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TDC Minutes 06/28/2010 R June 28, 2010 MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEETING Naples, Florida, June 28, 2010 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 a REGULAR SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex, Naples, Florida with the Following members present: Chairman: Commissioner Fred Coyle (Excused) Vice Chairman: Murray H. Hendel (Excused) Acting Chairman: John Sorey, III Susan Becker Clark Hill Rick Medwedeff Robert Miller (Excused) Ed (Ski) Olesky Jerry Gibson ALSO PRESENT: Jack Wert, Tourism Director Gary McAlpin, Coastal Zone Management Director Heidi Ashton-Cicko, Assistant County Attorney Kelly Green, Tourist Development Tax Coordinator Collier County Government Communication & Customer Relations Department 3301 East Tamiami Trail Naples, FL 34112 Contact: 239-252-8848 www.collierl!:ov.net www.twitter.com/Collier PI 0 www.facebook.com/CollierGov www.voutube.com/CollierGov June 21, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA MONDAY, JUNE 28,2010 9:00 A.M. Notice is hereby given that the Collier County Tourist Development Council (TDC) will hold a public meeting on Monday, June 28 at 9 a.m. in the Board of County Commissioners Chambers, located on the third floor of the W. Harmon Turner Building, Building F, Collier County Government Center, 330l E. Tamiami Trail, Naples. In regard to the public meeting: All interested parties are invited to attend, and to register to speak and to submit their objections, if any, in writing, to the board/committee prior to the meeting if applicable. All registered public speakers will be limited to three minutes unless permission for additional time is granted by the chairman. Collier County Ordinance No. 2004-05 requires that all lobbyists shall, before engaging in any lobbying activities (including, but not limited to, addressing the Board of County Commissioners, an advisory board or quasi-judicial board), register with the Clerk to the Board at the Board Minutes and Records Department. 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 330 1 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34ll2, (239) 252- 8380, at least two days prior to the meeting. Assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired are available in the Board of County Commissioners Office. For more information, call Director Jack Wert in the Tourism Department at 252-2384. -End- Kelly Green Tourist Development Tax Coordinator Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau 2800 N. Horseshoe Drive Naples, FL 34104 (239) 252-2384; (239) 252-2404 fax Kell vGreen@colliergov.net Discover Florida's Last Paradise Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City >". ",.,_"_o_,__.~.__""_.~_~_,,,,,,_""""'_'-""'_~"'''"'''~''''"'<~~..-_~_"'__'"~''''' June 28, 2010 I. Call to Order Acting Chairman Mr. Sorey called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. II. Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of Allegiance was recited. III. Roll Call A quorum was established. IV. Changes and Approval of Agenda Mr. Olesky moved to approve the Agenda. Second by Ms. Becker. Carried unanimously 6-0. V. Approval ofTDC Minutes 1. Regular Meeting May 24, 2010 Ms. Becker moved to approve the minutes of the May 24,2010 meeting. Second by Mr. Medwedeff Carried unanimously 6-0. VI. New Business 1. Wiggins Pass Engineering Change Order Gary McAlpin, Director, Coastal Zone Management presented the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve the attached Change Order to Coastal Planning and Engineering's scope of work for additional Wiggins Pass permit engineering required to obtain a new permit for Navigational Improvements for Wiggins Pass" dated June 28, 2010, He noted: . The change order is for additional vibracores required by the FOEP in their review of the permit for the re-alignment of Wiggins Pass. . The Pass ranks in the top 3 for County boat traffic (Gordon's Pass, Caxambas and Wiggins Pass) . It will be approximately one year before the permit will be issued. . The pass will require one more dredging cycle before the permit is issued. Acting Chairman Mr. Sorey noted the item was approved by the Coastal Advisory Committee by a vote of 6 - I. The one dissenting vote was Mr. Pires who objected to the item based on the procurement process, not the scope of work proposed. Mr. Olesky moved to (recommelld to the Board of County Commissioners) approve the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve the attached Change Order to Coastal Planning and Engilleering's scope of work for additional Wiggills Pass permit ellgilleerillg required to obtain a new permit for Navigational Improvementsfor Wiggills Pass" dated June 28,2010. Second by Ms. Becker. Carried unanimously 6-0. 