Houston First Corporation Operations Committee met March 20

Houston First Corporation Operations Committee met March 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order. The Committee Chair called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m., and a quorum was established.

2. Public Comments. None.

3. Review and approval of minutes from prior meeting. Following a motion duly seconded, the minutes for February 14, 2023, were, approved as presented.

4. Presentations, Reports, and Updates

A. HFC President & CEO Report

Michael Heckman, President & CEO, announced that Lynn Wyatt Square's grand opening celebration would occur on April 28, 2023, and stated that HFC would promptly inform Committee Members of further details.

Mr. Heckman transitioned into updating the Committee Members about questions and concerns raised during the last Board Meeting, which pertained to HFC's janitorial provider and the Service Employees International Union. He stated that HFC communicated with union representatives and the vendor, Caring Commercial Cleaning, Inc. ("Caring"). He also explained that HFC submitted a list of questions to Caring and received their written responses. According to Mr. Heckman, HFC was investigating potential solutions to ensure that written agreements aligned with business practices. Mr. Heckman then assured Committee Members that the janitorial issue had the full attention of the Management Team, which was navigating the matter. He indicated that HFC would provide a similar update to the Board at the next meeting. He then emphasized that the janitorial issue was an important matter, which HFC would continue to push for an expeditious resolution.

Bobby Singh stated that it was essential to ensure that Caring honored the contract. He also added that it was necessary to differentiate "included" and "excluded" contractual terms, which would govern HFC's scope.

Alex Brennan-Martin suggested providing a timeline and the steps to resolve the issue at the next Board meeting, scheduled for Thursday, March 23, 2023.

B. NCAA Final Four Update

John Gonzalez, Senior Vice President & General Manager, reported that the National Association of Basketball Coaches moved into the George R. Brown Convention Center ("GRB") on Thursday, and the Men's Final Four Fan Fest move-in would begin on March 21, 2023, and would occur from March 31, 2023, to April 3, 2023. He highlighted that Megan Thee Stallion would headline the opening night Friday, March 31, 2023, and that other dates would include performances by Lil Nas X, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Maggie Rogers, and Mickey Guyton. Mr. Gonzalez noted that fireworks would occur behind the GRB on Sunday evening.

5. Committee Business

A. Consideration and possible recommendation of a new one-time Grant Agreement between Houston First Corporation and Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston ("MATCH").

Mr. Heckman stated that HFC management, Alex Brennan-Martin, Chair of the Benefits, Compensation, and Finance Committee, and Desrye Morgan, Chair of the Operations Committee, met with representatives from Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston ("MATCH") regarding their request for additional funding. Mr. Heckman explained that MATCH was facing a lack of funding and that the current contract between HFC and MATCH would end in September 2023. He also illuminated that MATCH did not have an alternative funding source to fill its funding gap and that HFC encouraged MATCH to investigate other funding options, including donation initiatives, sponsorships, and other methods. He then conveyed that HFC's management recommended providing MATCH with a one-time grant for eighteen months, beginning in October 2023, which would give MATCH two years to locate and determine alternative funding.

Desrye Morgan stated that MATCH was a viable asset that needed preservation; and highlighted that the extension provided a window for MATCH to find alternative funding. Bobby Singh suggested the inclusion of a contractual clause for MATCH to provide HFC with quarterly updates on its fundraising efforts during the 18 months and emphasized that meeting minutes should clarify that HFC was providing a one-time extension. Alex Brennan-Martin suggested communicating directly with MATCH's Board or attending their Board meetings. Stephen Mitzner, suggested limiting MATCH's extension to six or twelve months instead of eighteen months. Desrye Morgan stated MATCH was invited to attend today's meeting, but chose not to attend. Alex Brennan-Martin suggested modifying the existing contract to include accepting money from other organizations, such as Houston Arts Alliance.

Following a motion duly seconded, Committee Members unanimously approved a new one-time Grant Agreement between Houston First Corporation and Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston ("MATCH”).

6. Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.

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