HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-09 Tourism Business Improvement District Minutes
DRAFT Tourism Business Improvement District
Minutes of Meeting November 18, 2009, 12 Noon
City Building, Bozeman Montana
Present: Cyndy Andrus (Executive Director)
Board Members: Andrew Ash, Lynn Bendz (sec), Tim Kuhlman, Mark Jones (chairman), Carl Solvie, Tom
Stenzel (treasurer).
Advisory Board Members: Dan Rust (Tournament Committee), Dan Martin (Karst Stage)
The minutes from the November 18, 2009 meeting were reviewed. Motion to approve by Lynn Bendz,
seconded by Carl Solvie, all voice approved.
There was no public comment.
Mark Jones submitted for our review the proposed expenses of the BTBID for the year ending Nov
2010. The amount of $225,000 is about half of our expected revenue and we would request a loan from
the city in that amount. This would allow us the funds to actively begin our primary purpose of attracting
new motel business. The repayment terms would be four equal installments every 6 months beginning
on Nov 2010. Much discussion followed , but all agreed to the thrust of the proposal. Andrew Ash
proposed submitting the requested loan to the city. This was seconded by Tom Stenzel, all approved.
Cyndy Andrus said that she had received questions from some motels about refunding back to them the
taxes collected for non taxable rooms. Since collection of the bed tax began on November 1, 2009, there
has been no exemption for extended stay guests, tax exempt guests, or complimentary rooms. Our
submitted proposal for such exemptions has not yet been approved by the city, so the question of tax
rebates has been raised. It was proposed by Carl Solvie that such refunds would be appropriate if the
motel provided documentation that verified the exempt status of the rooms. This was seconded by
Andrew Ash, and all approved.
Cyndy Andrus reported that we have an active insurance policy from Western States Insurance for
liability coverage of all board members. This $1435 annual premium has been paid by a loan from the
Tournament Committee, which we will repay as soon as we are funded.
Our BTBID bylaws were slightly changed concerning the city commission liaison person. Cindy said the
change was minor and should be approved. Motion to accept by Andrew Ash, seconded by Tom Stenzel,
all approved.
The city has sent to each board member via email a disclosure document. Cindy said we should get the
document completed and returned to the city as soon as possible.
Dan Rust reported on the Tournament Committee and wanted to know if they could count on funding
from the BTBID? They raise about $10,000 annually themselves, but wanted to know if they can
actively bid on some new tournaments that could potentially increase their costs to the $50,000 range.
But these higher costs would only occur if they win the bids-which is a win win for every motel in
Bozeman--which is exactly what our purpose really is. There was much explaining as to the workings of
tournaments, bidding, volunteers, and various sports venues. There was agreement among all that “yes”
they should go after these new events and we will help with their funding.
Dan Rust said he would ask Melony Stocks to join the advisory board and come to our next meeting.
Melony Stocks is director of facilities at MSU and will be an asset.
Motion to adjourn made by Tom Stenzel, seconded by Carl Solvie, all approved at 1:30pm.
Next meeting on January 20, 2010 at City Hall.