TDC Minutes 03/26/2007 R
March 26, 2007
MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL MEETING
Naples, Florida, March 26, 2007
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 a.m. in REGULAR SESSION in Building "F" of the Government
Complex, Naples, Florida, with the following members present:
Chairman: Commissioner Jim Coletta
Susan Becker
Murray H. Hendel
Clark Hill
Rick Medwedeff
Robert Miller (excused)
Ed (Ski) Olesky
John Sorey III
E. Glenn Tucker
ALSO PRESENT: Jack Wert, Tourism Director
Gary McAlpin, Coastal Zone Management Director
Heidi Ashton, Assistant County Attorney
Kelly Green, Administrative Assistant
Collier County: March 26, 2007
Page 1 of2
March 26, 2007
MEETING AGENDA & NOTICE
COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Collier County Government Center, Administration Bldg. F, 3rd Floor, 3301 East Tamiami Trail,
Naples, Florida 34112
March 26, 2007, 9 a.m.
Collier County Commission Chambers
* Requires TOe Action
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Roll Call
IV. Changes and Approval of Agenda
V. Approval of TOe Minutes *
1. * Regula.r.Me_etiI1--9..february__26-1_2Jlo.Z
VI. New Business
1. Hideawav Beach Preliminarv_ Enaine_erin-9__St~tdy
2. HideilwaY.B~:t~(.;hT-Groin Discussion
3. Kee_W_ay<!jn lli!;OJ!d Si.!:eStudy
4. T()lJ.I"jsmJ~parJIM.emb.el'_NJLmjnati~I]S
5. I_C;H.I-,,-i,$_m__MeetingJJ-9g.m.Rg~Qly_tlQn
6. I.QJ~rt!m:LW~eIL;z.Q_(l'ZI?.rQc;laJnatig-"-
7. Slra_te:gj~J_arU2j~(;u$~iQ_n - rr_Br.aoding .t11e_D_e~tJnatiQn~
VII. Old Business
1. WJgglnli P<!$li I:!r!ld9i!Ul-URdate
2. C!J>m-')j1~"-lJl!<!<!~t~
3. A[tifj~t~'-L~~ef.l_ofQr.rnaJiQoUpdate
VIII. Staff Report Presentations
1. Section I
a. Paradise~dY~rti5jn9 _ -Ceda,rHames_
b. Klag~$ ~ese<!rch Rel!QI't - WJ!lt!lrKI<!Qe:;
2. S~tc;tjon II
a. Director's Report - Jack Wert
b. Smith Travel Report - Jack Wert
http://www.colliergov.net/index.aspx?page= 1789
3/23/2007
Collier County: March 26, 2007
c. Search Engine Report - Jack Wert
d. Visitor Guide Distribution Report - Jack Wert
e. Sales Manager Report - Debi Debenedetto
f. P.R. Manager Report - JoN ell Modys
g. Film Coordinator Report - Maggie McCarty
h. Sports Marketing Report - Ralph Pryor
i. Phase V - Fulfillment & Call Summary - Ginny DeMas
IX. Detailed Staff1l.Ji!j!Qrtli
X. Announcements
XI. Audience Input & Discussion
XII. Council Discussion
XIII. Next Meeting Date/Location - April 23, 2007 - Collier County
Government Center, Administration Bldg. F, 3rd Floor, 3301 East
Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida 34112
XIV. 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://\'.ww.colliergov .net/index.aspx?page~ 1789
Page 2 of2
3/23/2007
March 26, 2007
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Commissioner Jim Coletta at 9:04 AM.
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
III. RollCall
A quorum was established.
IV. Changes and Approval of Agenda
Discussion of Keewaydin Island was added under "New Business."
Discussion of offshore drilling was added under "New Business."
The following comments were made:
Susan Becker would leave at 10:30 AM.
Mr. Sorey moved to approve the Agenda as amended. Seconded by Ms. Becker. Carried
unanimously 8-0.
V. Approval of Tourist Development Council Minutes - Regular Meeting of February 26, 2007
A change to the minutes was suggested reflecting Mr. Miller had an excused absence called in
after the meeting. Under No.8, Section I, Part B, minutes should reflect objection of Ms. Becker
to the mention of a restaurant's specific name used in an ad paid for by the Tourist Development
Council.
Ms. Becker moved to approve the minutes with the suggested changes for February 26, 2007.
