HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/17/2007 - Regular Agenda Packet - Bryan College Station Library System Advisory Board (2) AGENDA
BRYAN+ COLLEGE STATION LIBRARY SYSTEM ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY,JULY 17,2007
5:15 p.m.
LARRY J. RINGER LIBRARY
1818 HARVEY MITCHELL PARKWAY SOUTH
COLLEGE STATION,TEXAS 77845
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
3. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
4. PREVIOUS MINUTES—MAY 15,2007
5. MONTHLY STATISTICS—MAY AND JUNE 2007
6. OLD BUSINESS
a. REPORT ON CITY OF COLLEGE STATION WORKSHOP MEETING —
LARRY J. RINGER EXPANSION PLANS
b. UPDATE ON SUMMER READING CLUB 2007
7. NEW BUSINESS
8. LIBRARIAN'S REPORT ON LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
9. REQUEST FOR AGENDA ITEMS FOR SEPTEMBER 18,2007 AT THE BRYAN PUBLIC
LIBRARY
10. ADJOURN
Please notify the secretary Laura Mills, 209-5614, if you are unable to attend. College Station Board
Members should also complete the absence request form and submit to the office of the College Station
City Secretary one week prior to meeting date.
FOR INFORMATION ON SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION, TDD OR OTHER
TRANSLATION OR ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE COMMUNITY
LIBRARIAN, CLARA MOUNCE AT 209-5611. PLEASE TRY TO CONTACT THE ABOVE PERSON
AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED TIME OF THE MEETING SO THAT YOUR
REQUEST MAY BE ACCOMMODATED.
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
BRYAN +COLLEGE STATION PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM ADVISORY BOARD
May 15, 2007
On the 15th day of May, 2007, the Bryan +College Station Public Library System Advisory Board of the
cities of Bryan and College Station, Texas, met in a regular meeting at the Carnegie History Center, 111
South Main, Bryan,Texas and the following members were present:
1. ATTENDANCE
MEMBER Present/ # of Meetings # of Meetings %attended
Absent held since attended since in last 6
Appointment appointment months_
Larry Ringer, President P 56 52 100
Jeanne Mitchell, Vice President P 33 31 100
Sonia Gangotena A 3 2 66
James Bradford A 27 15 66
Carroll Johnson P 14 10 100
Katherine Edwards A 12 11 66
Don Scherr P 12 9 66
Mary Fran Troy p 9 9 100
2. Also present were Clara Mounce, Community Librarian; Kathleen Dill, Larry J. Ringer Public Library
Manger; Kendra Perkins, Youth Services Librarian; Robin Jones, Youth Services Senior Librarian; David
Gerling of the City of College Station; and Joey Dunn,of the City of Bryan.
3. The meeting was called to order at 5:20 p.m. by President Larry Ringer.
4. The minutes of the meeting for March 20, 2007 were approved as distributed.
5. The monthly stats for March and April 2007 were reviewed.
6. In old business, Clara Mounce reported on space needs for the Bryan Public Library. Bill Hidell and
Associates, designer of the Larry Ringer Library, recommends expanding the Bryan Public Library with a
two story addition on the south side. Clara Mounce presented the architect's site plan and budget for the
proposed expansion. The proposal will be presented to the Bryan City Council on June 26, 2007.
Expansion plans for the Larry J. Ringer Public Library will be presented to the College Station City
Council on June7, 2007.
7. In new business, Kendra Perkins and Robin Jones reported on the upcoming summer reading program,
Sail Away With Books!
8. In the librarian's report, Clara Mounce said the dedication of the "Treasured Moment" sculpture at the
Carnegie History Center on May 5, 2007 went well. She reported that revenues are going up. People are
responding to the collection agency. Keystone Millworks built some new shelving for the library system.
Memorial plates will be hung at the Carnegie History Center. The Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival
will be held in downtown Bryan on June 16, 2007. The Bryan Public Library will close, but the Carnegie
History Center will remain open for the event. The library system is fully staffed again. The City of
Bryan held an employee picnic at Sue Haswell Park on May 11, 2007. The library system will begin
offering downloadable E-books of current titles through a program sponsored by the Central Texas
Library System. The new service will cost $3,000. The Library System will be spending more money on
databases than reference books in the upcoming budget year. The Friends of the Library gave the Library
System $2,000 to purchase two digital cameras, a scanner, and a printer. Clara Mounce was asked to join
the advisory board for First Book, a national program that distributes books to needy children through
programs such as Even Start. The Friends of the Library book sale raised $3,000.
