Occupancy Tax Board

MINUTES OF THE OCCUPANCY TAX BOARD MEETING Tuesday, January 16, 2018 Regular Meeting 2:30 P.M. Committee Chair: Jim Fielding Committee Members: Kerry Moore, Jill Cleveland, Roxanne Slayton, Josh Ragsdale Staff Coordinator: Juanita Jennings CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME – The regular meeting of the Occupancy Tax Board convened at 2:31 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Vice Chair Josh Ragsdale, Kerry Moore, Roxanne Slayton Members absent: Jim Fielding, Jill Cleveland A quorum was present. Staff Present: Juanita Jennings, Director of Public Affairs, Nettie Loya, Roswell Convention & Civic Center APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Mr. Ragsdale motioned to approve the agenda. Ms. Slayton made a motion to accept the agenda. Ms. Moore seconded the motion. A voice vote was unanimous (3-0) and the motion passed with members Fielding and Cleveland being absent. PUBLIC COMMENTS - There were no public comments. REGULAR ITEMS (Action Items): None Other Business / Non-Action Items / Information Items / Reports (Non-Action Items): 1. Review of 2018 OTB Meeting dates – Ms. Jennings shared the meeting dates with the committee. 2. Lodgers Tax 2018 deadlines a. Applications due April 6, 2018 b. April 6, 2018 applications are reviewed at April 17, 2018 OTB Meeting c. Applications due August 3, 2018 d. August 3, 2018 applications are reviewed at August 14, 2018 OTB Meeting Ms. Jennings reviewed the new Lodgers Tax deadlines and application reviewing dates. Ms. Jennings also informed the board they would have the option to forgo the monthly meeting if there were no action items, but reminders will continue to be sent. 3. Copy of updated Lodgers Tax policy provided Ms. Jennings presented the newest revised copy of the updated Lodgers Tax policy (December 5, 2018). The Finance Committee and Council approved to  include free t-shirts for participants and registrants for that event. If an event organization would like to buy t-shirts with Lodgers Tax funds, it is required that they be given only to participants or someone registered for that specific event. 4. Tourism initiatives discussion Discussion took place regarding the City of Roswell’s spring advertising campaign, and Fly Roswell Phoenix initiative. Thoughts on tourism initiatives were not only to concentrate on the alien concept, but also other more targeted topics, for example local “best of” places - favorite margarita, favorite brew house, etc. Ms. Jennings suggested hosting monthly roundtables with community members to discuss ideas around local events, monthly specials, hotel deals, etc. Discussion took place regarding demographic targeting, geo targeting, etc. 5. Reports The Lodgers Tax reports were reviewed. ADJOURN Mr. Ragsdale requested a motion for adjournment. Ms. Moore motioned to adjourn. Ms. Slayton seconded the motion. A voice vote was unanimous (3-0) and the motion passed with members Fielding and Cleveland being absent. The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m. Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 (if needed). Minutes submitted for approval by Allison Gray.