Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout032222 Packet Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Special Meeting Tuesday, March 22, 2022 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Virtual **** Pursuant to Washington State Governor’s Proclamation 20-28.15, the City is not allowing in-person attendance at meetings. Council will be participating by teleconference.**** • Join virtually at http://joinwebinar.com enter the 9 digit Webinar ID 474-483-579 • Join by phone in listen-only mode (360) 390-5064 access code: 823-019-247# • Submit public comment emails to be included in the meeting record to: publiccomment@cityofpt.us I. Call to Order II. Introduction to New City Staff III. Lodging Tax Revenue Reports IV. Fee Waiver V. Funding Requests VI. Chamber Visitors Center and Marketing Contracts VII. 2022 Activity and General Updates VIII. Adjourn LTAC regular meetings are held quarterly, on the second Tuesday at 3 p.m. of the months January, April, July, and October each year. Next regular meetings: April 12, July 12, and October 11, 2022 from 3 to 5 p.m. Mark your calendars and save the dates! Resolution 21-087 RESOLUTION NO. 21-087 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, APPROVING 2022 LODGING TAX EXPENDITURES AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS FOR SERVICES WHEREAS, Chapter 67.28 of the Revised Code of Washington and Chapter 3.20 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code ("PTMC") authorize the City to collect an excise tax on lodging, which tax is to be used for tourist promotion; and, WHEREAS, Council established a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee in Chapter 2.74 PTMC to make recommendations to the Council for expenditure of the funds; and, WHEREAS, on October 12, 2021, the Committee adopted its recommendations for 2022; and, WHEREAS, having reviewed the recommendations of the Committee; NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend as follows: Section 1. Council adopts the 2022 recommendations for recipients and expenditures of lodging tax revenues in substantially the same form as at Exhibit A. Section„2. The City Manager is authorized to enter into agreements with the recipients of these revenues up to the amounts authorized by this Resolution. Section 3. This Resolution takes effect on its adoption. ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a regular meeting thereof, held this 20th day of December 2021. Michelle 'Satido Mayor Attest: Approved as toforma: Joanna Sanders,MMC 1 lei i Greenw roc . City Clerk City Attorney Resolution 21-087 Exhibii A Lodging Tax Fund 2022 Proposed Budget Allocations 2022 Proposed Revenues Lodging Tax 441,000 Investment Income 150 Total Revenues 441,150 Expenses Recipient Expenses Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center Operations&Marketing 109,180 Pivot Marketing Plan(dependent on ability to Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce reopen/remarket) 35,000 Main Street Tourism Infrastructure TBD General Grants or Funding for Tourism Events CP Communications&Advertising Marketing Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Winter Marketing 10,000 City of Port Townsend Miscellaneous-Facility Waivers 10,000 City of Port Townsend Performing Arts Study NW Maritime Center Sponsorships-Wooden Boat Arts Commission Sponsorships-Arts Events Creative District Sponsorships-Grant City of Port Townsend Sponsorships-Facilty Rental Waivers Fort Worden Infrastructure City of Port Townsend Big Belly Contract 10,500 City of Port Townsend Printing&Publishing Main Street Winter Lighting(tourism infrastructure) 15,000 Downtown Lighting-Additional Funding Tree well lighting City of Port Townsend Infrastructure Reserve City of Port Townsend Debt service transfer 125,000 City of Port Townsend General Fund O/H Allocation 19,507 Total Expenditures 334,187 Revenues Less Expenses 106,963 Beginning Fund Balance 277,924 Ending Fund Balance 384,887 An update to the forecast of Lodging Tax looks pretty good. After the dramatic decrease due to  statewide shutdowns for Covid 19 which began in March of 2020 we saw a good recovery in 2021 to  nearly 2018 levels.      2022 is off to a good start but with only 2 months of data and economic uncertainty a conservative  estimate seems prudent. Barring an economic downturn or a return to Covid restrictions we seem to be  on track to collect $525,000 or more in 2022.          From:Barb Trailer To:LTAC@cityofpt.us Subject:fee waiver Date:Tuesday, October 26, 2021 2:34:40 PM Attachments:Facility Use Fee Waiver-races 2022.docx CAUTION: External Email Hello,Attached is the fee waiver application for the Race to Alaska and Seventy 48 Races in June of 2022. We do not plan to file for waivers for Wooden Boat Festival in 2022, as in 2021 and 2020, aswe want to only ask for the most important events for us. and NOT HOG all the waiver money.The Races could use this help to put on these very fun races that bring in so many people to PT from around the world. Thanks Barb BARB TRAILER | she/her/hersWooden Boat Festival Director Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Office: 360.385.3628 x 106 Get to know us: FACILITY USE FEE WAIVER Chetzemoka Park  Cotton Bldg.  