HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - 11/02/2006 KENT LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wa HINOTON
November 2, 2006
Committee Members Present: Tim Clark, Jacquie Alexander, Andy Wangstad, and Greg Haffner.
Others Present: Ben Wolters, Bob Nachlinger, Robin Hasbrouck, Katherine Kertzman, Kari
Gallaway, and Ryan Noel.
The meeting was called to order by Clark at 2:05 p.m. and introductions were made.
Economic Development Update. Wolters gave an update of economic activities taking
place, including construction of Project Springboard, stores opening at Kent Station, the
University of Washington Architectural School's Storefront Studio program, dedication of the
228th bridge and corridor, and progress on the Event Center.
Financial Report. Nachlinger distributed the budget analysis and noted that the budget has
done well and that a positive balance is predicted for the year. He said the forecast for next
year may be low, and that the amount in the final budget could be raised from $150,000 to
$170,000 if the Board so desires. Clark suggested a motion to accept the budget proposal at
$150,000. Wangstad so moved, Haffner seconded and the motion carried.
Kent Lodging Association Update. Hasbrouck explained the status of the Chamber of
Commerce deliverables including the web site, advertising, and the kiosk. She agreed to check
on the status of the sign code in relation to advertising on busses, and expressed interest in
marketing to day visitors, including those who travel to Pacific Raceways. Upon a question as
to whether this Board should be looking at visitors who don't stay overnight, Kertzman stated
that tourists qualify under the RCW.
Seattle Southside Visitor Services Update. Kertzman updated the Board on their major
initiatives for 2007, including advertising in various publications, continuing public relations
efforts, investing in tournaments in the off season, updating the Japanese website, and redoing
the Vacation Planner. Kertzman explained that Kent's share of the cost of updating and
reprinting the Vacation Planner would be no more than $10,000 and that the actual amount
would be based on the cost. Wangstand moved to make a $10,000 addition to the budget of
$100,000 to cover the Seattle Southside publication. Haffner seconded and the motion carried.
Kertzman outlined further initiatives such as a guest relations program, a new data collection
and distribution system, partnering with the Tacoma and Olympia Convention and Visitors
Bureaus, increasing their photo library, and pursuing a shuttle. After a brief discussion about
the shuttle, Wolters agreed to discuss the matter with the manager of Kent Station. Alexander
suggested talking to Tarragon as well.
Status and Funding of Maps. Wolters noted that several types of maps have been discussed
in the past, and it was determined that a walking map is no longer being pursued, and that the
Kent Downtown Partnership has a tear-sheet map. Hasbrouck said Town Graphics is pursuing
sales of a visitors map and that it was their understanding there was to be a business map as
well, which slowed sales of the visitors map. She noted that the gross revenue and ad sales for
the visitors map is at $11,826, with a shortfall of$13,174. She provided a list of businesses
Lodging Tax Advisory Board
November 2006
Page Two
who have dedicated funds to the visitors map and said there is a sense of urgency about
getting it produced. Hasbrouck recommended providing half of the shortfall amount ($6,587)
to get the map into production. Wolters suggested that Town Graphics revisit the businesses
who did not participate because they thought there would be a business map as well, and said
he would ask Kent Station to consider increasing their contribution. There was then discussion
about the method used by the printer to make sales, the possibility of using another printer,
and reluctance to pay half of the shortfall to the printer. It was also noted that mostly
downtown businesses have been approached, and that all other areas should be approached as
well, since the area they are in will be included on the map. Wolters recommended that
Hasbrouck, Alexander and Town Graphics work together to make a final push on sales, after
which the Board could consider making up a smaller shortfall. It was determined that the map
subcommittee will reconvene and meet with the printer, and Hasbrouck agreed to approach
Chamber members about advertising on the map.
Proposed 2007 Budget. The Chair noted that action on the budget was taken earlier in this
meeting.
Board Positions. Ryan Noel accepted appointment to this Board, and Wolters and Clark
agreed to pursue a candidate to fill the remaining position.
Approval of Minutes. Regarding the 2007 Budget item in the September 28, 2006, minutes,
Kertzman clarified that cities, as well as SSVS, can spend money on marketing events, but not
on the operation of events. NOEL MOVED to approve the minutes as amended. Wangstad
seconded and the motion carried.
Next Meeting. December 7, 2006, at 2:00 p.m., in the Centennial Center Conference Rooms
North and South, were set as the date, time and place of the next meeting.
Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m.
Brenda Jacober, C
City Clerk