2. Wiggins Pass FY 11 Dredging Engineering 2 June 28, 2010 Gary McAlpin presented the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve Wiggins Pass FY 11 Dredging Engineering as proposed by CP&E" dated June 28,2010. He noted: . The proposed scope of work is for the engineering. . The pass requires dredging as the water level is extremely shallow during low tide. . A notice to mariners has been issued for the pass regarding the shallow depths of the pass. Acting Chairman Mr. Sorey noted the CAC is in the process of developing a long term solution to lengthen the dredge cycle. Mr. Olesky moved to (recommend to the Board of County Commissioners) approve the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve Wiggins Pass FY 11 Dredging Engineering as proposed by CP&E" dated June 28,2010. Second by Mr. Hill. Carried unanimously 6-0. 3. Clam Pass/Bay Change Order Gary McAlpin presented the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve the attached Change Order No.3 to PBS&J's contract for Clam Pass/Bay required to address additional information requested by FDEP and the USACE for the Clam Pass maintenance dredging permit for time and material not to exceed $69,050 dated June 28, 2010. He noted: . Additional testing is required by the FOEP in their review of the permit request to dredge Clam Pass for tidal flushing purposes. . The work also includes the County's requirement to address general comments raised by the public with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in review of their requested permit. . The dredging template requested is on thc same basis as previously approved by the FOEP in 2002/03 and 2007. FOEP concurs with this observation. . Members of the public have questioned the claim that the dredging is on the same basis as previously approved, generating the questions the USACE has required the County to address. Ms. Becker moved to (recommend to the Board of County Commissioners) approve the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve the attached Change Order No.3 to PBS&J's contract for Clam Pass/Bay required to address additional information requested by FDEP and the USACE for the Clam Pass maintenance dredging permit for time and material not to exceed $69,050" dated June 28,2010. Second by Mr. Olesky. Carried unanimously 6- O. 4. Annual Physical Beach Monitoring Contract Gary McAlpin presented the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve Yearly Physical Beach and Inlet Monitoring Contract as proposed by 3 June 28, 2010 PBS&J" dated June 28,2010. He noted the scope of work is required on an annual basis for the permits issued by the FOEP. Mr. Olesky moved to (recommend to the Board of County Commissioners) to approve the Executive Summary 'Recommendation to approve Yearly Physical Beach and Inlet Monitoring Contract as proposed by PBS&J" dated June 28, 2010. Second by Mr. Hill. Carried unanimously 6-0. 5. Marco South Renourishment Plan Gary McAlpin presented the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve the attached engineering proposal dated 6/7/2010 Ji'om Coastal Engineering Consultants to renourish the Marco South Beaches and investigate if additional or modified erosion control structures would lengthen the renourishment cycle for this beach" dated June 28, 20 I O. He noted: . There is a "beach erosion hot spot" on Marco South Beach from Caxambas Pass northerly. . Staff wishes to implement a long term solution to the problem during the next major beach re-nourishment cycle in 2012/13. . The study would include analyzing the effectiveness of the existing jetties and determine if they should be modified and/or an additional one constructed. . Staff is requesting approval of Phases 1- III (at a cost of$200,000) and return to the TOC at a later date for approval of Phases IV - VI. . Completion of Phase 1lI would take the scope of work through the Preliminary Oesign Process. Phases IV - VI would include the work necessary to procure permits. . The study would include modeling the entire area of the "hot spot" including Caxambas Pass. Mr. Medwedeff moved to (recommend to the Board of County Commissioners) approve the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve the attached engineering proposal dated 6/7/2010 from Coastal Engineering Consultants to renourish the Marco South Beaches and investigate if additional or modified erosion control structures would lengthen the renourishment cycle for this beach" dated June 28, 2010. Second by Mr. Gibson. Carried unanimously 6-0. 