2017-07-11 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee MinutesLodging Tax Advisory Committee
Approved Summary Notes from 07/11/17 Meeting
Committee members present: Joe Mclalwain, Edmonds Center for the Arts Executive
Frances Chapin, Edmonds Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services, Mgr.
Steve Lyon, Harbor Inn
Pat Moriarty, The Studio
Committee members absent: Mike Nelson, City Council
Staff present: Patrick Doherty, Economic Development & Community Services Director
Cindi Cruz, Economic Development
Meeting began at 3:35 p.m. with Joe acting as Chair in Mike Nelson's absence.
1. Approval of February 28, 2017 meeting minutes.
Pat Moriarty moved to approve the 2/28/17 meeting minutes and Steve Lyon seconded the
motion. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Frances Chapin introduced and welcomed Steve Lyon from Harbor Inn who replaced long-time
LTAC member Jan Conner upon her retirement. Patrick gave a brief update on the VisitEdmonds
website project. Project is approximately 2-4 weeks behind. Hosting of website can be done by
Hiatt Consulting as in proposed 2018 budget. Will send the LTAC a link when closer to
completion for their review.
3. Public Comment
None
4. Funding Options: Joe and Frances discussed this item. As part of the current study of the
economic impact of arts and culture in Edmonds being conducted by the City, an expanded
inventory of arts and culture organizations and businesses is being prepared. The newest large
organization which has significant impact on cultural tourism is Cascadia Arts Museum (CAM).
CAM is currently applying for marketing funds through the Arts Commission -recommended
Tourism Promotion grants with a general limit of $2500. As with the Edmonds Center for the
Arts, it was discussed that in the future a larger allocation might be made directly by the LTAC.
Although not in the current 2018 budget it would be possible to support a larger award from the
ending cash balance with a budget amendment. The committee agreed that Patrick and Frances
will contact Lindsay Echelbarger regarding future major projects for CAM and bring information
back to the LTAC.
5. Budget 2018: (See attached 2018 budget proposal.) Patrick discussed proposed 2018 budget
including a decrease in projected revenue from $120,000 in 2017 to $115,000 in 2018, with 25%
allocated to Fund 123 for arts and cultural programs and activities and 75% allocated to Fund
120 for general tourism promotion programs and activities. The lower projection is due to a
17 07 11 LTAC minutes
decrease in revenue at this time compared with the same time last year. Interest income is
projected at $1,300 for Fund 120 and $250 for Fund 123.
Proposed expenditures are similar to the 2017 budget (see attached 2018 budget proposal for
detailed explanations of expenditures). There is a new expenditure item for $2,400 for website
hosting and technical support. One-time expenditure requests included $2,000 for the
Waterfront Festival and $2,500 for the Chamber of Commerce's Taste of Edmonds and Chowder
Cook -Off. It was suggested to fund these items for no more than $1,000 each. There was
discussion regarding the website support and was suggested that the contract state the support
is up to $2,400. It was also suggested that a future meeting could be held to discuss grant
priorities and process. Frances provided information on Fund 123 awards for arts and cultural
event support (see attached details on Fund 123 proposed expenditures) which totals $29,500
plus $4,000 for general tourism promotion. Steve moved to approve the 2018 budget proposal,
Pat seconded and motion carried unanimously.
6. Miscellaneous: Patrick discussed funding from Economic Development budget of $2,000 to
supplement a Port of Edmonds grant received from the Port of Seattle to support advertising
efforts in Utah and Colorado to promote tourism to Edmonds. Also the Port has hired an
employee to support Harbor Square management and marketing.
Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
17 07 11 LTAC minutes