Tourism Commission

Tourism Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 3:30 PM April 23, 2024 Mayor’s Boardroom https://meetings.cob.org -Call to Order The Tourism Commission meeting was called to order by the Vice-Chair at 3:30 PM. 1. Introductions Present: Craig Jewell, Christine Jenkins, Kevin Coleman, Marc Blake (Vice-Chair), Matt Lesinski, Nick Kelly, Sara Holiday, Todd Elsworth, Hollie Huthman (Council Representative), Dylan Deane- Boyle (ex-officio) Absent: Kelly Hart, Peter Frazier, Stephanie Morrell and Patricia Leach (ex-officio) City Staff/Other Panelists: Tara Sundin and Heather, PCDD; John Purdie, Mount Baker Theatre 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting The minutes from March 26, 2024 were approved. Agenda Items Public Meeting 1. Downtown Activation and Beautification DRAFT Request for Proposals Darby reviewed the Request for Proposal and highlighted the sections of the RFP that staff is seeking specific guidance on. The following suggestions were made: • Consider adding language in the Goals/Objectives section to emphasize that these projects ae intended to strengthen downtown as a tourism destination. • Be clear and concise about what is being asked of the applicant and put it all in the Submittal Requirement section to allow for better review. • How will the knowledge of the RFP get distributed? • Review proposal against RCW to ensure all the requirements are clear for applicants. Volunteer Members for the RFP Committee • Craig Jewell and Nick Kelly volunteered to be on the review committee. Other Business 1. Public Comment Period  2. For the Good of the Order, Legislative Issues, and Announcements Upcoming Meetings • Tara announced that there would be no meeting in May unless there is a meaningful item to review. There will be no meetings in July or August. • Tara also mentioned that the group will undergo some strategic planning for the Commission. She noted that there might be a special meeting called for this work. Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Tourism Commission members.