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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12/04/1993 2620 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington December 4, 1993 CALL TO ORDER - Deputy Mayor Sargent called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council SPECIAL MEETING: to order at 9:02 a.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Deputy Mayor Sargent, Councilmen Braun, Hulett, and Ostrowski. Members Absent: Mayor Hallett and Councilmen Schueler and Wight. Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz and Clerk Upton. Public Present: C. McKeown, L. Doyle, T. Van Houten, D. Hagiwara, G. Frick, M. Fangen, F. Lighter, B. Coates, E. Hansen, J. Hess, E. Grief, T. Briggs, T. LaDur°n, F. Platt, and A. Butler. Special Agency Requests/ Deputy Mayor Sargent stated the purpose of this meeting was to hear 1994 funding Presentations requests from special agencies. She noted each group has been allocated ten minutes for the presentation; she urged those making presentations to not repeat what was already given to the Council in written form. Clallam County Economic Development Council; Gail Frick and Dave Hagiwara were present on behalf of the Economic Development Council. Ms. Frick thanked the Council for previous financial support. Additionally, she thanked the Council members for their individual support, and she offered a special acknowledgment to Deputy Mayor Sargent who has been most instrumental this past year in the positive direction of the EDC. In October, the EDC conducted a board retreat where the members were asked to identify what they wanted in a board and a director. From that retreat, new goals, objectives and a strategic plan for 1994 were adopted. Mr. Hagiwara distributed copies of these documents to the Council members for their review. Also distributed were copies of EDC's 1993 budget. Ms. Frick indicated the Economic Development Council was requesting the same level of funding for 1994 as was allocated in 1993, $22,500 plus $2,500 for in-kind services. At this time, Deputy Mayor Sargent advised the audience that the Council would not be making a decision today as to the level of funding for 1994. She felt it would be more appropriate to make this decision when a full Council is present. Derby Days: Mable Fangen, Treasurer of Derby Days, was accompanied by Katie Sundt, Derby Days Queen. Ms. Fangen indicated that Derby Days advertises the City of Port Angeles by traveling to more than twenty other cities in Washington, where the Derby Days float has been entered in most of their parades through a reciprocal arrangement. Funds allocated by the City are used to help defray costs associated with the float, as well as travel. For 1994, Derby Days is requesting funding in. the amount of $7,500. Chamber of Commerce: Ed Hansen, Executive Director of the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, introduced Carol Johnson, Tourist Promotional Division Chairman. Mr. Hansen noted that, although tourism was down somewhat this past summer, the hotel/motel trade succeeded in doing very well overall. From that success, it is hoped the Chamber has been doing something right in its promotion efforts. This year, the Chamber decided to place a full-page, color ad in "Loop Tours of Washington', which should greatly enhance the promotion of tourism in this area. In the Washington Travel Guide, the Chamber purchased advertising cooperatively with the Visitor & Convention Bureau, the Port Angeles merchants, Port Townsend, and Jefferson County. Councilman Ostrowski noted the Council's appreciation of the cooperative efforts between the Chamber and the VCB. Ms. Johnson advised the Council that the Chamber has been doing everything possible to stay within budget, in spite of various cost increases the Chamber has had to absorb. The Chamber is asking the City for a 2% increase in funding for 1994, to a level of $55,925. 2621 CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 4, 1993 Special Agency Requests/ Councilman Ostrowski inquired as to whether the Chamber would be asking for the Presentations (Cont'd) City's financial support for the fireworks display, and Mr. Hansen responded the request would again be submitted. Musetan: Fred Lighter, Manager of the Lincoln School Project, and Kathryn Monds, Museum Manager, were present on behalf of the Clallam County Historical Society. In a recent speech in Port Angeles, Washington State Transportation Commissioner Alice Towresey presented three models for small community tourism development. Of the three models, preference is given to the "whole community model" which emphasizes finding, preserving and sharing the heart and soul of a community. The model emphasizes what already exists in a community and how these natural and historical treasurers can be enhanced for the purpose of tourism. Mr. Lighter indicated that the ideals set forth in the community-based model are almost identical to the missions, goals and vision expressed by the Museum of the Clallam County Historical Society and its Lincoln School project. The Museum exists not only to preserve and interpret the heritage and history of the county and its communities, but to share this