6. FY 10-11 TDC Category "An Fund 183 Grant Applications Gary McAlpin presented the Executive Summary (ES) Recommend approval of Category "A" Tourist Development Fund 183 Grant Applications for Beach Park Facilities in the amount of$5, 142,600" dated June 28,2010. He noted: . The $5,141,600 ofrequested funds is currently available in reserve funds. . Staff is requesting the Council allocate the following fund amounts to the proposed proj ects: . Blue Bill Restroom, Access & Turnaround - $230,000 . Vanderbilt Beach Restroom & Walkovers - $376,000 4 June 28, 2010 . Tigertai1 Restroom and Walkover - $7,300 . Gulf Shore Property Purchase - $3,304,300 . Gulf Shore Property Improvements - $1,000,000 . Gulf Shore Trolley Purchase (2) - $125,000 . Marco Beach Bathroom & Access Improvements - $100,000 . Staff will return the item outlining specific expenditures for tasks at a later date, as the projects proceed throughout the development stage. . Funds have previously been allocated (by the TOC and BCC) for the Blue Bill ($770,000) and Vanderbilt Beach projects (approximately $1 M). The request is for additional allocations to the proposed projects. Oiscussion occurred on the proposed Gulf Shore property purchase and purchase of trolleys and whether these expenditurcs are allowed under the Ordinance governing the TOC. Heidi Ashton-Cicko, Assistant County Attorney stated the expenditure of funds for purchase of the property is allowed under the Ordinance. The proposed purchase of trolleys will require an opinion by the County Attorney. Speaker Steve McIntyre, Collier County Hotel and Lodging Association, noted the projects proposed are worthy projects, but expressed concern many of the items are a "want" more than items the County "needs" at this time. He recommended the Council focus more on promoting tourism by increasing advertising and marketing programs. Heidi Ashton Cicko, County Attorney noted the existing Ordinance/Resolutions require 50 percent of the tourist tax collections be allocated to "Category A" with 1/3 earmarked for Beach Park Facilities (Fund 183.) The funds idcntified in thc ES have been previously allocated into reserves. She would need to determine if these funds may be transferrcd back to advertising (Category B). Acting Chairman Mr. Sorey noted at a future meeting, the Council should review the Ordinance and State Statutes to determine if the allocations need to be revised for future considerations in funding. If so, a recommendation may be forwarded to the BCC for their consideration. Mr. Medwedeff expressed concern expending the funds given the current economic situation. The County should concentrate more on advertising and promoting tourism. It should be investigated to determine if these funds may be used for marketing purposes. This may be done in lieu of the redirection of Beach Emergency Reserves as was done this past year and may be proposed for next year. 5 June 28, 2010 Mr. Hill agreed and noted the statistics in the spring showed an upward momentum in visitation and tourist tax revenue to the area; however the upswing was stymied and reversed by the oil spill in the Gulf. Heidi Ashton-Cicko amended her previous statement regarding Tourist Tax Collections noting an existing Resolution (not the TOC Ordinance) requires 1/3 of the funds in Category A be earmarked for Beach Park Facilities (Fund 183.) She would need to determine if the existing funds in reserves may be re-directed to advertising. Mr. Hill moved to approve the Blue Bill Restroom, Access & Turnaround ($230,000.) Second by Ms. Becker. Carried unanimously 6-0. Acting Chairman Mr. Sorey recommended making a decision on the Vanderbilt Beach Restroom & Walkovers following presentation of Item VI.8. Mr. Gibson moved to approve Tigertail Restroom and Walkover ($7,300.) Second by Mr. Olesky. Carried unanimously 6-0. Mr. Medwedeff moved to approve the Marco Beach Bathroom & Access Improvements ($100,000.) Second by Mr. Olesky. Carried unanimously 6-0. Mr. Medwedeff moved to continue the following items pending further discussion and legal opinions as necessary: Gulf Shore Property Purchase ($3,304,300); Gulf Shore Property Improvements ($1,000,000); Gulf Shore Trolley Purchase (2) ($125,000.) Second by Mr. Olesky. Carried unanimously 6-0. 