Okaloosa County BOCC — January 30, 2014 — Minutes

Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 Regular Meeting http://www.okaloosafl.com ~ Minutes ~ Thursday, December 12, 2013 2:00 PM Emerald Coast Convention Center Tourist Development Council Members Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Departed Chairman, Dale E. Peterson Present - - Dale E. Peterson Vacations Vice-Chairman, Thomas Rice Present - - Magnolia Grill Rachel Joyce Hampton Inn FWB Absent - - Daniel Empson Harry T’s Restaurant Present - - Thom Gossom Best Gurl, Inc. Present - - Joe Guidry Ramada Plaza Resort Present - - Tuffy Dixon Destin Councilman Absent - - Charles Rigdon FWB Councilman Present - - Kelly Windes Commissioner District 5 Present - - Ed Schroeder TDD Director Present - - Rick Owens Interim TDD Director Present - - Lynn Hoshihara TDD Attorney Present - - Mr. Peterson called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. I. Consider Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council Meeting Minutes (Dale Peterson- Chairman) Members did not receive meeting minutes due to technical error. Council reviewed meeting minutes before the vote to approve. Motion to Approve October 24, 2013 TDC Meeting Minutes RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rice SECONDER: Guidry AYES: Empson, Gossom, Rigdon, Windes, Peterson II. Public Comments Related to Current Agenda (Dale Peterson – Chairman) Asked the public if anyone would like to make comment, no one accepted offer. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 1 of 5  III. Financial Status Update (Ed Schroeder /Charlotte Dunworth) Mr. Guidry shared his delight with October revenue report provided by the county. He did request more information as to where the revenue was garnered, and whether it was an increase or decrease over last year at the same time. He explained that it would be helpful to know where the money is coming from, Fort Walton Beach, Destin or the Island and whether it was from condos or hotels, etc. Mr. Peterson took a break from the agenda to introduce, Ms. Charlotte Dunworth, the TDD Finance, Administration and Compliance Manager, who is new to the TDD visitors center staff. Mr. Rick Owen, Interim TDD Director, took the opportunity to thank the TDD staff for their hard work and assistance during a difficult time. Commissioner Windes, in turn, thanked Mr. Owen for his assistance as interim TDD Director, and for doing such an excellent job. Mr. Guidry echoed his sentiments. Ms. Dunworth proceeded to review the 2013 financial report and numbers available from the beginning of FY14. She explained that there is a lag of about two months for receipt of the Tax Collector’s report, but information available would still be valuable. Mr. Guidry reviewed his concern over the lag in information from the Tax Collector. Mr. Peterson clarified that expenses are available in real-time, but revenues are not. Commissioner Windes stated that he would be willing to take these concerns to the Tax Collector on the Council’s behalf. Bill Leaman discussed the financial status of the convention center. He reviewed the balance sheet for the center, as requested by the Council at the last meeting. IV. Beach Response Vehicle Funding Request (Dale Peterson – Chairman) Chief Tilley spoke with the Purchasing Department, who informed him there were no other bids required since the vehicle and equipment are being purchased off State Contract. Ms. Hoshihara confirmed Chief Tilley’s statement. The Okaloosa Island Fire Department is requesting $24,726.17 to purchase the beach response vehicle; which is 50% of its total cost. The Council agreed to the funding and requested the new Heart of the Emerald Coast logo be featured on the vehicle. Motion to Recommend Approval of $24,726.17 in Funding To the Okaloosa Island Fire Department for the Purchase of a New Response Vehicle Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 2 of 5  RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rice SECONDER: Rigdon AYES: Empson, Gossom, Guidry, Windes, Peterson V. Adopt TDC Public Participation Resolution pursuant to Section 286.0114, F.S. (Lynn Hoshihara, Esq.) Ms. Hoshihara reviewed the Florida Statute regarding public comments. The committee agreed to its adoption. Motion to Adopt Participation Resolution as Written in Section 286.0114, F.S. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rice SECONDER: Guidry AYES: Empson, Gossom, Rigdon, Windes, Peterson VI. Peter Mayer Marketing Plan update (Ellen Kempner, Michelle Clarke) Ms. Kempner provided an update of the A Very Emerald Christmas campaign launch. She shared that the event was very well attended, along with local mayors. Several poster boards with illustrations of the website and print ads were sent around for review. Ms. Kempner thanked the local restaurateurs and other businesses for helping to fill in the event calendar during the Christmas campaign. The event was very well attended. The mayors of both Fort Walton Beach and Destin were in attendance. The team reviewed the current “A Very Emerald Christmas” campaign, to include the website, social media and radio spots as well as paraphernalia and special events. Ms. Clarke shared good news. The Doolittle Raiders coverage garnered two awards for Peter Mayer from the prestigious Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. They won both a Bronze and Gold award. This places them in the next level of competition for the Platinum Award. The team is now working with Dr. Bryan Harris at UWF Haas. Emerald Coast demographics surveys and research should begin in mid-January. This will help the firm, TDC Council, TDD Department and local stakeholders better understand where the best returns on investment are, how the industry is growing and where opportunities are available. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 3 of 5  Two 2014 Visitors Guide production and printing bids were received already and Peter Mayer is waiting on the last bid, which should be in this week. Discussions on which vendor to choose will begin next week. Mr. Rice exclaimed he was delighted to hear an advertisement on Sirius Radio for the area and complimented the agency. VII. New Business (Dale Peterson – Chairman) Introduction of Ed Schroeder, New Tourist Development Department Director (Rick Owen) Mr. Peterson introduced Mr. Schroeder, the new Tourist Development Department Director. Mr. Schroeder has many years in the industry, many awards, military experience and is a University of Georgia graduate. VIII. Schedule Quarterly TDC Meeting Thursday, January 30, 2014, 2:00 p.m., Emerald Coast Convention Center Next Meeting to Be Held January 30, 2014, 2:00 p.m., at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rice SECONDER: Gossom AYES: Empson, Guidry, Rigdon, Windes, Peterson The following meeting tentatively set for Thursday, February 27, 2014, 2:00 p.m., Emerald Coast Convention Center IX. Public Comment (3 minutes each) No public comment. Mayor Sam Seevers from the City of Destin was recognized for her efforts resulting in great cost savings to the City. Mr. Guidry queried Commissioner Windes about the contract for beach cleaning. Commissioner Windes shared the contract should be cleared up by February 2014 for rebid. Public Works’ Parks Department is currently renting beach cleaning equipment and cleaning the beaches. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 4 of 5  X. Adjourn Mr. Peterson adjourned the meeting at 2:54 p.m. Motion to Adjourn December 12, 2013 TDC meeting RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rice SECONDER: Rigdon AYES: Empson, Guidry, Gossom, Windes, Peterson APPROVED: APPROVED: By: By: Name: Dale E. Peterson Name: Ed Schroeder Title: Chairman Title: Director, Tourist Development Dept. Date: Date: Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 5 of 5