HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.09.2004 (2)COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 9, 2004
4:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Cole, Greenwood, Clark, Schmitt, Gunderson,
Welper.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Kincaid that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the request from S & R Events Marketing, Inc. for
funding for the Reichert Pleasure Celebration event.
Terry Schroeder distributed a handout explaining the Reichert Pleasure Celebration. Ms.
Schroeder explained the event is the #4 Western Pleasure Show in the Nation. The event has
been held in Waterloo since it began in 1999 and will award $410,000 in purse money in 2004,
with $100,000 being awarded to one horse. Exhibitors from 41 states and two Canadian
provinces have visited Waterloo. Ms. Schroeder stated they feel the economic impact to the
Waterloo/Cedar Falls area was nearly $1.9 million in 2003. Approximately 700-900 hotel room
nights in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area in 2003. Over 2,500 people attended the event in 2003.
Ms. Schroeder stated that Warren Transport has helped tremendously bringing in lime, with
other companies in Waterloo and outside the state contributing money, funds and awards. Ms.
Schroeder stated last year the city awarded $1,500.00 in discretionary hoteUmotel funds that they
used for advertisement. Ms. Schroeder stated local area restaurants, gas stations, grocery and
convenience stores, and mall stores benefit from exhibitor traffic during the week. Ms.
Schroeder reported that they intend to list all the available hotels in the area. Ms. Schroeder
stated they use the figure of $140.00 per diem per day. The city gets the tax revenues from all
the vendors, with about 1,500 exhibitors last year. Ms. Schroeder stated they are getting a lot of
response from people within Waterloo to keep the event here, and some businesses are getting
petitions to keep it here.
Ms. Schroeder stated they would use a portion of the fund award to increase the dollar purse and
advertisement. Ms. Schroeder stated they need to get books out on the event so they will need to
make a decision fairly soon on whether the show will be held in Waterloo.
Councilperson Welper stated he has a problem making a decision on the requests from the
National Cattle Congress and the Reichert Pleasure Celebration event when the council has not
reviewed or made a decision on all the other requests.
Councilperson Schmitt stated with 700 heads on beds about $2,000 is collected in hotel/motel
taxes, and he feels the council needs to look at other considerations when making a decision.
Ms. Schroeder responded that they do make an economic impact in the community, such as
motels, restaurants, water park and shops. The average income of the participants if $150,000.
Mayor Hurley asked if the council awards funding this year will they ask for funding again next
year. Ms. Schroeder responded that they will continue to ask for the city's support as they want
to keep the event in Iowa.
Councilperson Welper asked that a work session be held on Thursday to discuss all the requests.
Councilperson Gunderson commented that there is a current balance of $73,312 in the
hotel/motel tax discretionary fund, and if $65,000 is awarded to the National Cattle Congress and
the Reichert event, the other organization will be cut out of funding.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Gunderson that a council work session be held on Thursday,
February 12, 2004 to discuss all the requests received for hotel/motel discretionary funds and
then put on next Monday's council agenda. Ayes: Six. Nays: Cole. Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Welper, seconded by Cole that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:25 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk