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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10/05/1998 CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING: ROLL CALL: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Review of 1998 Lodging Tax Revenues and Expenditures 1999 Lodging Tax Distribution Process LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington October 5, 1998 Councilman Wiggins called the meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to order at I :30 p.m. Members Present: Councilman Wiggins, Councilman Campbell, Bob Harbick, Richard Vogel, John Platt, David Morris, Steve Oliver, Bill Rinehart, and Jim Haguewood. Members Absent: Randy Johnson. Staff Present: Projects and Grants Administrator Smith and Clerk Upton. Others Present: Rick Hert and Troy Woody. Dick Vogel moved to approve the minutes of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting of May 18, 1998. The motion was seconded by Councilman Campbell and carried unanimously. Review of 1998 Lodging Tax Revenues and Expenditures: Tim Smith distributed copies of a memorandum setting forth the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendations as to 1998 allocations, an analysis of revenues and expenditures for the 1998 HoteVMotel Fund, and a debt service schedule for the Vern Burton Convention Center. Councilman Wiggins opened the discussion by reviewing the revenues and expenditures, noting that the projected revenue for 1998 (initial 2%) was $171,000. There was a reserve of $21,000. Councilman Wiggins raised the question as to how to proceed. Reviewing how this committee met its responsibilities in the past, he queried as to whether the group should embark on the same type of process or should consider an alternative. Additionally, he noted it would be appropriate to consider the hotel/motel tax as a total of 4% as opposed to two separate funds. In the discussion that followed, there was opinion expressed for and against a separation of the tax dollars. On the matter of how to proceed, Councilman Campbell reviewed the past difficulties encountered by the City Council in allocating these particular tax dollars, and he suggested consideration might be given to allocations and integration of special events that would enhance the tourism marketing program currently in place. To that end, Councilman Campbell felt it might be beneficial for the Chamber and the VCB to consider the different applications and return to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee with a recommendation as to how these programs can be integrated into the entire program. Lengthy discussion followed with regard to the merits of the Chamber and VCB -1- LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE October 5,1998 1999 Lodging Tax Distribution Process (Cont'd) reviewing the 1999 applications with a recommendation to be forwarded to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. In discussing the salient points in favor of and in opposition to the proposal, some of the committee members felt it may be more appropriate to concentrate on a collaborative effort in the area of marketing the different events. It was recognized that there may be merit in having the different agencies meet with the Chamber and VCB before any presentations are made before this committee. It would be in their best interest to make every effort to coordinate as much as possible in order to have the different events fit into the overall marketing scheme. In formalizing the concept, the committee members agreed that the proposals should initially be reviewed by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, but that the marketing elements should be coordinated through the Chamber and VCB. The Request for Proposals should set forth a distinction between operating and marketing expenses. After further discussion, Jim Haguewood moved that starting in 1999 the budget be based on 4% hotel/motel tax funds. The motion was seconded by Steve Oliver. After further limited discussion, a vote was taken on the motion which carried by a majority vote, with Dick Vagel voting in opposition. Discussion returned to the possibility of collaborative efforts on the marketing of the events typically funded by hoteVmotel tax funds. It was suggested that the budgets submitted by the agencies include a line items for operating expenses, marketing expenses that can be coordinated with the Chamber and VCB, and marketing expenses that cannot be coordinated with the CharnberNCB. David Morris moved that the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee encourage applications with an emphasis on the shoulder season, applications that have been coordinated in advance with the ChamberNCB in the area of marketing, and further, applications that show a collaborative effort with other agencies. The motion was seconded by Bill Rinehart and carried unanimously. In the ensuing discussion, it was noted that the committee should also encourage collaborative efforts on operating expenses, as there is often duplication in that area as well. It was agreed the next meeting will be held in November. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 3 :00 p.m. ~~ ----Glenn Wiggins, Chair Ao~~ J~^ Becky J. U ,. Clerk - 2-