9. Contact Laura Mills if you have an agenda item for the July 17, 2007 board meeting at the Larry J.
Ringer Public Library.
10. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Approved by:
Larry Ringer, President Clara Mounce, Community Librarian
BRYAN PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT FOR: May 2007 This Year Last Year
SERVICES: _
Days Open - 30 30
Meeting Room Usage 35 32
Patrons Registered 441 _ 372
Total Active Patrons 19,845 18,920
Overdue Notices 5,003 2,000
Holds Filled 2,776 2,286
#of People Visiting Library 20,821 18,435
#of Checkouts 26,198 24,848
#of Checkins 22,754 21,642
In House Use 4,179 4,076
CHILDREN'S REFERENCE/INFORMATION/READER'S ADVISORY:
Story Hour Attendance - 0
Teen Program/Attendance 3/28
Class Visits&Tours/Attendance - 4/270 10/623
Special Programs/Attendance Summer Reading Club School Visits 16/6,957 20/5973
Reference Transactions 510 550
Summer Reading Club Registered this month 573 538
Summer Reading Club Total Registration/Total Completion 573 538/0
ADULT REFERENCE/INFORMATION/READER'S ADVISORY:
Interlibrary Loan Received ® 74
Reference Transactions 755 751
Class Visits&Tours/Attendance
Technology Classes/Attendance 16/43 8/42
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT:
Adult Books - 345 797
Juvenile Books 75 231
Adult Media 15 _ 20
Juvenile Media _ 3
Videos _ 1
Microforms 3 3
CIRCULATION THIS YEAR LAST YEAR
Adult Juvenile Other Adult Juvenile Other
TCILL 1,359 1,512
Non-Fiction 2,4401 2,489 2,611 2,519
Fiction 6,606 7,494 5,734 7,626
Periodicals 440 87 474 98
Framed Prints 2
Sculpture
Paperbacks 914 I 1,013
Adult Media 784 - 790 111111111111
Juvenile Media _
DVDs 3,340 2,537
Videos - 719 991
AudioNisual Equipment
Wireless Internet 140
Internet Computers 5,169 3,9.26
ILL 112 74
Reference 238 21 278 32
TOTAL 11,535 10,614 10,727 10,902 10,792 9,040
GRAND TOTAL 32,876 30,734
Prepared by Approved by
BRYAN PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT FOR: June,2007 This Year Last Year
SERVICES:
Days Open 29 30
Meeting Room Usage 21 _35
Patrons Registered 564 570
Total Active Patrons _ 19,934 19,040
Overdue Notices - 5,258 624,
Holds Filled - 2,944_ 2,745
#of People Visiting Library 23,050 21,960
#of Checkouts 30,024 33,085
#of Checkins _ 25,911 27,946
In House Use 6,208 5,583
CHILDREN'S REFERENCE/INFORMATION/READER'S ADVISORY:
Story Hour Attendance .- 8/385 4/286
Teen Program/Attendance m 4/53 J 4/92
Class Visits&Tours/Attendance 8/267 23/728
Special Programs/Attendance Summer Reading Club 10/1,085 4/686
Reference Transactions - 703 793
Summer Reading Club Registered this month 1,386 1,114
Summer Reading Club Total Registration/Total Completion vi 1,959/43 1,652
29
ADULT REFERENCE/INFORMATION/READER'S ADVISORY:
Interlibrary Loan Received 75 63
Reference Transactions 842 902
Class Visits&Tours/Attendance 0/0 _
Technology Classes/Attendance 18/55 4/26
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT:
Adult Books 488 504
Juvenile Books 76 144
~
_Adult Media 17 22
Juvenile Media _ - 4 9
Videos 21
Microforms ,^_ 1 8
CIRCULATION THIS YEAR LAST YEAR
Adult Juvenile Other Adult Juvenile Other
TCILL 1,359 1,860
Non-Fiction 2,430 2,878 2,847 3,421
Fiction 6,784 9,924 7,459 11,967
Periodicals 757 122 682 214
Framed Prints 1
Sculpture
Paperbacks 1,274 1,096
Adult Media 907 935
Juvenile Media 604 725
DVDs 3,036 2,444
Videos 816 1,261
AudioNisual Equipment
Wireless Internet 119
Internet Computers 5,370 4,891
ILL 75 63
Reference 326 161 371 40
TOTAL 12,479 13,689 10,775 13,390 16,367 10,519
GRAND TOTAL 36,943 40,276
Prepared by Approved by
_ _.. .
