2015-06-15 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee MinutesLodging Tax Advisory Committee
Minutes from 06/15/15 Meeting
Committee members present: Mike Nelson, City Council
Joe Mclalwain, Edmonds Center for the Arts Executive Director
Pat Moriarity, The Studio
Frances Chapin, Edmonds Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services, Mgr.
Committee members absent: Jan Conner, Harbor Inn
Staff present: Patrick Doherty, Economic Development & Community Services Director
Cindi Cruz, Economic Development
Ellen Hiatt, Communications/Marketing Consultant
Meeting was opened by Mike Nelson at 3 p.m.
1. Approval of October 27, 2014 meeting minutes.
Joe Mclalwain moved to approve 10/27/14 meeting minutes and Frances Chapin seconded the
motion. Motion passed with Mike Nelson abstaining.
Review of 2015 revenues and expenditures.
A reformatted version of the revenue/expenditure report was presented and the committee
was enthusiastic about the new reporting format. ECA program ad and season brochure pages
were discussed and history of LTAC support for ECA. Total Revenue for 2014 was $95,000, with
$71,250 allocated to Fund 120. Expenditures in Fund 120 were budgeted at $54,000. Finance
Director would prefer some conceptual thought regarding large carryforward balances to be
allocated to identify future projects. Discussed RevitalizeWa conference bid and potential for
bidding again for 2016.
Quarterly reports from Marketing & Communications Consultant, Ellen Hiatt.
Ms. Hiatt gave a report highlighting her work from the end of 2014 through the 2nd quarter. This
includes advertising program on Facebook at end of 2014, strategically identifying audience
both regionally and locally, new advertising at Xfinity Arena in Everett, Blue City monthly,
KPLU/King FM, Vancouver Sun, Goodway Group which will target specific online audiences, and
Seattle Times, for regional and holiday advertising. The addition of the Localist calendar module
to the VisitEdmonds website, identification of colors, logo development for tourism, brochure
development, as all part of the strategic advertising plan. There is a great deal more to be done
in the scope of work presented for 2015 including newsletter development with it linked to
calendar, web -based itineraries, linking to other websites and push for additional tourism
including outdoor recreation, tour buses, eating and dining experiences, Segway tours, etc.
4. Miscellaneous
a. Update on way -finding signage. Frances Chapin stated the fabrication of City way -finding
signage was funded partially by LTAC funds. The smaller signs were installed last year by
Public Works. It has been difficult finding an installation contractor for the large format signs
due to the equipment needed for a relatively small job. Only one company has submitted a
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bid. The cost for installation of the four 16' signs is $24,000 (two on SR 104 & Dayton St.,
Westgate, and Casper St signage). The hope is they will be installed by fall.
b. The staff has been researching public restroom options for downtown Edmonds and it is
hoped that there will be some money in the budget for 2015 for capital construction and
maintenance of downtown public restrooms. Capital costs are estimated at $150,000 and
an estimated additional $40,000 is needed for yearly maintenance and operation budget for
cleaning and supplies. There was discussion about the eligibility of LTAC funds for capital or
maintenance and it was stated that this type of expenditure is eligible for LTAC funds.
c. There will need to be a meeting in July to discuss the budget for 2016. Staff will provide
information for options of using LTAC funds for capital and/or maintenance funding of
public bathrooms. The Edmonds Arts Commission grant applications including Tourism
Promotion Awards will be discussed and brought for potential approval in July. It was
decided that July 27 at 3 p.m. is the next potential meeting date. Cindi will send out an e-
mail to confirm.
Discussed meeting more regularly but it is really only necessary to meet approximately 3
times a year unless a special request is brought forward. The collaborations with other
groups in Edmonds was also discussed including the EDC Tourism Sub -Group. Meeting with
Amy Spain from the Snohomish Tourism Bureau was discussed and it was decided that a
meeting in January could be held to discuss future funding endeavors.
5. Audience Comments, none.
6. Meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
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