2015-07-27 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee MinutesLodging Tax Advisory Committee
Summary Notes from 07/27/15 Meeting
Committee members present: Mike Nelson, City Council
Joe Mclalwain, Edmonds Center for the Arts Executive Director
Pat Moriarty, The Studio
Jan Conner, Harbor Inn
Frances Chapin, Edmonds Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services, Mgr.
Staff present: Patrick Doherty, Economic Development & Community Services Director
Cindi Cruz, Economic Development
Meeting was opened by Mike Nelson at 3 p.m.
1. Approval of June 15, 2015 meeting minutes.
Frances Chapin moved to approve 06/15/15 meeting minutes and Pat Moriarty seconded the
motion. Motion passed with Jan Conner abstaining.
2. Review of 2016 Budget
Patrick reviewed the revenue projections and proposed expenditures for 2016. (See attachment
"Proposed 2016 LTAC Budget"). The 2015 revenue receipts are up 13.4% over last year but staff
is recommending a conservative growth of 4% for 2016. The addition of a contingency line item
of 5% would allow for variability in the actual receipts as well as minor additional expenditures
as needed.
2016 Budget discussion:
Other budget items included: the tourism brochure will be printed in 2016 for regional
distribution for $7,500, a contingency amount of $3,000, promotion of Bird Fest $1,500,
the ECA submitted a request for $12,500 for advertising in season brochure; Edmonds
Visitor's Center requested $2,500 for annual support; and Snohomish County Tourism
Bureau requested $6,000 for annual support and the yearly contribution of $4,000 to
the 117 Fund for arts promotion. General advertising is increased from $21,000 to
$25,000, and the miscellaneous budget has increased from $500 to $3,000 for
miscellaneous photography, design work, and emerging opportunities. One-time
expenditures include a request for $3,000 to support a repeat bid for the RevitalizeWa
Conference, the log -cabin maintenance done every 3 years for $4,500, and supplement
for the Tourism Promotion/Support for Website, Calendar, etc. of $6,000. Under the
Tourism Promotion/Support for Website, Calendar, etc. staff recommended two
alternatives because 20 hours per month for contracted work is not sufficient to provide
all services needed: 1. Increase to one day a week for $21,000 per year up from $12,000
or 2. Create half time staff position with support from lodging tax funds of $15,000 and
general fund $15,000. After some discussion about the duties and what could be
expected from increasing funding for this position it was recommended to increase the
current level to $18,000 for the contract position with a review next year to determine if
the need was for a % time position versus a contract position. Joe Mclalwain moved to
approve the 120 Fund budget as amended, Pat Moriarty seconded. Motion passed.
150727 LTAC minutes
• Frances explained the requests in the 123 fund budget include two new organizations:
Cascadia Museum and Edmonds Art walk. Write on the Sound request was increased
due to the need to replace the large street banner. There will be another small round of
awards budgeted at $6,000 later in the year for 2016 that will come out of the 123 fund
so there will be need for another meeting before the end of the year. Jan Conner
moved to approve the 123 Fund budget, Joe Mclalwain seconded, motion passed.
Downtown restrooms are in the CIP budget for 2016 with a construction cost of
$300,000 and yearly maintenance of $35,000, the City will be asking for restroom
contributions from the BID, Chamber, and museum. After discussion in support of new
downtown public restrooms, Joe Mclalwain moved to approve a $60,000 contribution
from the LTAC ending fund balance towards the project's construction costs, Jan
Conner seconded. Motion passed.
3. Miscellaneous
Discussed tourism brochure/rack card.
4. Audience Comments, none.
5. Meeting adjourned at 4:34 p.m.
150727 LTAC minutes