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Home My WebLink About031423M TCC Minutes DRAFT v.03202023 Tourism Coordinating Council – Jefferson County Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council March 14, 2023 (DRAFT) The March 14, 2023 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County, convening a hybrid meeting - in person from the State Capital in Olympia, and via Zoom - was called to order at 2:10 PM by TCC Chair Diana Smeland. A quorum was in attendance. Council members present: Aaron Terada, Marsha Massey, Diana Smeland, Crystie Kissler, Amy Neil, Bethany Smith Excused: Bill Roney, Dan Ventura, Clone Telling Valued Partners: Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour, Jessie Short TCC Marketing Coordinator: Steve Shively No Public Comments received. Approval of Agenda was moved for acceptance by Bethany and seconded by Amy. Approved unanimously. Consent Agenda The TCC February 14, 2023 minutes as well as the current TCC budget, JeffCo. and Olympic Peninsula Hotel Room Tax reports were reviewed, and approved by consent. Commissioner’s Update – Commissioner Eisenhour, shared the following: • Involved with reviewing Olympic Peninsula Tourism Strategic Sustainability proposals. Looking forward to interviewing finalists and getting work underway. • WSDOT and especially Hood Canal Bridge construction is an ongoing concern of many. BoCC has requested contingency recommendations from joint emergency management officials recent transportation planning meeting with WSDOT. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENTS CONSENT AGENDA COMMISSIONER REPORT OPTC Highlights – Marsha shared the following: • Grateful for ongoing communications with Steve Roark of WSDOT. Delivering construction updates to both Jefferson and Clallam BoCC’s. HCB (Hood Canal Bridge) messaging is utilizing “weekends” and “looking at a 22-week lead time for ordering supplies”. Goal is to lock in dates in early April. • Continued conversation regarding HCB as “Just the tip of the iceberg”. related to the 40+ WSDOT bridge, roundabout and fish barrier construction projects planned throughout Olympic Region in coming years. E. Jefferson can expect brunt of construction in 2023, with Clallam’s impacts in 2024. Amy agreed that Kalaloch, Forks and the west end will largely invite travel from Olympia, up through Grays Harbor. • OPTC Marketing partners will be pulling together messaging and HCB closure campaigns. Marketing Report - Steve – reviewed with TCC the following: • Steve and Marsha reported from Olympia’s Tourism Advocacy Day, having lobbied on behalf of SHB 1258 with both Dist. 24 & 35 representatives. The ongoing 2023 Legislative Session was reviewed, all looking ahead to March 20th State Revenue Report for possible funding levels. • Challenged TCC that HCB construction should message towards “Go High, Go Low – better yet – Stay Put and ENJOY!” focus. • Reported on conversation with JeffCo. Parks & Rec. related to grant funds available for COAF (Community Outdoor Athletic) fields, concept of partnering parks, i.e. Quilcene Co. Park with Worthington House’s Gravel Unravel bike race, and interest in SR104-19 camping to replace lost sites at Lower Oak Bay due to climate change. OPTC REPORT TCC MARKETING COORDINATORS REPORT • Updated TCC on progress with Craig Romano hiking trails project, and North American TALK articles being cross-posted to TREAD Map app. • Marsha and Steve recapped the OPTC marketing update from earlier this month. • The four finalist for the north Olympic Sustainable Tourism Strategic Planning proposal will be interviewed March 24, on scheduled for projects April 1 contractor to begin work. Old Business –Commissioner Eisenhour noted that the request for ARPA funding related to relocating the Gateway VIC across SR19 was along with 48 other applications. Due to the conditional nature of TCC’s bid to operate Gateway VIC and the lack of “shovel ready” timing of the requested funds, it was not ranked high enough by BoCC to receive available ARPA funding. New Business – TCC Approved a motion to authorize Gateway VIC sub-committee to proceed with one-two year operations agreement of VIC, while JeffCo. BoCC assesses long-term issues related to site. Approved by consensus TCC tabled sending position letter to JeffCo. BoCC regarding proposal to site SWT (Solid Waste Transfer) site at identified SR104-19 future location of Gateway VIC, pending research related to Scenic Byway status and understanding of any covenants regarding funds used to purchase subject property. Motion to table approved by consensus Area Updates: Marrowstone – Aaron shared these updates: • Fort Flagler reported that upper campground project has been delayed until August 2024, enabling summer 2023 camping reservations. A new welcome station will be installed this summer. Tri-Areas – Chimacum – Crystie reported spring weather brings attempts to find seasonal rhythm with extending hours, Farmers Market’s opening, and continued calendaring of summer events. • HCB bridge prep includes expanded Shakespeare in the Orchard Sunday’s. • Work on Chimacum Ridge property with Land Trust and a Finnriver Tumwater Taproom opening soon as part of the Tumwater Craft District. • Chimacum Valley Grainery expansion, along with “Home Farm” bakery, malting and brewery are all in the works. Bethany reported that Old Alcohol Plant is booking rooms with Navy group business, plus good returns with bookings from recent wedding shows. • New greenhouse for garden with expanded farm stand sales anticipated this season. • Hadlock Motel rooms still under renovation for Bay Side Housing clients. West End – Kalaloch – Amy shared updates including: • Trying out a new chef for Creekside Restaurant • Happy to have hosted Quilcene Historic museum retreat • Lots going on with LaPush welcoming of whales ceremony, Ruby Beach clean-up, WA National Park Fundraiser, and 3x expansion of seasonal staff all taking place – soon! • Challenging with 10% loss of revenue capacity due to removal of bluff eroded cabins. NPS and concessionaire are still evaluating replacement options. Port Ludlow - Diana shared these highlights: • HCB closure will include emphasis of “Basecamp for Adventure” packages with golf and other resort activities. Seeking consistent messaging for “Exploring Your Backyard”. • Chef Dan is prepping Saint Patrick Day dining specials, with space still available for April 20 Finnriver cidermakers dinner, followed by Easter brunch. TCC MARKETING COORDINATORS REPORT (cont.) OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS AREA UPDATES • Marina’s 55th anniversary celebrations will kick-off with Marina Swap meet on April 29 SWT (State of WA Tourism) – Marsha added to the current Olympia Tourism Advocacy efforts towards passage – and full funding of SHB1258, that SWT has announced October 24-26 for the next State Tourism conference, to be held in Yakima. Besides the “Save The Dates”, Steve invited all TCC members to consider attending, with registration assistance already budgeted. Additional Opportunity for Public Comment - no public comments received. Adjournment – moved by Dan, Seconded by Bill. TCC meeting adjourned at 3:53PM Next meeting of TCC is Tuesday April 11, 2023 – 2:00 PM hybrid – in-person from Port Ludlow or access via Zoom. Respectively Submitted – Steve Shively AREA UPDATES (Cont.) PUBLIC COMMENTS ADJORN NEXT MEETING