HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08/16/2004
CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
Approval of Minutes
Update on Oak Street
Conference Center and
Hotel
2005 Budget Allocations
for Marketing
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Port Angeles, Washington
August 16, 2004
Councilmember Rogers called the meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to
order at 3 :00 p.rn.
Members Present:
Councilmember Rogers, Jim Haguewood, Bob Harbick,
Jack Harmon, Dave Neupert, Steve Oliver, and Bill
Rinehart.
Members Absent:
Councilmember Munro. There are three vacancies at the
present time.
Staff Present:
Manager Quinn, Economic Development Director Smith,
Attorney Bloor and Deputy Clerk Hagar.
Others Present:
William Giraldez, Brian Gawley, Russ Veenema, Tyler
Ahlgren, and Ed Tuttle.
Approval of Minutes: Jack Harmon moved to approve the Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee minutes of August 2, 2004. The motion was seconded by Jim
Haguewood and carried unanimously.
Update on Oak Street Conference Center and Hotel: Economic Development Director
Smith informed the committee members that today at lunch, Randal Ehrnannounced that
he was withdrawing his Conference Center and Hotel project from the table. He said
that Mr. Ehrn had put his all into this project and it was very disappointing for everyone
involved.
Councilmember Rogers stated that until the City receives formal written notice from
Mr. Ehrn regarding this project, there is nothing to discuss and no action to be taken.
2005 Budget Allocations for Marketing: Mr. Smith reminded the committee that at the
last meeting, Russ Veenema had submitted a proposal on the budget allocations. The
committee is being asked to make a recommendation to the City Council regarding this
budget proposal. CounciJmember Rogers stated the presentation involved the balance
of capital projects, events funding and the marketing program for next year.
Bill Rinehart suggested that a portion ofthe capital dedicated to the Conference Center
be used to pay offthe debt on the Vern Burton. This would free up future capital dollars
for other projects.
Mr. Smith felt discussion on this issue should be postponed to a future meeting when the
Finance Director could be present to provide an analysis. Manager Quinn stated this
item could be added to the next agenda.
Steve Oliver felt Mr. Rinehart's proposal was worth looking at, but it was important to
preserve a significant portion of the lodging tax revenue for future capital projects.
Referring to the proposal received at the prior meeting, Mr. Neupert noted that projects
for 2005 included an allocation of$130,000 for other capital projects, but didn't list
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LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
August 16, 2004
2005 Budget Allocations
for Marketing (Cont'd)
what those other projects were. Mr. Veenema replied that various possibilities had been
presented for consideration, but no decisions were made. Mr. Smith stated that before
any funds were expended, the specific project would be presented to this committee for
consideration; then a recommendation would be made to the City Council.
Bob Harbick suggested the money be utilized to complete one project, rather than start
several smaller ones that may not be finished. Discussion followed regarding money left
in reserves for capital projects and how it might be spent. Councilmember Rogers
reminded the committee that the only decision to be made at this meeting was whether
or not to approve the 2005 budget allocation. How the capital project money will be
spent can be decided any time after the budget is approved.
Discussion followed regarding use of the money that had been reserved for the
conference center. Dave Neupert moved to adopt the proposed 2005 budget
allocation as presented. Jack Harmon seconded the motion. Mr. Harmon asked for
clarification regarding the $130,000 allocated for capital projects and when the
recommendations would have to be presented to Council. Mr. Smith suggested adopting
the budget less the $130,000. Capital projects could be considered and voted on at a
future meeting.
Discussion continued regarding the importance of capital projects. At 3 :35 p.m., Steve
Oliver left for another meeting and there was no longer a quorum present. Mr.
Haguewood asked when the new members would be seated and suggested the voting be
postponed until that time. Councilmember Rogers announced that the motion died
for lack of a quorum.
Next Meeting
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Monday, September 13. 2004, at 3:00
p.rn.
Councilmember Rogers recognized Ed Tuttle, who announced that his group would
oppose any future plans for a hotel on the waterfront.
Adjournment
Karen Rogers, Chair
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