heritage and history with visitors and the entire Olympic Peninsula. Mr. Lighter reviewed the strategic planning process as it relates to the Lincoln School project and the need to design new programs which will foster a proactive role in bringing more tourism dollars to the Olympic Peninsula. Market studies have shown that Americans place a premium on tourism, sightseeing, and engaging in recreational activities in settings that offer interesting architecture, a sense of local history and heritage, coupled with the experience of unique and authentic cultural activities. As summarized by Ms. Monds, the Museum had 8800 visitors through October, 1993, which included programs for school children, residents, and tourists. Funds allocated to the Museum by the City have been used to defray operating expenses and for 1994, the Museum is requesting $15,000. Mr. Lighter indicated plans are underway in 1994 to participate in a traveling exhibit and public programming, which have been developed in cooperation with various state and local entities. Councilman Braun asked for a status report on the Lincoln School project. Mr. Lighter responded a "selective demolition' plan is being drawn up by architects in order to determine what needs to be done to the structure. Efforts are continuing in the fund-raising arena; an announcement will be made in the near future of the award of a challenge grant in the amount of $10,000 from the Walkling Memorial Trust. Various other grant proposals are being written, and several fund raisers have been scheduled. The building is scheduled to open in 1998. Deputy Mayor Sargent advised those in attendance that the requests submitted exceed the funds available by about $20,000, forcing a cut in certain areas. S~mphony Orchestra: Jim Hess, Vice President of the Board of Directors, and Jackie LaRue, Business Manager, presented the request for the Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Hess made introductory remarks by informing the Council that he is relatively new to the area. He has been most impressed by Port Angeles, the various activities available to the public, and the fmc Symphony performances. Ms. LaRue, having been a member of the Symphony for over nineteen years, reviewed the dramatic changes in the Symphony. Initially, the Symphony was viewed as an orchestra having a series of five concerts, with a September pops concert. Over the past few years, this has been expanded to include a chamber orchestra, a new chamber series which just started in Port Angeles and surrounding cities, as well as new programs such as, "Amahl and the Night Visitors". This will be an annual event, as is the Messiah sing-a-long. The Symphony is heavily involved in the school music program and sponsors the youth symphony. The Symphony musically supports other community activities, such as PALOA and Festival of the Arts. The Symphony draws from a large area, and Ms. LaRue indicated many tourists participate in Symphony events throughout the year. City funding for 1993 was $2,500, and the Symphony is asking for $5,000 for 1994 in order to be able to pay for facility rentals for the various performances. Councilman Ostrowski asked City Manager Pomeranz if it would be possible to obtain funding for the Symphony beyond the hotel/motel tax funds. Manager Pomeranz indicated this could be looked into; however, he could not recommend any further funding of outside agencies from the General Fund, as it is in a difficult position. North Olytnpic Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau: The Executive Director of the NOPVCB, Rick Hert, diStributed information to the Council pertinent to hotel/motel taxes paid as monitored by the VCB; Port Angeles is 3 1/2 9[ up for the year. Mr. Hert reviewed the cooperative marketing efforts with the local Chamber -2- 2622 CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 4, 1993 Special Agency Requests/ of Commerce, as well as the other chambers on the Peninsula. Joint advertising has Presentations (Cont' d) been purchased, and a comprehensive program has been formulated for trade shows (consumer, s~,.i~&,yideo, tour & travel, convention). Mr. Hert reviewed the positive as~t; in ittiacting the film and video industry, such as the upcoming filming of "Wyatt Earp". In the tour and travel area, emphasis is being placed on keeping the drive-through traffic on the Peninsula. Calls on travel agents are being made to familiarize them with the area. Also, every effort is underway to attract conventions. Mr. Heft was confident the VCB can effect 10,000 room nights in 1994. An advertising schedule has been formulated, and a distribution system established to include the Washington State Ferry System and the State Lodging Guide. Mr. Hert reviewed the advertising/marketing schedule and indicated the VCB is making every effort to cut operating costs in order to spend more on marketing. The VCB has increased marketing efforts with the media and has obtained approximately $100,000 in free press in the form of stories, etc. The Visitor & Convention Bureau is asking for $40,000 in City funding for 1994. Deputy Mayor Sargent expressed the Council's appreciation to the VCB for involving the ferry system in its