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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - 09/15/2005 (2) OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Jim White, Mayor Phone: 253-856-5700 • Fax: 253-856-6700 KENT Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S. W A S H I N G T O N Kent,WA.98032-5895 AGENDA and MINUTES FORM LODGING TAX ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Thursday,September 15,2005 2pm City Hall 2"`'Floor Conference Room (across from elevators) Kent City Hall,220 4th Avenue South Attendance: Councilmember Tim Clark, Chair Nathan Torgelson, Staff Jacquie Alexander V Bob Nachlinger, Staff ✓ Denise Gray '✓ Cliff Craig, Staff Kathy Madison Robin Hasbrouck,Guest Vickie Molzer� Katherine Kertzman,Guest Andy Wangstad✓ Kari Gallaway,Guest Greg Haffner V Introductions and Call to order—Councilmember Tim Clark Information Items: 1. Financial Report (Cliff Craig) 2. Update on Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Kent and Certificate of Need Hearing (Nathan) 3. Update on Seattle Southside Visitor Services (SSVS) (Katherine Kertzman, SSVS) 4. Update from Kent Lodging Association(Robin Hasbrouck, Kent Chamber) 5. Update on proposed hotel/condo complex in downtown Kent (Nathan) Items Requiring Action: 1. Approval of minutes of May 19, 2005 Next meeting date, time and location Assignments for next meeting KENT LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE W-HINOTON May 19, 2005 Committee Members Present: Tim Clark, Jacquie Alexander, Kathy Madison, Vickie Molzer and Andy Wangstad. Others Present: Nathan Torgelson, Cliff Craig and Katherine Kertzman. The meeting was called to order by Clark at 2:00 p.m.. Financial Report. Nathan handed out the Current Budget Analysis Lodging Tax Operating Fund Report as of April 30, 2005. Cliff noted that the report has changed, in that everything has been consolidated into the operating budget. He went on to explain the figures. He reminded everyone of the $17,500 expenditure in 2006 for the Senior Western World Softball tournament. After a brief discussion Clark made a motion to approve the April 30, 2005 Operating Fund Report. Wangstad so moved, Madison seconded, motion carried. Kertzman noted that if you go to the DOR website you are able to see the lodging tax revenue from the time you started collecting it to date. Kertzman handed out a Department of Revenue, Lodging Revenue Report, noting that we have been remaining flat until this last month. Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Torgelson handed out an information sheet from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The State Department of Health held their Certificate of Needs Public Hearing in Kent, on April 20, 2005. Nathan wanted to thank both Kathy and Vicki who testified in support and also Suzanne Cameron, Board President for the KDP for her testimony and support. He noted the hearing lasted over three hours and is now in the hands of the State. The decision should come sometime this summer. A short discussion followed. Seattle Southside Visitor Services. Kertzman passed out the May 2005 Seattle Southside Visitors Services update, as well as four different graphs that illustrate various trends. Vacation Planners were also handed out, with extras available upon request. Kertzman went on to let everyone know of other activities Seattle Southside is working on. She noted that they will be open seven days a week during the summer, that they are having an open house, and that they've hired new staff. She also stated that they are working with Jacquie to approach downtown restaurants regarding advertising. Clark mentioned the recent Cinco de Mayo event, and a brief discussion was held on the subject. It was also pointed out that bus routes will change in June near Kent Station. Kent Lodging Association. Since Hasbrouck was not in attendance, no report was given. Approval of Minutes. Wangstad moved to approve the minutes of March 17, 2005. Madison seconded and the motion carried. Reconfirmation of Board Members. It was noted that the terms of Jacquie Alexander and Denise Gray have expired. Alexander agreed to serve another term. Wangstad moved to recommend to Council that her