Okaloosa County BOCC — February 25, 2016 — Minutes — reading text

Tourist Development Council 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Regular Meeting www.EmeraldCoastFL.com ~ Minutes ~ Thursday, February 25, 2016 2:00 PM Emerald Coast Convention Center Council Members & Staff Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Departed Dale E. Peterson Chairman, Dale E. Peterson Vacations Present - - Thomas Rice Vice-Chairman, Magnolia Grill Present - - Thom Gossom Owner, Best Gurl, Inc.- Mktg & Comm. Firm Present - - Joe Guidry Manager, Ramada Plaza Beach & RV Resorts Present - - Director of Marketing & Events, The Melissa Matern Present Boardwalk/Bonezzi Development Bruce Craul Chief Operating Office, HarborWalk Hospitality Present - - Honorable Mike Anderson City of Fort Walton Beach Mayor Present - - Honorable Jim Foreman City of Destin Representative Present Honorable Kelly Windes Commissioner, District 5 Present - - Ed Schroeder Director, Tourist Development Department Present - - Lynn Hoshihara TDD Attorney Present - - Pledge of Allegiance and Welcome (Dale Peterson - Chairman) Chairman Peterson called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM. Council Member Minute Mr. Craul stated he was proud of the attendance at the recent NW Florida Lobby Day in Tallahassee. Mayor Anderson recently spent some time in Tallahassee while the legislature was discussing using bed tax for law enforcement. Commissioner Windes stated the All Sports banquet was superb with 1,300+ attendees. Mr. Rice noted how much he appreciates our winter visitors and their participation in the local community. Mr. Foreman was introduced by Chairman Peterson and stated it is important to look after the people that vacation here. Ms. Matern had a great time with this winter’s many guests and is looking forward to spring. Attorney Update None Director Update None Public Comments Related to Current Agenda (3 minutes each) None Visitor a. City of Destin Funding Request Greg Kisela, Destin City Manager, respectfully requested resources specifically for spring break to assist in transporting underage offenders to Crestview, and to prevent escalation of the problem as happened in Bay County. Mr. Foreman commented on the difficulty of holding down taxes and providing support to special events. Chairman Peterson stated using TDC funds for this purpose is against the law and reviewed TDT funds budgeted to Destin to support tourism activities. He doesn’t feel it is right to vote on something that’s illegal. Mr. Rice motioned to table the item and Ms. Matern seconded. Mr. Anderson stated he is aware of proposed legislation being considered to fund law enforcement from bed tax. Mr. Craul stated he doesn’t think the decision will change even if tabled unless the law changes, and the TDC is bound to follow the law. Commissioner Windes proposed an amendment to tables the motion until such time as legislation allows for it. Mr. Gossom inquired whether the TDC would be voting on the same thing or something different if the law changes. Ms. Hoshihara noted that even if the law is changed, the TDT Plan would have to be amended before any funding request could be considered. Mr. Foreman noted the money would be going to the Sheriff’s Department as contingency, and not to the City of Destin. He said the City is obligated to ensure the safety and welfare of the public. Mr. Craul stated law enforcement is paid by the County, not Tourist Development Council Page 1  the TDC, and it should increase the budget as necessary. Another suggestion would be not to market to that target audience. To table the funding request until such time as legislation provides for law Motion: enforcement. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED MOVER: Rice SECONDER: Matern AYES Anderson, Windes, Foreman, Rice, Matern NAYES Peterson, Gossom, Craul ABSTAIN Guidry Mr. Schroeder requests item F. Beach Accessways Update be discussed at this time so the displays may be removed. Mr. Schroeder explains the options. This first is to take the drawings out to bid for actual cost. The second is to trim back the scope. Discussion ensued regarding budget and alternatives. To approve soliciting bids on the Beach Accessway restrooms as Motion: presented. