HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Packet for 04/11/2016 Committee of the Whole Attendance
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COUNCIL PRESENT
� Randy Corman, President
`,� Armondo Pavone, Pres. Pro-Tem
� Ryan Mclrvin
� Ruth Perez
❑ Don Persson
� Ed Prince
� Carol Ann Witschi
SAFF PRESENT
❑ Kelly Beymer, Community Services Administrator � Other:_ ��U c� L�V`/ � �`'�'�i`��,�"
❑ Other: �1�c-Vta2l k-�Y k--, �lnc� (��1�J,:�c�-�/
�. Ellen Bradley-Mak, Human Resources& Risk
❑ Other:
Management Administrator
❑ Other:
❑ Jay Covington, Chief Administrative Officer
❑ Other:
❑ Zanetta Fontes, Senior Assistant City Attorney
❑ Other:
� Megan Gregor, Deputy City Clerk ❑ Other:
❑ Jennifer Henning, Planning Director
❑ Other:
❑ Doug Jacobson, Deputy Public Works ❑ Other:
Administrator
•� ❑ Other:
Denis Law, Mayor
� Cliff Long, Economic Development Director
❑ Other:
� Julia Medzegian, City Council Liaison � Other:
❑ Other:
❑ Chief Kevin Milosevich, Police Department
❑ Other:
❑ Shane Moloney, Senior Assistant City Attorney
❑ Other:
❑ Chief Mark Peterson, Fire & Emergency Services
Department
C Jason Seth, City Clerk
� Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator
� Chip Vincent, Community and Economic Development Administrator
❑ Larry Warren, City Attorney
❑ Gregg Zimmerman, Public Works Administrator
� Iwen Wang, Administrative Services Administrator
AGENDA
Committee of the Whole Meeting
6:00 PM - Monday, April 11, 2016
Conferencing Center, 7th Floor, City Hall – 1055 S. Grady Way
1. Legislative Wrap-up
a) PowerPoint Presentation
2. Visitor's Center Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)
Recommendations
a) Issue Paper
b) Visitor's Center Plan 2016
c) LTAC Minutes from April 6, 2016
Update
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•Meant to be a short, 60-day session without any extra
time
•With Operating Budget wrangling, ended up as 60-day
Regular Session plus 20-day Special Session
•Lawmakers worked to put a Charter Schools fix in place
and agree on a framework to address remaining funding
and policy issues under the McCleary case
2016 Sessions at a Glance
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•$38.4 billion Supplemental Operating
Budget (E2SHB 2376)
•$191 million in Rainy Day Fund
toward wildfires
•Over $40 million toward mental
health
So where did they end up?
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•Affordable housing and homelessness
•$11.4 million toward local projects
•$78 million Model Toxics Control Act
(MTCA) funding shortfall
So where did they end up? (cont’d.)
“Skinny” Supplemental Capital Budget (ESHB 2380)
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•Supplemental Transportation Budget
(ESHB 2524)
•Major changes to I-405 toll lanes
•Boosts pay for Washington State
Patrol troopers
•Legislature passes charter schools fix
bill (E2SSB 6194);becomes law
without Governor Inslee’s signature
•Bill to lay out framework for meeting
McCleary obligations, including
formation of an Education Funding
Task Force, passes and signed into
law (E2SSB 6195)
So where did they end up? (cont’d.)
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•Legislature passes “body camera” bill
(EHB 2362) –GOOD
•Recognition of law enforcement
training needs through BLEA (Basic
Law Enforcement Academy) funding –
GOOD
•Traditional “state-shared” revenues
preserved –GOOD
•Divert funds from local governments:
$170 million transfer of Public Works
Trust fund –NOT GOOD
From a Local Government Perspective…
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•Important context: We kept our list of priorities narrow
and our expectations modest
•We consciously did not make a capital request (only $89
million in total debt capacity) or a transportation request
(2015 Connecting Washington extremely ambitious)
•Strategy was to hold on to what we have and take some
incremental steps forward where possible
Looking through a Renton lens at the
2016 Session
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•Remove statutory caps and restore the growth in liquor
revolving revenue account –HB 2438/SB 6425:
o No bill
•Enact Public Records Act efficiencies –2SSB 2576:
•Legislation to limit number of hours local agencies spend on
public records requests
•Establish a Public Records Commission to resolve disputes
•Cost recovery of purely commercial requests
•Requests for “all” records, or “bots” requests, are not for
“identifiable” records and can be denied.
o No bill
Fiscal Sustainability
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Successful in saving funds for:
•MRSC
•BLEA (Basic Law Enforcement Academy)
Not successful with:
•“Fire Insurance Premium Tax” distributions for
LEOFF—an impact of $150,000 a year for Renton.
o Joining with AWC, other cities, and fire
organizations to urge a gubernatorial veto
of this.
