Friday, March 29, 2024

Leavenworth City Council keeps Jarod Drozdowski as Festhalle manager

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On Feb. 14, The Leavenworth City Council approved a professional services agreement so Jarod Drozsdowski can  continue as consultant-management for the Festhalle.

He’s been the Festhalle manager for three years.

“He’s moved the management of the Festhalle forward in a number of ways. Probably one would be the customer service he provides the individuals that are using the hall. It’s something that wasn’t there before,” said City Administrator Joel Walinski. “With Sue’s (Cragun) help, there’s been good improvement in terms of the record keeping and contracts. I think the other thing is, he’s worked hard to promote the Festhalle and bring a few different ideas into the Festhalle.”

Walinski said he would give Drozdowski high praise in those areas. The contract is based on 45 hours per month. The base salary is moving from $25 per hour to $30 per hour. Any additional hours would be compensated at $35 per hour.

Drozdowski averages between 50-55 hours per month, so this amounts to about a $300 per month raise, Walinski said.

“The other thing is, like some of the other independent contractors, we put a technology fee in place. A lot of people use cell phones or computers for their work,” Walinski said. “Rather than the city get involved with the ownership of that, we include a 6 percent technology fee that goes toward offsetting the cost of a cell phone. We expect the contractor has a cell phone and computer.”

The scope of service remains the same. He oversees, coordinates and executes contracts for rental and use of the Festhalle, including calls, emails and in-person contacts with private, commercial, governmental and non-profit agencies.

He oversees contracts for outside vendors for services, billable to the client, such as janitorial services and security personnel. He will provide day-to-day management and maintenance of the Festhalle. Drozdowski also maintains and updates the Festhalle website, in addition to working with city finance staff for submission of payroll, vendor invoices and purchases of office and operating supplies.

Councilwoman Mia Bretz asked why he is averaging 50-55 hours when the contract is for 45 hours.

“The base salary is 45 hours. There’s two months out of the year that in the past, he’s only put in 45 hours. There’s a number of other months, it might go 55 or 60. The 45 hours is a holdover from the previous contract. I think it actually is a good number,” Walinski said. “The 45 hours is an increase from a previous contract, not with Jarod. Then, we had it at around 30 hours.”

Two of the members of the Festhalle Committee have been there since day one, Councilman Elmer Larsen said.

“They dealt with a lot of individuals along the way. They would rent it, here’s the key. He goes out and checks on things, follows up on the contract,” Larsen said. “He’s such a level above a lot of the previous service. The committee, as a whole, is really adamant about retaining him. It’s been a real positive experience.”

He’s a real positive asset to our community and the Festhalle, Councilwoman Gretchen Wearne said. Councilwoman Carolyn Wilson asked who is keeping track of his hours.

“He provides a monthly invoice that documents whether he’s been on the phone, time at the Festhalle or at an event, how much time he spends with a vendor or event organizer. We have pretty good details on where he spends his time,” Walinski said.

Drozdowski also is the events coordinator for the Leavenworth Chamber.

“That seems to have been a good blend of jobs,” said Mayor Cheri Kelley Farivar.Bookings at the Festhalle has increased in the past three years, including more mid-week use. That has increased overall revenues. The emphasis in the next several months will be focused on booking the weekends left open due to the Leavenworth Summer Theater’s departure.

A preferred partner marketing program will also be implemented. Preferred partners are identified in promotional materials and the Festhalle website in exchange for a $250 annual fee.

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.

 

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