TDC Minutes 07/08/2020 S July 8, 2020
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MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL MEETING
Naples, Florida, July 8, 2020
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 a t 1:00 P.M. in a
SPECIAL SESSION in Building “F” of the Government Complex, Naples, Florida
with the Following members present:
Chairman: Commissioner Andy Solis
Vice Chairman: Clark Hill
Victor Rios (Excused)
Susan Becker
Kathleen Brock
Ed (Ski) Olesky
Amanda Cox (Excused)
Mich ael McCabe
Nancy Kerns
ALSO PRESENT: Jack Wert, Tourism Director
Colleen Greene, Assistant County Attorney
Kelly Green, Senior Acco untant, Corporate Business Operations
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Packet Pg. 903 Attachment: Minutes from July 8 TDC Meeting (13785 : Tourist Development Council - September 28, 2020)
July 8, 2020
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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 Customer Relations Department or view online.
The meeting was held via Zoom and personal attendance in the Board room.
1. Call to Order – Commissioner Solis
Commissio ner Solis called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll call was taken and a quorum was established .
3. New Business
1. Recommendation to Consider Requiring Face Coverings in Public Areas and Inside Businesses
in Collier County and make a finding that this item promotes tourism.
Commissioner Solis reported the meeting has been convened to discuss requiring face coverings to
be worn in public areas and inside businesses to help promote tourism business. He noted recent
communications with those parties considering visiting the area have led to inquiries by the
organizers on County safeguards for their attendees. These inquires include whether the area is
considered a COVID-19 “hot spot”, if a mask ordinance is in effect and what other measures are
bein g taken to ensure safety for the public.
Mr. Wert provided a PowerPoint which included identifying those jurisdictions in Florida requiring
face coverings, industry recommendations, etc. He noted tourism revenues are being greatly
impacted by the pandemic, air travel demand has plummeted and international visitation which
accounts for 20 percent of business has ceased. He introduced the “Paradise Pledge” which notifies
the public on the measures being promoted by the County’s tourism industry. The concept is to post
the pledge to the County’s website and identify those businesses who are participating.
Issues raised by members during Council discussion included : Safety measures have historically
been employed to protect the public such as mandates to wear clothing when entering public places,
seat belt laws for vehicles, etc.; The tourism industry, a major contributor to the local economy, is
being greatly impacted by the pandemic and measures should be taken to promote business; There is
a major health issue and the masks should be required; Businesses should be allowed to make the
decision and wearing the coverings should be voluntary f or the individual; H ow effective are the
masks and would it be more beneficial to recommend their use and employ additional measures to
combat the spread of the virus (public education, Paradise Pledge, etc.); Concern over enforcement
issues and how t o d efine a face covering; I f a mandate is adopted, many people will voluntarily
comply aiding in the enforcement ; While some may choose to visit the area because of the
mandate, others may not want to visit the area with restrictions; and is there any dat a available on
how the requirement would impact tourism and the related economic benefits?
Council discussion occurred on which public areas would be affected by a mandate.
Commissioner Solis noted the County At torney is charged with developing the Ordinance which is
envisioned to require the coverings in indoor public spaces and outside areas where social distancing
is not attainable. Areas such as beaches would be exempted from the requirements.
Mr. Hill moved for the issue to be vetted by the Board of County Commissioners as it is an
extremely important issue and the County is in an emergency situation requiring a solution. The
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Packet Pg. 904 Attachment: Minutes from July 8 TDC Meeting (13785 : Tourist Development Council - September 28, 2020)
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Packet Pg. 905 Attachment: Minutes from July 8 TDC Meeting (13785 : Tourist Development Council - September 28, 2020)