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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12/08/1997 CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL: Process for Determining Level of Allocations to be Recommended LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington December 8, 1997 Chairman Wiggins called the meeting to order at 1 :30 p.m. Members Present: Councihnan Glenn Wiggins, Councilman Orville Campbell, Bob Harbick, Dick Vogel, John Platt, David Morris, Steve Oliver, Randy Johnson, Bill Rinehart, Bob Grattan, and Jim Haguewood. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: ContractsiProjects Administrator Smith. The members of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee reviewed in depth the twelve applications submitted for 1998 lodging tax funds, totaling $252,315, being mindful of goals established relative to the development of increased overnight lodging during the shoulder season and the off season, the possibility of funds being leveraged beyond lodging tax funds, and the demonstrated goal or ability of agencies toward eventual self sufficiency. After lengthy consideration and discussion, it was agreed that the recommendation to the City Council would be for funding at a level of$129,150, as follows: Chamber of Commerce / Visitor & Convention Bureau Port Angeles Parks & Recreation Arthur D. Feiro Marine Lab Port Angeles Lions Club Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts Story People of Clallam County Clallam County Museum $ 69,300 27,900 12,600 900 5,600 4,650 3,600 4600 $129,150 Lengthy discussion was held concerning the need for phasing out the support of events and programs for a given period of time. For example, Jim Haguewood related discussions held at the Downtown Forward Executive Committee level whereby it was suggested that initial funding be provided to an agency for the fIrst year, then 80% funding for the second year, 50% for the third year, and reassessment in the fourth year. It was agreed that if funding of activities and projects is continued at the same levels then funds will not be available to other new and worthwhile events. In considering a possible increase of 2%, the opinion was expressed that the committee should decide how the money should be spent prior to seeking RFPs. Further, it was suggested that funds should be set aside for community facilities or attractions. Certain requirements would be established, and proposals would be solicited in keeping with those requirements. The proposals should make a statement as to how many beds would be filled, and every effort would be made to not create more entitlements. John Platt urged the committee to be cognizant of a recent poll taken concerning an additional tax. Of the 39 collectors surveyed, 24 returns resulted in 22 opposing an increase and 2 supporting an increase. However, committee members were hopeful that -1- LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE December 8, 1997 Process for Determining Level of Allocations to be Recommended (Cont'd) a specific program relative to the additional tax would make the increase more acceptable to those collecting the tax. It was suggested that the increase have an established time frame for a possible sunset if, after evaluation, it is detennined there is no return on the investment. A motion was made to support the additional 2% tax, and after very lengthy deliberation, the motion was restated to the extent that the additional 2% tax would be supported with a program to be formulated by the committee and recommended to the City Council for fmal action. A vote was taken on the motion and carried by a vote of7 - 2. Chairman Wiggins felt there would be a need for the committee to get back together to consider this issue further. The committee's recommendation for the allocations of the current 2% tax would be submitted at the December 16 meeting, at which time the Council could be advised of the current status of the committee's deliberations. Discussion was held concerning the time frame under which the committee might function if it is hoped to have an additional tax implemented by April 1, 1998. Questions were raised as to whether organizations currently funded could return to the committee and ask for additional funding from the increased tax revenues. It was agreed that organizations would not be permitted to request additional funds. However, the committee, in its deliberations, may decide to recommend specific funding to agencies currently funded but within the realm of the agreed upon plan to be implemented. Chairman Wiggins suggested that all committee members give the matter further thought and be prepared for discussion as to the objectives to be met with the investment of these additional tax dollars. The next meeting will be held on Monday, January 5, 1998, at 3:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. ~.> ~ ~--::;;:'l~~-.- ~ Glenn Wiggins, Chair b&~.J.lcWA Becky 1. Upt Ci lerk - 2-