HomeMy WebLinkAboutM103017Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes
October 30, 2017, 9:00 a.m.
Jefferson County Commissioners Chambers
Attendees: Debbie Wardrop, Bill Tennent, Joe Alfano, Larry McKeehan and Kathleen Kler.
Staff: County Administrator Philip Morley and Executive Assistant Leslie Locke
Chair Kler called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Approval of Minutes: Member Wardrop and Chair Kler provided corrections to the draft October 20, 2016
special meeting minutes. Member McKeehan moved to approve the corrected October 20, 2016 special
meeting minutes. Member Tennent seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Member
Tennent moved to approve the November 2, 2016 special meeting minutes as presented. Member Wardrop
seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
Review of 2018 Funding Requests: The Committee reviewed the amount of available funding for 2018
lodging tax requests.
2018 LODGING TAX FUNDING REQUESTS
The following organizations were in attendance to answer questions regarding their 2018 lodging tax
funding request proposals:
Jefferson County Public Works Local Campgrounds (Lake Leland; Quilcene; and Oak Bay): Matt
Tyler stated that there was a 39% increase in Lake Leland and Quilcene Campground revenues in 2017. The
2018 funding request includes Oak Bay Campground. He expects a 10% increase in 2018 revenue. He
discussed the amount of revenue from camping fees in 2017. Discussion ensued regarding the current fees
for overnight camping at Lake Leland, Quilcene and Oak Bay campgrounds.
WSU Extension Farm Tour: Aba Kiser stated that although the Farm Tour occurred the same weekend as
the Port Townsend Film Festival, attendance increased from the prior year. Discussion ensued regarding
proposed events planned for 2018 to promote tourism in Jefferson County.
Forks Chamber of Commerce (FCC) and Visitor's Center: Lissy Andros provided a brief update on
tourism activities in 2017 and new promotional activities planned for the upcoming year. Additional staff is
being requested for 2018. Chair Kler asked if lodging tax funds are requested from Clallam County or the
City of Forks for the operation of the Forks Chamber of Commerce? Lissy Andros responded that the Forks
Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center requests and receives lodging tax funding from the City of
Forks which calculates to approximately 48% of their budget. They have also received grant funding for
social media marketing from the Olympic Peninsula Visitor's Bureau.
North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce (NHCCC): David Neuenschwander and Stacey Nimmo
discussed staffing for the visitor's center and the Forest Service office. David Neuenschwander clarified that
the 2018 funding request is an increase of 11.7% not 10.59% as stated on the funding request. In regard to
staffing needs at the visitor's center and the Forest Service office, David Neuenschwander stated that even
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Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes: October 30, 2017
though employees of the visitor's center perform administrative tasks for the Forest Service, he feels it is an
equitable exchange because the NHCCC does not pay rent, utilities or overhead costs.
Jefferson County Farmers Market: Aba Kiser represented the Jefferson County Farmers Market in the
absence of Amanda Milholland. She discussed the schedule and location for the 2018 Chimacum farmers
market and the planned improvements to increase tourism. The farmers market will improve the collection
of data to determine who is attending the market. (See discussion later in minutes)
Centrum: Rob Birman and Katya Kirsch answered the Committee's questions about Centrum's request for
lodging tax funding. In 2018, part of Centrum's advertising efforts will be focused on the Canadian market
to entice tourists to travel across the border for discounted Centrum workshops. Promotional activities will
include radio advertisements in 2018.
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce (JCCC): Director Teresa Verraes and Representative Rob
Birman answered questions regarding promotional activities and the funding request. The Committee
members were briefed on the 2017 movie night event held at the Resort at Port Ludlow. Discussion ensued
regarding the demographics of attendees at this event.
The promotional signage located at State Route 19 (Beaver Valley Road) and Oak Bay Road will be
installed by Highway Specialty Signs.
Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC): Bill Roney discussed the accomplishments of the TCC in 2017
and answered questions about the 2018 funding request. Member Wardrop requested that the TCC
conversion study be placed as a high priority in 2018. It was noted that there has been an increase in visitors
traveling from the Portland area due to the TCC advertisements.
Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center (OPGVC): Bill Roney represented the OPGVC and praised
the volunteers who staff the visitor's center. He discussed promotional activities and answered questions
from the Committee. Discussion ensued regarding the restroom facilities located at the visitor center and
possible future funding for improving those facilities.
Jefferson County Farmers Market (Continued): Amanda Milholland discussed the increase in sales at
the Chimacum Farmers market in 2017. The markets held in 2017 were located closer to the intersection
which increased visibility and attracted more visitors.
Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS): Bill Tennent represented the JCHS and stated that the
installation of the LED lighting fixtures is complete. He also stated that JCHS is requesting a 2% increase
over the 2017 funding award. It was noted that there has been a significant increase in tourists researching
Washington history and family genealogy.
Quilcene Historical Museum (QHM): Museum Board Members Dave Satterlee and Brian Cullin
discussed the 2018 funding request. Brian Cullin discussed 2018 promotional activities scheduled for
Worthington Park. Discussion ensued regarding the renovation of the Worthington House.
The Committee recessed at 12:46 p.m. The meeting resumed at 1:34 p.m. with all members present.
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Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes: October 30, 2017
Fund 125 Financial Status: County Administrator Philip Morley stated that the 2018 Requests for
Proposals noted that the available funding was approximately $480,000. It will be up to the Committee if
they want to exceed that amount due to higher trending revenues.
Discussion and Possible Recommendation re: 2018 Lodging Tax Funding Allocation Requests: After
discussion of the funding requests, Member Wardrop moved to approve the following recommendation for
allocation of 2018 lodging tax funds:
Requested Recommended
Reguestor
Amount
Amount
JC Parks & Recreation — Local Campgrounds:
$41,625
$41,625
Jefferson County Farmers Market — Chimacum Farmers Market:
$4,205
$4,205
WSU Extension Farm Tour:
$10,000
$10,000
Forks Chamber of Commerce:
$38,445
$38,445
North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce:
$60,095
$60,095
Centrum:
$30,000
$20,000
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce:
$19,468
$19,468
Tourism Coordinating Council:
$150,000
$150,000
Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center (JCHS):
$66,700
$66,700
Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS):
$60,195
$60,195
Quilcene Historical Museum:
$23,610
$23,610
Capital Contingency:
$7,000
$7,000
Administrative Staff for Fund 125:
$4,260
$4,260
Member McKeehan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
Discussion re: Future Lodging Tax Funding Application Improvements: Chair Kler and Member
Wardrop will schedule a work session to draft a new funding application. They will present a draft to the
Committee for their review at a future meeting.
Discuss re: Future Meeting Dates: Member Wardrop moved to schedule a special meeting in March, 2018
to discuss a 2018 supplemental request for proposals that is specific to marketing the `value' season
(October thru June) which will be open to all entities. Member McKeehan seconded the motion which
carried by a unanimous vote. The Committee will also discuss the Capital Fund balance at the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Leslie Locke, Executive Assistant
Jefferson County Commissioners' Office
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