HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - 09/27/2006 RECEIVED
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�•.� KENT
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE City of Kent
September 27,2007 Office of the MaYW
Committee Members Present: Tim Clark,Vickie Molzer, Greg Haffner, Jacquie Alexander,and
Ryan Noel. Others Present: Ben Wolters,Katherine Kertzman.
Clark called the meeting to order at 2:15 and introductions were made.
Kent Events Center Update. Wolters gave an overview of the project,noting that he is
currently preparing an RFP for an operator, and that the budget is doing well. He also discussed
parking and uses for the facility. A suggestion was made to invite Sports Illustrated to the grand
opening.
City of Kent Update. Wolters noted that he is dealing with legalities involving the City Center
Parking Garage and that he has spoken to some top tier regional developers about the project. He
said the King County Journal site has been sold and that LA Fitness has leased one side of the
building and that the other could become either an office or a hotel. A brief discussion of the
Aquatic Center was then held.
Seattle Southside Update. Katherine Kertzman distributed their Lodging Tax Report through
August and noted that it shows an increase of 22.6%. She added that Kent has had the greatest
percentage increase of all the cities. She also distributed the Smith Travel Research Standard
Historical Trend Report and noted that this area is doing better than the Seattle area due to the
types of properties available and the prices. Their Outcomes Report showing the results of their
marketing strategy and copies of the newest Vacation Planner were also made available.
Kertzman announced that they are co-sponsoring the PCMA Conference at which they will
promote the Events Center as a meeting space. She also noted that their interlocal agreement will
expire next year and Wolters agreed to discuss that issue with her.
2007 Budget. In the absence of a Finance Department representative,Wolters said he will
provide the most recent financial report by email. He said future use of funds should be
addressed, and asked everyone to keep upcoming events or marketing opportunities in mind.
Committee Positions. It was noted that there are currently two vacancies on the Committee,one
from the lodging industry and one from the community. Wolters mentioned two possibilities and
Clark agreed to contact Quality Inn&Suites.
Other Business. Wolters stated that the Dragon Boats were a good draw this year and that the
Lions Club will want a contract next year.
_Approval of Minutes. Haffner moved to approve the minutes of the May 24, 2007, meeting.
Molzer seconded and the motion carried.
Next Meeting Date. Thursday,November 29, 2007,at 2:00 p.m.was set for the next meeting.
Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.
Brenda Jacober
City Clerk
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