7. Emergency Berm Restoration Project Gary McAlpin presented the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve the revised scope of work for the Emergency Beach renourishment project by CP&E for $13,985" dated June 28, 20 I O. Acting Chairman Mr. Sorey noted the original scope was previously approved by the TOC and BCC. Mr. Hill moved to (recommend to the Board of County Commissioners) approve the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve the revised scope of work for the Emergency Beach renourishment project by CP&E for $13,985" dated June 28,2010. Second by Mr. Medwedeff Carried unanimously 6-0. Break: 10:13 a.m. Reconvened: 10:20 a.m. 8. Vanderbilt Beach Facility Conceptual Plan 6 June 28,2010 Gary McAlpin presented the Executive Summary "Recommendation to approve the conceptual plan for replacement of the Vanderbilt Beach restrooms and approval to move forward with the design engineering, project permitting and bidding along with all necessary engineering funding for a new beach park facility at this location. Also requested is authorization of associated budget amendments" dated June 28, 2010. He provided an overview of the proposed improvements and facility via a site plan and artistic renderings. They include new turnaround access, restrooms, 400 sq/ft concession stand, and viewing/eating deck and storage area at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Road. He noted: . Oue to FEMA requirements the facility will be elevated approximately 30 feet above the elevation ofthe bcach with a footprint of 3800 sq. ft. . A private entity will operate the concession stand. . The project requires approval by the Pelican Bay Foundation (PBF). . The PBF approvcd the concept on May 21, 2010 with the stipulation the County provide security cameras and nighttime lockable gates; the PBF approved the final construction design and the concession operation prior to startup. . The construction cost of the facility is estimated at $1.2M. . Staff is requesting approval of expenditures to complete the Oesign, Engineering and Permitting Phase at a cost of$160,000. Speakers Steve McIntyre, Collier County Hotel and Lodging Association re-iterated his concern on expending funds on the proposed project given the current state of the economy. Emily Maggio, Hickory Shores, supports the proposal which provides new amenities for a heavily used beach area. The funds have already been collected and earmarked for the project and should be expended as proposcd. Darryll Adams, Ritz Carlton Hotel, requested clarification on the revenue received for the concession stands and its allocation. He expressed concern on the potentia11ack of cleanup for the waste generated by the concession stands which attract large numbers of birds. David Galloway, Vanderbilt Beach Residents Association noted the Board has never opposed the improvement of rest rooms in the area, however expressed concern on the large scope of the project as it is a "want" not a "need." He recommended the project be delayed and the funds be reservcd to address any possible effects created by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Acting Chairman Sorey noted the funds have already been earmarked for Beach Park Facilities and the County Attorncy will make a determination if the funds may be re-directed to advertising or oil spill cleanup, etc. He questioned, if the funds are not able to be re-directed, would it change Mr. Galloway's opinion of the project. 7 June 28, 201 0 Mr. Galloway indicated it would not change the Association's opinion; in addition, new FEMA requirements are due which may allow alteration of the elevation of the structure. Gary McAlpin noted: . A draft of the new FEMA requirements indicates no changes to the required elevation of the proposed structure. . The lease to concessionaires requires them to pay a percentage of gross receipts to the County (Parks and Recreation). . The concessionaires and County will be responsible for cleanup. . There have not been major issues with waste generated by the sales of concession or consumption of food at existing facilities at County Beaches. . The projected $1.2M cost to construct the facility is only an estimate; based on current construction rates it may be lower at the time the contractors bid the proj ect. . The County currently has funds on hand in the amount of $7M for emergency beach cleanup should it be needed. Mr. Olesky moved to approve the expenditure (Vanderbilt Beach Restroom & Walkovers Design, Engineering and Permitting Phase at a cost of $160,000.) Second by Ms. Becker. Mr. Medwedeffrequested clarification if other funding sources have been considered for the project (Parks and Recreations funds, etc.) Gary McAlpin at this point the funding is proposed to be via Tourist Tax funds. Motion carried 4 - "yes"-2 "no." Mr. Hill and Mr. Medwedeffvoted "no." The Council returnedfor action on Item V/.6 - Vanderbilt Beach Restroom & Walkovers Grant Application to increase the funding allocation for the project ($376,000). Mr. Olesky moved to approve the item. Second by Ms. Becker. Motion carried 4 - 'yes" - 2 "no." Mr. Hill and Mr. Medwedeffvoted "no." Mr. Gibson moved for Staff to investigate the feasibility of additional funding sources or joint funding (Parks and Recreation/Tourist Tax Revenue, etc.) for these types of projects (Beach Park Facilities). Second by Mr. MedwedefJ Carried unanimously 6-0. Acting Chairman Mr. Sorey requested Staffnotifj; the County Manager of the directive. 