Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11/02/1998 CALL TO ORDER- REGULAR MEETING: ROLL CALL: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Presentations of Agencies Applying for 1999 Lodging Tax Funding ChamberNCB LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington November 2, 1998 Councilman Wiggins called the meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to order at I :30 p.m. Members Present: Councihnan Wiggins, Councilman Campbell, Bob Harbick, Richard Vogel, John Platt, Steve Oliver, and Jim Haguewood. Members Absent: David Morris, Randy Johnson, and Bill Rinehart. Staff Present: Economic Development Director Smith and Clerk Upton. Others Present: Lodging Tax Applicants. Dick Vogel moved to approve the minntes of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting of October 29, 1998, Tbe motion was seconded by Bob Harbick and carried unanimously, Councilman Wiggins noted the absences today and, for those committee members unable to attend, he felt it would be acceptable for a committee member to send someone to attend tomorrow's meeting as their representative. This could apply for committee members representing the Chamber of Commerce and the VCB. Chamber of CommerceNisitor & Convention Bureau: Rick Hert and Er' Hansen presented the Joint Marketing Proposal on behalf of the Chamber ofComrnerce and the North Olympic Visitor & Convention Bureau. Messrs. Hert and Hansen were joined by representatives of the organizations participating in the application. At the urging of tbe Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, the Chamber and VCB met with representatives of the various agencies who typically apply for Lodging Tax funds in the interest of submitting a joint proposal for coordinated marketing. Tberefore, the overall application was submitted for funding in the amount of $110,085.00, as follows: North Olympic Peninsula VCB - $45,000 Chamber of Commerce - $47,785 Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts - $5,200 (marketing only) Hurricane Ridge Ski Club - $5,000 Lions Club Blue Grass Festival- $1,000 Fine Arts Center - $2,400 Forest Storytellers Conference - $3,700 The application was intended to serve as a comprehensive tourism marketing plan in conjunction with the organizations that wish to promote the area to overnight visitors. Mr. Hert reviewed the details of the application, noting that Wendt Advertising could be used for ad design related to the different activities and events scheduled. - I - LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 2,1998 Presentations of Agencies Applying for 1999 Lodging Tax Funding (Cont'd) ChamberNCB (Cont'd) Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts Storytellers Lions Club Hurricane Ridge Ski Club Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts Break Marine Lab Lengthy discussion ensued with committee members posing questions relative to the proposal. It was noted that the amount of work in the area of marketing tourism in Port Angeles has increased significantly. Although many expenses will be covered under the marketing effort financed by the additional 2% tax, there is a need for sufficient funding in this particular request in order to be able to accommodate the needs for different specific brochures, etc. Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts: Karen Hanan, Executive Director of the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts, addressed the portion of the joint application as relates to Juan de Fuca's marketing expenses. Ms. Hanan noted that the majority of the programs offered by Juan de Fuca were held in the off-season; however, it has been difficult to obtain figures on the number of attendees from out of town and where they stayed. She indicated they have experienced attendance in excess of20,OOO. Storvtellers: Josephine Pedersen of the Storytellers Festival reported that approximately 80% of the participants in the festival came from out of town. She reviewed some statistics as to where people were from, as well as the months during which the Storyteller activities are held. Lions Club: Jake Seniuk, Director of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, indicated that most of the budget is directed toward program development. The Fine Arts Center programs are on-going, and one-third of their audience is from out of the area. The Center's request represents a need for expansion of a marketing campaign via direct advertising in order to lure a larger cultural audience. Hurricane RiMe Ski Club: Speaking on behalf of the Ski Club, Steve Oliver indicated that funding this past year was directed toward advertising. Efforts this coming year will concentrate on the distribution of brochures, as well as creating a package with local area Bed & Breakfasts. Hurricane Ridge serves as an anchor in keeping the road open to winter sports enthusiasts. Discussions, questions and answers followed. Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts: Karen Hanan addressed the committee on the separate funding request submitted by Juan de Fuca. In addition to the funding request included with the ChamberNCB, Ms. Hanan submitted a request for an additional $10,100 to assist with further marketing, as well as facilities rental. She indicated the Juan de Fuca has continued to grow, and she felt Juan de Fuca had not only partnered with the ChamberlVCB, but with the City of Port Angeles as well. Ms. Hanan summarized the various activities conducted throughout the year, noting that Juan de Fuca has greatly impacted tourism because of cultural activities and events. Lengthy discussion followed, with questions and answers, and Ms. Hanan expressed the desire to see the number of activities grow. Given consideration was the possibility of Juan de Fuca organizing an event at the behest of the community, and Ms. Hanan indicated this would be possible if the funding were in place. In addition, Ms. Hanan responded to an inquiry in that she was quite willing to work with lodging facilities in preparing a list of activities available to lodging patrons. Councilman Wiggins recessed the meeting for a break at 3 :00 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 3 :05 p.m. Marine Lab: Dr. Jim Walton presented a funding request in the amount of $26,900 for enhancing the 1999 program offerings and returning to or expanding traditional full time sununer hours at the Marine Lab. Dr. Walton indicated that the Program Director has worked in excess of 70 hours per week, and the City has not funded to full levels. In the interest of not overworking the Program Director, the Marine Lab will only be - 2- Marine Lab (Cont'd) Parks & Recreation Department Museum ADJOURNMENT: LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 2, 1998 open as detennined by the level of funding approved. Dr. Walton reviewed grant funds received, specimen acquisitions, and construction accomplishments, all directed towards an increase in tourism. He advised the committee that 2,000 more people were served during the summer months. Lengthy discussion ensued with consideration being given to a possible increase in admission fees. Also, consideration was given to the mix of funding, salaries for student technicians, the hours the Lab is open during the summer, and whether admission fees help to underwrite expenses. Dr. Walton noted that operating the Lab does not benefit Peninsula College at all. He discussed the level of funding provided by the College to keep the Lab ongoing. Parks & Recreation Deoartment: Scott Brodhun, Director of Parks & Recreation, indicated the Lodging Tax funding for this endeavor is in its third year. Twenty-eight events were conducted this year, and much of the attraction is due to the joint agreement with the School District which allows for the sponsorship of some very successful events at very quality outdoor facilities. The sponsorship of the recreational activities resulted in creating $683,400 for the community, with over 7,000 people coming to town. Mr. Brodhun reviewed the various events held, noting that 11 events were held January through May, and 8 events were held September through December. Lengthy discussion followed, and discussion was held with regard to some of the more disruptive people staying in the lodging facilities. It was suggested that the Parks Department may be of assistance by forewarning participants of the expected demeanor while visiting Port Angeles. Discussion also centered around the fact that the Parks Department is often involved in partnerships with other activities, such as "The Big Hurt", so in-kind services are provided beyond the realm of the level of funding. Clallam Countv Museum: Submitting a request of $7,000 from the Clallam County Museum was Mr. Ted Ripley. He indicated funding would be used to work towards having Clallam County work with the Heritage Advisory Board by showing those locations placed on the State and National Historic Register. This would be accomplished by the development of a brochure and map highlighting community opportunities for the visitors. Discussion followed with regard to how this application differs from past requests, especially since this request does not involve the funding of staff. Mr. Ripley indicated this was largely due to the move and the associated reduction in operation expenses. Mr. Ripley, accompanied by other Museum Board members, summarized Museum activities and displays for the committee members. The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m. /~~ .~/ Glenn Wiggins, Chair ~Ot1~. J1:tlJA- Becky J. Up, Clerk - 3-