HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-04 MC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT
MARKETING COMMITTEE
MINUTES
TUESDAY, August 4, 2020 — 3:00 P.M.
ZOOM MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Thomas Soule called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Jeffrey Norman Ray Rodriguez
Rolf Hoehn Erin Scott
Franchesca Forrer
City of Palm Desert Staff Present:
Lauri Aylaian, City Manager
Thomas Soule, