By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – The city-owned Grossinger Motors Arena will receive another infusion of taxpayer dollars to maintain a positive cash flow even as the downtown Bloomington venue continues to lose money.
Alderman Scott Black said he’s willing to invest to make the arena “top notch,” although he acknowledged no one is particularly “jazzed” about spending $375,000.
Council member Diana Hauman said she was voting a reluctant yes. It was a unanimous decision.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott’s interview with Bloomington Interim City Manager Steve Rasmussen.
Lynn Cannon, from the arena management firm, VenuWorks, said staffers are doing their best to control costs.
“We’re being very careful in making sure the lights go off when they’re supposed to be off,” said Cannon.
“We’re making sure that we’re keeping our payroll at the level of need, and not extravagant,” she added.
In other business, the city council unanimously backed a plan for infrastructure upgrades at Miller Park Zoo.
The cost of a new concession stand, an additional parking lot, and new roof for the zoo’s entrance will run about $900,000.
The council has yet to approve the expenditure, but they members said they’re pleased the zoo plans cover the cost from concession stand sales.
The new concession stand will cater to zoo and park patrons.
Mayor Tari Renner said the zoo improvements will be a “wonderful asset and investment” for the city’s west side.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