LARRY J RINGER PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT FOR: May,2007 This Year Last Year
SERVICES:
Days Open 30 30
Meeting Room Usage 11 19
Patrons Registered 384 400
Total Active Patrons - 19,438 19022
Overdue Notices 4,950 1305
Holds Filled 3,030 2505
#of People Visiting Library 20,193 17631
#of Checkouts 31,796 28690
#of Checkins 30,192 27586
In House Use 5,301 5188
CHILDREN'S REFERENCE/INFORMATION/READER'S ADVISORY:
Story Hour Attendance
Teen Program/Attendance 6/81 1/104
Class Visits&Tours/Attendance 8/1423 8/4429
Special Programs/Attendance 1/30 2/544
Reference Transactions 195 228
Summer Reading Club Registered this month 971 1076
Summer Reading Club Total Registration/Total Completion 971/0
ADULT REFERENCE/INFORMATION/READER'S ADVISORY:
Interlibrary Loan Received 20 18
Reference Transactions 720 695
Class Visits&Tours/Attendance
Technology Classes/Attendance
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT: _
Adult Books 443 357
Juvenile Books 77 231
Adult Media 12 20
Juvenile Media 3 13
Videos 63
Microforms 3
CIRCULATION THIS YEAR LAST YEAR
Adult Juvenile Other Adult Juvenile Other
TC1LL 820 457
Non-Fiction 3,236 3,087 3,098 2,821
Fiction 8,030 13,045 6,799 10,119
Periodicals 715 204 561 148
Framed Prints
Sculpture
Paperbacks 747 643
Adult Media 853 894
Juvenile Media 204 298
DVD's 2,318 1,251
Videos 1,4101,895
Audio/Visual Equipment
Wireless Internet 200 El
Internet Computers 3,515 2,934
ILL 20 18
Reference 80 67 74 72
TOTAL 13,681 16,607 8,263=2,16M 13,458
6,555
GRAND TOTAL 38,551 32,082
Prepared by Approved by
LARRY J RINGER PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT FOR: June 28* This Year Last Year
SERVICES:
Days Open 30_ 1 30
Meeting Room Usage 10 19
Patrons Registered 481 528
Total \9�75 19,138
�u�vrPu�o��
4,718 565
Overdue�vh�� .
Holds3,497 3,156
PU�d
25,556
#ofpovy�Y�J�g[��� 23,156
#ofCheckouts 38.552 37.067
#of Checkins �6
_ .5O0 33,815
8,456
�Hou�Use7,153
--'
CHILDREN'S REFERENCE/INFORMATION/READER'S ADVISORY:
Story Hour Attendance 32/940. 35/857
Tccnpmgrno/AVonduncr . 4/83 4/110
Class Visits&Tours/Attendance 5/143 8/274
Special Programs/Attendance 13/1294 4/2660
Reference Transactions 480 415
Summer Reading Club Registered thi490 894xmootb
Summer Reading Club Total Registration/Total Completion 1425A8 1968/57
A��������0�F�M�����'D���Y:
25 20
Interlibrary �oomReceived
�
Reference Transactions 862 761
Class Visits 3702
Technology Classes/Attendance
_
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT:
Adult 357 5068vokx
Juvenile18 75
8onks
-��
&dukMedia 8 9
Juvenile Media
Videos 93
Microforms9
CIRCULATION THIS YEAR LAST YEAR
Adult Juvenile Other Adult Juvenile Other
820 879
T�DL�
Non-Fiction 3,754 3.351 3.720 3,816
Fiction 9�O0 10'693 8.558 13.934
------' 821 362
Periodicals620 266_
Framed Prints
Sculpture _
Paperbacks 826 930
Adult Media 845 839
_
Juvenile Media 389359
D\g}'x 2,510 1.86
Videos 1,890 2,221
Audio/Visual Equipment
Wireless Internet _ 297 __
Internet Computers __. _ 3,702 ____ 3.25l
ILL —
Reference0� 25 20
Refer58 106 147
__
TOTAL )4.77] 18,522 7,907
l5'7l4 20,833 9,244
_-- --_
GRAND TOTAL 45.791 41.202
Prepared by Approved by
CARNEGIE CENTER OF BRAZOS VALLEY HISTORY THIS LAST
,REPORT FOR: May, 2007 YEAR YEAR
SERVICES:
Days Open 21 23
Patrons Registered
Total Active Patrons 21 26
# of People Visiting Library 1,454 1,326
# of Checkouts (Internet PCs plus renewals) 57 81
# mfChmcWns 36 52
REFERENCE/GENEALOGY INFORMATION:
_
Interlibrary Loan Received 5 2
Reference Transactions 73 50
Visits & Tours/Attendance 2/4
_
Special Programs/Attendance 1/6 2/5
Outside Programs/Attendance 1/2