Seconded by Mr. Hill. Carried unanimously 8-0.
VI. New Business
1. Hideaway Beach Preliminary Engineering Study and
2. Hideaway Beach T-Groin Discussion
Mr. McAlpin stated direction is being sought from the Board of County Commissioners
regarding erosion control structures being engineered, permitted, and installed in the middle
section of Hideaway Beach and paid for with Tourist Development Council funds. Concern
is that if there is an active hurricane season, road on north end at Hideaway Beach could be
compromised, endangering the residents. Funds would come from mandated reserve funds
and would put in jeopardy future funding of emergency projects.
Commissioner Coletta stated it was previously determined that an MSTU should be
developed to cover the cost of future T -Groins.
Mr. Sorey stated he favors recommending to the Board of County Commissioners that
funding should not come out of Tourist Development Council funds but that the ad valorem
tax should be extended beyond seven years or increased.
Mr. Tucker spoke in favor of the project pointing out that what happens at Hideaway Beach
affects adjacent systems, people need to be assured of access to their homes, compromise
should be considered.
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March 26, 2007
Commissioner Coletta pointed out that Tourist Development Council funds are for public
benefit and there is no public beach access, no benefit to tourism.
Ms. Becker agrees with Commissioner Coletta, project is not in public interest.
Mr. Hendel stated he serves on the Coastal Advisory Committee, voted in favor of going
ahead, but would not vote yes again after learning of financial impact.
Mr. McAlpin requested the Board approve a $25,000 preliminary engineering study and
permitting investigation with the understanding that if the project were determined not to be a
legitimate use of Tourist Development Council funds, then the funds would be reimbursed in
full to the Tourist Development Council by the City of Marco through the Hideaway Beach
Homeowners Association.
Mr. Sorey suggested recommending to the Board of County Commissioners that the project
be approved with the resolution that the funds are reimbursed if the Board of County
Commissioners does not approve use of Tourist Development Council funds. Project needs
to be started.
Mr. Sorey moved to recommend moving forward on the $25,000 preliminary engineering
study with the stipulation that if the Board of County Commissioners does not approve
funding by the Tourist Development Council, Hideaway Beach would be required to
reimburse the Tourist Development Council for the expenditure. Tourist Development
Council goes on record to the Board of County Commissioners that it is opposed to using
Tourist Development Council funds for the project. Seconded by Mr. Tucker. Motion
failed 3-5 with Mr. Tucker, Ms. Becker, Mr. Hendel, Mr. Medwedeff and Mr. Olesky
opposed.
Mr. Hendel moved that the Tourist Development Council not approve anything. Seconded
by Ms. Becker. Motion failed 3-5 with Mr. Medwedeff, Mr. Tucker, Mr. Olesky Mr. Sorey
and Mr. Hill opposed.
Mr. Tucker moved asfollows: The source offunds initially will befrom Category "A"
Tourist Development Taxfund. If, however, the Board of County Commissioners
determines that Tourist Development Council funds will not be used to fund these erosion
control structures, then all funds spent for this activity will be reimbursed by the City of
Marco Island in full to the Tourist Development Council. Seconded by Mr. Sorey. Carried
8-0.
3. Keewaydin Island Alternative Sites for Beach Ferry and Park Facility
Mr. McAlpin sought approval of site selection study for a Collier County beach ferry, not to
exceed $25,000.
Mr. Olesky moved to approve the performance of a site selection study for Keewaydin
Island alternative sites for beach ferry and park facility not to exceed $25,000. Seconded
by Ms. Becker. Carried 6-2, with Mr. Sorey and Mr. Tucker opposed.
VII. Old Business
Mr. McAlpin gave the following updates:
. Wiggins Pass is completed
. Clam Pass has been dredged one time completely and will be done in two weeks
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March 26, 2007
. Artificial Reef, over half of the boulders have been placed and work will be completed in
another month
. 800,000 plants are being planted on the beach, project will be completed in about six
months
VI. New Business (continued)
4. Tourism Board Member Nominations
Mr. Wert stated that Clark Hill has re-applied for a position on the Council.
Ms. Becker moved to nominate Clark Hillfor the vacant position on the Tourist Development
Council. Seconded by Mr. Sorey. Carried unanimously 8-0.
5. Tourism Meeting Room Resolution
Mr.Wert presented a resolution allowing the County to accept the donation of meeting rooms
for the use of various meetings by the Tourism Department for the Council's consideration.
