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TDC Minutes 06/25/2018 June 25, 2018 1 MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEETING Naples, Florida, June 25, 2018 LET IT BE REMEMBERED the Collier County Tourist Development Council in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 A.M. in a REGULAR SESSION in Building “F” of the Government Complex, Naples, Florida with the Following members present: Chairman: Commissioner Donna Fiala Vice Chairman: Susan Becker Victor Rios Clark Hill Robert Miller (Excused) Ed (Ski) Olesky Dan Sullivan Michelle McLeod Nancy Kerns ALSO PRESENT: Jack Wert, Tourism Director Ed Caum, Deputy Director, Sports Tourism/Marketing Gary McAlpin, Manager, Coastal Zone Management Colleen Greene, Assistant County Attorney Kelly Green, Tourist Development Tax Coordinator Barry Williams, Director, Parks and Recreation June 25, 2018 2 Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the video recording from the Collier County Communications and Custom er Relations Department or view online. 1. Call to Order – Commissioner Fiala Commissioner Fiala called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Roll Call A quorum was established. 4. Agenda and Minutes A. Changes and Approval of Today’s Agenda Mr. Rios moved to approve the Agenda. Second by Mr. Olesky. Carried unanimously 8 – 0. B. Approval of prior TDC Meeting Minutes i. Regular Meeting February 26, 2018 Ms. Becker moved to approve the minutes of the May 29, 2018 meeting subject to the following change:  Page 6, Speakers Kristen Covey to Kristen Coury. Second by Ms. Kerns. Carried unanimously 8 – 0. 5. Presentations/Public Comment - (3 minutes each) Michael Ossorio, Director of Code Enforcement presented the Executive Summary “To provide a report to the Tourist Development Council on the Code Enforcement Division enforcement of short term vacation rentals” for information purposes. He noted:  That County code prohibits rental of residential units for terms of 6 months or less in most baseline residential zoning districts.  The Code Enforcement Division enforces the requirements but only acts on complaints with 65 lodged over the past two years.  The County does utilize educational measures enlighten the public on the requirements. During Council discussion, the following was noted:  There are certain overlay zones in residential areas that may allow transient lodging.  The policy applies to Homeowner Associations however they may adopt stricter rules on rentals.  The requirements include workforce housing.  A concern was raised the tax collector issues business licenses to individuals and collects the tourist tax when the activity it is not permitted in the County.  The revenue is a substantial portion (approximately 30 percent) of tax collection and losing the payments could impact the overall budget for the tourism division.  The options available to address the issue include: Allow the activity to continue “as is” and provide enforcement under the current format of investigating complaints; increase the enforcement activity of the existing requirements; change the County regulations to address the activity. The Council noted the information should be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for their review. June 25, 2018 3 6. Consent Agenda All matters listed under this agenda item are considered to be routine and action will be taken by one motion without separate discussion of each item. If discussion is desired by a member of the Council, that item(s) will be moved from the Consent Agenda and considered separately under New Business or Old Business. A. Coastal Zone Management These items have been before the Coastal Advisory Committee (CAC) and have received a recommendation by majority vote of the CAC to proceed with the requested work after further recommendation from the TDC for the necessary tourist tax funding. The TDC is requested to make a finding that each project promotes tourism. B. Beach Park Facilities These items have been before the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PARAB) and have received a recommendation by majority vote of the PARAB to proceed with the requested work after further recommendation from the TDC for the necessary tourist tax funding. The TDC is requested to make a finding that each project promotes tourism. C. Tourism Division There were no items on the Consent Agenda. 7. New Business These items are for review and recommendation by the TDC and have not been reviewed by another County Advisory Board and are to be considered for funding by a majority vote and with a finding that each request promotes tourism. A. Recommendation to use Tourist Development Tax Promotion Funds to support the upcoming September 2018 Sports Tourism Events up to $23,300 and make a finding that these expenditures promote tourism. Mr. Caum presented the above referenced Executive Summary dated June 25, 2018 for consideration noting that the request is for $23,300 for the Publix Labor Day Tournament, a soccer event from September 1 – 3, 2018 ($17,300) and the Naples Kick Off Classic soccer event scheduled from Sept ember 28 – 30, 2018 ($6,000). Ms. Becker moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners use Tourist Development Tax Promotion Funds to support the upcoming September 2018 Sports Tourism Events up to $23,300 and finds these expenditures promote tourism. Second by Ms. Kerns. The following was noted during Council discussion:  The required target for funding is for the organizer to book 80 percent of the projected room nights (as opposed to a greater percentage) to allow the applicant a “cushion” for loss in rooms filled due to unforeseen events such as weather delays for travel, rain out days, etc.  The room nights generated from previous years events should be included in the data provided to the Council (if applicable). Carried unanimously 7 “yes” – 1 “no.” Mr. Rios voted “no.” June 25, 2018 4 B. Recommendation to use Tourist Development Tax Promotion Funds to support the upcoming American Junior Golf Association Junior Championship June 23-27, 2019 up to $10,000 and make a finding that this expenditure promotes tourism. Mr. Caum presented the above referenced Executive Summary dated June 25, 2018 for consideration noting that the event is returning to Naples after a long layoff and will take place at the Naples Beach and Hotel Golf Club. Mr. Rios expressed concern the request is for $10,000 of tourist tax funds while it proposes to generate $3,354 in collections, and may not be a prudent use of funds based on the return on investment. Staff noted:  The mission of the tourism division is to attract visitors to the area for an economic benefit to the local businesses and residents and not solely based on returns on investments from expenditures.  The County garners revenue in other venues from the events such as the gasoline tax, etc.  One of the major measures of success is the overall direct economic impact of tourism spending, in this case the $270,690 projected to be spent in the area by those participating in the event. Ms McLeod moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners use Tourist Development Tax Promotion Funds to support the upcoming American Junior Golf Association Junior Championship June 23-27, 2019 up to $10,000 and finds these expenditures promote tourism. Second by Mr. Hill. Carried unanimously 8 – 0. C. Recommendation to approve Amendment # 3 to Collier County’s Agreement with Pro Watercross to host the 2018 Pro Watercross World Championships in Collier County, approve Tourist Development Tax Promotion funding in the amount of $147,500 for local event expenses, and make a finding that this expenditure promotes tourism. Mr. Caum presented the above referenced Executive Summary dated June 25, 2018 for consideration noting:  That the event is a repeat function and Staff is working with the organizer to address any issues encountered over the past years.  The contract may be amended by the parties in writing and the either side has the right to terminate the contract.  The grant request includes $80,000 for media buys with CBS Sports Network who broadcasts the event. The Council requested Staff include the data on the viewership on the previous m edia buy for the 2017 event and other future events when applicable. Mr. Olesky moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve Amendment # 3 to Collier County’s Agreement with Pro Watercross to host the 2018 Pro Watercross World Championships in Collier County, approve Tourist Development Tax Promotion funding in the amount of $147,500 for local event expenses, and finds these expenditures promote tourism. Second by Mr. Sullivan. Carried unanimously 8 – 0. FBU Championship June 25, 2018 5 Mr. Caum provided an update based on last months meeting where Council Members expressed concerns on the event. He noted:  The organizers met with representatives of the hotel industry and Staff to address the concerns brought forth by the Council.  They will be making a presentation to the TDC in September on their efforts to improve communication and the measures proposed to increase security at the hotels including stricter enforcement of team’s activities and the consequences for misbehavior (i.e. sending a team home from the event). D. Recommendation to approve a Resolution supporting the County’s applications to Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Long Range Budget Plan Requests for Beach Renourishment Projects for Fiscal Year 2019/2020. This action maintains the County's eligibility for State Cost Share Funding for future renourishment projects Mr. McAlpin presented the above referenced Executive Summary dated June 25, 2018 for consideration noting that the request involves a County Resolution required to accompany the application for participation in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection cost share funding program. Mr. Rios moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve a Resolution supporting the County’s applications to Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Long Range Budget Plan Requests for Beach Renourishment Projects for Fiscal Year 2019/2020. This action maintains the County's eligibility for State Cost Share Funding for future renourishment projects. Second by Ms. McLeod. Carried unanimously 8 – 0. E. Recommendation to approve an expenditure of Tourist Development Tax Beach Park Facilities Funds to Bridging Solutions, LLC under Contract Number 13-6164, “Professional Services for Engineers and Architects”, for a design services for boardwalk repairs at the Barefoot Beach Preserve Park for $26,392, and make a finding that this expenditure promotes tourism. Mr. Williams presented the above referenced Executive Summary dated June 25, 2018 for consideration noting that the TDC appropriated funds for the project in 2016 and the request is for design services for the proposed work. The County is anticipating the work to be completed by January 1, 2019. Under Council discussion, the following was noted:  Staff should investigate the feasibility of installing a surface on the boardwalk that is cooler for barefooted individuals.  The proposal does not include work on the concession or parking areas and Staff will develop a scope of work necessary for an out of cycle grant to address any issues in these areas.  