2021-03-01 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee PacketSPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
4 EDMONDS LODGING TAX
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Edmonds Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will hold a meeting on Monday,
March 1, 2021 at 2 p.m. The agenda is attached, miscellaneous items may be discussed
and there will be an opportunity for audience comments.
The meeting will be held via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
htti)s://zoom.us/i/96289066274?lDwd=NTk2UmirW FBUWXDPVOFZQmhHNGl XQT09
Meeting ID: 962 8906 6274
Passcode:976902
The public is welcome to attend the meeting.
Posted/Emailed: February 25, 2021
POSTED:
City Hall
Edmonds Library
Edmonds Post Office
Public Safety
EMAILED:
Newspapers
The Herald
The Edmonds Beacon
Myedmondsnews.com
City Council
`17C. 189V
AGENDA
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Edmonds City Hall
Virtual Meeting
Monday, March 1, 2021
2PM - 4PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/o/96289066274?pwd=NTk2 U m l rW FBU WXPPVOFZQm h H NG 1XQTO9
Meeting ID: 962 8906 6274
Passcode: 976902
1. Approval of October 26, 2020 Meeting Summary
2. Public Comment
3. Review of 2020 Expenditures and Projected Revenue
4. 2022 Tourism Promotion Grants Press Release
5. Economic Development Update on Tourism Promotion
6. Miscellaneous
7. Set next meeting date.
8. Adjourn
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Via Zoom
Draft Summary Notes from 10/26/20 Meeting
Committee members present:
Joe Mclalwain, Edmonds Center for the Arts Executive Director
Frances Chapin, Edmonds Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services, Mgr.
Pat Moriarty, The Studio
Benjamin Mason, Best Western Harbor Inn
Committee members absent: Kristiana Johnson, City Council
Staff present: Patrick Doherty, Economic Development & Community Services Director
Cindi Cruz, Economic Development
Megan Luttrell, Economic Development
Meeting began at 3:08 p.m. Joe Mclalwain led the meeting in Councilmember Johnson's absence.
Approval of July 20, 2020 meeting minutes. Frances moved and Pat seconded to approve the
07/20/20 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Public Comment: none
3. Review of 2020 Expenditures and Projected Revenue: Patrick discussed projection of $52,500
shared at the July meeting for the 2021 budget projections. Comparing 2019 to 2020 (will attach
projection) currently leads to a projection of $55,794.72 for revenue through the end of the
year. There may not be as much invoiced from Edmonds Chamber, ECA and Cascadia Art
Museum (CAM) due to cancellations and closures. The Chamber visitor center has been closed
but may have some eligible expenses for at least the first quarter. Joe stated that the ECA has
postponed most shows until March 2021. The ECA will have expenditures for the first quarter of
this year as they were advertising until the COVID shutdown began. They are holding an event
called "We Speak" in December as a virtual event with broad appeal that could be advertising
eligible. CAM has had radio ads and they had advised Cindi they are determining their expenses
and should have information within a week on what they will invoice. Any grant funds not
expended will remain in the ending fund balance. Certified Folder is contracted to distribute the
rack brochure and they have agreed to a ferry system only distribution for 2021 which will cut
that expense considerably along with a smaller amount of printed brochures.
Frances discussed 123 fund (1/4 of lodging tax funds go into 123 Fund dedicated for arts and
culture with the Arts Commission reviewing and recommending small grants for approval by
LTAC during budget process). The amounts are generally $2,000 - $2600 per grant. Cancellations
and closures have reduced the total expenditures but any promotions done in good faith prior
to cancellations are eligible expenses (OBT spring show is example). Funds not expended remain
in the ending fund balance. Frances noted that the Write on the Sound (WOTS) conference was
held online and the expanded reach included people from more areas outside of the PNW.
20 10 26 LTAC minutes
About $8,000 goes into WOTS from LTAC funds (123 Fund) for national advertising and more
digital advertising.
4. Miscellaneous: Patrick discussed the Request for Proposals issued for tourism promotion
services. Have received 13 proposals and will interview 4 on Wednesday. Focus on local
applicants and Ellen Hiatt the current contractor will also be interviewed. The proposals were on
the high end but unfortunately the amount for expenditure is limited. Curbside dining around
town will continue till November 8. Staff is trying to come up with a proposal to allow a long-
term solution if the restrictions continue and possibly beyond, but this will require City Council
approval. Tried to pivot advertising to accommodate the continuing shut -down due to COVID-
19. Joe asked about pushback from the public on street closure and "streateries" — initially
there was a bit of pushback from some merchants but has died down as the public saw how
things were working and it was successful. Survey by Downtown Alliance had 83% of responding
businesses supporting the streateries. Restaurants should be considered as important anchors
to draw visitors to the downtown to support the rest of the businesses by keeping the
downtown vibrant. Restaurants have reported that after street/parking dining started they
came back to pre-COVID numbers of business. Post-COVID could these things continue? Creating
the curbside dining areas is a concept that could be utilized based on the success of this past
experience. Epulo has moved and their old restaurant space has been taken over by Shubert Ho
and will be an Italian restaurant. Mexican restaurant on site near ferry is nearing completion of
its renovation. Holiday Market will be open and is one of the only events that was not canceled.
Most holiday events are canceled including tree lighting, movies, trolley, etc. Trolley was part of
2020 budget proposal to purchase and run half the year as a tourism promotional draw but will
not happen. May be brought back eventually in a future budget. Tourism is part of the economic
vitality of the community and promoting tourism is essential to support the health of a
community. Pat expressed support for the streatery program.
Benjamin stated that August and September were better than he expected at the Best Western
Harbor Inn and has slowed down in the last week or so going into winter season. Encouraged
that maybe there is interest in resuming a normal lodging season. He thinks that February could
start to pick up again. Pat stated they have been pretty full mostly local support. People are
booking with shorter lead time.
5. Set next meeting date: After discussion it was decided to meet the first week of February, 2021.
Pat moved to adjourn the meeting, Frances seconded and motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 3:58 p.m.
20 10 26 LTAC minutes