HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.23.2009 (2)• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 23, 2009
3:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Cole, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie Schmitt.
Members absent: Getty, Hart.
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Steve Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be
approved. Ayes: Five. Absent: Getty, Hart. Motion carried.
Aaron Buzza, of the Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau, reviewed the proposed allocation
of $250,000.00 FY 2010 hotel/motel tax funds and a proposed mini -grant program for remaining
FY 2010 hotel/motel tax funds. Mr. Buzza explained that the amount proposed for allocation is
$213,126.00, leaving a balance of $36,875.00. The Convention & Visitors Bureau would like to
use the remaining balance of $36,875.00 to be given out in mini -grants. They believe this will
allow them to be a little more flexible and be good stewards of the hotel/motel tax funds. The
Convention & Visitors Bureau feels it is in the best interest of funding of tourism projects to
make funds available throughout the year. Some organizations are not comfortable planning so
far out and would like more flexibility of the hotel/motel funds.
Mayor Hurley stated that he feels the process is getting better and better with a very elaborate
scoring system. The Convention & Visitors Bureau deliberated and is bringing their
recommendation to the council.
Councilperson Cole complimented the Board and stated she feels they did an amazing job, there
are a lot of details and she liked the questions they asked.
Mr. Buzza noted that the Convention & Visitors Bureau is recommending allocation of
$10,000.00 for green initiative. Nearly every convention proposal is asking what is the green
initiative of the city, the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the convention center. The
Convention & Visitors Bureau wants to use the money to facilitate how we can be green or assist
organizations to be green. The money would be spent on education and assisting on items such
as receptacles, recycled paper, etc.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked what other cities do as far as mini -grants. Mr. Buzza
explained that some have incentives where they can give money directly to the organization. Mr.
Bu77a noted that if the request is a good return on the investment, it would allow them to be
more competitive. The mini -grant gives an organization a little more flexibility in their
application and helps with the timing of their event.
Mayor Hurley noted that all mini -grants will come before council for approval.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Cole that the proposed allocation of FY 2010 hotel/motel tax
funds in the amount of $213,125.00 and proposed mini -grant program for remaining FY 2010
hotel/motel tax funds in the amount of $36,875.00 be forwarded for approval on tonight's
council agenda. Ayes: Five. Absent: Getty, Hart. Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Cole, seconded by Reggie Schmitt
that the meeting be adjourned at 4:01 p.m. Ayes: five. Absent: Getty, Hart. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert