2022-06-16 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee MinutesLodging Tax Advisory Committee
Via Zoom
Draft Summary Notes from 6/16/22 Meeting
Committee members present: Laura Johnson, City Council
Frances Chapin, Edmonds Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services, Mgr.
Joe Mclalwain, Edmonds Center for the Arts Executive Director
Gillian Young, Best Western Edmonds Harbor Inn
Committee members absent: Pat Moriarty, The Studio
Guest: N/A
Staff present: Megan Luttrell, Economic Development
Meeting began at 3:37 p.m.
1. Approval of May 23, 2022, meeting minutes: Frances moved, and Joe seconded to approve the
5/23/22 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Public Comment: None.
3. Budget and Funding Requests for 2023: Frances gave a brief overview of the budget
spreadsheet. She shared that projections for 2023 are a conservative estimate as it is hard to
project revenues as we are emerging from the pandemic. She reviewed the requests that were
received. The Edmonds Chamber, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Cascadia Art Museum, The
Edmonds Rotary and the $4,000 transfer into Fund 117. The Chamber did not indicate the
number an estimate of overnight lodging. Gillian suggests the hotel offers a special rate for
guests attending events. Frances supports encouraging them to do so. Pat suggests adding a
future agenda item to do a deep dive into data collection especially for AirBnB's and VRBO's.
The Chamber is requesting funding for the Chowder Cook Off; Log Cabin & Taste Edmonds. We
grant recipients to make a better effort at collecting data. CAM is requesting funds for two
direct mailings. Joe adds he would like to collaborate with the Harbor Inn to track who is staying
overnight to better understand who is coming into the City and staying overnight for events.
Gillian has an idea to accomplish this. ECA is requesting $15,000 this year, an increase from their
2022 ask of $12,500. Joe explained the increase is due to growth. They've requested $15,000
from the County LTAC and they require a local match. This will support radio, TV and social
media advertising as they no longer produce a printed brochure. The Edmonds Rotary has
requested $50,000 to support marketing and operations of Oktoberfest. In the past we have not
granted money for operation expenses, the funds are typically for marketing expenses. With this
request, it would put the ending fund balance at a negative. Frances explained that historically
we give much smaller amounts for events similar like this, for example Taste Edmonds. After
discussion regarding the Rotary's, request Laura suggests awarding them $1,000 for this a two
day event. The Chamber is receiving a $500 award for a one day event and $1,500 for a three
day event. Frances explained that the $4,000 contribution to Fund 117 supports the Craze,
concerts in the park and visual arts. Joe makes a motion to approve the Fund 120 grants as
requested for Edmonds Chamber, Cascadia Art Museum & Edmonds Center for the Arts and
$1,000 to Edmonds Rotary for the Oktoberfest. Pat seconded. Motion passed.
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Frances reviewed the Edmonds Arts Commission recommendation for all the small arts
organizations. The only organization that was allocated less than the requested amount was
Sno-King Chorale as it has smaller draw from outside of the community. The total request is
$20,000 from the smaller organizations and $8,500 from the Edmonds Arts Commission for
Write on the Sound that will be moving back to in an in person event in 2023. The 2022
allocation will not be used as Write on the Sound will remain virtual. Joe moves to approve
Fund 123 as requested with the exception of Sno-King Chorale to move $1,800. Pat seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Send a copy of updated budget spreadsheet once done.
4. Miscellaneous: None.
5. Set next meeting date: September 15, 2022 at 3:30pm
6. Adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
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