Draft Minutes

Town of Friday Harbor

LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE

December 12, 2007 at 12:00 P.M.

Member Kelley Balcomb-Bartok called the December 12, 2007 meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) in the Town Council Chambers at 12:00 p.m.

Members Present: Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, David Pass, Jim Smith, Laura Saccio, Greg Zervas, and Lori Petersen. Debbie Emery was absent.

Others Present: Amy Taylor

Non Agenda

This was the last meeting for 2007. LTAC members elected the new Chair for 2008.

Moved by Laura Saccio, seconded by Greg Zervas to elect Kelley Balcomb-Bartok as the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Chair for 2008. Motion passed 5-0 with Kelley Balcomb-Bartok abstaining.

Minutes

Lori Petersen noted a correction to the minutes.

Moved by Jim Smith, seconded by David Pass to adopt the minutes of November 28, 2007 as corrected. Motion passed 6-0.

Review of the Process for 2008 Hotel Motel Grant Funding

The LTAC discussed the conflict of interest issue. Briefly, the members determined that because the representative to the designated marketing organization does not derive personal gain from any funding awarded and because the body serves only in an advisory compactly to the Town Council, there is no conflict of interest. Further, the members determined that it benefits the Town to have such a representative.

Chair Balcomb-Bartok recognized Kay Kammersel, applicant from Westcott Bay Institute, who commented on appearance of fairness. Ms. Kammersel pointed out that by default, Laura Saccio voted for the Visitors Bureau because she only recommended $20K to other organizations. Ms. Kammersel reiterated her appreciation of the Committee’s efforts to provide a fair process for the next grant cycle. Mr. Balcomb-Bartok explained that the LTAC’s direction over the ensuing months will be to examine and redefine the granting process.

Moved by Jim Smith, seconded by Greg Zervas, to assign a liaison from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to the primary Designated Marketing Organization (DMO). Motion passed 5-0 with Laura Saccio abstaining.

The LTAC discussed the membership for the Committee. The new Town Councilmember has yet to be determined. It was noted that in order to change the structure or membership criteria, the Town Council will need to amend the ordinance governing the body.

Jim Smith requested the committee hold a general discussion regarding the allotment of the first and second 2% Hotel Motel Tax funds. Laura Saccio provided a historical representation of the second 2% Hotel Motel Tax funds.

The LTAC regressed to the previous issue regarding liaison assignments and their right to vote on recommended funding and issues:

Moved by Jim Smith, seconded by Greg Zervas, to allow the liaison to the primary Designated Marketing Organization (DMO) to make recommendations and vote on all issues, including deliberations and recommendations regarding funding. Motion passed 5-0 with Laura Saccio abstaining.

Moved by Jim Smith, seconded by Greg Zervas, to reassess and assign liaison appointments on a yearly basis during the meeting immediately following their recommendations to the Town Council. Motion passed 5-0 with Laura Saccio abstaining.

Moved by Jim Smith, seconded by Lori Petersen, to reappoint Laura Saccio as liaison to the Visitor’s Bureau, primary DMO for 2008 grant cycle. Motion passed 5-0 with Laura Saccio abstaining.

The LTAC continued discussing the disbursement of the first and second 2% Hotel Motel Tax funding. Chair Balcomb-Bartok will discuss the first 2% Hotel Motel Tax funding with the Town Council. The LTAC requested a breakdown of the 2008 Budget for future discussions.

Discussion at the next meeting will include the "formula" for disbursement of funds and criteria for applicants.

Chair Balcomb-Bartok adjourned the meeting at 1:06 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2008 at noon.

Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Chair

Summary of the minutes submitted by Amy Taylor.