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT:
Adult Books 46 32
Juvenile Books
Adult Media 6
Microforms 19
_
Periodicals 5
IN HOUSE USE/CIRCULATION _
Internet Computers 23 29
CD-rom Computers 28 29
Books 369 476
Rare Books 8 14
History Books 52 381
Files __. 5 15
Photo Files 5 10
Microfilm 40 85
ILL 15 5
History Lab 3 5
Maps 3 7
Microform Machine Use 27 43
Periodical Use 29 51
__-
CD's Not in Database 5 12
New Scans 10 12
Photo Collection Use 5 5
Wireless Internet 0
TOTAL In House Use 635 836
Prepared by Reviewed by
CARNEGIE CENTER OF BRAZOS VALLEY HISTORY THIS LAST
REPORT FOR: June, 2007 YEAR YEAR
SERVICES:
Days Open 22 23
Patrons Registered 1
Total Active Patrons 20 27
# of People Visiting Library 1,457 1,579
# of Checkouts (Internet PCs plus renewals) 81 88
# of Checkins 60 47
REFERENCE/GENEALOGY INFORMATION:
Interlibrary Loan Received 1 4
Reference Transactions 46 126
Visits & Tours/Attendance 2 of 23
Special Programs/Attendance
Outside Programs/Attendance
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT:
Adult Books 31 5
Juvenile Books
Adult Media 1 3
Microforms 1
Periodicals 12 8
IN HOUSE USE/CIRCULATION
Internet Computers 59 44
CD-rom Computers 27 41
Books 452 682
Rare Books 26 24
History Books 59 24
Files 19 46
Photo Files 5 8
Microfilm 74 89
ILL 1 4
History Lab
Maps 2 3
Microform Machine Use 34 30
Periodical Use 13 33
CD's Not in Database 20
New Scans 40
Photo Collection Use 6 8
Wireless Internet 3
TOTAL In House Use 840 1036
Prepared by Reviewed by
Proposed Development of a Water Drainage Area (WDA) in College Station Texas
Presented by: Paul A. Lindahl
724 Willow Loop
College Station, TX 77845
Ph: 979-845-0956 (wk)
979-683-8160 (hm)
Email: Lindahl@mail.chem.tamu.edu
Summary: The Brandon Heights Homeowners Association (BHHA) requests approval and funds
from the City of College Station, Texas, for improvements to the WDA located between Willow
Loop and Westchester, opening onto Welsh at one end. The other end of the area opens through
a long narrow region onto Honeysuckle (near its intersection with Westchester). See schematic
map shown below. The improved WDA area would include wooded grasslands and a trail for
walking, jogging or bicycling. Foliage would be placed around existing cement drainage pipes
and perhaps aquaducts to improve the visual appeal of the area. The area would be watered by an
automatic sprinkler system. Maintenance would include mowing, treating the grasslands, and
repairing the sprinkler system and trails as needed. A modest portion of the funds required to
construct and maintain the area would be provided by BHHA. These changes would transform
what is currently a relatively unused (and largely unusable) area into a beautiful park that would
be enjoyed by the College Station community!
Background: The land under consideration was originally property of the BHHA. Due to
concerns over liability, BHHA sold this land for $1 to the City of College Station. The land is
currently used as a water drainage area and has numerous drainage pipes feeding into it, along
with two cement aquaducts running on either side of the area, perpendicular to Welsh. The area
also contains an old cement basketball court with a single basket, a small pavilion, picnic bench
and a grill. Despite these facilities, the area is not well used, the grass is rough and heavily
weeded and not "friendly" for children to play on. There are only a few trees in the area. The
basketball court has not been maintained. In contrast, the new basketball court in the park behind
Rock Prairie Elementary school, located a few blocks away, is covered, lighted, well maintained
and heavily used.
