Hybrid management model could achieve Mosaic Place potential
A late November discussion by city council/administration on the future management of Mosaic Place and Yara Centre set the stage for operation of both facilities.
Yara Centre, the indoor soccer field, gymnasium and walking track, will become part of the city’s recreation department complex — a not surprising decision since this facility has operated well since opening.
The popular Yara Centre has come closer to paying its way than any other city operation and has done so without attracting the kind of concerns that have plagued Mosaic Place.
The future Mosaic Place no longer has a management board. The new management structure involves the city operating the facility except for attracting and producing events like concerts.
While that kind of hybrid management structure may seem odd, the city apparently chose a model to ensure maximum control over the operation, yet continuing with the risky business of offering entertaining and profitable concerts.
During the discussion, City Manager Jim Puffalt repeatedly made an argument for retaining control over the facility to ensure necessary maintenance is performed.
Under a management company, shortcuts in maintenance become a temptation to save money. Those shortcuts would return to haunt future council budgets. An argument against a management company was the potential to jack up rates for tenants like the Warriors and other ice users. That happened in Medicine Hat with a management company enraging the community by locking out the Tigers hockey team. Making sure adequate human resources and accountability prevail in Mosaic Place was another argument for the hybrid management model.
The need to re-build relations with the entertainment industry was emphasized by the city manager. Several councillors were skeptical of the need before a management company is hired.
For over two years, Mosaic Place has been in limbo where concert promoters were concerned. Under previous management, they knew what they were dealing with, but a city board devoted to cutting costs and reducing risks was not what promoters wanted. They prefer to deal with managers knowledgeable about the industry and practices. They need to know the place is open for business again.
Coun. Brian Swanson expressed concerns about shark-infested waters. It appears some of the sharks tested the last board.
That board achieved a lot in restructuring operations and costs, and was not a failure as described numerous times at council.
The failure was in not addressing a sexual harassment scandal which apparently dated back to the early years of Mosaic operation.
The big question remaining is: Will the request for proposals attract the right kind of management with the ability and interest in developing events? Council will receive regular reports on financial outcome of events. Some will make money; some won’t. Hopefully, council won’t over-react to some losses. The goal should be break-even over a period of years. That could realize the potential Mosaic Place has to develop the tourist industry in Moose Jaw and re-build community pride in the facility.