Tourism Commission

Tourism Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 3:30 PM March 28, 2023 Mount Baker Theatre Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Tourism Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:30 PM. 1. Introductions Present: Stacee Sledge, Allyson Rosman, Marc Blake, Christine Jenkins, Craig Jewell, Matt Lesinski, Peter Frazier, Todd Elsworth, Hollie Huthman (Council Representative), Dylan Deane-Boyle (ex-officio), Patricia Leach (ex-officio) Absent: Kelly Hart, Stephanie Morrell City Staff/Other Panelists: Tara Sundin and Shannon Taysi, PCDD; John Purdie, Mount Baker Theatre 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting Sara Holliday moved and Stacee Sledge seconded the approval of the January 24, 2023meeting minutes. All in favor, motion carries. Agenda Items Public Meeting 1. Traffic Box Project/Banner Update p. 2 Shannon Taysi gave an overview of the existing traffic boxes. She looked at all the Urban Villages and is not recommending any wraps in Samish due to the lack of boxes and Barkley said they prefer to do their own. She said the Commission has set aside $25,000 for additional traffic boxes. She said based upon the cost last time and inflation she believes they can get anywhere from ten to twelve new boxes wrapped. She is seeking input from the Commission on her recommended locations and if the boxes should be wrapped with artwork or historical images. She noted the Fairhaven box would be wrapped in the same design as the newly installed neighborhood signs. She also recommended the box in the Fountain District be wrapped with artwork done by Gretchen Leggitt to match the other artwork in the plaza. The Commission recommend the boxes be wrapped with artwork unless there is a compelling historical image that could be associated with the location. The Commission also recommended the wraps include a dynamic QR code that will lead those who use it to the current events and activities occurring in town. Dylan Deane-Boyle said he could help with this. Shannon Taysi said the original scope of the traffic boxes didn’t include the Waterfront District but she recommends the box at Laurel and the one at Roeder (both entrances into the waterfront) be considered. Tara Sundin asked the Commission if they would object to increasing the budget if need be. They agreed it could be increased. She moved on to the Banners. She said the only banners still in good shape are Old Town. All others have deteriorated with time. The last time banners were updated was eight years ago. She explained, the previous process was a more artistic approach to the banners. She said that  she and Tara Sundin think this time the focus should be more on boldness and strong font. She is looking to the Commission to help guide the design. Tara Sundin suggested a sub-committee be formed to develop a plan to present to the larger group. Matt Lesinski, Christine Jenkins and Dylan Deane-Boyle were nominated to sit oh the sub-committee. It was discussed to also include the Waterfront District. Tara Sundin asked the Commission if they would object to increasing the budget if need be. They agreed it could be increased if warranted. 2. Grant Process p. 6 Tara Sundin said staff is interested in making some minor changes to the grant process for the next cycle. She said she and Peter Frazier have discussed having all grantees be required to work with one or more digital marketing firm(s) instead of each grantee doing their own thing. The City could contract with the marketing firm and grantees would work with them. She said she and Shannon Taysi have also been discussing having some of the ongoing event contracts have a two or three year contract versus applying each year. She added, staff feels perhaps the start-up grant application submission should be open all year for people to apply. She said she would like the Commission to think about any changes they would like to see for a larger discussion at the next meeting. The Commission had a brief discussion on some of the pros and cons of the grant program. It was decided a subcommittee would meet to talk about the digital marketing idea further. Peter Frazier, Dylan Deane-Boyle, Todd Elsworth, Crag Jewell and Matt Lesinski volunteered to sit on that committee. It was also discussed a subcommittee meet to talk about the application. Todd Elsworth, Stephanie Morrell and Marc Blake volunteered to sit on that committee. Shannon Taysi will send the Commission final reports received last year from grantees along with a report of money left on the table by some grantees. Other Business 1. Stacee Sledge Term Expiration p. 12 Stacee Sledge has decided not to renew her term. The Board briefly discussed the current make-up. They were asked about Kevin Coleman who previously applied and was interviewed. The Commission recommended Kevin Colman be recommended for appointment. This will still leave one vacancy. 2. Public Comment Period 3. For the Good of the Order, Legislative Issues, and Announcements Peter Frazier said he will email Shannon Taysi information to share with the Commission regarding House Bill 1258 and Senate Bill 5465. Adjourned at 4:46pm Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Shannon Taysi, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Tourism Commission members.