Fiscal Sustainability (cont’d.)
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Reinstate Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA)
funding:
o Did not pass
•$170 million in current and planned PWAA transfers
•Operating Budget—task force to develop strategy for
long-term infrastructure investment and funding
Infrastructure
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•Saved $78 million reduction in MTCA funding
•Preserved $675,000 Harrington Avenue grant,
and several other construction projects will
retain their funding
Infrastructure (cont’d.)
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•Regional Fire Authorities –E2SHB 1605:
•Fire service benefit charge renewal by simple
majority
o Did not pass
•Mental Health/Homelessness:
•$40+ million into mental health in Operating Budget
and more on Capital Budget side
•$15+ million into affordable housing, homelessness,
and shelter funding
o Good news for “off-year”
Public Safety and Mental Health
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•BLEA Funding:
•$473,000 in new funding for two additional law
enforcement academy training classes thru July;
Renton played major role in this effort
•Body Cameras –EHB 2362:
•Bill provides protections for local law enforcement
agencies that “deploy” cameras by effective date
Public Safety Items
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•Legislators punted some of the most critical decisions into
2017
•Sharp philosophical differences remain over general
revenue needs, budget priorities
•Local governments getting caught in the cross-hairs of no-
new-taxes budgets, and many legislators tend to believe
they can make nicks and cuts and “they’ll be all right”;
misses point of the partnership. New thinking, new
strategies will be vital
•November 2016 Election cycle will be historic –
Elections Matter
Rear-View Mirror Observations of the
2016 Sessions
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•Sunset Area: much more to do, opportunity to tour key
players
•Work with Liquor & Cannabis Board on liquor licensing
statutory & regulatory improvements
•405 toll lanes for emergency vehicles: rule-making
proposal
•Initiatives that could undermine transportation funding
(I-1421 et al): need to stay engaged
•Some high-profile interim task forces & studies: local
infrastructure, pension systems, body cameras, public
records, and more
•Start early on establishing menu of 2017 priorities!
Some Initiatives We’ll be Working On
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Questions?
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: April 7, 2016
TO: Randy Corman, Council President
Members of Renton City Council
VIA: Denis Law, Mayor
FROM: Cliff Long, Economic Development Director (x6591)
SUBJECT: Renton Visitor’s Center Lodging Tax Funding for 2016
ISSUE
Should money from Lodging Tax funds be allocated to the Renton Chamber of
Commerce to operate the Renton Visitor’s Center for 2016 as recommended by
Renton’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee?
RECOMMENDATION
Support the recommendation of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to allocate
$75,000 in lodging tax funding for 2016 to operate the Renton Visitor’s Center in a
manner consistent with attached business plan.
Additionally, staff recommends that the Mayor and City Clerk be allowed to execute a
contract with the Renton Chamber of Commerce to expend budgeted funds on the
proposed additional marketing initiatives outlined.
BACKGROUND SUMMARY
On March 7, 2016, Renton City Council discussed the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee’s
recommendations for 2016 allocations at its Committee of the Whole meeting. The
Committee issued the following report:
“The Committee of the Whole recommends that council approve the above expenditures and
further recommends that the allocation of $75,000 to the Renton Chamber of Commerce for the
Visitor’s Center be forwarded back to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for additional
information and will be brought back to the committee at a later date. “
Subsequently, administration and staff held several meetings with Renton Chamber
leadership to discuss the operation of the visitor’s center and to address the concerns
expressed by council. Chamber staff and officers were very receptive to the discussion
and shared a desire to improve visitor services on a number of levels.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Allocation of Lodging Tax Funds
Page 2 of 2
April 7, 2016
2
On April 6, 2016 under the leadership of Councilmember Pavone, the Lodging Tax
Advisory Committee was reconvened to further review the issue and Renton Chamber
of Commerce President Vicky Baxter was invited to participate in the discussion. Ms.
Baxter provided specific actions and strategies for the use of the 2016 funds and offered
ideas for continued improvement in visitor’s center operation.
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee asked Ms. Baxter to document these strategies
and tactics in a business plan to be shared with Renton City Council at this meeting and
that document is attached.
cc: Jay Covington, Chief Administrative Officer
Iwen Wang, Administrative Services Administrator
Chip Vincent, Community & Economic Development Administrator
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
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Renton Visitor’s Connection Business Plan 1
Name of Organization
Renton Visitor’s Connection (RVC)
Tagline
Shop, Dine, Play and Learn - Renton Ahead of the Curve
In 2017 we expect the marketing committee may have an alternative to the existing tagline. We
will be working closely with them to formulate ideas that fit the new innovation, industries and
robust community that depicts Renton.
