2017-02-28 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Packeto r E 1) fL.
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AGENDA
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Edmonds City Hall
Fourtner Meeting Room, 121 5th Ave N
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
3:00 — 5:00 PM
1. Approval of November 1, 2016 Meeting Summary
2. Public Comment
3. Report on 2016 Holiday Marketing
4. Tourism Promotion Funding:
a. Requests are due June 1, 2017
5. Economic Impact of the Arts in Edmonds Study
6. Review VisitEdmonds Website Redevelopment Proposals
7. Miscellaneous:
Retreat in 2017
Port of Edmonds Tourism
Next meeting on June 27, 2017
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Draft Summary Notes from 11/01/16 Meeting
Committee members present: Mike Nelson, City Council
Joe Mclalwain, Edmonds Center for the Arts Executive Director (arrived
at 3:40 p.m.)
Frances Chapin, Edmonds Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services, Mgr.
Jan Conner, Harbor Inn
Pat Moriarty, The Studio
Committee members absent: None
Additional Present: Amy Spain, Executive Director, Snohomish Co Tourism Bureau
Stacey Pfeiffer, Visitor Services & Training Mgr, Snohomish Co Tourism
Bureau
Staff present: Patrick Doherty, Economic Development & Community Services Director
Cindi Cruz, Economic Development
Meeting was opened by Mike Nelson at 3:30 p.m.
1. Approval of June 27, 2016 meeting minutes.
Jan Conner moved to approve the 06/27/16 meeting minutes and Pat Moriarty seconded the
motion. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Public Comment
None
3. Report on Tourism Promotion Support from Ellen Hiatt
The work being done by Ellen Hiatt as a tourism promotion support contracted position was
discussed. She is currently working on marketing and has put together marketing forums to
engage the greater Edmonds community in joint marketing. For the 2"d year she has created a
strategic advertising plan and on a monthly basis she creates and places ads in publications and
online advertising opportunities. Presented new holiday webpage which will be utilized by the
City and Ed! to publicize all of the holiday events promoted by both entities.
Also presented was a proposal for updating the City tourism website that was prepared by Ellen
Hiatt. The new proposal would be a different platform that would make the website mobile and
tablet friendly. The proposal estimate is $8,500. After discussion it was decided to get 2 more
proposals and bring back at the first meeting of 2017 for discussion.
4. Tourism Promotion Funding:
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a. Additional request from Snohomish County Tourism — Amy Spain and Stacey Pfeiffer
presented on behalf of the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau a request for an
additional $200 for 2017 bringing their total request to $6,400, of which $6,200 was
approved by the LTAC in June. The request is to help fund an ongoing training program
for the visitor center volunteers, hotel staff, ticket takers, etc. in each of the Snohomish
County cities served by the bureau. This will educate the volunteers and front line staff
on the attractions in the various cities. Jan moved to take the $200 increase from the
miscellaneous line in the 2017 proposed budget for the 120 Fund, Joe seconded. Motion
passed.
5. Updates on 2016 Revenue & Year -End
Patrick briefly discussed the revenue for 2016. The estimate was $109,000 and if the trend
continues the year end should be $112,000. The forecast next year is $120,000. Jan stated that
occupancy has been down recently at the Best Western but generally picks up during the
holidays.
Patrick also reported on the opening of the restroom for Halloween. It will be closed for
finishing work and open for the Holiday Market and Tree Lighting.
6. Miscellaneous Discussion:
a. Economic Impact of the Arts in Edmonds Study
Frances discussed the value of having more information about the impacts of arts and
culture on economic vitality. The study is estimated to cost approximately $40,000. The
Arts Commission discussed partial funding for the study from 2016 ending cash in the
123 Fund and approved an allocation of $20,000 at their October meeting. The ending
fund balance of the 123 Fund includes approximately $12 - 15,000 from poster sales
which is not constrained by Lodging Tax requirements and the balance of the 123 Fund
is from the 25% LTAC Funds. The Arts Commission is requesting approval from LTAC for
use of $5 — 8,000 of ending cash in the 123 from LTAC money for the portion of the
Economic Impact Study that provides recommendations and strategies for enhancing
cultural tourism in Edmonds. The matching funds will be taken from ending cash in
professional services for the Economic Development and Parks, Recreation & Cultural
Services Departments, and from the General Fund ending cash for 2016. Joe moved to
approve recommendation of up to $8,000 from the Lodging Tax funds in the 123 Fund
ending cash to help fund a study of the economic impact of arts and culture in Edmonds
which includes recommendations for strategies to enhance cultural tourism, Pat
seconded, Motion passed.
b. Retreat in 2017
A retreat was discussed for 2017. The committee will meet in January to discuss a draft
agenda for retreat topics. Send suggestions for topics to staff prior to the meeting. 1-2
speakers could be brought in for a 2.5 — 3 hour retreat sometime in the Spring. Next
meeting - late January possibly the 25t" or 27tn
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Meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
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