At this point, the total cost of the project is estimated at $335,000. Mr. Rios moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve an expenditure of Tourist Development Tax Beach Park Facilities Funds to Bridging Solutions, LLC under Contract Number 13-6164, “Professional Services for Engineers and Architects”, for a design services for boardwalk repairs at the Barefoot Beach Preserve Park for $26,392 and finds these expenditures promote tourism. Second by Mr. Sullivan. Carried unanimously 8 – 0. June 25, 2018 6 F. Recommendation to approve and authorize Commissioner Fiala, Tourist Development Council Chairman, to appear and participate by phone for the regularly scheduled Tourist Development Council meeting in July 2018. Mr. Wert presented the above referenced Executive Summary dated June 25, 2018 for consideration. Mr. Rios moved to approve and authorize Commissioner Fiala, Tourist Development Council Chairman, to appear and participate by phone for the regularly scheduled Tourist Development Council meeting in July 2018. Second by Ms. McLeod. Carried unanimously 8 – 0. 8. Old Business These items have been continued from a previous TDC meeting, or are reoccurring reports for review by the TDC. A. Tourist Development Tax Funds FY 18 Second Quarter Financial Review Mr. Wert presented the above referenced Executive Summary dated June 25, 2018 for information purposes noting that there are currently $114,000 funds remaining for sports marketing grants and the balance for Fund 758 includes a carry forward from FY17. B. Beach Access Report Mr. Wert presented the Executive Summary “Recommendation to approve Adopt an Ordinance intended to protect the public’s right to access and recreate along Vanderbilt Beach while at the same time protecting the local tourism industry and private property rights of those owners with lands adjacent to the Gulf” dated June 25, 2018 for information purposes noting:  The proposed Ordinance was prepared by Staff based on a Board of County Commissioners directive from their June 12, 2018 meeting in response to recent legislative action in Florida which prohibits local governments from adopting or keeping an ordinance or rule establishing customary use of privately owned beach areas.  The public has always been allowed access under State law for any lands seaward of the “mean high water line and the public also has a right under a Florida Supreme Court decision to access any lands adjacent to the mean high water line which the public has historically had reasonable access to without interruption and free from dispute.  The proposed Ordinance would prevent a landowner posting signs and restricting access to the public in those areas and provide the County with a “permittable defense” in a lawsuit regarding beach access should one be filed by a private landowner(s).  The Ordinance needs to be adopted prior to July 1, 2018 to comply with the legislative requirements and will not affect the County’s historic beach maintenance activities. 9. Council Member Discussion Ms. Kerns reported she has begun encountering groups of Russian tourists during her work on 5th Avenue. Mr. Sullivan reported the planning for the sports complex is ongoing including the naming rights in contract negotiations. Ms. McLeod recommended options for funding construction of a pedestrian link between the Gordon River Greenway and Freedom park be investigated given the network could provide an overall connection throughout the area to Baker Park in the City of Naples. Mr. Wert reported the RFP process for developing a Strategic Plan for promoting Arts and Cultural in the area is underway. 10. Marketing Partner Reports June 25, 2018 7 These reports (Marketing Partner Reports - Research Data Services, Paradise Advertising & Marketing, Inc., LHG (Lou Hammond Group), Collier County Tourist Tax Collections, Miles Partners - Website Activity, Digital & Social Media- Paradise Advertising, Book Direct, County Museums) are provided to TDC members on the digital link above to the County website. The Research Data Services report will be presented on a monthly basis, and the other reports will be presented at TDC meetings on an as needed basis. TDC members may request a presentation by the Marketing Partner representative or by Tourism staff at each TDC meeting. Dr. Walter Klages of Research Data Services provided a supplemental report to his monthly research report - “TDT Revenue 4% vs. 5%” dated 6/22/18 as requested by the Council which documented an analysis of the revenue based on the change in tax rates that occurred in the County beginning October 1, 2017. Cree Lawson of Arrivalist presented a PowerPoint “Arrivalist – Naples, Fl. Report June 2018” for information purposes. The platform measures the movement of network enabled mobile devices to determine which digital content influences consumers to visit a physical location. 11. Tourism Staff Reports These activity reports (Tourism Staff Reports - Director, Group Sales, Leisure & Travel Trade Sales, Special Markets, Sports Marketing, Public Relations & Communications, Film Office, International Representatives, Visitor Centers) are provided to TDC members on a digital link to the County website and will be presented to the TDC on an as needed basis. TDC members may request a presentation by Tourism staff members at each TDC meeting. 12. Detailed Staff Reports Submitted 13. Next Scheduled Meeting Date/Location – July 23, 2018– 9:00 a.m. Collier County Government Center, Administration Bldg. F, 3rd Floor, 3299 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida 34112 There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the chair at 12: 06 p.m. COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL _________________________________ Commissioner Donna Fiala, Chairman These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on ________________________________________ as presented _______________ or as amended __________________.