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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes December 16, 2009_201402041407578634Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Land Bank Conference Room The meeting was called to order at 3:05pm by Gene Mahon. In attendance: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Office Administrator, Kevin Dugan, Assistant Administrator, Gene Mahon and Louise Swift. Also in attendance were Town Manager Libby Gibson and Assistant Finance Director Irene Larivee. Libby Gibson, representing Town Administration, addressed the meeting regarding the Room Occupancy Tax and the vote that was held in September at the Special Town Meeting. She mentioned that the additional funds as a result of that vote would be going to the General Fund rather than to Visitor Services. She also noted that no warrant article was introduced prior to the deadline. Kate expressed concern about future rooms tax quarterly payments as they are trending downward . Gene also expressed concern about the downward trend. The rooms tax is collected quarterly by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and there is an 18 month delay from time of collection to receipt by NVS/Town. Irene stated that the Town has been subsidizing NVS for a few years now by tapping money from sources such as the license plate fund. Libby said that every Town Department is experiencing cutbacks. Gene mentioned that his role is to advocate for NVS and he is concerned about NVS being able to maintain its high level quality of service as tourism is our dominant industry. Kate explained that we have already made some cuts including delivery costs of the Travel & Lodging Brochure as David and Kevin are doing the actual physical delivery. Straight Wharf kiosk hours and days of operation have been reduced as well as cutting back on Sunday hours at the 25 Federal Street location. Kate noted that she has been grateful for the financial assistance from Town Administration to renovate the restrooms at both 25 Federal Street and Sconset as well as upgrading the carpeting and lighting at 25 Federal Street. Kate asked for the clarification from Libby that the fireworks for this year would be paid for by the Town. Libby said this year would be paid but there is no confirmation regarding help in future years. Kate and the Visitor Services Department are very appreciative of this decision by the Town. The discussion concluded with Libby and Irene requesting that David provide copies of the rooms tax articles from the1988 and 1991 town meetings Kate then called upon Kevin for the lodging report and he stated that all but about 8-10 rooms were filled for Stroll weekend. Most lodging operators were able to get at least a 2-night minimum and there were only a few that had to resort to a one night minimum. The Lodging Association members were generally pleased with their results. David reported on the restaurants and informed the Committee that business was very brisk and most restauranteurs were happy with their performance. He also reported that the only change regarding Christmas restaurant availability is that Crosswinds will now be closing at 3:00pm rather than their normal 9:00pm closing time. Kate discussed the 2010 Travel & Lodging Brochure and stated that 7-8 cases have already been distributed to the SSA, Hy-Line etc. with more deliveries by Kevin and David to resume right after the holidays. Kate also noted that the one call PR for the new T & L has already started as well. Kate then spoke about the Holiday Light Decorating Contest and noted that we now have 12 contestants and interest is running high. She also displayed the map that David had produced showing the location of the entrants. Kate also mentioned that she had received a call from a reporter at the Cape Cod Times. To the reporters surprise, Kate explained that we do all of our marketing and public relations in house as opposed to using an outside company or using any Visitor Services funds. Kate then advised the Committee that the carpet will be ordered shortly for the 25 Federal Street building and that the work will be done after the holidays. She also noted that advance inquiries for the 2010 season seem to be running higher than at this time last year. The meeting was adjourned at 4:05pm.