marketing efforts. In addition, she noted the Council is pleased with the cooperative efforts with the Chamber of Commerce. She inquired as to cooperative advertising, and Mr. Hert responded all advertising is coordinated with all other agencies in order to avoid duplication and to take advantage of shared advertising opportunities. Break Deputy Mayor Sargent recessed the meeting for a break at 9:55 a.m. The meeting was reconvened at 10:10 a.m. At this time, Manager Pomeranz reviewed the individual requests submitted by the agencies and reported to the Council that debt service for the Vern Burton facility is budgeted at $46,185 and debt service for the Fine Arts Center roof is budgeted at $3,472. Therefore, there is a deficit of approximately $21,000 which the Council must consider at the time it determines allocations to the various agencies. In the 1993 budget, the Council had set aside approximately $6,000 of the hotel/motel tax funds in order to embark on an advertising campaign for Port Angeles as a retirement community. In that those funds were not expended, the Council may wish to include that same amount in the 1994 budget. If the Council makes that determination, the amount allocated to the agencies must be decreased by a like amount. Marine Lab: Terry LaDuron, Director of the Arthur D. Feiro Marine Laboratory, reported that the Marine Lab is still a teaching facility for local schools, the College and day care groups. During the summer months, the Marine Lab changes hats to become a high quality tourist facility. The Marine Lab and the City Pier have become synonymous, as many people have commented on how beautiful the City has grown over the years. Mr. LaDuron spoke of a family from Florida who visits Port Angeles every other year and, on each occasion, they visit the Marine Lab. Many changes have been made in the Marine Lab, one of which is a ling cod rearing project to be made a part of the displays. For the past five summers, due to the City's funding, the Marine Lab has been able to have a greater share in promoting various activities in the City. Evening seaside campfire talks and beach talks have been ongoing during the summer months, to include interpretive programs for the tourists, all of which have been very well attended. Some of the programs have been scheduled in conjunction with the tides. The Marine Lab plans to continue growing in order to meet the needs of the community. Thus far in 1993, 18,000 visitors have been seen by the Marine Lab. Mr. LaDuron felt the Lab is very worthy of the City's continued support. Logos Musical: Cecilia Leahy, President of the Logos Board of Directors, advised the Council that she has seen many people come to Port Angeles as a result of the efforts of the Logos Musical group. Many of these visitors refer to Port Angeles as the gem of the Peninsula. Robert Blake, founder of Logos and presently a consultant to the group, introduced a video documenting Logos' activities this past year in Chile, Russia, Egypt, and Quebec. He noted that many of the people they visited have, in mm, visited Port Angeles in order to learn more about this area. Jeff Greene, Vice President of Logos, stressed the importance of how the Logos members are serving as ambassadors of the community by teaching various ideals, such as not using drugs or alcohol. The group is sharing the benefits of Port Angeles with as many people as possible around the word. During the showing of the video, Mr. Blake described the Logos activities and noted his pride in what 200 + alumni have been able to produce over the years. All of the work of the Logos 2623 CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 4, 1993 Special Agency Requests/ group is accomplished by volunteers, and the funding from the City assists in Presentations (Cont'd) defraying operational costs. Deputy Mayor Sargent inquired as to how many of the visitors utilize local hotels/motds as compared to host homes. Although host homes are used on occasion, Mr. Blake indicated hotels/motels are used quite often by virtue of the size of the groups visiting. It would be difficult to find host homes to accommodate the larger groups. Over the past four years, Mr. Blake approximated the City has gained in excess of $200,000 spent in the area by the visits generated by the Logos group. Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts: Karen Hanan, President of the Festival of the Arts, advised the Council that the organization was created the first of the year, but has already achieved a high level of professionalism and organizational maturity. Many members of the community are embracing the vision of the Festival of the Arts, which is to breathe life into a new direction for the community. The mission is to support, develop and promote the arts in such a way as to benefit the community economically, culturally, and educationally. The organization was created in light of a nationwide boom in cultural tourism, where people are looking for more than just scenery. Ms. Hanan cited'similar successful programs in South Carolina and Ashland, Oregon. Ms. Hanan reviewed upcoming plans for the Festival of the Arts, to include an annual festival for the performing and visual arts, as