HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/15/1976 Business Meeting 371
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING-MONDAY NOVEMBER 15, 1976
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The City Council met jointly in session with the Visitor's and
'Convention Bureau on this day at 12:00 Noon in the Holiday Inn
Restaurant, Yakima, Washington. Councilmen present were Mayor
iBetty L. Edmondson, Ralph Holbrook, Nadine Walker, and Gordon
Wonder. Vistor's and Convention Bureau Members present were Ray
;Pittman, Mike Mercy, Walt Hubbard and others. Mayor Edmondson
!absent after 12:30.
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The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the following:
1. Renegotiation of the promotion contract for 1977 to
include an audited statement.
2. Review of Visitor's and Convention Bureau request for
additional promotion funds for 1977. Support to be
provided from the General Fund or City/County room tax
rather than from FRS.
3. Discussion re trade-offs for rent and utilities for
Pavilion operations.
1 Mr. Pittman of the Visitors and Convention Bureau reviewed the
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marketing plan of the Visitors and Convention Bureau of last
year and that proposed for next year. Mr. Pittman indicated that
the main purpose of the Visitor's and Convention Bureau is to
I sell Yakima as a tourist area. In considering the Visitor's and
Convention Bureaus request for additional funds, Councilmen Wonder
and Holbrook expressed interest in receiving a detailed budget
that explained how specific revenues from the City were utilized,
together with expenditures for Pavilion operations. Additionally,
linquiries were raised about increases in membership fees to help
'pay expenses. Mr. Pittman and Mr. Mercy of the Visitor's and Con-
vention Bureau explained increases in membership fees are being
Iponsidered but additional costs for operations could not be entirely
;supported by membership fees alone. Councilman Holbrook asked that
the Bureau give a detailed economic impact which compares expenses
and promotional services over the last several years of City
'participation.
Some discussion focused on the necessity for the Visitor's and
Convention Bureau preparing an audited statement of finances.
The Visitors and Convention Board did not feel an audit was
necessary under the circumstances, inasmuch, as all the Bureau's
!expenses were identifiable in present financial statements.
Further, questions were raised about the budget for subscription
fees, telephone, and related expenses for the Bicentennial Pavilion,
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which originally were to be assumed in the Bureau's budget. Mr.
Pittman indicated that in revising the operating budget for the
Pavilion, it became apparent that their budget could not sustain
this obligation and it was impractical to be held to the previous
committment.
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The meeting concluded with the understanding that Mr. Pittman would
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provide Council members with a detailed breakdown of expenses in-
curred by the Bureau over the last several years and its economical
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;Impact on financing the Bureau operations. All City contributions to
he Visitors and Convention Bureau (i.e., promotion, Pavilion,
Trolleys, etc.) would be segregated and,identifiable.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE Balk / / ' DAT/- ..---- - 7. CO c CILMAN
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COUNCILMAN
ATTEST:
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