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MINUTES Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Special Meeting Minutes March 28, 2023 – 10:00 a.m. Jefferson County Commissioners Chambers
(Virtual Meeting)
Members: Chair Heidi Eisenhour, Diana Smeland, Shelly Leavens, Kevin Wooley, Amy Neil Staff: LTAC Clerk Adiel McKnight
Call to Order: Chair Heidi Eisenhour called the meeting to order at the appointed time. Members
Leavens, Smeland, Neil and Wooley participated in the meeting remotely. Also in attendance:
County Administrator Mark McCauley. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Eisenhour called for public comments, and one comment was received.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Member Smeland moved to approve the Special Meeting minutes of October 28, 2022 as presented. Member Neal seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
DISCUSSION re: Gateway Visitor Center (GVC) Management: Chair Eisenhour
explained that the Board of County Commissioners entered into an agreement with the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) to manage the Gateway Visitor Center. TCC will begin management at the end of May 2023. It was requested that LTAC funds be used to bridge the staff transition and maintenance upgrade costs.
County Administrator McCauley provided an LTAC budget update and recommended that the Committee approve a recommendation to fund $15,000 for TCC staffing and $30,000 to the county for their contingency fund and maintenance costs for the GVC.
Chair Eisenhour opened the floor to allow additional public comments, and one comment
was received. Manager William Roney of GVC was in attendance and commented on his work with Steve Shively of TCC to install a new WIFI hotspot system.
Member Smeland moved to approve a recommendation for $15,000 for operations of the Gateway Visitor Center and $30,000 for maintenance at the Gateway Visitor Center. Member Neil seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
DISCUSSION re: Hood Canal Bridge Closure Implications: Chair Eisenhour stated
Commissioner Dean will be drafting a letter to the Governor’s Office requesting mitigating funding due to the impact on Jefferson County residences and businesses due to the proposed bridge closures. Chair Eisenhour stated she is working with East Jefferson Fire and Rescue (EJFR) Chief Black on efforts for emergency evacuations during the bridge closures. She noted
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the roundabout constructions along SR104 have been deferred to 2024 and the four (4) weekend Hood Canal Bridge closures may be extended. Member Wooley mentioned bridge closures could also affect future funding for LTAC. Member Leavens said Jefferson County Historical Society’s highest number of visitors are in
August and that earned income is very important. She recommended reaching out to Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization (ECHHO) as a resource for data collecting on travel for senior citizens trips to Seattle for doctor appointments. Member Smeland stated August is also the busiest season for Port Ludlow Associates and she will work with TCC to advertise and communicate closure dates as the Port Ludlow Resort has lost wedding reservations due to the
uncertain schedule of the proposed Hood Canal Bridge closures. Chair Eisenhour opened the floor to allow for public comments, and two comments were received.
Steve Shively of TCC was in attendance and stated he will share this information with the Hood Canal Bridge Marketing Mitigation Meeting today. He noted that there are alternate routes to get to the Olympic Peninsula via the Coupeville ferry, or driving around on Highway 101. He is promoting longer stays by proposing that visitors come over Friday and stay until Monday. He is also requesting businesses offer discount incentives such as buy one get one at restaurants, or
having venues schedule celebrations on Sundays. FUTURE MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
• Gateway Visitor Center Management
• Hood Canal Bridge Closure Implications
• Summer LTAC special meeting
• LTAC member appointment
Closing Remarks: Chair Eisenhour stated that she will share Hood Canal Bridge closure dates with committee members when they are announced. LTAC members thanked Member Leavens for her
services as this may be her last LTAC meeting. The new Historical Society Director, Tara McCulley may take her place on LTAC, which the committee will consider at the next meeting. Notice of Adjournment: Chair Eisenhour adjourned the special meeting at 10:38 a.m. until the next regular or special meeting as properly noticed.
Respectfully submitted by:
Adiel McKnight, LTAC Clerk Date