TDC Minutes 04/25/2005 R
Apri125,2005
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER
COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Naples, Florida, April 25, 2005
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Collier County Tourist Development
Council in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein,
met on this date at 9:00 AM in REGULAR SESSION in Building "F of the
Government Complex, East Naples, Florida, with the following members
present:
CHAIRMAN:
Commissioner Fred Coyle (excused)
Susan Becker
Robert Dictor (Excused)
Murray Hendel
Douglas House
David Loving
John Sorey III (Excused)
Glenn Tucker
ALSO PRESENT:
Jack Wert, Director of Tourism
Maria Bernal, Tourist Tax Coordinator
Gail Hambright, Administrative Assistant
Heidi Ashton, Assistant County Attorney
Gary McAlpin, Coastal Proj ect Manager
4-25-05 Agenda
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MEETING AGENDA & NOTICE
COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Monday, April 25, 2005, 9:00 A.M. - Noon
Collier County Government Center, Administration Bldg. F, 3rd Floor 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples,
Florida 34112
I. Call to Order
II. RollCall
III. Changes and Approval of Agenda
IV. APPROVAL OF TDC MINUTES - Regular Meeting March 28, 2005
V. STAFF REPORTS
1. Director's Report - Jack Wert
2. Sales Manager Report - Debi DeBenedetto
3. P.R. Manager Report - JoNell Modys
4. Film Coordinator Report - Maggie McCarty
5. Inquiry Reports
a. Phase V - Fulfillment & Call Summary - Ginny DeMas
b. Golf Pac Inquiries - Jack Wert
c. Search Engine Report - Jack Wert
6. Paradise Advertising & Marketing - Kerry Durand
VI. OLD BUSINESS
1. 10 Year TDC Category "A" Funding Projections
2. County/City of Naples Beach Renourishment Update
3. Hideaway Beach Renourishment Update
4. Marco South Beach RenourishmenUCaxambas Pass Dredging
5. Wiggins Pass Dredging Update
6. Monthly Project Status Report
VII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Review of Candidates for TDC Hotel Vacancy
2. Tourist Development Tax Increase Discussion
3. Wiggins Pass Dredging Additional Construction Monitoring by Humiston and Moore
4. County/City of Naples Beach Renourishment 2005 Survey Scope of Work & Fee Proposal
5. County/City of Naples Beach Renourishment Construction Phase Biologial Monitoring Scope of
Work and Fee Proposal
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
~. ANNOUNCEMENTS
X. AUDIENCE INPUT & DISCUSSION
XI. COUNCIL DISCUSSION
XII. NEXT MEETING DATE/LOCATION - May 23,2005 Government Center, Administration Bldg. F, 3rd Floor
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
All interested parties are invited to attend, and to register to speak and to submit their objections, if any, in writing, to the board prior to
the meeting if applicable.
For more information, please contact Jack Wert at (239) 403-2402.
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost
to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Collier County Facilities Management Department located at 3301 East
Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112, (239) 774-8380.
Public comments will be limited to 5 minutes unless the Chairman grants permission for additional time.
Collier County Ordinance No. 99-22 requires that all lobbyists shall, before engaging in any lobbying activities (including, but not limited
to, addressing the Board of County Commissioners) before the Board of County Commissioners and its advisory boards, register with the
Clerk to the Board at the Board Minutes and Records Department.
http://www.eolliergov.net/tde/4-25-05Agenda.htm
4/2012005
April 25, 2005
I. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Glenn Tucker at 9:02 AM.
II. Roll Call: A quorum was established with Commissioner Coyle, Mr. Sorey III and
Mr. Dictor all being excused.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
III. Changes and Approval of Agenda:
Ms. Becker moved to approve the Agenda as submitted. Second by Mr. Tucker.
Carried unanimously 5-0.
IV. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes March 28, 2005
Ms. Becker moved to approve the minutes of March 28, 2005.
Second by Mr. Hendel. Carried unanimously 5-0.
V. Staff Reports:
1. Director's Report - Jack Wert (Attached)
· Received 1 application for Category C-2 Museum Grant
· Attended National Assoc. of Sports Commission
· Board of County Commissioners did not support funds for a summer
advertising program but being brought up again at tomorrows
meeting.
· Miles Media update for improvements
· Tourist Tax collections - under 2004 revenue for February (Possibly
due to 1 less day in the month and early Easter in which many renters
left early) Above last year to date.
