HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10/14/1999
CALL TO ORDER-
REGULAR MEETING:
ROLL CALL:
Orientation
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Port Angeles, Washington
October 14, 1999
Councilman Wiggins called the meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to
order at 4:05 p.m.
Members Present:
Councilman Wiggins, Zoe Baylon, Carol Griffith, Jim
Haguewood, Patty Hannah, John McCullough, David
Morris, and Clay Oakes.
Members Absent:
Councilman Campbell, Bob Harbick, and Steve Oliver.
Staff Present:
Manager Quinn, Economic Development Director Smith,
Finance Director Ziomkowski, and Clerk Upton.
Others Present:
Troy Woody.
Orientation: Councilman Wiggins opened discussion by providing history of the
lodging tax in Port Angeles, past methodologies of allocation, and the formation of the
committee as it exists today. This committee will likely be dealing with approximately
$340,000. Councilman Wiggins reviewed the three-year commitment of$150,000 for
the joint contract with the CharnberNCB for tourism marketing, a contract that can be
renewed for an additional two years. The committee will be conducting an 18-month
review of the contract in the very near future.
Discussion was held concerning the cooperative effort between the CharnberNCB, and
Councilman Wiggins expressed the need to have this committee receive a status report
on how the marketing efforts are proceeding. In addition, it was felt tlte different
agencies working in conjunction with this cooperative effort should be given the
opportunity to report on the success of this effort from their perspective. It was
emphasized that all marketing efforts were directed toward putting "heads in beds" in
the shoulder and off seasons.
Finance Director Ziomkowski summarized lodging tax revenues from 1995 - 1999. The
fund balance should be approximately $100,000 by year end. Tim Smith pointed out
the reserve has been building slowly, and consideration should be given to
concentrating on this in terms of potential need for capital investment. Also, there is
a possibility of paying the bond debt early, and Finance Director indicated the bond
would be called in 2002.
Funding allocations for this year included the Visitor Information Center, the Visitor
& Convention Bureau, Hurricane Ridge, Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts, Story People
of Clallam County, Parks & Recreation, and the Blue Grass Festival. Tim Smith
discussed the concept of lodging taxes being used as seed money, with the hope that
future events could ultimately become self-sustaining. Discussion followed as to
whether this is a realistic expectation and whether this is accomplished in other cities.
Discussion was also held with regard to the cooperative efforts that have come about
with the hope that certain marketing expenses between agencies and festivals would not
-1-
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
October 14, 1999
Orientation
(Cont'd)
be unnecessarily duplicated.
Councilman Wiggins referenced the group's review of the Convention Center proposal,
and Tim Smith indicated he had asked for assistance from the VCB in determining if
there is a sufficient market to support such a concept. In addition, Lindbergh Architects
and the North Olympic Home Builders Association have been studying the proposal
to determine if the projections are accurate. Also participating in a review of the
proposal will be the Downtown Forward Executive Committee and the Port Angeles
Works! Committee. Discussion followed with regard to the acquisition of the
DoubleTree by the Hilton/Red Lion Hotels.
Next Meeting
Next Meeting: It was agreed the next meeting will be held on October 29, 1999, at 4:00
p.m. Staff will be prepared with specific information as to 1999 allocations, revenues,
and reserves. Also, the CharnberNCB will be asked to provide a status report at the
next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
/~?:;~
.// Glenn Wiggins, Chair
"'- ~_."-
- 2-