Proposed Development of the WDA:
The BHHA would like the WDA to be improved by the city such that it would be more attractive
for use by the community. The major changes would be as follows, listed from highest to lowest
priority.
A. Trees: A large number of trees of different types would be planted throughout the park.
The trees would be selected to grow well in this climate. They would be located both along the
walking/jogging trail (see B) and scattered throughout the park so as to give a natural wooded
look. We realize that initially the trees would be of modest size (30 gallon, 15 feet tall), but
within a decade the park would appear wooded and would be heavily shaded.
B. Walking/jogging trail. A walking/jogging trail would be installed. This trail could be
divided into three parts (see figure, solid black regions within the area). First, there would be a
closed loop located essentially around the periphery of the main area, —10 ft from the fences
which currently abut the land. The overall length of this loop would be —1500 ft (235 + 600 +
235 + 600 minus distances from fences). Second, there would be a long single strip connecting
the loop to the entrance on Honeysuckle (— 750 ft). Third, there would be a strip that connects
the loop to the pavilion area (-250 ft). The total length of the trail would be —0.5 miles. The
material used for the trail would be the same spongy/rubber stuff they use for the trail at Rock
Prairie Elementary School park. The width of the trail would be appropriate for two people to
stroll along side-by-side. There are regions where the trail would cross the aquaducts; these
regions would require some sort of small bridges.
Welsh
235 it(width)
CDo 600 11 CD
long 7)
U)
L
4)
C,)
O a)
= Willow Loop
9921t long
Westchester
C. Grass. The existing "rough grass" and weeds would be replaced by a lawn-quality grass
sod which would be pleasant for children to run on. Currently, the "grass" is so rough that
children do not enjoy using this area. Given that the soil is essentially clay, the grass would
require periodic fertilization and perhaps chemical treatment to keep fire ants and other insects
under control. The grass would need to be cut periodically.
D. Automatic water sprinklers: A sprinkler system would be required to maintain the trees
and grass in this region during the hot/dry summer months.
E. Foliage Covering Drainage Pipes and Aquaducts: Foliage would be planted so as to
hide the drainage tubes that feed into the area. Ideally, shrubs/vines of some sort would be
planted along the aquaducts as well. These cement structures serve functional roles but are
frankly unpleasant to look at. Some shrubbery could also be placed in the pavilion/grill area to
improve the attractiveness of these facilities.
F. Park Benches: We would like to have some park benches along the trail for people to sit
and enjoy the scenery.
G. Remove Basketball Court: We would like to have the basketball court removed. We
believe that this structure detracts from the attractiveness of the area and that it cannot compete
with the newly improved (covered)basketball courts behind Rock Prairie Elementary school.
H. Homeowner Gardens: Homeowners along the edges of the park would be encouraged to
plant and maintain additional flowers, plants, shrubs, vines etc on the strip of land that abuts the
Park and borders their property. Homeowners wishing to replace their wooden fences with
quality wrought-iron fencing would be granted this exception to the homeowner original
constitution.
I. Budget: Homeowners would contribute financially to this effort. Those with houses
abutted directly onto the area would pay more than those of the BHHA not located on the
periphery. These contributions would be modest compared to the funds provided by the City, but
they show commitment for the project on the part of the BHHA. Our funds could be used to
purchase some high-profile item like benches or some trees.
Note: This informal document/proposal has been prepared by the BHHA committee including
Christian Branstrom, Randy Martell and Paul Lindahl (presenting this evening). The document
reflects the general consensus of the committee but would need formal approval by the BHHA
members before it would be approved by the BHHA.
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CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
ABSENCE REQUEST FORM
FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS
I will not be in attendance at the 14.014A-1 &e,i(CditiOCO uk. I7 d-CM
meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for the reason(s) specified:
Name IIMESII Reason
IINNWATMAid VA ih / PAA/L2
— (N A c- j ---7/L0 I - 044, 600121a9
1 OW a WO
1 1 . IOU/ ( I
Signature 4
Requests for Absence must be submitted to the Parks Staff Assistant at 764-3414 prior to the
meeting date.
Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater
Policy/Operations Recommendations
Rental Structure/Fees
The addition of the The Green Room and Plaza creates an opportunity for the
city to offer a rental space for smaller events at Wolf Pen Creek. These spaces could
be used for smaller gatherings of all types such as trainings, retreats, hearings; and
social events such as wedding showers, dinner parties, and baby showers.
