Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRAFT Minutes 20210510Lodging Tax Advisory Committee May 10, 2021, 2:00pm Meeting ID: 931 9438 6271 Passcode: 316142 (888) 788-0099 US Toll-free DRAFT Meeting Minutes Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 2:03 pm by Mayor Patricia Byers. Roll Call Members Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, Sara Allen, Lisa Vallejo, Sarah Davila, Juliana Marroquin, John Cooper, Charlie Robin, Anne Moneymaker, and Angie Girard Members Absent: Jason White City Staff Present: Steve Groom, Brenda Fehlhafer, Kimberly Dominé, Andrea Flores, and Rob Peterson Others Present: Connie Upton, Rich Austin Approval of Previous Meeting’s Minutes Motion: Charlie Robin moved and John Cooper seconded to approve the previous meeting minutes. The motion carried by unanimous vote. Staff Report Steve Groom provided the included current 2021 revenue update, noting that the ability to forecast the remaining months of 2021, and preliminary 2022 budget, is continuing to prove difficult. He requested continued helpful communication with hoteliers and event planners and will work with the city facility tourism managers to continue to re-forecast monthly. Updates John Cooper provided a verbal update on the convention center renovation. There will be an open house on May 14, 2021 Charlie Robin provided a verbal update on the Capitol Theatre. Broadway is opening in New York in September. The Capitol Theatre will open as early as November with shows, including touring companies. The Capitol Theatre has received notice that $250,000 was approved by the legislature in the State budget to use for the curtain replacement project. Anne Moneymaker reported that FEMA is providing vaccinations on site through end of May at the Fairgrounds. There will be Fair Food Fest again and hopefully will continue annually each spring. Hoping to have the fair this year. There have been inquiries for events for the fourth quarter. There will be an open house in June for the new Sundome scoreboard, seating, and renovations Sara Allen and Lisa Vallejo gave updates on Hotel occupancies. Quarter 1 was better than expected but still low daily occupancies. Seeing more leisure travel than in 2020. The vaccination site has brought people to the area with hotel stays. Rob Peterson provided an update for the Yakima Airport. In 2020, flights were only about 11% full. Current year travel and tourism is starting to increase, especially for leisure travel. 2021 is showing approximately 86.5% of flight fulfillment. Car rentals are still having lower demands, but increased activity over last year. The airport has been chosen as one of six beta sites for electric aircraft tests. Continued Business Committee members discussed the 2022 Grant Application process Application is currently available on the city website under city council committees, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Motion: John Cooper moved, and Lisa Vallejo seconded, to include in award agreements that recipients are to provide follow-up reports on the spending of funds, bi-annually on July 31 and January 31. The motion passed unanimously. Board members would prefer a general one-page report to include spending, activities, and overnight stays generated from the awarded lodging tax grant funds. The board requests to be notified of any specific city direction before the committee reviews final applications. City staff will provide up-dated revenue forecasts, scheduled debt payments and operating budget obligations. New Business No new business reported. Good of the Order Motion: John Cooper moved, and Charlie Robin seconded, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 2:59 pm.