Town of Friday Harbor

LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE

February 13, 2008 at 12:00 P.M.

Chair Balcomb-Bartok called the February 13, 2008 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, Laura Saccio, Greg Zervas, Jim Smith and Lori Petersen. Carrie Brooks was absent.

Others Present: Amy Taylor

Presentation

Deborah Hopkins, Executive Director of the Visitors Bureau, summarized their 2007 Annual Report. The report is available on the Visitors Bureau’s website at www.guidetosanjuans.com.

Minutes

Moved by Laura Saccio, seconded by David Pass to adopt the minutes of January 9, 2008 as submitted. Motion passed 6-0 with Brooks absent.

Review of Application

LTAC members were provided a draft application based on other municipalities in our region. The Committee reviewed and edited said draft.

Members discussed if percentages and/or a formula should be determined for the disbursement of grant funding; and came to a consensus that a "bottom line" or "shall not be less than" percentage could be applied. Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Lori Petersen and David Pass were in favor of giving 80% of the disbursement to the DMO; and Greg Zervas, Jim Smith and Laura Saccio were in favor of giving 85% of the disbursement to the DMO.

Kelley Balcomb-Bartok read from the February 9, 2008 email from Nina LaBaron; and asked the LTAC to share their views regarding "target" marketing verses "destination" marketing. The LTAC was of mind that although individual non-profit groups can promote themselves to their target audiences better than the DMO, destination marketing benefits the community more.

Jim Smith asked the group to "broaden the concept of shoulder season." It was noted that the lodging community are finding excess unoccupied lodging during the summer months. Laura Saccio emphasized why a rental in the summer is worth more than in the shoulder season. Factors such as increased gas and ferry costs were noted. Jim Smith stated he wanted the program’s criteria to emphasize the shoulder season, but not the expense or preclude of the peak season.

LTAC members continued to review the application packet. The remainder of the packet and criteria will be reviewed on the next agenda.

Non-Agenda

Kelley Balcomb-Bartok disclosed a possible conflict of interest issue concerning the Westcott Bay Institution. If a contract comes to pass, Kelley Balcomb-Bartok will resign from the LTAC.

Adjourn

Chair Balcomb-Bartok adjourned the meeting at 1:12 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2008 at noon.

Summary of the minutes submitted by Amy Taylor.