2017-02-28 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee MinutesLodging Tax Advisory Committee
Summary Notes from 02/28/17 Meeting
Committee members present: Mike Nelson, City Council
Joe Mclalwain, Edmonds Center for the Arts Executive (arrived 3:15
P.M.)
Frances Chapin, Edmonds Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services, Mgr.
Jan Conner, Harbor Inn
Committee members absent: Pat Moriarty, The Studio
Additional Present: Steve Lyon, Harbor Inn
Staff present: Patrick Doherty, Economic Development & Community Services Director
Cindi Cruz, Economic Development
Meeting was opened by Mike Nelson at 3:00 p.m. Jan Conner introduced Steve Lyon, from the
Harbor Inn. He will be receiving information on application to the LTAC for confirmation. Jan Conner
is resigning from the committee at the end of the month.
1. Approval of November 01, 2016 meeting minutes.
Jan Conner moved to approve the 11/01/16 meeting minutes and Frances Chapin seconded the
motion. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Public Comment
None
3. Report on 2016 Holiday Marketing (distributed report from Ellen Hiatt) Patrick discussed Ellen's
report. Discussed the holiday promotions which included both digital and print advertising. She
had also created the Holidays in Edmonds website that was jointly used by the City and the BID.
The BID contributed $5,000 for a joint holiday marketing campaign with the City contributing
$10,000. Discussed recommendations for 2017 advertising with the budget being approximately
same with contributions from the BID again. Tourism was also enhanced by different activities in
the holiday season, such as the trolley, holiday market etc. Question was asked about how many
clicks went beyond the home page of the holiday market? How much did this lead to nights
spent in Edmonds? As in the past it is difficult to measure the success but reports from the BID
were for a positive holiday season from the downtown merchants. Discussed the need to also
build inventory of things to do, to provide the experience and interest. Suggested a stronger call
to action in the advertising to spend the night, but need to look at packaging activities and
events to encourage overnights. . Revisit packaging with ECA and hotel and local businesses.
(Move Item 6 up)
6. Review VisitEdmonds Website Redevelopment Proposals: Patrick discussed the proposals for
rebuilding the existing tourism website. He provided a summary of the proposals. After
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reviewing the three proposals, City IT supervisor, Brian Tuley, had recommended the Hiatt
Consulting proposal. After discussion of the three proposals there were several questions about
the Hiatt proposal regarding schedule and fee justification. The LTAC would like the website
redo done in approximately 2 months; with the goal of a complete build out so the site will be
ready for summer visitors within 90 days. They also requested more specific justification for for
the $8,500 fee (hours of work), recognizing that the ongoing content update is included in
Ellen's existing contract for tourism promotion. The LTAC noted that the website software Hiatt
is proposing is not proprietary so the website support can be transferred to another contractor
for maintenance and updating if Hiatt Consulting ceases to contract. Discussed giving
conditional approval based on staff receiving additional information on the time involved and
justification for the amount charged. Jan moved to approve contract with Hiatt consulting on
condition they provide more information on an hourly fee (based on $8500) and that the site
be built out within approximately 60 days, Joe seconded — motion passed.
4. Tourism Promotion Fund
a. Requests are due June 1, 2017 for funding awards and Frances will issue a joint press
release. There are two avenues for applications, one through the Arts Commission and
one through direct application to the LTAC. The Arts Commission will discuss increasing
the maximum for applications through EAC to $2,500 next week. Press release will be
issued by March 7, 2017 which allows ample time for grant requests. LTAC can receive
requests directly from organizations for amounts greater than $2,500.
5. Economic Impact of Arts & Culture in Edmonds Study: Seven firms applied and 3 interviews
were conducted by a selection committee including staff and three members of the advisory
group. Berk Consulting was selected to proceed with the study. The advisory committee
includes representation from the arts community, Arts Commission, Diversity Commission,
Economic Development Commission, Chamber, Planning Board, BID, and City Council.
7. Miscellaneous
Revenue numbers for 2016: Patrick advised of numbers. 3.8% increase projected for
2017.
Retreat in 2017: Frances discussed having someone from another entity such as Seattle
Visitor's Bureau come to discuss their experiences. One possibility is to invite Tracy
Wickersham, Director of Cultural Tourism from SVB for discussion. Dates considered
April 12, 2017, potentially 8 —10:30 a.m., Frances will check on Tracy's availability.
Patrick suggested someone from the Port of Seattle. Please send other ideas for
speakers to Cindi.
Port of Edmonds Tourism: Patrick is attending the Port retreat tomorrow (3/1/17) to
discuss tourism, Port will be hiring a tourism coordinator, Puget Sound Express (PSE) is
big part of increased interest in tourism by the Port as they are very happy with increase
in visitors as a result of whale watching tours. Patrick also met with the Port of Seattle
meeting along with Port staff & Snohomish County Tourism director. Port of Seattle is
accepting grant proposals for activities to market area tourism. Using whale watching
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interest to advertise in metropolitan areas out of the Seattle ideas requesting a $10,000
grant.
Snohomish County updating tourism plan — Frances is on advisory group working on the
update. She reported strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and not a lot of visibility
for south county. She will send PDF of reports so far to share withthe LTAC for
background.
Patrick brought up bill at legislature regarding lodging tax distribution. There is an
attempt to make changes in use of tax money which would be more restrictive
regarding event supports. He urges committee members to send letters to state
representatives to urge them to oppose passage of this bill.
Next meeting on June 27, 2017
Meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
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