HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-8-1ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF NONVOTING TAXPAYERS
Minutes of meeting 10 A.M., SATURDAY, August 1, 2015, at
4 Fairgrounds Road
1. Attending: Lou Bassano, Howard Blitman, Lucas Fischer "( from
10:22 a.m.), Don Green, Peter Kahn, Bill Sherman, and. returfting
member Jay Strauss, plus guest Kate Hamilton- Pardee, Director of
Visitors Services. Members absent: David Brown, Susan Matloff
and Tony Walsh.
2. ACNVT Chair Howard Blitman called the meeting to order at
10:10 a.m. and, noting that a quorum of 8 was not present, went on
to introduce our guest Kate Hamilton - Pardee, Director of Visitors
Services for the past 22 years. Kate recounted the relevant
background she gained off - island in PR, publishing and marketing
and the strong affection she had for the island. Mentored in the job
by Charles Balas [who has served long and well in guiding Visitors
Services], Kate currently reports to the Town Manager.
3. Visitors Services is funded from the Town's share of the Room
Occupancy Tax, a tax on lodging guest bills totaling 11.7 %. The
State retains 5.7% and remits the 6% balance to the Town. Visitors
Services' share is based upon 4 %, not 6 %, and is reckoned at 30%
of that 4 %. Fortunately with increasing prices of island lodgings,
the Room Occupancy Tax revenue has increased and thus Visitors
Services' share. A higher level of funding (e.g., with enlarged ROT
base) would allow a more effective, wider program. [To appreciate
its current services, see http:/ /www.nantucket- ma.gov /VISITOR ]
4. Kate distributed brochures to those present:
- Travel and Lodging Information 2015
- Children's Beach Summer Activities 2015
- Nanetiquette: a User Guide to Island Etiquette
- Personal welcome (business) card.
5. Visitors Services operates year -round in the summer with one full -
time and 9 part-time staff members. In addition to the Visitors
Services building on the corner of Federal and East Chestnut, a
booth is staffed on Steamboat Wharf. As a particular justification
for sharing in the Room Occupancy Tax, Visitors Services is the
primary source of information given visitors on available openings
in licensed lodgings.
6. A vexing problem, outside the scope of Visitors Services, is the
shortfall in housing for the seasonal workforce. If health regulations
were strictly enforced for existing housing, the shortage would be
worsened - -- a dilemma. Island alternatives to Ch 40B housing
should help.
7. Recent Visitors Services initiatives have included the island's New
Years Eve celebration, added island photo shoots and the
Nanetiquette brochure.
8. Visitors Services has faced challenges beyond July Fourth fog and
tight budgets, e.g., last year's issue whether Visitors Services
should be merged with the Nantucket Island Chamber of
Commerce. Given their different missions and constituencies,
wisely they have remained separate.
9. Answering Don Green's question, Kate reported the number of
visitors peaked on the Fourth of July weekend with some 60,000. A
project with ReMain Nantucket would develop further the
demographics of visitors. Intention is to keep a spirit of
inclusiveness.
I O.Following Peter Kahn's remark about heavy traffic, particularly of
commercial vehicles, Kate recalled a seasonal resident concerned
about parking - -- (on site) for the 5 cars kept at her summer home.
In contrast, those staying at lodging/guest houses do not bring cars.
I I.Lou Bassano urged that shelter be provided at the Greenhound
Building for NRTA users, also that Visitors Services have a
presence there. An NRTA shuttle from 2 Fairgrounds to downtown
should be available (free like the shuttle from 2 FG to SSA
terminal). In the evening, Jetties Beach has ample parking for a
shuttle service into downtown.
12.13ill Sherman urged lodging houses provide their guests with free
NRTA passes. Kate observed that some already do: the Roberts
House and Nantucket Hotel. Marc Snyder has proven a strong
leader in such efforts.
13.Peter Kahn, recalling the pleasure of bike tours in Chicago and
D.C., suggested the counterpart as an activity for island visitors, etc.
14. Speaking of the 7000 unruly kids at Nobadeer on the Fourth of
July, Kate contrasted them with the 7 -8,000 having good fun on
Main Street. Like the no- smoking rule for town beaches, no alcohol
is urged. Daytona and Fort Lauderdale may have suggestions.
15.Kate commended the food at the Children's Beach grill and the
wide range of kid's activities. She asked support for the close
collaboration between Visitors Services and Park & Rec in
sustaining such programs.
16. Kate called attention to a meeting on Monday, August 10, 3 — 4
p.m. in the Dreamland Studio Theater, "Designating a Cultural
District in Nantucket." Sponsors include the Nantucket Arts
Council and the NP &EDC. The BOS has added its support.
17.The meeting was recessed at 11:12 a.m. until [the next ACNVT
meeting set for] August 15, 2015 (10 a.m. Saturday morning in the
PSF Training Room).
Respectfully sub itted,
Bill Sherman, Secretary
Draft minutes e- distributed 8/5/15. Minutes adopted 8/ 15/15,
posted 8/17/15 and hard copy submitted to Town Clerk 8/18/15