center. Installation and community celebration is planned for Fall 2022. https://t.co/JpRwsCbXHn
A ton of friction here between board member Marilyn Lane and board chair Alexander. She feels slighted and left out of an RFP decision made by the chair and employees of the board. Three firms all from out of state to choose from? Why not viable and equal Detroit firms?
Claude V who is no longer employed by the DRCFA was one of three individuals tasked by CEO Patrick Bero to pick the three firms. Marilyn Lane believes this violates a two-year prohibition on work or contracting after leaving the DRCFA as stated in legislation.
After much back-and-forth, they have moved on to discuss items for capital improvement being presented by board member Waymon Guillebeaux. Most of these are critical repairs needed to prevent further damage and degradation. https://t.co/YRIoBfn7Kl
Item a) Replacement of roof expansion joints. $1,930,200. This is an ongoing effort and will fully complete a 6-year program to replace all expansion joints on the roof. Unanimously approved. https://t.co/XwsmVj8wmK
Item b) Replacement of deteriorated concrete roof gravel drainage layer. $219,905 Unanimously approved
Item c) Damage to the helix ramp leading to the parking area. This item is only for repair to a severed tension rod. $74k. There are numerous further repairs needed to this ramp, the only way in and out of the parking area. Unanimously approved. https://t.co/uJSmsBDJah
Other issues include “Concrete waiting-to-fall”. Some of these repairs have already taken place but much more inspection is needed to determine the extent of damage. https://t.co/hoHsFP9hK5
Item d) Loading Dock repairs and expansion joints. $478k. Unanimously approved.
Item e) Lighting improvements. Seeking approval to research newer and better lighting options and find contractors to install. Approved.
Item f) Purchase of 29 additional bottle fill stations. Important as Covid-19 regulations prohibit use of regular drinking water fountains. $44k. Approved.
Item g) Upgrade three obsolete security control/alert systems. $115k. Approved.
Greg DeSandy, General Manager of TCF is presenting his GM Report. He’s been excited to see local I.A.T.S.E. (stage-hand union) members coming back as events begin returning. The Sales Pipeline for upcoming events is ticking up and looking good. https://t.co/2oh4HIVUlk
The meeting has wrapped and was adjourned at 12:10pm. They briefly mentioned that next month’s meeting will most likely take place in-person as Public Act 254 is set to expire Mar 31. The mood is that PA254 is unlikely to be extended. https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/recent-michigan-open-meetings-act-9583306/
Next month’s meeting will take place on April 29 at 10:00am, location (virtual or not) TBD. For more meeting coverage, be sure to check out http://documenters.org.
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Agency Information
Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority
The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) was created in 2009 to operate the Convention and Exhibition Center in Detroit under long-term lease from the City of Detroit. The DRCFA Board of Directors is comprised of five representatives selected by the Governor of Michigan, the Mayor of Detroit, and the county executives of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties. The DRCFA receives funding from revenues at the center as well as support from the state’s Convention Fund.