well as a Lincoln log building competition. Benefits would be realized in increased tourism, employment, a greater quality of life, increased educational and cultural opportunities and access, as well as an enhanced image of the City. When asked by Councilman Ostrowski how the group is obtaining funds at the present time, Ms. Hanan indicated several grant requests are being written. The organization is requesting $12,000 from the City for 1994. Councilman Braun inquired as to the size of the organization. Ms. Hanan indicated there are presently seventeen Board members, and there are plans to expand the membership to include representatives of all other organizations in the area. Friends of the Fine Arts Center: Frank Platt, representing the Friends of the Fine Arts Center, reported that the membership includes over 250 people and is still growing. The Friends were formed when Esther Webster left her estate to the City for the Arts Center, and the purpose of the Friends is to support and supplement the activities of the Center. These activities attract visitors and bring attention to Port Angeles in a positive cultural way. The Friends fund the quarterly publication of the Center with a mailing list in excess of 1,000, as well as a tourist pamphlet distributed throughout the community. The Center is very difficult to locate due to the lack of appropriate signage. The Friends would like to request that the 1993 funding of $1,500 be extended to 1994. In addition, a request for an additional $1,500 is being requested for 1994, all of which would be used for the design and fabrication of a sign to demarcate the entrance to the Center's facility. Efforts for this sign can move forward once an access problem has been addressed. Mr. Platt indicated the activities of the Friends qualify as an attraction for visitors to the City, and he felt the request would further the mutual goal of increasing the number of visitors to the Center and the City. Deputy Mayor Sargent inquired as to the success of The Artery, and Mr. Platt responded the Friends have been pleased with the success thus far, but there is concern as to the amount of business to be generated in the off season. Deputy Mayor Sargent expressed concern, particularly during the summer months, with the fact that the Center is not open the entire week. She noted it is only open Thursday through Sunday, and she felt this serves as a detriment for the visitors to the area. Mr. Platt assured her he would look into the possibility of' improved staffing by volunteers in order to have the facility open throughout the week. At this time, Deputy Mayor Sargent informed the Council that she and Councilman Ostrowski had met with representatives of the hotel/motel industry, Tim Van Houten of the Best Western Olympic Lodge and Mike Larsen from the Red Lion Inn, for the purpose of answering industry concerns expressed on how hotel/motel tax money is spent. Mr. Van Houten introduced Mr. Larsen, and Bob and Virginia Belmont, Managers of the Portside Inn. Mr. Van Houten shared collective concerns regarding the 2% hotel/motel tax. In 1993, many of the lodging, food/beverage and RV outlets experienced a sluggish year. They felt it is imperative that the hotel/motel tax is used to advertise, market and promote the Port Angeles region in order to increase the tourism base. They attended this meeting to ask the Council to be reminded of the main thrust of the RCWs concerning hotel/motel taxes, that being to pay for advertising, publicizing and otherwise distributing information for the purposes of 2624 CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 4, 1993 Special Agency Requests/ attracting visitors and encouraging tourism expansion. They asked that when the Presentations (Cont'd) Council considers the allocation of funds to each agency, that the question needs to be asked if thq~morley is~ ~9.~g~sed for the purposes listed. Further, they invited the Council memberS'th attend monthly lodging meetings in order to generate participation and information sharing in a cooperative spirit. Mr. Larsen emphasized the need for the tax money to be properly allocated, and he expressed the hope that the hotel/motel industry could be more involved in the process when the decisions are made. He acknowledged that he learned a great deal by listening to the presentations, as many of the groups are truly involved in tourism for the City. Discussion ensued concerning the 2% tax, and Manager Pomeranz offered clarification in that the 2% is part of the 7.8% overall tax. Any taxation of the hotel/motel industry beyond the 2% requires an act of the Legislature, which has been accomplished by Seattle and other coastal cities. Additional revenues generated in this fashion must be used for a specific purposes, such as the Kingdome. Manager Pomeranz suggested that, if the hotel/motel industry is interested in such an increase, that the idea should be initiated by that group. An agreement could be entered into which would specifically set forth the purpose for those funds. However, those representatives present today expressed hesitation in considering an increase. ADJOURNMENT: Theclerk~ 0 0-~A ~.~,meeting wasq adjourned_ ~ ~ ,~//~~at 11:15 a.m.