HomeMy WebLinkAbout011012 DRAFT LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE OUTLINE MINUTES
DATE: January 10, 2012 START TIME: 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall Conference Room 3
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Sandoval (Chair), John MacElwee (arrived at 3:06), Sue McIntire, Cindy Finnie, Sherri
Hanke, Will O'Donnell (arrived at 3:05), Jake Beattie, Steve Shively, Dave Robison, John Eissinger
NON-VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Mark Cole (Main Street)
MEMBER(S) EXCUSED: Janette Force MEMBER(S) ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Marketing Contractor Christina Pivarnik, City Manager David Timmons, Deputy City Clerk Joanna Sanders,
Mayor David King and Deputy Mayor Kris Nelson.
Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action Follow up
Approval of Minutes: July 12, 2011 Unanimous approval
Update from David Timmons: Report included the following: 2012 budget
changes impacting lodging tax; Esplanade project update, Taylor Street Tunnel Lid
project to begin in February, Wayfinding; Library seismic retrofit, and Bell Tower
repairs. The City's revenue reports reflected strong November sales tax and weak
December sales tax. Lodging tax revenues were up for 2011, but came close to last
year through the adjustment that was necessary to fix a 2010 discrepancy. B&O tax
is up slightly; Utility tax is about the same; permit revenue and real estate excise
tax is nonexistent. Mr. Timmons suggested this committee monitor the status of
Fort Worden and the PDA's efforts and WSDOT ferry run status. He noted that the
current marketing strategy is on target and suggested continuing discussions on
building capacity. Some discussion ensued about micro loans. Michelle asked
about extending the HUD revolving loan fund for small businesses. Mr. Timmons
explained Main Street tax incentive program and other in-kind services as an
alternative to funding community programs.
0 Quarter Update: Christina Pivarnik reported on the following: Port Townsend
is currently 4th in the "Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America" by Budget Travel.
The new EnjoyPT.com website is up and includes six videos. 2011 expenses were
$7,500 under budget and the Chamber also came in under budget. LTAC helped
Main Street with their November holiday promotion and advertising. $5,000 is
budgeted to continue Founding Member status in Washington Tourism Alliance.
She is chairing the statewide summit and special events committee and noted an
April 5 WTA Summit at SeaTac. Marketing work continues on the wayfinding
project. Some discussion ensued about the need for more accommodations and
about City Council revisiting the topic of vacation rentals.
LTAC Minutes Page 1 of 2 January 10, 2012
Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action Follow up
2012 Marketing Strategy and Work Plan: Ms. Pivarnik reviewed the written plan.
In response to goals, there was discussion of the occupancy chart sent to LTAC
earlier today. There was discussion of whether summertime weekday low
occupancy might be a focus area and how to consolidate the City's tourism
marketing; working with partner groups on program promotions; encouraging
website package promotions/deals; sharing databases of email contacts or in
combination with social media efforts; and a possible e-newsletter. A question was
how businesses can link from EnjoyPT.com. Mr. Timmons talked about efforts to
create a clearinghouse of events in order to distribute a coordinated marketing
message. Discussion continued about the challenges and benefits of creating a
unified calendar. An additional suggestion was creating itineraries to complement
the six videos on EnjoyPT.com.
Ms. Pivarnik then reviewed target markets and work plan objectives, noting that
number 7 of the work plan is new (educate and assist businesses to diversify
customer base to bolster shoulder season opportunities). There was some question
whether the decrease in visitor figures occurred after the relocation of the visitor
center. It was noted that the availability of more information online may be a
contributing factor. A suggested goal was "increase (or maintain) the length of
stay." There was support for continued promotion of EnjoyPT. Self-guided tours in
coordination with the historical society and transit were discussed.
General Reports & Updates:
Olympic Culinary Loop (Steve Shively): Wineries and cideries events collaboration
worked well. Search has begun for a membership director.
Main Street (Mark Cole): They are readying for their annual retreat and working on
communications about downtown sidewalk construction. There has been
discussion of the passenger-only ferry and October Fest event possibilities.
Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission (OPTC) (Christina Pivarnik): South
Vancouver Island marketing to continue. Senior management of the Coho ferry just
bought parent company Black Ball Transport.
Tourism Coordinating Council (Bill Roney): A large crowd of about 800 attended
First Night celebration at JCHS. Jefferson County Tourism Council reviewed their
2011 budget and approved the 2012 budget with an emphasis on spring/fall
programs including Olympic Culinary Loop. Also discussed was a possible change
to the nonprofit status for TCC. County lodging tax revenues are expected to be
about the same. There is interest in promotion of shoulder season, small group
promotion, and the production of a new activities map.
LTAC Minutes Page 2 of 2 January 10, 2012
Roundtable Updates:
Ms. Pivarnik reported on the hot air balloon festival sponsored by the Holiday Inn
Express that will be over Labor Day weekend. The Washington State Lottery
commercial will run in February.
Mr. Shively recommended a supplemental budget request to ensure $7,500 is
available for LTAC in 2012.
Mr. Beattie noted AV video conference improvements would start next week. He
and musician friends are putting together music festival to coincide with Victorian
Heritage Day events.
Mr. MacElwee announced film festival reverberations and Japanese Dance Troupe
events.
Ms. Finnie reported on a photo shoot in town by a major company.
Ms. Sandoval reported the Quimper Merchantile Store SCORE application was
approved allowing the selling of stock. Working on ice skating rink idea for the
month of December.
Next Meeting: April 10, 2011 Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
LTAC Minutes Page 3 of 2 January 10, 2012