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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - 09/27/2007 (2) `y �- T LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE September 27,2007 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. lie also discussed parking and uses for the facility. A suggestion was made to invite Sports Illu ed 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. � " Q 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 1 marketing strategy and copies of the newest Vacation Planner were also made available. 1 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 Finance Department representative, Wolters said he will provide the most recent financial report by email. He said future use of fun ds 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 I'nn & 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