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HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-2006-2876 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 ORDINANCE NO. 2006-~61~ AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA PORTE AND BAY AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU; MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE: Section 1. The City Council hereby approves and authorizes the contract, agreement, or other undertaking described in the title of this ordinance, in substantially the form as shown in the document which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute such document and all related documents on behalf of the City of La Porte. The City Secretary is hereby authorized to attest to all such signatures and to affix the seal of the City to all such documents. Section 2. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites, and declares that a sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council was posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the City for the time required by law preceding this meeting, as required by the Open Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code; and that this meeting has been open to the public as required by law at all times during which this ordinance and the subject matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the contents and posting thereof. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be effective from and after its passage and approval, and it is so ordered. PASSED AND APPROVED, this 13TH day of March, 2006. By: yq:: OF LA p~ ~l" ~ Alton E. Porter, Mayor '. Martha A. Gillett City Secretary ~D: . . / ~/ ' . /t/W'tv. Le1%~ Knox W. Askins City Attorney