HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.21.1999COUNCIL WORK SESSION
June 21, 1999
5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Getty, Murphy, Krizek, Gronen, Anders_
Members absent: Jordan, Collier.
Moved by Krizek, seconded by Gronen that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Jordan, Collier. Motion carried.
Gary Plummer, President of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, distributed copies of the
Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau Marketing and Development Plan and 99-2000
Preliminary Budget. Mr. Plummer stated that the 99-2000 Budget is a more conservative budget
with relatively zero growth. Mr. Plummer stated that the total estimated impact from
conventions, meetings, groups and leisure travel in the Waterloo area exceeds $266 million_
Bruce Strom, Treasurer for Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau, stated that the Convention
& Visitors Bureau (CVB) is actively promoting the metropolitan area as a major sporting event
location. The Bureau will assist event promoters in the metropolitan area. Mr. Strom stated that
the Bureau is investigating the establishment of a sports foundation to support pledged loans or
advances to enhance incentives in bidding process for major sporting events. Mr. Strom
commented that the Bureau could use UNI's facilities to bring large, national sporting events.
Mr. Strom stated that the biggest deterrent is travel, the lack of airlines. Mr: Strom stated that
our golf courses, tennis courts, baseball and softball complexes, and new soccercomplex are all
assets for promotion of sporting events.
Mr. Strom stated that CVB receives $250,000 of hotel/motel tax collections. Hotel/Motel Tax
collections are projected to reach $641,502 for 1999_ The Convention & Visitors Bureau is
requesting that the city release 50 percent of the hotel/motel tax collected in excess of the 50
percent cap.
Bruce Meisinger, Finance Manager, reported that there is $71,699.51 in excess hotel/motel funds
for FY 1999.
Mr. Plummer reported that CVB had $245,000 in expenses through May 1999, and the 50
percent hotel/motel excess would be used for marketing in the amount of $30,000 and $20,000
for computers. Mr. Plummer stated that CVB saved $10,000 in salary due to the vacant director
position.
Mr. Plummer reported that a Search Committee has been appointed to fill thevacant director
position, and that CVB budgeted the maximum salary for the position. Mr. Plummer stated that
the transition team is making progress working on the by-laws and articles of incorporation. Mr.
Plummer stated that CVB has a lease with the Chamber of Commerce through part of 2001.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Gronen that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:42 p.m. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Collier. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk