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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08/03/2005 v CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL: Approval of Minutes Consideration of 2006 Budget Allocations LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington August 3, 2005 Councilmember Rogers called the meeting to order at 2:05p.m. Members Present: Councilmember Rogers, Pat Davis, William Giraldez, Bob Harbick, Dave Nuepert, Bill Rinehart, and Brian Savage. Members Absent: Jack Harmon, Councilmember Munro, and Steve Oliver. Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Finance Director Ziomkowski, CED Director Madsen, and Carol Hagar. Public Present: Brian Gawley, Russ Veenema, Tammy Harmon, and Jeanie Hochhalter. Councilmember Rogers briefly reviewed the makeup of the Committee and noted,that someone from the Downtown Forward Committee needs to be appointed to the'seat formerly held by Jim Haguewood. . / Tammy Harmon said she was representing Jack Harmon. Councilmember Rogers explained that according to the by-laws, she could participate in discussions, but could not vote on any issues. Approval of Minutes: Dave Neupert moved to approve the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee minutes of September 13, 2004. The motion was seconded by Bob Harbick and carried unanimously. Russ Veenema distributed a Marketing Overview handout and noted that Port Angeles continues to see increases in room tax collections despite facing difficult tourism obstacles. Some of the factors that negatively impact the area include gas prices, the cruise industry, and the loss of the fishing industry. .. Mr. Veenema then described those factors which have positively impacted tourism, such as special events, tourism product development, media messages, and the web site. He demonstrated copies of inserts from the King County Journal, that advertised Port Angeles and used his laptop to display various TV ads being shown on the Seattle stations advertising various Port Angeles events. He then reviewed the 2006 revenue projections and deferred to Councilmember Rogers to begin di~cussion of proposed room tax use. ' Councilmember Rogers noted the importance of capital investments in order to create products to draw tourists to this area. She proposed paying off the bonds used for the renovation and expansion ofthe Vern Burton and asked Finance Director Ziomkowski to give more detail on the benefits related t this pay-off. Director Ziomkowski noted that City will save 6.75% in interest over the next six to seven years by calling the bonds. There is enough money in reserves for the payoff, which will result in increased capital for future projects. Director Ziomkowski stressed that the bonds must be paid by December 31, so a decision on this must be made soon. - I - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee August 3, 2005 Consideration of 2006 Budget Allocations Detailed discussed ensued, after which, Dave Neupert moved to forward a recommendation to the City Council for the payoff of the Vern Burton bond issue. Pat Davis seconded the motion. Following further discussion and clarification, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. After further discussion and clarification, Pat Davis moved to approved the projected marketing bpdget in the amount of $354,000. William Giraldez seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. At 3:35 p.m. Dave Neupert and Pat Davis left to attend other meetings and there was no longer a quorum present. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2005, at 2:00 p.rn. in the Public Works Conference Room. Adjournment: Adjournment: There no longer being a quorum present, the meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p. . - 2-