2. Sales Manager Report - Debi DeBenedetto (Attached)
· Many leads sent out
· Website update
· Working on Sweepstakes
· Booked $8,000 food & beverage this month compared no none last
year
· Working with Visitors Center
· Motor Coach group business
· Tourism Awards/trophy's will be given out for Tourism Week
· Attend Trade & Travel Shows
3. P.R. Report - JoN ell Modys (Attached)
· CVB - new subscription - advertising space
· National New Syndicate - ran on AP wire (showed ads)
· Gave other Publicity Highlights
· Hosting 4 Media FAM's
· Attended Denver Travel Media
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April 25, 2005
4. Film Coordinator Report - Maggie McCarty (Attached)
· Program notes: VHI-TV Segment
· Working leads - 2 feature films
· Operations - Pulses on America (CVB)
· 2005 Expo Trade Show - LA (largest show in eountry)
· Chart showed reported revenue with excellent growth
5. Inquiry Report
a. Phase V - Fulfillment & Call Summary - Ginny DeMas (Attached)
o Showed graphs of total inquiries - comparison from 2004 to 2005
with increases shown in 2005
o Gave the leading 6 States and International Countries
o Hits on Website Homepage eontinues to grow
o Gave statistics on E-Blast
o Hotel reservation calls are up but no statistics on bookings
b. Golf Pac Inquires - Jack Wert (Attached)
. Booked 1 Reservation past month
. Leads up 40 total- $336,000 pending on bookings
c. Search Engine - Jack Wert (Attached)
· Reviews site for opportunities to increase visibility on Website
· Showed sizable increases - good investment
6. Paradise Advertising & Marketing - Cedar Hames, President
Has made some budget adjustments within parameters. Concerned on
group side of business meetings. He 'stated they aren't coneerned about
the leisure or group business in the State of Florida, but the meeting
planners that have options available to them.
Solutions:
Being more aggressive and fill in the gaps within State leisure. He
mentioned and gave examples of some new programs.
Group Business:
Cable Network, Magazines such as AARP, AAA & Reader's Digest,
Newspapers and expanding into the leisure market.
Discussion followed on focusing on the shoulder months. Was mentioned
ean be pursued if more funds are available. There are opportunities to
utilize any additional tax monies for promotions and advertising in the
future. Need to target the larger properties and haven't targeted the group
business but eould be done with larger budget.
Kerry Durand - 4th Night FREE advertising Campaign: (Florida
Markets)
Showed different advertising on:
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April 25, 2005
· TV Commercials
· Web site
· Did an Email Blast
· Newspaper Ads
· Southern Living - highest response rate last year
· Gulf Coast specials for newspapers
VI. Old Business: Gary McAlpin-Coastal Project Manager
1. 10 year TDC Category "A" Funding Projections (Attached)
This is the Master Plan and has gone through the Coastal Advisory Committee.
Gives the Grant applications approved for 2006 and also the major beach
renourishments etc.
Mr. Hendel moved to approve the 10 year Master Plan. Second by Ms.
Becker. Carried unanimously 5-0.
2. County/City of Naples Beach Renourishment Update- (Information only)
This program is for renourishing the Vanderbilt! Park Shore/Naples area beaches.
They submitted all required information to the EP A and finalizing the bid
package. Will be completed in the '06 Season.
3. Hideaway Beach Renourishment Update - (Information only)
CAC authorized construction of the beach renourishment during turtle season.
Construction Company will be onsite next week to start the jetty construction.
4. Marco South Beach Renourishment/Caxambas Pass Dredging -
(Information only)
Responded to EP A and submitted all required information except for sea grass
monitoring whieh will be completed the end of June.
5. Wiggins Pass Dredging Update - (Information only)
Schneider Dredging - weather is cooperating and program going good. Should
finish the first of May. Agreement has been reached to dredge the quantity over
45,000 cubic yards at the same unit price.
6. Monthly Project Status Report - (Information only)
Staff is monitoring the status of the projects on a monthly basis.
VII. New Business:
1. Review of Candidates for TDC Hotel Vacancy - Owner/Operation
position:
Mr. Wert reported they have two candidates eligible. According to the County
Ordinance Advisory Boards are encouraged to make recommendations on
vacancies. Both candidates were in attendance and gave brief remarks.
REMARKS:
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April 25, 2005
Ron Albeit - Area General Manager - Registry Resort & Club and the
Edgewater Beach Hotel
Gave brief description of past employment. Employ 1,000 employees. Generates
approx. $lM bed tax. Served on several councils and boards. Felt he can serve
effectively and add value to the Committee. Has global experience in the industry
and look at it in a broad scope.
After been asked about favoring a bed tax increase he eommented no one is in
favor of new taxes, but if the funds were used for promotions to help and assist in
the summer and shoulder months, they would consider it.
Blackstone is now their owner. (Hotel real estate investor)
Clark Hill- General Manager Hilton - been with the Hilton for 5 years and
committed to the Industry and the quality of life in Naples. He would appreciate
their consideration of the recommendation for appointment to the Council.
