2015-04-01 PEARLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU MEETING MINUTESPearland Convention & Visitors Bureau
ADVISORY BOARD MEETING - MINUTES
Wednesday, April 1, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. at CVB
CALL TO ORDER & CVB ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER ROLL CALL.
Opened meeting at 6:05 PM. In Attendance: Steve Saboe, Lonnie Helms, Arlene Ford, Manny Patel, Gary
Shepherd (Chair); Guests: Rushi Patel, John Turner and Ben Pardo; Staff: Kim Sinistore and Jon Branson.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING JANUARY 7, 2015 BOARD MEETING MINUTES.
Motion to approve prior meeting minutes made by Mr. Saboe, Mr. Helms seconded. Motion approved
unanimously.
III. DISSCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ADVISORY BOARD COMMITTEE POSITIONS AND
ADVISORY BOARD ATTENDANCE.
Kim Sinistore updated the Board on potential candidates for the open advisory board position. No action
was taken.
IV. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A 1% HOTEL TAX DISCOUNT.
Mr. Shepherd invited Mr. Patel to provide some background on the 1% discount proposal for the HOT
(Hotel Occupancy Tax.) Rushi provided background information on the issue. Kim provided a brief
review of the section of the City Code of Ordinances relevant to the matter. Board members asked
questions regarding timing of proposal and funds flow related to the discount. Mr. Patel noted that the
discount could apply only if payments were made within the allotted 30 day time period, per the code.
Those paying late would be exempt from the discount. City council is the ultimate determinant on this
matter, and will likely have to change policy or the relevant ordinance to proceed. Mr. Shepherd made a
motion to ratify the hoteliers support of this concept and general proposal, with the condition that,
upon presentation of the final draft to city staff and council for formal review, the board requests the
opportunity review the final policy/ordinances and any material changes to the proposal reviewed at
this meeting. At that time, if needed, this Advisory Board will consider action to review and support any
recommended changes. Motion was seconded by Mr. Helms and approved unanimously.
V. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A CHANGE IN BRAZORIA COUNTY'S ALCOHOL
ORDINANCE
Ms. Sinistore presented the background of the proposed change in the Brazoria county alcohol
ordinance. Jon Branson added some clarifications to the process that would be used if this issue is
supported. At the time of this meeting, the CVB had received no current/updated information about the
petition for the referendum. No action was taken.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The Board heard a presentation by coach John Turner of PTSD regarding the upcoming annual volleyball
tournament. The presentation was well received by hoteliers and the Board. No action taken.
VII. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE 2016 CVB BUDGET.
Ms. Sinistore reviewed the preliminary budget for the CVB department for next fiscal year. The Board
discussed material changes to the operating budget and the supplemental requests that were proposed.
A discussion regarding the city's budget process and timing ensued. Ms. Sinistore noted that the Board
may need to meet prior to the next schedule meeting to review and support the supplemental requests.
Motion to approve the preliminary CVB budget was by made by Mr. Saboe, and seconded by Mr.
Shepherd. The motion was approved unanimously.
VIII. STAFF REPORT FROM THE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
• MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS
• TRADESHOWS & SALES
• SPECIAL PROJECTS
Ms. Sinistore presented the Executive Director's report and discussed the requested triathlon grant.
She informed the Board that she will use discretion in determining the grant amount, with a
maximum limit in mind. (Report attached)
IX. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by the Chair at 7:40PM.
Minutes taken by: Steve Saboe