Mr. Sorey moved to recommend approval to allow the Tourism Department to accept
donations of meeting rooms from local tourism attractions, hotels and other group function
venues. Seconded by Mr. Hill. Carried unanimously 8-0.
6. Tourism Week 2007 Proclamation
Mr. Wert sought approval from the Tourist Development Council of the Proclamation for
National Tourism Week.
Mr. Hendel moved to approve the resolution for the Proclamation for National Tourism
Week. Seconded by Mr. Tucker. Carried unanimously 8-0.
7. Strategic Plan discussion - "Branding the Destination"
Mr. Wert gave a presentation describing the Strategic Plan Fiscal Year 2007. (See attached)
. Objectives and marketing plans were reviewed
. Discussed the importance of brand
. Brand is defined as Naples, Marco Island, the Everglades, being the "Paradise Coast"
. Brand promises "Paradise Coast" destination will fulfill the travelers' needs and desires
. Brand is tested annually for effectiveness; brand consistently tests well with customers
8. Offshore Drilling
Mr. Wert discussed a report from Senator Michael Bennett regarding his proposed Bill to
establish a constitutional amendment to oppose drilling within 250 miles of Florida. (See
attached) Mr. Wert requested a recommendation from the Tourist Development Council to the
Board of County Commissioners that County government should express support for the
passage of Sen. Bennett's Bill to the state legislature.
Mr. Tucker stated the Tourist Development Council should not be involved in energy policy.
Mr. Medwedeff stated the Tourist Development Council's opinions are important, as a spill
would devastate our coast.
Mr. Olesky expressed his support for Sen. Bennett's Bill.
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March 26, 2007
Commissioner Coletta stated that the oil resource should be held until there is a greater need
for it than there is now and until the technology for tapping the oil resource is more reliable.
Mr. Hill stated Florida's pristine beaches must be preserved; each new suggested bill
encroaches more and more on Florida's coastline.
Mr. Olesky moved to endorse contacting Florida's legislatures asking them to support the
Constitutional Amendment to protect Florida's coastal resources. Seconded by Mr. Hill.
Carried 7-1 with Mr. Tucker opposed.
RECESS: 10:30 AM
(Ms. Becker left at 10:30 AM)
RECONVENED: 10:44 AM
VIlI. Staff Reports
1. Section I
a. Paradise Advertising - Clint Arlington
Mr. Arlington gave a slide presentation entitled Monthly Retrospective outlining print
publication advertising, changes to the media plan, additional projects and new creativity.
(See attached)
b. Klages Research Report - Walter Klages
Mr. Klages gave a presentation regarding exploratory research. (See attached)
. Changes are taking place in the European market
. There is an enormous amount of competition
. European market has high level of unmet expectations
. European market is very upscale, Europeans are very interested in our product
. We need to determine how to tap into the European market
. Leisure market in Tampa Bay area is much younger and getting younger
. Discussed impact of advertising on meeting planners and travel planners
. Print ads are very positive
. TV ads effectively link minds of people with "last paradise"
2. Section II
a. Director's Report - Jack Wert (See attached)
b. Smith Travel Report - Jack West (See attached)
c. Search Engine Report - Jack Wert (See attached)
d. Visitor Guide Distribution Report - Jack Wert (See attached)
e. Sales Manager Report - Debi Debenedetto (See attached)
(Commissioner Coletta left at 11 :40 AM)
(Mr. Hendel left at 11:47 AM)
(Mr. Sorey left at 11 :58 AM)
(Quorum was lost)
f. P.R. Manager Report - JoNell Modys (See attached)
g. Film Coordinator Report - Maggie McCarty (See attached)
h. Sports Marketing Report - Ralph Pryor (See attached)
i. Phase V - Fulfillment & Call Summary -Ginny DeMas (See attached)
IX. Detailed Staff Reports (Not presented - See attached)
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March 26, 2007
X. Announcements
None
XI. Audience Input & Discussion
None
XII. Council Discussion
None
XIII. Next Meeting Date/Location - April 23, 2007 - Collier County Government Center,
Administration Bldg., F., 3rd Floor, 3301 Eat Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112
*****
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by the
order of the Chair at 12:05 PM.
COLLIER COUNTY Tourist Development Council
Chairman Jim Coletta
These Minutes were approved by the Chairman on
or as amended
, 2007, as presented
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