Mr. Tucker expressed his opinion of leaning toward Mr. Hill because he is in the
middle of the two extremes that are already represented on the Council and yet
Mr. Albeit also has great credentials.
After discussion Mr. Tucker moved to support both applicants as they are
well qualified and recommends both for consideration by the County
Commission. Being no second, the motion was not considered.
Another motion: Mr. Tucker moved they find them both well qualified and
recommend them both for consideration, also recommend the Commission
give consideration that they currently have both ends of the spectrum of the
hospitality of the industry represented already, and perhaps Mr. Hill fills the
gap of the middle of the road hospitality provider in Collier County. Second
by Mr. Loving.
It was noted both gentlemen represent large resorts. Discussion took place on the
issue. Ms. Becker favored the first motion. In voting the motion was restated for
clarificati on.
Motion restated as follows: Mr. Tucker moved to support and recommend
both applicants to the BCC as they are both qualified, with emphasis that Mr.
Hill represents a spectrum of the hospitality community that they are lacking on
the Board. (Contrast between the large & small operator)
Motion carried - 3 Yes-2 No - Ms. Becker and Mr. Hendel voted no.
2. Tourist Development Tax Increase Discussion
Mr. Tucker was concerned of not having a full Council and not getting a broad
input of the Council that would be provided to the BCC.
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Apri125,2005
Mr. Hendel stated he would like staff to present and submit more information at
their next meeting so a more definitive decision can be made. He ean see a need
for additional funds. He stated there may be pressure to provide more funds for
beach, tourism, museums and advertising.
Mr. Hendel asked ifMr. Wert could put his budget together in one place. What
the total cost is for the Tourism eoneept in Collier County.
A Competitive Analysis was referred to in reference to other beach destinations in
Florida and shows how inadequate Collier County's funding is for that purpose.
Paradise can give further information and present it for the next meeting.
Ms. Ashton answered a question of shifting 16% to museum or beaches and
indicated they can do that. The additional 1 % would be for advertising and
promotion or sports facility.
Only Category "B" is what they would be reallocating. More information is
needed for them to make a better definitive decision.
SPEAKERS
Clark Hill - Hilton Naples - When President of Hotel Assoc. they proposed a
percentage of a lodging tax for additional promotions. Priorities should not be
overlooked and need funding sources. Beaehes need renourishing and are very
expensive but need to stay on track. Much competition with other destinations.
His concern is they will lose market share if they don't have adequate marketing
and promotional funds. Funds for beach renourishment would start to dwindle
and they would then be in trouble. He would support an additional penny. He
cautioned not to postpone any additional funding that may be available as they
have an immediate summer need for marketing. Lee County is their biggest
competitor.
Ron Albeit - Registry Resort and Edgewater Beach - commented as a group
they did not have enough information previously. He suggested they all sit down
and discuss the details and allocations. They supported it previously, just did not
have all the details to support it 100%.
Mr. Tucker moved to continue the above discussion to the next meeting.
Second by Mr. Hendel. Carried unanimously 5-0.
3. Wiggins Pass Dredging Additional Construction Monitoring by Humiston
& Moore - Mr. McAlpin
Recommendation to approve $45,000 to provide additional funds to Humiston &
Moore for additional construction monitoring for Wiggins pass. There were
projeet delays due to weather.
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Apri125,2005
Mr. Hendel moved to approve the $45,000 work order change to Humiston &
Moore. (No second)
Discussion on further explanation of delays due to weather and equipment delays
and why. This issue was discussed at CAC. If the work order is not approved,
the proj ect would be shut down and would have to come back with another plan.
After more discussion and questions Ms. Becker seconded Mr. Hendel's
previous motion. Motion carried 4 yes - 1 no. Mr. Loving voted no.
4. County/City of Naples Beach Renourishment 2005 Survey Scope of Work
& Fee Proposal - Mr. McAlpin
Recommendation to approve the amount of $88,822.30. Money is already
budgeted.
Ms. Becker moved to approve the amount of $88,822.30. Second by Mr.
Loving. Carried unanimously 5-0.
5. County/City of Naples Beach Renourishment Construction Phase
Biological Monitoring - Mr. McAlpin
Recommended a funding request for $857,819.80. Already in budget.
Mr. Hendel moved to approve the $857,819.80. Second by Ms. Becker.
Carried unanimously 5-0.
VIII. Miscellaneous - None
IX. Announcements - Normally TDC have not met in July and August but may need an
August meeting. At this point they will not meet in July.
X. Audience Input & Discussion - None
XI. Council Discussion - Mr. Loving recommended putting the recorded vote of all
motions on the Executive Summaries.
XII. Next Meeting Date/Location - May 23, 2005 Council Chambers
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was
adjourned by order of the Chair at 10:56 AM.
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COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Vice Chairman Glenn Tucker
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