O-2006-2876 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: March 13. 2006 Appropriation Requested By: Crystal Scott, Asst. to the City Manage Source of Funds: Hotel/Motel Fund Department: Administration Account Number: 037-6063-565-3001 Report: Resolution: Ordinance: x Amount Budgeted: $9,600 Exhibits: Ordinance Amount Requested: $9,600 Exhibits: Ae:reement Budgeted Item: N Exhibits: Memorandum to City Manae:er SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau made a presentation to City Council at the February 13 meeting in a workshop setting. The bureau feels it can increase our city's hotel tax occupancy revenues by marketing our hotel properties regionally, along with their other cities. They have strong relationships with the state agencies and associations, so they can cooperatively market with them as well. Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau has identified cruise passengers from Houston and Galveston as one of our most important and key target audiences. The fee for being a member of the Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau is 15% of annual hoteVmotel tax collections. Currently La Porte collects approximately $250,000 annually. Based on this figure La Porte would pay approximately $30,000 annually for a membership. This year Council approved a one-time increase of $30,000 to the Chamber for the Sylvan Beach Festival-50th Anniversary. These funds, which are budgeted in the HoteVMotel budget, could be budgeted each year to cover the cost to be a member of Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau. If the Council chooses to become a member it is our option to pay on a quarterly basis, approximately $9,575/quarter. Each member city appoints 3 representatives to their Board of Directors which meets bi-monthly to determine the policy of the organization. A marketing committee made up of representatives from each member city and regional industry partners (attractions, accommodations, events, restaurants) meets bi-monthly to assist the board in determining the marketing goals of the organization. Enclosed for your review is a listing of Bay Area Houston's Convention & Visitors Bureau program listing. Membership with this organization could reduce the amount spent on advertisements with various organizations. Several advertisements the City has spent funds would be complimentary or reduced if La Porte became a member of this organization. The agreement is effective April 1. With proper notification the agreement can be terminated. Action Required by Council: Consider approval of an ordinance approving an agreement between the City and the Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau. A j .-- ) -C-p. Date