2019-06-20 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee MinutesLodging Tax Advisory Committee
Committee members present:
Summary Notes from 06/20/19 Meeting
Joe Mclalwain, Edmonds Center for the Arts Executive Director
Frances Chapin, Edmonds Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services, Mgr.
Pat Moriarty, The Studio
Steve Lyon, Harbor Inn
Committee members absent: Mike Nelson, City Council
Staff present: Patrick Doherty, Economic Development & Community Services Director
Cindi Cruz, Economic Development
Carolyn Douglas, Community Communications/Public Information
Officer
Joe Mclalwain called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m.
Approval of April 18, 2019 meeting minutes.
Pat moved and Frances seconded to approve the 04/18/19 meeting minutes. Motion passed
unanimously.
2. Public Comment: none
Budget 2020. Revenue discussion: Patrick discussed the revenue projections and revenue of
$120,161.24 was received for 2018. To date have received $1394.40 more through May 31,
2019 than through the same time period 2018. If the trend continues the fund should be on
track to receive as much as $126,666 for 2019 ($95,000 for the 120 Fund and $31,666 for the
123 Fund). Agreement was reached to use presented projections for 2020.
Funding Requests for 2020:
Economic Development Department — Patrick discussed projected expenditures including rack
card distribution, no need to print rack cards this year, Bird Fest support, tourism promotion
support, and website hosting. Frances introduced a proposal to provide ongoing commitments
to Chamber and Cascadia Art Museum (CAM), in the same way that Edmonds Center for the
Arts (ECA) is included as line item rather than funding from the ending fund balance. For the
Chamber there would be one total amount, specifying the ways in which it can be used to
promote tourism. Concerns were expressed about accountability and how these entities provide
correct information regarding the visitor and overnight stay statistics. Staff explained that there
is a state report that is required after the end of the year from all recipients of lodging tax funds
and all the expenditures are reviewed for eligibility before being reimbursed. Steve moved to
add Chamber and CAM to the ongoing expenditures yearly budget recommendation. Pat
seconded. Motion passed unanimously. These entities will still need to apply for the funding.
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Patrick talked about creating a fund balance policy for spending the fund balance which was
discussed at the retreat earlier this year. A policy for one time expenditures from ending cash
might include recommendation of uses for emerging ad opportunities and tourism promotion,
emerging event support, or capital projects such as wayfinding signs and items that impact
visitor experience. For example, Frances mentioned that Paine Field will be publishing a
magazine this fall that will be the only one available at the new terminal. They are interested in
a spread on Edmonds and would potentially ask for an advertising commitment. She also
mentioned that staff attended the County Lodging Tax grant workshop and entities that apply to
the County must also apply to their local fund. This would be true for the City as well. Discussion
followed. The committee decided to add a placeholder commitment for up to $5,000 for Paine
Field advertising. Pat moved to budget up to $5,000 from 2019 ending cash for Welcome
Magazine at Paine Field Terminal. Steve seconded. Motion passed unanimously. A budget
amendment will be submitted for City Council approval of this allocation.
There is interest in applying for 2020 funds for wayfinding signage from Sno Co lodging tax
funds, and this will need a match from our own funds. Create a placeholder for wayfinding
signage for matching funds to apply to Sno Co LTAC Funds.
Based on this discussion Frances moved and Steve seconded that a policy be established for
recommended one time expenditures from ending cash to include:
• capital projects (such as wayfinding signage and 4" Avenue Cultural Corridor)
• Visitor experience enhancements (e.g. trolley)
• emerging advertising opportunities
• tourism promotion opportunities
• start-up event assistance grants
The motion passed unanimously.
Arts Commission funding requests have exceeded their annual revenues but because of the
focus on the Creative District and the substantial ending cash balance the EAC recommends
using their fund balance for an increase in awards for events and marketing over the next five
years. Pat moved to approve the Arts Commission recommendations in the amount of $37,900
for funding from the 123 and 117 Funds. Steve seconded, motion passed unanimously.
Discussion on Jazz Connection application to both Arts Commission and the larger fund. The Arts
Commission has recommended $2600 for approval to Jazz Connection and they also applied to
large fund for $2500. Steve moved to not approve the second amount from the Jazz
Connection of $2500. Pat seconded, motion passed unanimously.
4. Miscellaneous
Set next meeting date: September 5 at 3:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 5:04 p.m.
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