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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10/29/1999 CALL TO ORDER- REGULAR MEETiNG: ROLL CALL: Chamber of Commerce/ Visitor & Convention Bureau Partnership LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington October 29, 1999 Councilman Wiggins called the meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to order at 4:00 p.m. Members Present: Councilman Wiggins, Councilman Campbell, Zoe Baylon, Carol Griffith, Jim Haguewood, Patty Hannah, Bob Harbick, John McCullough, David Morris, and Steve Oliver. Members Absent: Clay Oakes. Staff Present: Economic Development Director Smith. Others Present: Troy Woody, Erl Hansen, and Rick Hert. Status Reportfrom Chamber a/Commerce/Visitor & Convention Bureau: Councilman Wiggins indicated the focus of this meeting was to hear how the funding efforts have been working with the ChamberNCB over the past year. Before commencing discussion, Tim Smith referenced certain handouts made available to the committee: a summary of lodging tax revenues and expenditures since 1993; revenues collected for the initial 2% since 1995; revenues collected for the second 2% since 1998; expenditures for the second 2% through October, 1999; the original proposal from the ChamberNCB that resulted in the tourism marketing program funded at a rate of $150,000 per year; background documents for new committee members, such as the final destination piece; an A WC publication regarding lodging taxes; and the Dean Runnion marketing analysis for the Olympic Peninsula. Rick Hert and Erl Hansen had been invited to this meeting to update the group on this past year's efforts. Discussion ensued with regard to the funding differences between the I" and 2"' 2% tax. Councilman Wiggins clarified that the mix of the way the money is spent can vary from year to year. Messrs. Hert and Hansen reviewed their working relationship with the various entities being funded under the ChamberNCB umbrella, particularly as relates to funding requests for this coming year. Although the task is not easy, they are attempting to look at all resources in trying to meet everyone's needs through this partnership. The ChamberNCB are preparing to submit an 18-month status report to this group on the matter of the tourism marketing program. Discussion then centered around the success of consolidating marketing and advertising for the different agencies and activities. It is felt the effort has lowered advertising costs for the individual groups by virtue ofthis cooperative effort. Messrs. Hansen and Hert indicated it was their hope to come before this group with a breakout of all requests that would be part of the contract. Consideration was given to how long an agency or activity should be funded before it should become self- -1- LODGiNG TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE October 29, 1999 Chamber of Commerce/ Visitor & Convention Bureau Partnership (Cont'd) sufficient. Past discussions have concluded that three years would be a reasonable target, with some flexibility applied depending on the circumstances. Consideration was also given to the expectation that an increase in hotel/motel occupancies needed to be realized. Tim Smith reminded the group that all members of the lodging industty had been invited to submit confidential occupancy reports to the City Clerk's office, so that occupancies could be monitored. Initially, the numbers were being reported steadily; however, participation has greatly dropped off over the past months. Although Messrs. Hert and Hansen expressed the desire to be active participants in determining how to meet everyone's needs, the Committee members felt it important that the Committee be able to review the specific details included in the various requests. Discussion then centered around applications that are expected for new events and how these new events might be eligible for funding. It was emphasized that the Committee needs to remain flexible and creative throughout the year in order to provide support for new endeavors. Also, the Committee members were in agreement that all entities submitting applications to the ChamberNCB should utilize the same application fonn in the interest of providing consistent information for consideration. The question was raised as to how everyone will know to submit applications directly to the ChamberNCB. It was suggested that an ad be placed in the newspaper to advise all interested parties. Limited discussion was held with regard to recreation events sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department and the associated increase in occupancies. Discussion was also held concerning the consideration of reserves being maintained for capital projects. Councilman Wiggins reminded the group that it will be participating in the review of the Convention Center proposal, and possibly the Gateway project. Further discussion was also generated concerning the revenues and expenditures, and it was suggested that a report be prepared in the form of a profit and loss statement to make the numbers more understandable. It was agreed the next meeting will be held on Friday, December 3. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. ~~~ ---~ .-. Glenn Wiggins, Chair 6D "~~ .-{Apt-Clf< Becky J. Upt C Clerk - 2-