HomeMy WebLinkAbout081214 LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE OUTLINE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
DATE: August 12, 2014 START TIME: 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall, Conference Room 3
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Denise Winter, Dave Robison, Will O'Donnell, Sherri Hanke, Nathan Barnett, Jake Beattie
NON-VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Xoe Huffman, Teresa Verraes, Bill Roney
MEMBER(S) EXCUSED: Michelle Sandoval, Rob Birman, Sue McIntire, Cindy Finnie, Janette Force
OTHERS PRESENT: City Manager David Timmons, Marketing Director Christina Pivarnik, Deputy City Clerk Joshua Stecker
Topic
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of July 8, 2014 were unanimously approved.
City Manager David Timmons outlined the 2015 budget process and 2014 revenue numbers. The current report shows lodging tax
lagging behind last year's numbers which may be due to reporting errors from Fort Worden. Business sales tax revenues are higher
than last year. Building permit activity suggests people are ready to take on deferred maintenance but that there is not enough
workforce to take on the demand. Commercial building activity looks positive for 2015.
Mr. Timmons addressed a letter from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee on ESHB 1253 Reporting Requirements for the
Use of Lodging Tax Funds for Tourism Related Activities. Part of the reporting requirement includes estimating the number of overnight
visitors. It was also clarified that the City needed a recommendation from LTAC for the use of funds.
Mr. Timmons reported that the new Visitor Information Center facility is nearly move-in ready and only needs remodeled restrooms
which will be funded out of the sale of the current Visitor Information Center. The move is pending funding for the Northwinds Art
Center's relocation. The City has applied for funds to install a crosswalk and clean up the triangle park outside of the new location.
Other projects may include a new banner system and a visitor information kiosk at the Maritime Center.
The committee discussed collaborative opportunities to use lodging tax funds. Mr. Timmons noted that Fort Worden was a good partner
because the number of overnight guests could be easily counted. Christina Pivarnik reported that collaborative advertisements in the
Seattle Stranger and Portland Mercury gained positive attention. Sherri Hanke brought up the idea of a passenger ferry service, but it
was noted by several members that the limited number of available beds meant that summer transportation would not increase lodging
tax growth. It would help shoulder season bookings, however.
Dave Robison gave an update on Fort Worden activities, including targeting wedding bookings and adding food options.
Next Meeting: October 14, 2014
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 4:26 p.m.
LTAC Minutes Page 1 of 1 August 12, 2014