HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes May 24, 2007_201402041408015353
Minutes of Visitor Services Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 24, 2007
NRTA Conference Room
In attendance: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Office Administrator,
Toby Greenberg, Michelle Langlois and Gene Mahon.
Kate called the meeting to order at 3:05pm.
Kate updated the committee about the budget and David explained the numbers
for April including Daffodil Weekend and the Wine Festival. Kate noted that this
upcoming Memorial Day Weekend will be busy as there have been many inquiries as
well as many rooms sold out in advance. Kate also noted that she has hired Jane Roche as
an information aide and that the Straight Wharf kiosk now has a phone and they will offer
room availability information for placements from there.
The Realtor Letter was the next item on the agenda. Kate reported that Kevin sent
out letters to the island real estate office to inform them of our One Night lists.
The Town Website was the fifth item on the agenda. Kate showed the committee
the new webpage that went live May 22. She noted that there will be a comment card so
that people can let us know what they think. Gene asked if our meetings will be posted.
The website has that ability. Gene suggested that there is a way to track hits by using a
software program called Google Analytics. It can look at the number of hits by using a
separate tracking code. Kate also noted that she and David helped write the introduction
in the “About Our Community” page.
Do the Ride Thing was the next item on the agenda. Kate reported that the
promotion which encourages people to leave their cars at home will run June 11 – 17 and
the drawing will be Tuesday, June 19.
The Fireworks was the seventh item on the agenda. Kate reported that there is a
possibility that the NRTA buses will be available to take people to Jetties Beach on the
Fourth of July. In the past the only way to get to the beach was to walk as the surrounding
streets were closed to traffic after 4:00pm.
New Business was the last item on the agenda. Kate reported that the Board of
Selectmen will make Committee appointments on June 6. In addition to Charles Balas
and Gene Mahon renewing their seats, there are three open seats. The other applicants
include David Place, Diane Reis Flaherty, Louise Swift, Linda Williams, Bill Gurley and
Ara Charder. Gene noted that he went to the hearing and it took more than 2 hours for the
BOS to hear all the applicants for all the open seats.
The committee also discussed the recent news that the Point Breeze Hotel would
convert to condos and luxury club. Michelle noted that if it stays as a condo hotel it is
subject to the room tax. If the units are used only by the owners than no tax is paid.
Kate adjourned the meeting at 3:45pm