HomeMy WebLinkAbout101315 FINAL Minutes
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
DATE: October 13, 2015 START TIME: 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall, Conference Room 3
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Sandoval (Chair), Robert Birman, Nathan Barnett, Sherri Hanke, Janette Force, Dave
Robison NON-VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Teresa Verraes, Dave Petro (alternate for Mari Mullen), William Roney
MEMBER(S) EXCUSED: Will O’Donnell, Denise Winter, Cindy Hill Finnie
OTHERS PRESENT: City Manager David Timmons, Marketing Director Christina Pivarnik, Deputy City Clerk Joshua Stecker,
Finance Director Nora Mitchell
GUESTS: Todd Gubler; Steve Shively, Barb Trailer
Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action
Approval of Minutes: July 14, 2015 Unanimously approved.
Christina Pivarnik reported a record number of tour operators during the summer thanks
to increased lodging options at Fort Worden. She also updated the Committee on Holiday Campaign events, including a new poster design, Thanksgiving dinner and New
Year’s events at Fort Worden, and lighting around town.
Dave Robison reported on Fort Worden’s accomplishments in 2015 including 14.5%
revenue growth from July through September and increased bookings during the shoulder season. There are currently plans to make more single and double dormitory
style rooms available. The Fort is asking for $40,000 in LTAC funds from the 2016
budget.
David Timmons presented the draft 2016 LTAC budget noting that the Visitor Information Center rental would not be charged until 2017. He highlighted $18,000 for infrastructure funding along with money for trail maps and a 10% reduction in funding to
Fort Worden. He also noted that 2015 surplus funds would be applied to wayfinding signage.
Round Table updates:
• Teresa Verraes presented a new business guide and reported that the Blue
Building is being removed
• Nathan Barnett reported strong lodging and Steampunk numbers
• Dave Petro reported a successful Main Street Party & Town Picture event
• Rob Birman reported numbers on par with last year for Centrum events
• Sherri Hanke reported a record season and informed the Committee of Keven
Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action
Elliff’s upcoming trip to China
• David Timmons reported on the upcoming remodel of the April Fool building and
the potential for a new Silver Cloud Hotel opening
• Janette Force reported on a successful Film Festival and improvements to the
Cotton Building
• Barb Trailer reported increased Wooden Boat Festival membership
Next Meeting: Special Budget Meeting to be determined
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.