HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes April 29, 2009_201402041407563165
Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Land Bank Conference Room
In attendance: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Office Administrator,
Gene Mahon, Chairman, James Blunt, David Place, Diane Reis-Flaherty and Louise
Swift
Gene called the meeting to order at 3:04pm
Kate discussed lodging availability. There was some availability over Daffodil
Weekend, but it was a room here and there. There were 5 placements on Friday. There
were 1,000 passing through the office over the three day weekend. Kate noted that the
weather was great as well. David reported that the restaurants did very well over the
weekend.
James Blunt asked about the rental market. Kate reported that many people are
asking for 3-4 day stays with some budget concerns. Eventually people will be back for
longer stays when the economy improves. Kate also noted that she and the staff toured
the new White Elephant Residences. They are beautiful, but expensive to stay. Nantucket
Island Resorts has started to list all their properties with the office as they are not as full
as in years past. The Wauwinet will be offering $150 overnight stay to locals when they
open in a few weeks. Louise Swift asked if the White Elephant residences pay the room
tax. Kate said yes.
David reported on the statistics for March and most of April.
Kate then discussed the budget. Everything is on track. She reported that the
budget for FY10 is still unsettled and has been attending department meetings to finalize
what we will receive.
The Greenhound building was next on the agenda. Kate reported that ReMain
Nantucket will again pay part of David’s salary, this year. He will be there several days a
week and someone from NRTA will be there the rest of the week.
The Travel and Lodging Update was another item on the agenda. Kate reported
that David and Kevin are doing the deliveries saving $3,500 - $4,000 a year. Kate noted
that the T&L is in high demand due to a delay in with the release of the Chamber of
Commerce guide.
David Place asked if there were any inquiries for Wine and Film Festivals. Kate
reported that at this point, those inquiries are down as they are occurring on odd
weekends and that people are also looking for deals.
The Fireworks was next on the agenda. Kate reported that she will sending out
press releases soon. It will be an important year as the Fourth of July will be on a
Saturday night and the Wachovia Conference which has fireworks, the week before have
been cancelled this year. So there is great expectations for this year’s event.
The sixth item on the agenda is the Downtown Revitalization Committee. Kate
reported that the DRC is wrapping up its business. They will be sending out a survey. The
survey results could be helpful for the Visitor Services planning.
The Bathroom Update was another item on the agenda. Kate reported that the
restrooms at 25 Federal Street are now open after a successful renovation. Kate also
reported that the Greenhound building will have bathrooms available to the public, this
summer.
Staffing was the ninth item on the agenda. Kate noted that she will be
interviewing people next week and will hire 2-3 people for the season.
New Business was the final item on the agenda. Kate reported that the Visitor
Services representative to the Chamber needs to be reappointed. James nominated Gene.
Louise seconded the motion. The Committee then voted 5-0 to reappoint Gene Mahon.
Kate noted that Chamber Director, Tracy Bakalar is now on Maternity Leave
awaiting the birth of her first child.
Kate also noted that she has hired Jessie Gauvin to provide the flowers for the
window boxes at 25 Federal Street.
Gene adjourned the meeting at 3:50pm.