Pope Marine Bldg. Date & Time Pope- June 9-13/ Cotton building June 12-13 Organization Northwest Maritime Center Contact Name & Email Barb Trailer barb@nwmaritime.org Event Race to Alaska- Seventy 48- Ruckus Description Race to Alaska is a high profile international event, that starts in PT and ends in Alaska. It brings in people from around the world to participate and follow. Several racers and families are here for weeks ahead of the race. The Ruckus and race start draw national interest. Seventy 48 is a more local race between Tacoma and PT but has over 200 participants that end up staying in PT . Even though these are widely popular events, It is more of a street party for the town. Admission is free- and the only way for us to make money is on beer and merch sales. Getting the use of the buildings for fee waived is big impact on our bottom line, and ability to keep having them in the public park and spaces. Please note: if approved, waiver is for the use fee only. Damage deposit, proof of insurance, and application are required for all events. Please see “Facility Rental Policies” for more information and requirements. In-Kind Service Description In-Kind Completion Date City Staff Only: Approved: Denied: Reason: Total Fees Waived: Reason for Waiver: Community Event (Open/ Free to public): Benefits the City (City is receiving something): Other: Please provide explanation. From:Port Townsend Heritage Association To:Haylie Clement Cc:LTAC@cityofpt.us; John Mauro; Nora Mitchell Subject:Re: Request for information from the Port Townsend Heritage Association Date:Friday, March 4, 2022 12:38:50 PM Hello Haylie I was referred to you by Mari Mullins as I have been trying to connect with the LTACcommittee regarding a request I emailed in October 2021. I understand there have been some staffing challenges and a LTAC committee meeting is now scheduled for March 22nd. Iattached the email chain that shows my initial request and subsequent emails I received from Nora regarding meeting delays. I represent the new Port Townsend Heritage Association. Our request is for funds to cover thecost of renting the Cotton and Pope Marine buildings for the 27th annual Port Townsend Victorian Heritage Festival April 29, 30 and May 1. Since my initial request the PortTownsend Heritage Association(PTHA) has incorporated and received our 501(c)(3) designation. We have obtained the needed insurance coverage and city licenses for PTHA andthe festival. Historically, the festival has been granted LTAC funds to cover the rental of city venues. We are hopeful that funds will be granted this year as we are restarting the festivalafter the COVID shutdown and as a new festival sponsoring organization are finding our financial footing. We have been hearing from the community and past festival visitors that they are eager for thefestival's return with focus on the Port Townsend's Historic Districts, both Downtown and Uptown and education related to Port Townsend's rich heritage. If you would like moreinformation on PTHA or the festival following are the links to our websites. We are in full festival planning mode and the festival website is being updated daily with new events andactivities. www.PTHeritage.org www.PortTownsendVictorianFestival.org After talking with the Swan, Bishop, Palace and Water Front hotels we know hotel rooms have already been booked by festival attendees from out of town. This is exciting as ticketshave not gone on sale yet. It is expected the number of out of town visitor reservations to increase when tickets become available. We have received inquiries about the festival from asfar away as South Carolina, Texas and Pennsylvania. Our goal is to grow the festival and to add more events and activities to the Port Townsend calendar throughout the year that willengage with not only our local community, but also with visitors from outside the area. Please let me know if there is anything needed from us regarding our request, PTHA or the festival. All my best,Tracy -- Tracy Wirta President Port Townsend Heritage Association925-698-6891 email: PortTownsendHeritage@gmail.com website: PTHeritage.org or PortTownsendVictorianFestival.org On Mon, Jan 3, 2022 at 4:54 PM Nora Mitchell <NMitchell@cityofpt.us> wrote: Tracy I just wanted to let you know that the LTAC meeting for the 11th has been cancelled as thecommittees for the year have not been slated as yet. Please watch our website for the next LTAC meeting. We did receive your email and intended to discuss the process for grantingthese types of waivers with LTAC soon. Thanks for your inquiry. From: Port Townsend Heritage Association <porttownsendheritage@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, January 3, 2022 4:49 PMTo: LTAC@cityofpt.usSubject: Fwd: Request for information from the Port Townsend Heritage Association CAUTION: External Email Hello and Happy New Year, I am following up on a request I emailed on behalf of the Port Townsend HeritageAssociation on October 4, 2021 regarding the process for obtaining LTAC funds for venuerentals for the Port Townsend Victorian Heritage Festival April 29, 30 and May 1, 2022. Asof yet I have not received a reply to my email. I heard through a friend that our request wason the November agenda for LTAC, so I assume my email was received. I see the nextLTAC meeting is coming up on January 11th. Please let me know if there is anythingneeded from me prior to your meeting or if there are any questions regarding our request. Thank you for your kind attention, Tracy Tracy Wirta PTHA - President cell: 925-698-6891 email: PortTownsendHeritage@gmail.com website: PortTownsendVictorianFestival.org ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Port Townsend Heritage Association <porttownsendheritage@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Oct 4, 2021 at 12:47 PMSubject: Request for information from the Port Townsend Heritage AssociationTo: <LTAC@cityofpt.us> Hello, I am the president of a new organization in town, The Port Townsend Heritage Association(PTHA). We are in the process of obtaining our 501 (c) 3 status as a non-profit corporation.PTHA is a collaboration of individuals who wish to promote and share the heritage andhistory of Port Townsend and its environs. We will be the new host organization for the PortTownsend Victorian Heritage Festival, which we are planning for late April 2022. The festival was under the auspices of Olympic Peninsula Steam (OPS) for several yearsand another organization, which is now defunct, for years prior to OPS holding the festival. My question is related to applying for funds from LTAC to assist with the venue rentals forthe festival. Funds had been obtained by OPS for this purpose in the past. The 2020 festivalwas cancelled due, the health crisis, so I am not sure if an application for funds was made byOPS for that festival. I was a co-chair for the 2020 festival, however I was not involved inthe venue rental process. It was handled by the staff of OPS. I know Nathan Barnett is on theLTA committee, but I didn't want to bother him with my questions, as we know ,he hasmany plates to juggle in the community. Please advise me on how best to proceed to request financial assistance for renting theCotton Building, the Pope Marine building and if applicable, county managed MemorialField, for the 2022 Port Townsend Victorian Heritage Festival. I looked for an applicationonline, but was not able to locate one. Thank you for your time, Tracy Tracy Wirta PTHA - President cell: 925-698-6891 email: PortTownsendHeritage@gmail.com website: PortTownsendVictorianFestival.org t2/221202L City of Port Townsend Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Port Townsend City Hall 250 Madison St. Port Townsend, WA 98358 @K lwanrsI POBTTOWNStrND Re: LTAC Funding - Kiwanis Choo Choo Dear LTAC, The Port Townsend Kiwanis are requesting funding for necessary repair, improvement, and safety upgrades to the beloved Port Townsend "George Earle" Choo Choo. The following request, history justification, and budget is in support of this request. REQUEST: $7,2oo.oo HISTORY: The Kiwanis Choo Choo has been bringing smiles to both adults and children for over 55 years. lts many appearances during the holidays and unique events like Main Street Events, Rhody, Toys for Tots and others creates a sense of youthful joy and happiness wherever it appears. Through years the little train has become a cherished part of Port Townsend's special nature. Designed and handcrafted by a local group of mechanical wizards, the Choo Choo continues today as a labor of love, and an ongoing feat of engineering. However, the last significant upgrade to the train was in L979 when the Tender (passenger car) was added, and the Engine was reconstructed. While the train still appears youthful, its infrastructure is aged and in need of repairs and upgrades to safely continue its mission of creating smiles as it travels through the streets of Port Townsend. JUSTIFICATION: The Choo Choo provides a wonderful community experience. lt has become a local icon, representing community spirit and pride. lt delights tourist and locals alike. Annual Choo Choo operations are solely supported by the Port Townsend Kiwanis Club membership. However, the current needs of the little train are beyond the capacity of the Club to underwrite. The Choo Choo has carried local royalty, dignitaries, children, and their parents through five decades. Throughout the years annual maintenance has been completed on a as necessary basis. However, major repairs and needed upgrades have been, most often, deferred. A recent inspection by the Choo Choo Committee found the train in need immediate repairs and safety upgrades. Without the necessary repairs and safety improvements as described, the Choo Choo will remain on a side rail, unable to fulfill its mission. BUDGET: Engine lnspectlon, New Seals, and Tune-up, 51000.00 Note: Requires the entire boiler tank and frontend of the Choo Choo be removed. Transmission Service and Repairs 51300.00 Note: The transmission is slipping and must be repaired. The engine and transmission repairs must be completed before the Choo Choo can make another run through the Cit!/s streets. Generator or Solar Electric Storage Power Supply $2,000.00 Note: The existing gasoline powered generator is older and does not produce enough wattage to operate the lighting, smoke maker, sound system and other electricity consuming devices simultaneously. Not to mention it is loud and the exhaust stinky. Engine Tires (41 51200.00 Note: The Engine, because of its size and weight, requires 8 ply heavy duty trailer tires. The existing tires are, we believe, 43 years old and must be replaced prior to the Choo Choo returning to the road. Electric Air Compressor and Regulator 5500.00 The Choo Choo's whistle and horn currently utilize CO2 compressed gas. This practice is not only bad for the environmenL but tanks are cumbersome and expensive. Each hour of operations consumes approximately 20 lbs. of CO2 gas. This upgrade will utilize compressed air, eliminating the need for CO2. Aluminum Portable Ramp/Decking 150 feet 5800.00 The Choo Choo is stored at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Unfortunately, the Falrground