Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHotel - Signature Events Cmte - 01-07-201503 PALM DESERT APPROVED MINUTES PALM DESERT HOTEL AND SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING Wednesday, January 7, 2015 — 4 p.m. North Wing Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Ralph Scatena called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Ralph Scatena None Jan Harnik Arnold Kirschenbaum Robert Spiegel Marilyn Dyer Scott White Staff /Others Present: John Wohlmuth, City Manager Rudy Acosta, Assistant City Manager Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Donna Gomez, Tourism & Marketing Manager David Hermann, Management Analyst Robin McCormick, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None APPROVED MINUTES SPECIAL PALM DESERT HOTEL & SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING January 7, 2015 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 5, 2014 Robert Spiegel moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the minutes of the November 5, 2014, meeting as presented. Motion was seconded by Jan Hamik and carried by 6-0-0 (AYES: Scatena, Hamik, Dyer, White, Kirschenbaum and Spiegel; NOES: None; ABSENT: None). V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. ART PRIZE EVENT — VERBAL UPDATE BY DONNA GOMEZ Donna Gomez gave an overview of an event known as Art Prize that is very popular in Grand Rapids, Michigan and recently added in Dallas, Texas. A video of the event was shown and there was much discussion as to whether this concept or one similar would be a good event to bring to Palm Desert. Due to the size and costs of bringing this event to the City, there would be a need to partner with an "event organizer" and obtain sponsors. Scott White will contact Goldenvoice to see if they have any interest in partnering with the City. Mr. White suggested that a Request for Proposals (RFP) be developed to find other possible partners/sponsors. Overall the committee feels this would be a great event and would like to further investigate the options. B. FUTURE OF FOOD & WINE EVENT — VERBAL UPDATE BY MARTIN ALVAREZ Mr. Alvarez reviewed the current Food & Wine event which is held during Fashion Week, utilizing the same area and tents as the fashion show. Additional funding by the City was given this year to help expand the tent areas, add air conditioning, etc. as the event has grown considerably in the last few years. There was a discussion with regard to making the Food & Wine event a separate event at another time of the year to bring in more visitors to the City. The entire committee was in agreement that splitting the event off 2 APPROVED MINUTES SPECIAL PALM DESERT HOTEL & SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING January 7, 2015 from Fashion Week is a great idea. The "when and where" of the event will need to be discussed further with Palm Springs Life (owners of the events). C. FARMER'S MARKET — VERBAL UPDATE BY DONNA GOMEZ Donna Gomez reported that the Farmer's Market is currently being held on Wednesdays, from 8am to 12pm in the parking lot at Entrada Del Paseo site. The City feels that this time of day limits the number of Palm Desert residents that can take advantage of the market. Staff is in discussions with the Farmer's Market to have a Wednesday evening Farmer's Market. Mr. Alvarez showed the committee a few concept drawings of a proposed pavilion area, which would provide shade, misters, electricity, etc. With these amenities the area could be utilized for various events by the City as well as other groups/businesses. D. DISCUSS HOTEL TOT REBATE PROGRAM TO DRIVE GROUP BUSINESS Ralph Scatena asked that the committee discuss how to raise occupancy during the "shoulder season". After discussions regarding programs in other cities, John Wohlmuth agreed to add funds to the marketing budget at mid -year, to be used as Co-op's with hotels in the City. This will provide some relief to the current needs with the attraction of groups to our city and give the committee time to review and design a tax increment or BID type program that could assist the hotels with future marketing and incentive programs. This item will be continued to the next meeting for further discussion. E. DISCUSSION OF REPLACEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEMBER (>100 ROOMS) It was confirmed that the seventh committee member previously approved by Council was not able to serve on this committee. The current committee members were asked to get in touch with those that would qualify and may be interested in serving on the committee. There is an interview process for interested parties and then there will be a recommendation made to City Council. This will take place in the next few months. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None 3 APPROVED MINUTES SPECIAL PALM DESERT HOTEL & SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING January 7, 2015 VIII. OLD BUSINESS None IX. REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS None X. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Chairman None B. Committee Members Robert Spiegel handed out "thank you gift cards" from the City of Palm Desert to committee members; Scott White, Ralph Scatena, Arnold Kirschenbaum and Marilyn Dyer, as a token of the City's appreciation for their service on the committee. C. Staff None XI. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS XII. NEXT MEETING DATE —February 4, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. XIII. ADJOURNMENT With Committee concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 5:21 p.m. 74, RotAn McCormick, Recording Secretary 4