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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHotel-Signature Evnts Cmte - 07-06-2015CITY OF PALM DESERT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk From: Robin McCormick, Economic Development Technician Date: October 13, 2015 Subject: Submission of Minutes for the Hotel & Signature Events Committee Attached for your records are the approved minutes of the Hotel & Signature Events Committee Meeting of July 6, 2015. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachments (as noted) G \Econ Development\Hotel Committee\RK Memo - Minutes doc PALM DESERT MINUTES PALM DESERT HOTEL AND SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING Monday, July 6, 2015 — 4 p.m. North Wing Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Scatena called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Member Marilyn Dyer None Councilmember Jan Harnik Member Arnold Kirschenbaum Mayor Pro Tern Robert Spiegel Chairman Ralph Scatena Vice Chairman 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 Ruth Ann Moore, Economic Development Manager David Hermann, Management Analyst Diana Grasso, General Manager, Westfield Franchesca Forrer, Marketing Director, Westfield Robin McCormick, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None MINUTES SPECIAL PALM DESERT HOTEL & SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING July 6, 2015 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2015 Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2015, meeting as presented. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Harnik and carried by 6-0 (AYES: Dyer, Harnik, Kirschenbaum, Scatena, Spiegel and White; NOES: None). V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. FEATURED FIRST WEEKEND EVENT Ms. Moore gave an overview of the First Weekend project, it's background and how the project can evolve in the future. First Weekend was started two years ago in an effort to promote the many cultural activities throughout Palm Desert to both residents and tourists. We've been very successful in creating partnerships with the various organizations in Palm Desert to promote their activities all under the umbrella of the First Weekend concept. This year during the budget process, Council approved an expenditure of $25,000 to sponsor or create a feature event that would kick off First Weekend this November. Staff approached all of our partners with this idea and Westfield has responded with a new event that staff would like you to consider sponsoring with the First Weekend funds. Ms. Moore introduced Diana Grasso, General Manager and Franchesca Forrer, Marketing Director, both with Westfield. Ms. Grasso discussed Westfiield's vision for the property and outlined some of their ideas for the space on the third floor parking structure. An event they are putting together is called "Street" on The Deck and will be held on the deck of the third floor parking structure (near Macy's). There is 90,000 sq. ft. of space with spectacular views and vignettes that can be easily utilized. "Street" as an event will be broken down into different areas. There will be Street Art, Street Music, Street Food and Street Fashion. Ms. Grasso shared a few of the artists that are lined up, with more being added all of the time. Ms. Grasso also shared that Palm Springs Art Museum will be the charity recipient for this event. E MINUTES SPECIAL PALM DESERT HOTEL & SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING July 6, 2015 Ms. Forrer discussed drive market, price of tickets and use of Westfield's social media to advertise the event. Also, they are working with the JW Marriott, as well as other hotels to offer hotel packages. There was much discussion regarding use of ramps, security and safety of participants. Mr. Wohlmuth asked about other events scheduled for other First Weekend Months. Ms. Moore replied that there is a large event scheduled for every month except January, but that event should be decided soon. Ms. Moore added that the budget for this event is $51,000 and Westfield is requesting $20,000 for this kick-off First Weekend event. Westfield will cover the remaining $31,000 either from their budget or through outside sponsorships. The committee unanimously feels this will be a great event for Palm Desert and for the kick-off of First Weekend. Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel moved, by Minute Motion, to recommend sponsorship of this event to the City Council. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Harnik and carried by 6-0 vote (AYES: Dyer, Harnik, Kirschenbaum, Scatena, Spiegel and White; NOES: None). VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None Vill. OLD BUSINESS A. SPONSORSHIP CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE 2016 TOUGH MUDDER EVENT Mr. Alvarez reminded the committee that at last month's meeting they discussed this event and the committee had agreed that a list of potential criteria should be compiled that would be requested in exchange for a sponsorship by the City. Mr. Alvarez reviewed the list of 12 items that was put together by staff and will be forwarded on to Tough Mudder. The committee agreed on the items listed with one change to Item #9 being it should read "City requests that any additional ancillary events be held within Palm Desert city limits (i.e. pre/post parties)". 3 MINUTES SPECIAL PALM DESERT HOTEL & SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING July 6, 2015 Vice Chairman White added that CVB was working on a request list as well. Vice Chairman White moved, by Minute Motion, to recommend to the City Council to proceed with this event. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel and carried by 6-0 vote (AYES: Dyer, Harnik, Kirschenbaum, Scatena, Spiegel and White; NOES: None). IX. REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS Councilmember Harnik said that the Fourth of July event in the Civic Center was great. Mr. Wohlmuth felt that this year was the most attended. Chairman Scatena added that the JW Marriott was very busy and Member Kirschenbaum said his hotel was at 100% occupancy. X. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Chairman None B. Committee Members None C. Staff Ms. Gomez introduced Brianne Lawson, the new Economic Development staff member. XI. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS None XII. NEXT MEETING DATE —August 5, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. XIII. ADJOURNMENT With Committee concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 4:54 p.m. Robin)McCormick, Recording Secretary 4