HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes October 15, 2008_201402041408030040
Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Land Bank Conference Room
In attendance: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Office Administrator,
Gene Mahon, Chairman, Diane Reis Flaherty, David Place and Linda Williams.
Gene called the meeting to order at 3:16pm
David Sharpe reviewed the statistics for September and Columbus Day Weekend.
Linda Williams asked if the Cranberry Festival and the Sankaty Head Lighthouse open
house had any affect with Columbus weekend. Kate noted that despite the lack of
transportation to the cranberry bogs, there were a lot of people who attended both events.
Kate will look into transportation ideas for next year because many people coming into
the office thought that the NRTA was running and had no way to get there. Linda was
concerned that the Cranberry Festival which traditionally was the weekend after
Columbus Day should have not been moved ahead by a week. Now it leaves the Chowder
Contest as the only major event for the following weekend. Kate and Gene agreed that
both weekends should have a Cranberry Festival. Kate added people will go to anything
as long as they can get there.
The Budget was the next item on the agenda. Kate reported that the Town of
Nantucket is requiring each department to provide a budget breakdown for FY10. This
process has taken 2 months to do. Kate noted that it was time consuming but helpful at
looking at everything very closely. Linda suggested that the Room Occupancy tax should
be increased to help offset any loss in future budgets.
The Greenhound Building was the third item on the agenda. Kate reported that the
Greenhound/ ReMain Nantucket people would like us to come back again next summer.
They want the building to be open 7 days a week and offered to pay for 2 staff members
and ½ of David’s salary while he is down there. Kate noted that we would not go down
there if bathrooms are not built. Kate further noted that the staff will not do the NRTA’s
job as it became apparent that there is a need for an NRTA presence due to all the bus
issues and questions that came come up. This includes bus breakdowns and late buses.
Kate added that Greenhound/ ReMain will try to hire someone. Linda reported that in
another meeting she attended, it was said that they would put 3-4 buses on site which was
more than the 2 that had been there. Gene asked if the NRTA will have a desk there
because they need one. Kate explained that there needs to be a partnership.
Gene asked about the Straight Wharf kiosk being open only 4 days this summer
rather than 7. Kate reported that it was difficult because David Worth was getting older
and that the staff was stretched due to the addition of the Greenhound building. Gene
asked about the possibility of having an airport presence when the new terminal opens in
2009. Kate explained that if we were to be there, the airport needs to provide money for
the partnership. Linda suggested that someone go to an Airport Commission meeting to
discuss the matter.
The Restaurant List was the next item on the agenda. Kate reported that the
weekly restaurant list is out again for the season. David is working on getting information
for Thanksgiving and Christmas openings. The Committee lamented about the loss of the
Tap Room and that there are fewer restaurants open on these holidays. Furthermore,
people do come out for events such as the Tree Lighting and so there is a need to feed
them.
The T&L Brochure was the last item on the agenda. Kate showed the committee
the cover proofs.
Gene adjourned the meeting at 4:15pm.