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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLTAC 20200814 MeetingLodging Tax Advisory Committee August 14, 2020, 1:00pm Meeting ID: 964 6243 1312 Passcode: 724865 (253) 215-8782 (888) 788-0099 US Toll-free Agenda Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Previous Meeting’s Minutes Correspondence City of Yakima Proposed 2021 Budget Lodging Tax Allocation Staff Report and COVID Updates 2020 Revenue Update 2021 Revenue Estimate Continued Business 2021 Grant Applications Process Recommendation to the City New Business Good of the Order Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Tuesday, June 9, 2020, 9:00 am Draft Meeting Minutes Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 9:03 am by Jason White. Roll Call Members Present: Jason White, Sara Allen, Lisa Vallejo, Sarah Davila, Juliana Marroquin, John Cooper, Charlie Robin, Anne Moneymaker, Angie Girard Staff Present: Alex Meyerhoff, Steve Groom, Brenda Fehlhafer Others Present: Connie Upton, Greg Lybeck, Rich Austin, and Rob Peterson Roll Call and introduction of new members There was roll call with quorum present. Introductions led by new chair Jason White. Minutes of Previous Meeting Motion: Charlie Robin moved and Lisa Vallejo seconded to approve the meeting minutes from March 5, 2020. The motion carried by unanimous vote. Staff Report Steve Groom, Director of Finance and Budget for the City of Yakima presented an update for the committee on the 2020 revenues received through May, showing a comparison to the prior year and to budget. The city is estimating an $800,000 shortfall in revenues in 2020. The 2021 forecast of $1,432,000 is a very cautious estimate with very little data thus far in the COVID crisis. The recommendation by city staff is to consider revisiting revenues received in two more months. The scorecard process was reviewed. Steve provided the timeline showing the steps and deadlines to adoption. He will be providing the city council with a budget review in July after June actual revenues and expenses are available. John Cooper, CEO of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau contributed that the YVVCB is cutting expenses and taking further steps to reduce that potential deficit. The committee reviewed their role in the application process. Continued Business The committee reviewed the 2021 Grant Applications received by Capitol Theatre Committee, Central Washington Fair Association State Fair Park, Sozo Sports of Central Washington, Yakima Air Terminal, Yakima Valley Museum, and the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. All applications were provided before the deadline, met the criteria, and necessary documents were received. Motion: Angie Girard moved and Lisa Vallejo seconded to approved all six applications received as eligible. The motion carried by unanimous vote. John Cooper provided an update on the convention center. The temporary closing and lost revenues are of high concern. The center is not eligible for CARES funding. He is hesitant to reduce funds for the visitor center since it creates public tourism visibility, but there have been discussions regarding moving the building. Connie Upton discussed the 2021 upgrades needed, including bathrooms, the AV unit for the existing space, and other regular annual repairs. She noted the center did a reduction in force by about 70% and are trying to reduce overhead. Motion: Charlie Robin moved and Angie Girard seconded to adopt a formal process of prioritizing city owned properties as the primary recipients, then reviewing all other applicants as the secondary beneficiaries. The motion carried by unanimous vote. Charlie Robin discussed the Capitol Theatre application. It has also been temporarily closed due to the Governor’s Stay at Home Orders. They have had approximately 70% loss in revenue and have also had to lay off staff such as the ticket booth attendants. Anne Moneymaker discussed the application for the State Fair Park. State Fair Park is County owned, but not operated. They lease the land from the county and manage it.  They work with the County for designated capital improvement projects.   State Fair Park is a non-profit 501c3.  The majority of our annual operating revenue comes from the Central WA State Fair.  When asked, the Convention Center stated 50% of their annual operating budget is self-earned through events and the Capitol Theatre stated 70% of their operating budget is self-earned.  State Fair Park’s operating budget is 95% self-earned revenue through events.  State Fair Park has not hosted any events since mid-March and have laid off staff as well. They are hoping the fair will still take place this year. Greg Lybeck discussed the SOZO application. The sports complex consists of a 120 acre park that is open every day. He provided a 2020 and 2021 event schedule. Outdoor recreation is one of the viable options to revenue during this time of limited capacity and social distancing. The Yakima Airport application was summarized by Rob Peterson. The airport did receive CARES funding, but that will be applied to Operations and Maintenance. The airport brings in many visitors from all over the state. Councilman Jason White noted he would be interested on the hotelier’s input. Lisa Vallejo from Hilton Garden Inn provided some insight into the tourism industry. It has had a tremendous negative impact to the grant funds that will be available. She wanted to remind the committee that the grant funds are to benefit those facilities that enhance overnight hotel stays. They are all struggling with only about 20% occupancy levels. She noted they are not only faced with a severe decrease in occupancy, but have also been hindered by lowered room rates. Sarah Davila from Oxford Suites also noted the economic struggle. They are also at about 20% occupancy. The hotel has cut staff and reduced advertising. Motion: Charlie Robin moved and Sarah Davila seconded to make the Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau and Capitol Theatre Committee applications the primary focus and in August review revenue forecast to see if others can be considered. Motion carried by a 5-4 vote. Allen, Cooper, Davila, Girard, and Robin voting yes. White, Vallejo, Marroquin, and Moneymaker voting no. Next meeting date will be setup for early August. On the agenda will be final review of applicants for the 2021 grant with a recommendation for the Yakima City Council. Councilman White thanked all those that attended the meeting and commended them for their efforts in promoting tourism for the city. Good of the Order Motion: Charlie Robin moved and Sarah Davila seconded to adjourn. The motion carried by unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 11:09 am.