appointment be confirmed. Madison seconded. Motion carried. It was noted that Denise Gray will be contacted about serving another term. Lodging Tax Advisory Board May 19, 2005 Page Two Next Meeting. The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, September 15, 2005, at 2:00 p.m., City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m. Cheryl Viseth, Administrative Assistant IJ CURRENT BUDGET ANALYSIS LODGING TAX OPERATING FUND as of August 31, 2005 2004 2005 2005 2006 Actual Adj Budget Est Actual Budget BEGINNING FUND BALANCE 65,192 127,574 70,496 76,042 REVENUES Lodging Tax 122,281 121,132 114,160 118,069 Interest Income 976 526 2,000 2,000 TOTAL REVENUES 123,257 121,658 116,160 120,069 TOTAL RESOURCES 188,449 249,232 186,656 196,111 EXPENDITURES Strong Local Economy Tourism Marketing Softball 3,333 5,833 5,833 17,500 Bike Race 1,000 Dragon Boat Race 6,000 Tourism Chamber 29,170 18,000 18,000 18,000 :eattle Southside Visitor Services 131,800 131,800 100,000 ourism Unallocated 10,900 4,900 25,000 Transfer Out-Tourism Destination 77,404 Reverse Transfers from projects (50,147) (55,919) TOTAL EXPENDITURES(TRANSFERS) 60,760 166,533 110,614 160,500 Change in Fund Balance 62,497 (44,875) 5,546 (40,431) ENDING FUND BALANCE 127,689 82,699 76,042 35,611 l,e� Seattle Southside Visitor Services September 2005 Update Item Status Comments Toll-free calls YTD See attachment. SeattleSouthside.com YTD See attachment. 2005 Vacation Planner Complete Updating Website Ongoing as needed Online hotel reservations Ongoing Meeting with SeaTac,Kent and Tukwila hotel staff ongoing as needed for training. Seattle Southside Express Ongoing Received$10,000 King County Economic Development Grant. Pursuing $30,000 to $50,000 corporate sponsorship through Westfield. Networking Ongoing Katherine to be appointed the Seattle Sports Commission Board of Directors in Dec. See attachment SSVS Networking Meeting September 22, 12:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. @ Starfire Map Pending Acquired 3 quotes for 9 by 4 brochure to be used at hotel front desks,we will proceed once the new Marketing Communications Coordinator is hired. Benchmark Study Complete Telephone survey to 250 locals. Report available upon request. Metro Busboard Campaign Complete Visitor Center Ongoing New summer hours based on 6-week evaluation of walk-in traffic.Now closed on Sundays and 2 staff members at the front desk on Saturdays. See attachment. Open House was June 11'h 200 attendees. Groups Assistance Ongoing Assisting lots of groups Siaffing Pending A permanent Visitor Information Specialist and Marketing Communications Coordinator position now hired. Part time summer intern hired. Will launch a volunteer recruitment campaign over the winter. Public Relations Ongoing Article on tourism appeared on the front page South County Business Report. SSVS quoted throughout. At A Glance completed and ongoing, online press room maintenance ongoing. KK addressing immediate requests until new Marketing Communications Coordinator on board. Museum of Flight&Hydroplane Ongoing Flyer distributed in Visitor Packets and at the Center, online coupons,printed Museum"Boats the Fly Event coupons,press release distribution and pitching,POP sales at Visitor Center, "At A Glance" SSVS electronic newsletter, emails to website visitors, etc. Seattle CVB Cruise A Thon Pending Shared admission fee with area hotel sales team and received mailing list of over 100 plus travel agents specializing in cruise travel. Currently building database in preparation for follow-up direct mail campaign TBD. 2006 Budget&Major Initiatives Underway Planning Starfire Sports Ongoing Contract signed. Sending out tournament announcements/RFP's for 2006. Toll-Free Phone Report 350 _ 300 — . . - — -- ------------- 250 - -- --- - - ---- - - 200 -- - - — ----- - 150 --- f 100 - - - - -- - - - 50 - 1 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 132002 24 33 54 143 99 217 93 108 68 66 41 57 2003 58 52 73 116 126 267 152 140 100 62 61 67 ❑2004 73 92 169 181 194 304 286 199 136 102 100 121 132005 145 179 308 263 264 300 329 Website Visitors Per Month www.SeattleSouthside.com 20000 - 18000 - ------- 16000 — ------ ——---- 14000 12000 ----------- 10000 - ................ 