ls notoriously swampy and muddy during the winter and spring months, Just when the train is most active. The Choo Choo's weight and lack of suspension make it particularly vulnerable to becoming stuck in the fairground's mud. The aged all-volunteer crew risk injury each time the train becomes mired in the mud requires being dug, pulled and/or pushed out. The crew currently uses 4' x8' xt/n" plywood sheets to create a base for the Choo Choo to escape the fairgrounds, This method usually, but not always, works. This method will no longer be utilized as the plywood is exceedingly heavy and difficult to manage. Simply, it is a safety hazard. Portable fold up aluminum decking will provide a much lighter, safer, and clean method of exiting and entering the storage site. Publlc Address System $400.00 The additlon of a Publlc Address system (PA) ls an important safety upgrade. The Choo Choo's Engine has extremely poor forward and lateralvisibillty, even with the recently added front facing camera and monitor system. A PA system will allow the engineer or conductor to direct the public to remain away from the Choo Choo until it is safe to approach. The PA will also allow Santa and others to speak directly from the Choo Choo while in motion or stationery. As you have read, the Choo Choo needs your help. The listed items are beyond the normal annual costs of operations, which the Port Townsend Kiwanis have been covering for the past fifty plus years. Therefore, we respectfully request the LTAC provide $7,200.00 to help ensure the Choo Choo can continue its mlssion of bringing smiles to the streets of Port Townsend. Sincerely, le Wilson Choo Choo Chairperson On Behalf of The Port Townsend Kiwanis City of Port Townsend 2022 Sustainable Tourism City of Port Townsend DMO Arlene Alen, CPM, IOM ENJOYPT.COM Tourism can be transformative for cultural heritage sites. As good stewards of our global cultural heritage, we want to do the most good, the least harm, and have a memorable experience. EnjoyPTCity of Port Townsend Tourism Can be transformative As sustainable tourists, we aim to travel with a light environmental footprint, to support local communities, and to protect culture and heritage Sustainable Tourism 2022 PT Campaigns City of Port Townsend Enjoy PT City of Port Townsend Pandemic weary seeking a mini- break from their current life and a new way to experience their own or nearby communities Staycations Visitors want to contribute to an eco-friendly world not just plastic straws, work from farm to table not just eat it and are very carbon footprint conscious. Ecotourism iPad driven rooms and destinations are preferable as well as solo-travel and the youngest generations hitting the road Tech-Centric Travel Tourists want to learn, expand their minds, obtain clarity and grow from their travel experiences Transformational Travel EnjoyPTCity of Port Townsend Trends Desire to CONNECT with a destination -not just “sightsee” Ecotourism is no longer a trend, it is becoming the standard Experiential Group Travel. Bicycle Tour groups from 10-400 and up to several thousand are becoming increasingly popular and coming to PT Adventure Travel EnjoyPTCity of Port Townsend More Trends Individual and group travel with clear interest in outdoor activities EnjoyPTCity of Port Townsend Host Communities Have responsibilities . . . . •Involves local people and businesses in decisions that affect their lives and community changes •Provides more meaningful experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and promoting a greater understanding of local cultural, historic, social and environmental issues •Provides easy access for people without full ability and exceeding ADA standards when possible •Is culturally sensitive and engenders respect between visitorsand hosts while building local pride and confidence. •Provides a great experience to visitors and makes them feel welcome Sustainable Tourism is an aspiration for all forms of tourism, not a specific type. It applies mainly to businesses and organizations that provide services to travelers Responsible Tourism is simply a term referring to the behavior and style of individual travelers. What’s the Difference Business -Visitor Sustainable Tourism Responsible Tourism EnjoyPT City of Port Townsend Arlene Alen, CPM, IOM director@jeffcountychamber.org 3.22.22 “Green Tourism”* the 2022 Commonly Utilized Definitions •Sustainable tourism takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. •Cultural tourism is concerned with a country or region's culture – specifically, the lifestyle, history, art, architecture, religion, language and other elements which help to shape or define people geographically and/or historically. •Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and creates knowledge and understanding through interpretation and education of all involved (visitors and the local community). •Adventure / Nature tourism involves a physical outdoor activity or activities with the focus on wildlife and environmental conservation. •Responsible travel aims to minimize tourism's negative impacts on the environment and maximize the positive contributions tourism can make to local communities. •Impact tourism makes strategic contributions of time, talent, and treasure to social and environmental projects in destinations. This includes tourism businesses, travelers, and organizations in partnerships with host communities. *"Green tourism" is not commonly utilized within the industry.