9. Jackson Labs Letter of Support 8 June 28, 2010 Jack Wert, Tourism Director presented the Executive Summary "Supportfor Jackson Laboratories proposed new facility in Collier County" dated June 28, 2010. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) requested from the Convention and Visitors Bureau was provided for consideration. He noted Jackson Laboratories is considering developing a research facility in the County. This could provide an opportunity to increase group sales business in the medical field industry. The MOU outlines the following considerations: 1. That the CVB would promote our destination for medical and scientific meetings. 2. That we will make efficient use of our public and private resources to support the educational offerings of Jackson Labs. 3. Assist in educating the tourism industry and business community on the benefits of the educational offerings by Jackson Labs. 4. Inform participants in the educational and conference offerings at the Jackson Labs new facility on the visitor activities available in Collier County. 5. Organize a series of familiarization trips for medical meeting planners. 6. Assist with public relations support of the meeting and conferences offered in conjunction with the new biomedical research facility. Acting Chairman Mr. Sorey noted existing opportunities in the group sales area should be investigated with facilities currently operating within the County. He recommended Item #2 be amended to address the concept. Mr. Medwedeffmoved to approve the recommended Memorandum of Understanding as outlined by Staff subject to the following change: Item #2 from "That we will make efficient use of the public and private resources to support the educational offerings of Jackson Labs" to "That we will make efficiel1t use of the public and private resources to support the educational offerings of Jackson Labs and other existing and/or proposed medical facilities" (or similar language). Second by Mr. Olesky. Carried unanimously 6-0. VII. Old Business None VIII. Staff Report Presentations Jack Wert noted Nancy Kearns, Information Specialist was present. She arranged a Fanliliarization Trip (F AM) for Visitor Center volunteers to Everglades City. Other FAM's are planned in the future (Marco Island, etc.). The purpose is educating those who volunteer on the benefits of all Chambers and Commerce's and tourist opportunities within the region. 1. Section I - Marketing Partners Staff provided the following reports: a. Tax Collections - Jack Wert b. Paradise Advertising 9 June 28, 2010 Katie Varano, Paradise Advertising provided an updated slideshow on the various marketing efforts for the area including television, online and print media. c. Klages Research Report d. Website Activity - Jack Wert e. Search Engine Optimization - Jack Wert f. Fulfillment & Inquiry Summary - Jack Wert Acting Chairman Sorey asked if staff has approached BP for funding an advertising campaign to assist in offsetting the negative affects the oil spill in the Gulf has had on tourism for the region. Jack Wert noted it is under consideration. Staff has "piggy backed" advertising with Visit Florida who received grant funding for advertising due to the oil spill. The Council directed stajJto develop an advertising campaign to address the negative impacts the oil spill is having on the regions tourism industry. Mr. Medwedeff requested reports on new services offered by Southwest Florida International Airport be provided to the Hoteliers in Collier County. Mr. Hill recommended any applicable advertising prominently reference independent scientific data on how the oil spill is not expected to negatively affect the Collier County Beaches. 2. Section II - Staff Department Reports Jack Wert provided on overview on the reports. a. Director Report b. Sales Manager Report c. P.R. Manager Report d. Film Coordinator Report e. Sports Marketing Report f. International Representatives IX. Detailed Staff Reports Submitted by Staff. XI. Announcements None XII. Audience Input & Discussion None XIII. Next Scheduled Meeting Date/Location - July 26,2010 - 9:00 a.m. Collier County Government Center, Administration Bldg. F, 3'd Floor, 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida 34112 10 June 28, 2010 There being no further business for the good of the Couuty, the meeting was adjourned by order of the Acting Chairman at 12:17 P.M. COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Johu Sorey, III, Acting Chairman These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on as presented or as amended 11