HomeMy WebLinkAboutLTAC 2018-05-01 Minutes
MEETING MINUTES
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
11:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Westfield Southcenter Management Offices
(2800 Southcenter Mall, 2 nd Floor; Tukwila, WA; 98188
)
Minutes Approved at the May 22, 2018 LTAC Meeting.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor Allan Ekberg, Pro Tem Chair, Becky Smith, Ben Oliver, Dan Lee, and Miesa Berry
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT
Kathy Hougardy, Chair, and Jim Davis.
Note: There are currently two vacant positions on the LTAC
CITY STAFF
Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager
Chair Hougardy was unable to attend the meeting. Prior to the meeting, Council President Seal asked
Mayor Allan Ekberg to serve as Pro Tem Chair for the meeting.
Chair Pro Tem Allan Ekberg called the meeting to order at 11:01 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions – Pro Tem Ekberg asked for everyone to give a quick introduction.
Approval of Agenda-- Chair Pro Tem asked for a motion on approving the agenda. Motion made and
seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
Approval of Minutes – Chair Pro Tem asked for a motion on the approving the January 25, 2017 LTAC
minutes. Motion made by Mr. Oliver with a second from Ms. Smith. Motion approved 5-0.
Southcenter 50 Celebration-Mr. Miles provided an overview of the planning to date on the
Southcenter 50 celebration. The celebration is being done by the City, Seattle Southside Chamber of
Commerce, and Westfield Southcenter. Mr. Miles noted that the while the impetuous for the
celebration is the 50 th anniversary of Southcenter Mall, opening in 1968, the celebration will be for the
entire District. He noted the timing, specifically, the opening of the new pedestrian bridge and
Washington Place let’s us really promote the “New Southcenter.” Mr. Miles outlined some of the
activities planned:
LTAC May 1, 2018
Page 2
Enhancing Touch a Truck with more events and promotions.
City evening event.
5K Run.
General marketing and promotion.
Mr. Miles asked if Becky Smith, District GM for Westfield Southcenter and Stephanie Ringey, Senior
Marketing Manager for Westfield Southcenter had anything they wanted to share. Ms. Smith and
Ringey discussed items Westfield was planning on doing.
Southcenter 50 Funding Request—Mr. Miles noted that the previous items agenda items rolls into this
new one. The City is requesting $90,500 in lodging tax funds. Unused funds from the first Southcenter
50 application from last year will be rolled into this one. The funds will go to support area wide events,
marketing, promotion, and staffing. Mr. Miles noted that a draft budget is attached and that funds may
be moved between items as needed, but that total amount spent will not exceed $90,500. Ms. Smith
indicated that the mall would be funding almost fully an event on July 31 st and also provide in-kind
contribution, such as giving the City space for signage, etc. LTAC members asked questions regarding
dates and promotions and also provide some suggestions for things to consider to celebreate the
Southcenter 50.
Motion made and seconded to approve the funding request, LTAC voted 5-0 in favor to fund
application request.
Renton Con Comic Con -- Brian Morris and Emilo Morales provided an overview of an overview of
RenCon, scheduled for September 15 th and September 16 th. RenCon will be at Hotel Interurban and
also have a presences at Westfield Southcenter. This is the third year of Rencon, which had been hled
in the City of Renton the last two years. Every year has seen growth in attendance and RenCon is
hoping for about 5,000 people to attend this year. Mr. Morris and Mr. Morales discussed how they try
to schedule events to encourage more overnight stays, such as late VIP parties and then early event sin
the morning. Mr. Miles indicated that a funding request for RenCon will likely be coming at the next
meeting.
2018 Lodging Tax Appointments– Mr. Miles discussed the two vacation positions on LTAC and that the
Council will be considering new appointments and reappointments in the next month.
Roundtable. Members were asked if there was anything of interest happening at their businsesses or if
they knew anything going on that would be good for the group. Mr. Miles passed around the new
“Tukwila Hazelnut” bar from Seattle Chocolates.
Meeting adjourned at Noon.
Prepared By: BJM