HomeMy WebLinkAbout071018 MinutesLODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES
DATE: July 10, 2018 START TIME: 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall Conference Room 3
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Nathan Barnett (via teleconference), Michelle Sandoval (Chair), Robert Birman, Dave Robison,
Barb Trailer
NON-VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Mari Mullen, Bill Roney, Arlene Alen
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Amanda Milholland, Cindy Finnie, Janette Force, Sherri Hanke, Denise Winter
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sam Gibboney
CITY STAFF PRESENT: City Manager David Timmons, Deputy City Clerk Haylie Clement, Marketing Director Christina Pivarnik
Guests: Owen Rowe, Cody Griffin (Fort Worden)
Topic Action
Chair Michelle Sandoval called the meeting to order at 3:06 p.m. Lack of a quorum was noted, so the decision was made to proceed with the agenda with no action taken.
Approval of Minutes: April 18, 2018 Postponed.
General Announcements:
• Barb Trailer reported on the NW Maritime Center events, Seventy48 Tacoma Start and R2AK Race to Alaska.
• Dave Robinson introduced Cody Griffin as a future designee for staffing the LTAC meetings. Reported on the 4th of July event, Fiddletunes, launch of new promotional
video on Fort Worden website, Modest Mouse Concert and Fortopia.
• Mari Mullen reported on the Water Street Enhancement Project, Wrap up Party, Taste
of Port Townsend, Street Furniture, Concerts on the Docks, Merchant Coffee Talks, Uptown Street Fair, and the Winter Marketing Campaign.
• Bill Roney reported on website/Facebook activity and overall Vistor Center exposure.
• Robert Birman reported on Fiddletunes, Port Townsend Writers Conference, expanding youth and residency programs, and capital improvement.
• Arlene Alen reported on increase in traffic at the Chamber of Commerce, new website, local hotel bookings and new social media marketing.
• Nathan Barnett reported on the Brass Screw Confederacies and Historical walking tours.
Performing Arts: David Timmons led a discussion on performing arts in the City noting that there is a need for artist housing. Robert Birman mentioned that the Upstage may be re-opening with housing on the upper floor. Comparisons were made to performing art in other communities such as Port Angeles.
Topic Action
HVS Report – Regional Conference Center Analysis: David Timmons gave an update
stating that he is still waiting on the report but expects to have it by the next meeting.
Visitor Plaza/Water Street: David Timmons updated the Committee on the Water Street project and its final stages. Items left to be completed is undergrounding power and striping. David Timmons noted that there were concerns from the public about loss in parking due to the new plaza, but that parking was better utilized in other areas resulting in no loss of regular
stalls and an increase in ADA stalls. David Timmons also updated on other Capital Improvement Projects such as Jefferson Street, the Visitor Center, Big Belly trash compactors, and the potential for public restrooms by the PT Plaza parking lot.
2018 Lodging Tax Marketing: David Timmons reported on current finances noting that they were trending upward. Christina Pivarnik reported on the current “Come Back and visit PT in
the fall and winter” campaign with postcards distributed around town. She also showed examples of recent media coverage in magazines. Mari Mullen reported on the Winter Marketing Campaign mentioning media buys including display ads at Sea-Tac Airport and
digital advertising in publications like AAA Journey magazine. The Committee discussed current marketing efforts as well as new ideas including the Sims Way Banner system, Trip Advisor, and radio advertisements.
Arlene Alen mentioned the Marketing Committee and expressed concern about timing for establishing the Committee.
Next Meeting: October 9, 2018
Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.