Mission
The RVC brings travel and tourism businesses together to connect visitors to the best
accommodations, entertainment, dining, attractions and services that Renton and the Puget
Sound area can offer. In so doing, the organization also enhances the visibility, viability and
profitability of its members.
Structure
The organization is a separate division from the Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce
although housed in the same building. The RVC occupies 50% of the building. The RVC
employees work in the front portion of the building which houses visitor information, seating
areas, coffee, restrooms and the receptionist. The Renton Chamber employees work in the
offices located in the back of the building.
Vision of Tourism in the Area
Renton has a distinct seasonal tourist base. Summer is definitely a hot time to pursue leisure
activities and the RVC will be working with hotels on ideas such as:
1. Yappy Hour at the RVC: bring your pet and enjoy live music on Friday nights from 5-7
PM starting June 3rd throughout the summer around the fountain. We started this event
in 2016 and without any marketing had about 25-50 people attend. We will begin
marketing after we have organized the lineup of musicians (paid) and restaurants
wanting to participate. There are several pet friendly motels in Renton we will target
along with all motels for summer fun. Along with music, some nights we expect to have
some wine and beer tasting, small bite samplers from various restaurants, and other
leisure time activities. After the “show” the guests will be encouraged to dine in our
many restaurants offering a “special”.
Estimated start date and costs: June 2016 - $2,000 Free event for the public.
2. The RVC will continue to develop ideas for promoting shopping with The Landing,
Renton Village, and other destination shopping areas in Renton. We have begun a
“FAM tour” (Familiarization) component at the Visitor Center. Our first group of
visitors will arrive on April 12th from Vancouver, WA. A group of 6-8. They will be dining
at The Red House, visiting Jimmy Hendrix memorial, visiting SHADOW, The Landing,
Antiques shops downtown, and several destinations we have mapped out for them. This
group is under the direction of the City of Vancouver looking for areas in WA for
“stayvacations”. The RVC will be contacting tour directors and others to plan more of
this type of Renton City Tour.
Costs incurred will be part of the lodging tax funding.
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Renton Visitor’s Connection Business Plan 2
3. “NEW” Visitor Website:
The RVC has a request for proposal (RFP) to 3 website design businesses to build a
dynamic Visit Renton website. The domain has been purchased. The new website will
be completely separate from the Renton Chamber of Commerce website but have links
to move back and forth. Features: search box, motel reservations from main page, a
map of things to see and do, featured events on the front page, external posting of
events allowing all to post (after review), dining, entertainment, shopping, contests,
banner advertising. Patterned after Visit Sacramento and Visit Bellevue, the new
website allows all Renton businesses to be listed. Content will be driven by hospitality
industry, City of Renton and community. The site will be mobile friendly and able to
replicate quickly on any device. The site will require complete analytical tracking.
Estimated costs and delivery: $15,000 - 2016
4. Staffing and Extended Hours of Operation
The RVC realizes that visitors come at all hours and to that end, in 2016 we will have
extended hours beginning in May. RVC will be open 7:30 am -5 pm Monday through
Wednesday.
Thursday 7:30 am - 6:00 pm; Friday 7:30 am – 7:00 pm,
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; (we will evaluate longer hours and extending
the hours past September if warranted).
The KIOSK which was built in 2015 by Lindberg High School students and sponsored by
First Financial Northwest Bank will be wrapped with an aeronautical theme to depict the
largest industry in Renton. It is used for events as an information booth and attracts
visitors. The goal is to find a seasonal summer home in Coulon Park and man it Friday,
Saturday and Sunday.
Estimated payroll costs: $3,630 - Summer of 2016
5. Staffing for the RVC is 3 dedicated employees: Lucy Crozier has 25 years of
experience managing the visitor center, knows all things Renton and directs RVC staff
and volunteers. A new employee will begin in May to work extended hours and
weekends. With the addition of a “new” visitor website, Joe Perez (IT) will be working 20
hours per week to maintain the website from design and build to “real time”
management. Each staff member records every visitor to the RVC along with questions
to gather information to assist, follow up and track.
Estimated costs: $42,336.00
Note: The Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce has 3 full time employees: CEO,
Events/Communication Director and Membership Director and 1 part time Bookkeeper.
These employees manage the chamber. Renton Visitor Connection employees (3) are
dedicated to the visitor center.