8000 - ....... ...... 6000 - 4000 7, 2000 0 - Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 112002 2112 2280 2303 2841 2946 3152 3580 4223 3910 3696 3409 3788 C3 2003 3663 4072 4803 4093 3915 4087 4521 3942 3858 3752 3317 3753 02004 4199 4070 8933 9208 10014 9444 12598 11767 10330 11857 12292 13888 1:12005 1 15070 14739 16789 14579 16742 16898 18736 17056 KENT CHAMBER OF o COMMERCE Kent Lodging Tax Advisory Board Meeting Kent Chamber Update September 15, 2005 KENT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ACTIVITY REPORT—September 2005 It is the city of Kent's intent to increase occupancy at Kent hotels and motels, to promote Kent as a site for corporate meetings and events, and to promote tourism opportunities in Kent. The City has contracted the Kent Chamber of Commerce to perform the following services as reported. Web Site: hosting, content administration, modification and search engine marketing Update: web site build is 90% complete and in the final stage of hotel link modifications. Lawton Publications contact is working closely with the Kent Chamber and Seattle Southside Visitors Service to build the hotel link site to visit SSVS as a final stage in reservations. Content is complete. Launch notification will be provided. The current delay is due to new web host Ad Host scheduling. Advertising: maintain 1-800 toll free number, and mail individual travel collateral Update: The Kent Chamber is in the process of development of a welcome packet for the traveler as well as relocation. 1-800 number is active and will be better positioned on the new web site and in the new welcome packet. Research and Development: Research how Kent can better position itself to capture tourism dollars and opportunities and additional hotel/motel stays Update: Currently reviewing local attractions and the marketing of lodging in the Kent area through these attractions. Robin Hasbrouck, Business Services Mgr. for the chamber will be attending the GOVERNOR'S 2005 TOURISM SUMMIT on November 171h and 18`". Tourism Services: staff time attending to services above, attending Lodging Tax Advisory Board Meetings, coordination with Seattle Southside Visitor Services Update: Information provided at meetings and upon request. Web Site Hits 25000 Ell 1 20000 ./ ---------- - - - -- 2 -_ `F 1 � ❑14357 --�14661 _ 1013 ❑11 95 -- -_ -- --- F❑2004 - 1 10000 �; ®2005 5000- 0- January February_ March April May June July August ❑2004 14357 11715 18890 12495 14766 17802 20420 12974 ■2005 11013 14661 16772 16164 17273 16989 22831 16494 Page View Data 4000 3500 3000 --- ae x -2472__ ha' _ 2500 _— 147 20381999 - f 2000 020041 - _ 19 2005 1 1500 -- _. 1000 - - 500- --- i s 0 _ a. January February March April May June July August ❑2004 2472 2038 2717 1835 2147 2364 2862 2439 ■2005 2147 1999 2542 3088 3307 2784 3571 2705 Session Data 2500 2000 — rdr�, 1500 ' 1215 1145 1167 T 6 974 -- - 112004 1000- �' -- -- El 2005 500 i f 0 {a" January February March April May June July August ❑2004 1215 1167 1369 998 1215 1082 1259 1257 ■2005 1145 974 1541 1909 1844 1654 2150 1316 i 2004 Toll Free Call Report 2005 Toll Free Call Report Kent Lodging Kent Lodging Jan $ 2.69 Jan $ 12.99 Feb $ 3.86 Feb $ 2.36 Mar $ 1.39 Mar $ 1.25 Apr $ 0.68 Apr $ 4.61 May $ - May $ 0.83 June $ - June $ 2.53 July $ 1.49 July $ 2.23 Aug $ 0.33 Aug Sept $ 0.57 Sept Oct $ 0.45 Oct Nov $ 14.29 Nov Dec $ - Dec Total $ 25.75 Total $ 26.80 I Before grange . . .before latt®s . . . wattle ova © CRYI s. m A new exhibition at The Museum of Flight July 30—January 15 ecapture the drama, passion and hometown pride of a city coming together and coming of age through the stories, sights and sounds of Golden-Age hydro racing in 898tS Mat fly, a new exhibit at The Museum of Flight featuring rare artifacts, models, video presentations and oral histories. Three full-size historic unlimited-class boats—the 1846 Tempo U/ the 1851 s/o o-ShHH V and the 1862M/SS0011811/ �- highlight the exhibit, along with tales of the biggest names from Seattle's first ; professional sport. ® ter.... Open daily 10-5 Exit 158 off 1-5 • Free parking THE 9404 East Marginal Way South, Seattle MUSEUM 206-764-5720 • www.museumofflight.org OF