HomeMy WebLinkAbout041216 FINAL MinutesLODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
DATE: April 12, 2016 START TIME: 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall Conference Room 3
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Sandoval (Chair), Dave Robison, Janette Force, Denise Winter, Todd Gubler, Nathan
Barnett, Robert Birman
NON-VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Mari Mullen, Teresa Verraes, William Roney
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Will O’Donnell, Sherri Hanke, Cindy Finnie, Barb Trailer
GUESTS PRESENT: Councilmember Pam Adams, Amanda Milholland
CITY STAFF PRESENT: City Manager David Timmons, Marketing Director Christina Pivarnik, Deputy City Clerk Joshua Stecker
Topic Action
Approval of Minutes: January 12, 2016 Unanimously
approved.
Roundtable Updates: Teresa Verraes noted that Visitor Information Center numbers are slightly down and reported that
the 4th of July celebration at Fort Worden will be returning this year. Nathan Barnett added that the occupancy reader
board is soon-to-be operational at the Visitor Information Center. Todd Gubler reported on ongoing remodeling projects including the Taps at the Guardhouse eatery soft opening in May. Dave Robison reported about the potential for leasing
the lighthouse and adjacent buildings. Denise Winter reported on a successful Valentine’s Ball and PlayFest events and
outlined the upcoming schedule of productions including a Port Townsend-themed version of A Christmas Carol. Rob Birman reported that the Olympic Music Festival will be moving to Fort Worden. Mari Mullen reported on the upcoming
Main Street parking conversation. Bill Roney presented a new county activity map and reported increasing online interest
and a 26% increase in lodging tax returns over last year. Amanda Milholland reported on a successful opening for the Farmers Market and the upcoming Artisan Food Festival as well as identifying a need for increased restroom access
during the market. Janette Force reported that the Women in Film festival was successful and will return next year.
David Timmons updated the Committee on the Howard Street project, Upper Sims Way landscaping, the potential for a
fast-charging vehicle station in conjunction with the PUD, progress on the Visitor Information Center park and a grant to
repave Water Street from the ferry terminal to Taylor Street. He also reported that revenues are up throughout the City. The new trail map is awaiting a scope of work from the cartographer.
Christina Pivarnik gave a recap of the Go West Summit in Anchorage and reported strong interest in Port Townsend/Fort Worden from tour operators. She reported on the opportunity to recently present our local collaboration efforts to tourism
groups in Snohomish County. In March she hosted French tour operators and will be hosting more fam tours this spring
through Visit Seattle and the Port of Seattle. She also noted the potential to use lodging tax reserves to increase marketing during the winter months.
Next Meeting: July 12, 2016
Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.