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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05/05/1998 CALL TO ORDER- REGULAR MEETING: ROLL CALL: Rating of Proposals for Marketing of Tourism LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington May 5, 1998 Councilman Wiggins called the meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to order at 1:35 p.m. Members Present: Councilman Wiggins, Councilman Campbell, Bob Harbick, Richard Vogel, John Platt, Bill Rinehart, and Jim Haguewood. Members Absent: Bob Grattan. David Morris, Steve Oliver, Randy Johnson, and Staff Present: Attorney Knutson, Tim Smith, and Deputy Clerk Hagar. Others Present: Rick Hert and Scott Hance. Councilman Wiggins suggested rating the proposals as presented at the previous meeting. Bill Rinehart asked for discussion prior to rating, as he was concerned with direction regarding the amount of involvement the conunittee would have. He also didn't feel the proposals had addressed off-season tourism. Councilman Wiggins suggested discussing each proposal, then scoring them if appropriate. Going around the table, each member of the committee was given the opportunity to express his view on each of the proposals starting with S & S. It was the general consensus that the S & S proposal was too narrow in scope. While using the Internet is good, the whole proposal cannot be based on that one tool. Bob Harbick felt free Internet advertising for all the businesses in town was not an appropriate use of funds. Jim Haguewood, however, felt some of the aspects of the proposal could be utilized, such as colored pictures, offering three, five and seven day itineraries, and being able to make hotel reservations over the Internet. The committee then discussed the proposal from Competitive Edge. All agreed that the proposal was more for planning than management. The time for planning is past, and it is lime to act. The goal is to get heads in beds, and this proposal was vague with too many unknowns and no final product. The last proposal was from the Visitor and Convention Bureau and Chamber of Commerce (VCB/CH). Bob Harbick stated he was uncomfortable discussing this proposal with its representatives present, but he understood it was an open meeting. Councilman Campbell felt this proposal came the closest to the mark; however, some items still needed to be fleshed out. Jim Haguewood agreed and stated he was intrigued by the concept. Port Angeles needs an imal'l' change or to begin an image creation. He was unsettled by the $150,000 cost as this is over budget, but he felt this could be discussed later. Bill Rinehart agreed with comments made and was also concerned over the fmancial aspect. He felt the City would need input or control over the money being spent. John Platt agreed, the money can be discussed later, but felt the committee and City must back the VCB/CH in order to get the job done. Mr. Platt also felt the -1- LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE May 5, 1998 community must get more involved with tourism. Discussion followed regarding community involvement in tourism and cooperation between the City, Community, VCB and Chambers to back this proposal and make it work. Rating of Proposals for Marketing of Tourism (Cont'd) Bob Harbick stated the VCB/CH did a good job in assembling its proposal. He liked the seven-step, strategy building plan and did not have a problem with the cost. Dick Vogel stated an estimated $175,000 will be raised by the 2% increase. If the VCB/CH proposal needs $150,000 to work, the Committee should either get behind them and support them by granting the needed money, or look for a different proposal. Councilman Wiggins agreed with the opinions expressed. He felt this was the best proposal submitted, and the Committee should back it. It was the general consensus of the Committee to go on to the next step, which is to study the proposal, decide if the $150,000 figure is acceptable, and decide what the committee expects for the money spent. The next meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee was scheduled for Monday, May 18, 1998, at 1 :30 p.m. in the Public Works Conference Room. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 2:42 p.m. _____c0~~~ ----Glenn Wiggins, Chair 6o~~ ~~A Becky J. Up ,C Clerk - 2-