Staff Comments: We are very excited to have such nice spaces added to Wolf
Pen Creek. We had hoped to keep The Green Room busy with rentals and in-house
events. The budget request to support this use of these new facilities, however,
was not approved; therefore, we will not be able to offer these facilities on a rental
type basis at this time. The budget is currently being strained due to the draw from
operating the Green Room for a few meetings this summer.
Recommendations: At this time we are limiting use to City of College Station
advisory boards and citizen committees. Staff will develop and present a proposal to
operate The Green Room as a rental facility. This proposal will be forwarded later
this year to be considered as a budget amendment in FY08 or as a Service Level
Adjustment in FY09.
Noise Control Plan
The parks department and police department adopted a noise control plan for
the amphitheater on April 19, 2007. The plan was in response to an event in which
the weather and speaker configuration contributed to the sound from the concert
traveling an unusually long distance. The police department received 67 sound
complaints about the concert which had 3400 in attendance and ended at 11:15pm.
The Noise Control Plan is attached.
Staff Comments: The current noise control plan is vague in stating that the
police watch commander can end the event if"satisfactory results" are not achieved
by turning the volume of sound down. Thus, we can not use sound readings to
determine the output volume. Promoters will consider this a risky business move and
opt to put their shows somewhere besides WPC. Additionally, utilizing full-time parks
supervisors to supervise the sound deck at the overtime rate of pay is very costly.
Recommendations:The previous sound policy was tangible and had an
effective tenure but for the one concert this spring. We should return to the old
policy. Absent this, we should review the current policy and include specific, not to
exceed, sound levels, while maintaining the ability to require reduced sound based
on weather conditions and the police watch commander's observations from outside
the facility. The sound deck monitor should be a Wolf Pen Creek staff member for
cost savings. We also recommend hiring a sound engineering company to do a
study to suggest remedies to the sound-travel problem.
Alcohol Policy
The current policy allows for the event promoter to determine whether his
event is an alcohol-free, coolers allowed, or alcohol for sale event.
Staff Comments: No matter which practice is in effect at any given concert, a
small number of people are in disagreement with it. The other side to that is that
most of the people are usually happy with the policy for each event.
Recommendations: Continue to operate as we always have operated.
Chair Policy
Most events allow for lawn chairs to be used inside the facility. On larger
ticketed events which are predominately geared towards college students, lawn
chairs are prohibited.
Staff Comments: We had 3 conflicts this season between guests over this
issue. 1993-95 we cordoned off about 1/3 of the hill for blanket only seating. This
seemed unnecessary and was discontinued after a few years.
Recommendations: We do not want to disallow lawn chairs as a good portion
of our guests would be unable to attend if they had to sit on the ground. We
recommend operating as we are now.
Smoking Policy
Tobacco smoke is a growing concern at the amphitheater. Recent years have
seen a greater number of complaints about second hand smoke annoying non-
smoking guests and possibly posing a health hazard.
Staff comments: We do not enjoy arbitrating this conflict during events. We
also do not wish to ban smoking altogether as it will greatly affect our business and
create problems booking acts. Enforcement of any smoking ban is going to create
the need for more security personnel. We have requested assistance from Legal to
find out the process/procedure for establishing any type of ban.
Recommendations: We would like to ban tobacco smoke on the main seating
area of the hill and the playground area (everything inside the concrete from the
dance floor to the top of the hill, bordered by the sidewalk on the west and the
pavilion/terrace on the east). Thus the main seating area would be smoke free and
not dependent on wind direction. The areas where smoking is allowed would be the
Oak Tree area to the west, the small secondary hill and plaza to the south and the
pavilion to the east. Non-public areas such as backstage and the driveway would
remain as they are. We also request support for more security during events to help
enforce this ban, which will be challenging.
Summary
In 15 seasons we have hosted 281 events and over 535,000 guests. We
have fielded less than 250 complaints (includes 67 sound complaints at the concert
this spring). On average, that would be less than one complaint per event, with an
average of almost 2,000 guests per event. Our operations policies need to be well
balanced and considerate of the guests who attend our concerts as well as our
community. Our current operational philosophy and our history are congruent with
our mission statement: " Wolf Pen Creek staff will create an excellent experience for
our guests through our festive atmosphere, professionalism, exceptional facilities and
quality entertainment. " We hope to continue with this mission for many years and
appreciate the opportunity to serve our community.