adopted resolution

Nominate Damien Hall to the Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission to fill a City of Portland position

parks recreation
economic development
resolution

Introduced by: Former Mayor Ted Wheeler Former Commissioner Carmen Rubio
Status: Adopted

Impact statement

Purpose & background

The City of Portland is allocated two positions on the Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission (MERC); Damien Hall currently represents the City of Portland on MERC, has served as a member of the commission since August 2015, and has expressed his interest in continuing his service when his term expires this December 2022. Mr. Hall is a partner of the Ball Janik law firm specializing in land use, real estate and municipal law. He is also a Portland resident, which meets the residency requirements for this position. He has served the interests of the City’s travel and tourism interests well over the past seven years, and the Mayor recommends the Council approve his nomination. Mr. Hall’s nomination is subject to concurrence by the Metro Council President and confirmation by the Metro Council. Damien's Hall's statement of interest: Damien is interested in serving on the MERC to continue to advancing the work of the venues. Damien appreciates how the operation of the physical venues dovetails with the tourism, hospitality, and branding efforts to create economic investment and job creation, and seeks to use that insight to assist in the efforts of the city and region to rebound from pandemic-related impacts.

Financial impacts

This resolution has no direct financial impact on the City. However, MERC operates the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, the facilities of which are owned by the City of Portland, under an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and Metro. The annual budget and long term financial health of the Portland’5 is largely controlled by MERC. The Spectator Venues Program in the Office of Management and Finance serves as the City’s liaison to MERC and provides support to the City’s MERC representatives.

Community impacts

This resolution does not have direct or specific community impacts and no public input was sought in identifying Mr. Hall as the recommended nominee. However, the Portland’5 facilities are regionally significant in creating cultural identity, support the vitality of performing arts, and produce economic benefits for the community. Mr. Hall has the professional qualifications and experience necessary to assist in overseeing the City’s interest in these functions as a voting member of MERC.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

WHEREAS, through the 1989 Intergovernmental Agreement regarding consolidation of regional convention, trade, spectator and performing arts, the City and Metro established the Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission (MERC) to provide oversight and direction on the ongoing operations of visitor facilities owned by the parties, and agreed on the management of those facilities; and WHEREAS, Metro Code Section 6.01.030 requires the City Council to nominate candidates to fill two MERC positions allocated to the City of Portland, specifies that the Metro Council President may concur with or reject a nomination and that the Metro Council must confirm the appointment; and WHEREAS, Damien Hall was nominated by City Council through Resolution 37148 to serve the remainder of a four-year term beginning August 24, 2015 and was appointed by Metro Council; and WHEREAS, Damien Hall was re-nominated by City Council through Resolution 37406 to serve a four-year term beginning January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2022 and was re-appointed by Metro Council; and WHEREAS, Damien Hall’s appointment to the Commission will expire on December 31, 2022 and the City is required to nominate a new candidate or re-nominate Mr. Hall to the Commission for consideration; and WHEREAS, Mayor Ted Wheeler reviewed Damien Hall's professional qualifications and experience and found that Mr. Hall is a well-qualified candidate to continue to represent the City on MERC and meets the Metro Code's residency requirement; and WHEREAS, Mayor Wheeler recommends the City Council re-nominate Mr. Hall to the City of Portland MERC position for a four-year term, and the Mayor recommends Mr. Hall be reappointed to MERC, subject to the Metro Council President’s concurrence and the Metro Council's confirmation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council re-nominates Damien Hall to represent the City of Portland as a member of the Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission and to serve a four-year term beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2026.

Tally

5 yea 0 nay