Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Standing Committee

Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Standing Committee December 19, 2023 @ 2:00 P.M. City Council Conference Room Minutes 1) Call To Order Brian Schott, Chair, called the meeting to order. Members present were Steve Kane, Heather Cauffman, Mark Pascoli, Mariah Joos and Michelle Howke. Liz Colley and Nick Polumbus were absent. Julie Mullins, Executive Director of Explore Whitefish was present. Consultant Kate McMahon was absent. 2) Approval of November 21, 2023, Minutes Steve made a motion, seconded by Mariah to approve the November 21, 2023 minutes. The motion carried. 3) Updates from Committee members (Council action on STRs, Mountain Climbers survey, etc.) Michelle reported that the new Short-Term Rental Specialist/Code Compliance Officer will be advertised. This position will have the ability to enforce the illegal short-term rentals (STR) through the civil citation approach. She researched the question that was brought up at the last meeting of utilizing a third party to register for short-term rentals and report the illegal STRs to the city. The city would prefer that not happen and allow for this new position to come on board and work out a system to enforce the illegal STRs. Heather stated that Grouse Mountain Lodge agreed to sponsor their location for the Community Event. Brian would like to utilize the O’Shaughnessy Center first and if they are not available utilize the Grouse Mountain Lodge. Steve contacted the Department of Revenue (DOR) on how they are notified of illegal STRs, and if they are tracking the bed tax. DOR handles complaints like the City of Whitefish. A form is required and then the DOR will conduct their investigation. The State has over 40 state taxes to follow up on. 4) Community Meeting Planning January 25, 2024 is the tentative date for the Community Meeting. The location is yet to be determined between Grouse Mountain Lodge and the O’Shaughnessy Center. Discussion followed on the format of the meeting. The suggestions were polling, local business panel and Julie reviewing the Market Report. 5) Public Comment None 6) Next Meeting January 16, 2024 7) Adjourn Motion was called to adjourn the meeting at 3:14 p.m.