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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-11 Tourism Business Improvement District Minutes.docTourism Business Improvement District Minutes of Meeting April 5, 2011 Chamber of Commerce, Bozeman Montana Present: Daryl Schliem (Executive Director) Jim Robbins (Sales Development) Board Members: Andrew Ash, Lynn Bendz (sec), Holly Ferrell, Tim Kuhlman (president), Carl Solvie, Steve Sparks Public: Petra Gunther (Best Western Grantree), Anita Dobrenski (Days Inn), Harry Huntsinger (Copper Spring Ranch), Peter Vandergrift (Simms Fishing), Steve Swartz & Denny Wheat (Rodeway Inn), Dale Lewis (Fairfield Inn), Kevin Black (Gene Cook Realty) Tim Kuhlman opened the meeting at noon, asking for any disclosures. Jim Robbins said that he had talked with some board members about today’s agenda to speed things up. Introductions all around the room were made and Holly Ferrell was welcomed as the newest member of the TBID Board. Tim K. asked for any public comment and there was none. Approval of the last meeting minutes were approved on a motion by Lynn Bendz, 2ne by Andrew Ash. Jim Robbins and Daryl Schliem presented the financial report. A 4-year spreadsheet of approved expenditures and the corresponding actual disbursement dates was presented. This gives a quick view of free cash and obligations into the future. Our 3/31/2011 balance sheet showed assets of $42,287.60. Jim Robbins asked if we needed a procedure for the TBID board to interview and possibly recommend to the city council new members to the TBID board when vacancies occur. Much discussion followed and several members of the public offered their opinions. Larry Lambert presented letters from motels saying they believed that the TBID board should not recommend anyone--it should be up to the area motels to pick their choices. Chris Mehl offered his opinion and said that some boards have such procedures, but other boards do not. Ultimately, the final say is always given to the city commission. No action taken---more discussion at our next meeting. A request for $2000 for facility rental and transportation for the fly fishing event sponsored by Simms Fishing scheduled for April 14-17 2011. The money split between Karst Stage and Copper Spring Ranch and this money would seed a 3rd day of activities for the convention . There could be a total of 1375 room nights. Motion to approve by Carl Solvie, 2nd by Steve Sparks, all voice approved. A request from MSU for a maximum of $15,000 to fund transportation costs for a religious convention that is being held July 1-5, 2013. They are estimating about 2000 room nights at $85 each, but Melanie Stocks did say that she had no idea how many of the attendees would actually book hotel nights or stay on campus. But it was felt that collaboration with the University is important, and we should proceed. Motion to approve the money made by Steve Sparks, 2nd by Tim Kuhlman, all approved. Kevin Black of the GV tournament committee gave a report on their request for up to $75,000 to bid on the MHSA 2012-2013 sports events. They plan on 0 bidding all the venues which was so successful last year. Motion to approve by Andrew Ash, 2nd by Carl Solvie, all voice approved. Jim Robbins asked for input on developing a winter leisure effort for 2011-2012 and several members gave their ideas. Larry Lambert handed out some information on the costs putting up several highway signs around the state urging drivers to continue until they get to Bozeman--home to over 2000 hotel rooms and 150 restaurants. No action-to be discussed at our next meeting. Jim Robbins reported that the Montana HS Rodeo finals was not coming back to Bozeman next year, possibly because we declined to fund their request. But the event provided very few room nights. Jim also discussed the request from a fly fishing group maybe putting on a convention in 2012 or 2013 right in the middle of July or August, our peak tourist season. They wanted Jim to spend up to 40 hours gathering costs and information about this “possible” convention, and Jim wanted to know if we hoteliers wanted him to pursue it. Steve Sparks suggested he call them back and ask for their detailed plans for attendees, events, needs, and budgets. If they can’t provide that information, they are just “fishing”. Jim gave a report on some meetings he attended: the Rocky Mountain International bus tour operators group, the Governors Tourist Conference, and a group of people who belong to various TBID boards all around the state. Daryl asked again what our thoughts were on proceeding with a convention center. Most were unwilling to commit any money at this point, or to raise the TBID tax to fund an open ended exploration. The meeting was adjourned by Tim Kuhlam at 2:10 pm. Next meeting May 3rd, 2011.