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rice SECONDER: Guidry AYES: Craul, Gossom, Anderson, Windes, Peterson, Foreman, Matern I. Items for TDC Approval/Recommendation b. January 13, 2016 TDC Meeting Minutes (Dale Peterson) Motion: To approve the January 13, 2016 TDC Meeting Minutes as presented. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Windes SECONDER: Anderson AYES: Craul, Gossom, Guidry, Rice, Peterson, Foreman, Matern c. Financial Update (Charlotte Dunworth) Ms. Dunworth reviewed the Financial Update. Motion: To approve the Financial Update as presented. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rice SECONDER: Anderson AYES: Craul, Gossom, Guidry, Windes, Peterson, Foreman, Matern d. Cash Carryforward Budget Amendment (Charlotte Dunworth) Ms. Dunworth reviewed the cash carryforward allocation. Motion: To approve the Cash Carryforward Budget Amendment as presented. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Craul SECONDER: Rice AYES: Gossom, Guidry, Anderson, Windes, Peterson, Foreman, Matern Tourist Development Council Page 2 February 25, 2016  Mr. Leaman presented the Chris Janson concert agenda item at this time and explained the desire to partner with lodging partners for ticket sales two weeks in advance of general sales. Discussion ensued regarding revenues and distribution of tickets to lodging partners. Comments regarding how this is a good start. Mr. Craul inquired about the marketing plan. Mr. Gossom commented we need to be careful about how we define success since expenses are close to revenues. Ms. Matern remarked Luke Bryan came to the area right before he made a big impact in the country music world and she is in support of this. Motion: To support Mr. Leaman’s request for funding for this concert. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Anderson SECONDER: Foreman AYES: Craul, Gossom, Guidry, Windes, Rice, Peterson, Matern Mr. Schroeder requested direction regarding the portion of tickets that should be tied to lodging versus open to the public. Mr. Craul commented the purpose of the Council is to put heads in beds, but public exposure to the facility is also important. Mr. Peterson commented that sold out would be a great beginning. Mr. Windes remarked 50/50 split is reasonable for a first step. There was confusion about whether a vote had already been taken on the motion for the request to move forward, so another vote was taken. Motion: To support Mr. Leaman’s request for funding for this concert. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Anderson SECONDER: Foreman AYES: Craul, Gossom, Guidry, Windes, Rice, Peterson, Matern Mr. Leaman then provided an update on the ECCC roof leak remediation. The repair cost is estimated at $180K based on 90% drawings, with the project budgeted at $120K. Doug Ahern was recognized for his service to the convention center. Carol Foley was recognized for attaining the Certified Venue Professional designation. e. Peter Mayer Contract Renewal (Ed Schroeder) Mr. Schroeder provided an update on the agency contract extension. Mr. Craul inquired how permanent staff positions are being advertised. To approve the Peter Mayer Contract Renewal for 3-months until May Motion: 31, 2016, as presented. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rice SECONDER: Craul AYES: Gossom, Guidry, Anderson, Windes, Peterson, Foreman, Matern f. Beach Accessways Update (Ed Schroeder) Discussed earlier in the meeting. g. Chris Janson Concert (Bill Leaman) Discussed earlier in the meeting. II. Items for Information Purposes Only – (Speaker) h. Marketing Update (Ellen Kempner)) Ms. Kempner mentioned receipt of an HSMAI bronze award for the emerald coasting campaign and presented the marketing update. Mr. Craul commented that we are likely the largest charter fishing fleet in the U.S. i. Marketing Reorganization Update (Ed Schroeder) Mr. Schroeder indicated this has been covered. Tourist Development Council Page 3 February 25, 2016  j. Sales Update (Sherry Rushing & Tisha Maraj) Ms. Rushing & Ms. Maraj presented the sales update. k. Coastal Management Update (Erika Zambello) Ms. Zambello presented the coastal management update. She also requested permission to apply for a no-match $30,000 grant from the Coastal Program in the Florida Panhandle (CPFP)