6. Addition to Visitor Center
The RVC is asking for a quote from Lindberg High School for a sign that will house
information when the Visitor Center is closed. Estimated costs: possible sponsor
Summer of 2016
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Renton Visitor’s Connection Business Plan 3
Coming Attractions dependent upon future lodging funding
Seahawks:
Most of the year Renton enjoys business travel and the RVC will be working with the
hotels, restaurants and entertainment businesses to promote Renton destinations.
Renton is also a “sports hub” with the Seahawks. We will continue working with the
Seahawks to best promote the team and their affiliation with Renton. To that end we
envision a “Hawk Night” where an affiliate will come to the RVC and sign autographs.
Renton also enjoys sports teams from elementary through college level tournaments
year round. The RVC will work with hotels to match “things to do and see” while
staying in Renton. Kid friendly venues through adult nightlife entertainment.
Estimated start date and costs: 2017 – Free event for the public. RVC costs: TBD
Jimmy Hendrix:
An attraction that has not been developed to its full potential but is definitely a huge draw
is the Jimmy Hendrix memorial and the fact that Jimmy was born in Renton. The RVC
has begun discussions with the family on how best to promote his name and birthplace.
We envision in future years a tribute such as a street name, Jimmy Hendrix Square,
Jimmy Hendrix Festival, etc. The RVC will be holding on-going discussions with the
family to ensure they are included and supportive of any such ideas.
Estimated start date and costs: 2017 - costs TBD
Hysterical Tours
The RVC working with the Arts Community to include actors, singers, historians, writers,
has begun discussion on starting a “Hysterical Tour”. Hysterical tours are loosely
based on “true historical” events. Visitors and locals love the depiction of history that is
fun and full of twists and turns but not exactly accurate. The visitors are advised that this
is a purely fun and fictional account of history in Renton. Similar to the Underground
Tours offered in Seattle. This tour is in the discussion phase and hopefully will be ready
to start in spring 2017.
Current Connections
Members of the RVC serve on the following:
Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Renton Community Marketing Campaign Committee
Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Committee
Representative Member, Seattle King County Convention and Visitor Bureau
Representative Member, Washington State Hotel Lodging Association
AVICW – Association of Visitor Information Centers Washington
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Renton Visitor’s Connection Business Plan 4
Expenses for Renton Visitor Center 2016
Total
Actual Cost
2015
Visitor
Center
Portion
Payroll:
Renton Visitor Center 42,336.00
KIOSK 3,630.00
Payroll Taxes 4,000.00
Total 49,966.00
RVC Web Expenses:
New RVC Website 15,000.00
Total 15,000.00
Building Expenses:
Building Mortgage 43,879.08
Utilities 9,557.59
Janitorial & Maintenance 3,352.15
Landscaping 1,205.94
Insurance 2,559.79
Security 794.57
Property Tax 21,579.46
Total 82,928.58 41464.29 50% Cost shared
Administrative:
Telephone 5,646.10
Copier 4,271.33
Postage 2,451.74
Total 12,369.17 6184.59 50% Cost shared
Dues and Subscriptions:
WA Festival Magazine 150.00
WA Visitor Bureau 500.00
Total 650.00
Chamber Building and Administrative 95,297.75 47648.88 50% Cost shared
Total Visitor Center Expenses 113,264.88
LTAC Funding Portion 2016 75,000.00
Balance (Chamber Subsidizes RVC) 38,264.88
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Renton Visitor’s Connection Business Plan 5
New Signage
2016
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
April 6, 2016 LTAC Meeting Minutes page 1 of 1
MINUTES
Renton Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
1:00pm – Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Council Conference Room, 7th Floor, City Hall – 1055 S. Grady Way
I. Welcome and Intros
Councilmember Pavone called the meeting to order.
LTAC Members Present:
Armondo Pavone, Chair
Brent Camann, SECO Dev. & Renton Chamber
Preeti Shridhar, City of Renton
Michael Schabbing, Marriott Hotels
LTAC Members Absent:
Katie Hunter, Hilton
City Staff Present:
Cliff Long, CED
Guests Present:
Vicky Baxter, Renton Chamber of
Commerce
II. Discussion of 2016 Lodging Tax Fund Allocations
Staff reviewed current situation and action by Council. Committee discussed vetting process and
questions regarding the operation of the visitor’s center. Ms. Baxter outlined specific actions
and strategies for 2016 and plans to enhance visitor’s center operations in the future.
MOVED BY MR. SCHABBING, SECONDED BY MS. SHRIDHAR, TO ASK MS. BAXTER TO
PREPARE A PRESENTATION DETAILING PLANNED USES OF FUNDS TO BE DELIVERED
TO COUNCIL BY STAFF AT THE NEXT COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING. MR.
CAMANN ABSTAINS. CARRIED.
III. Other Business
None.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:10 PM
AGENDA ITEM #2. c)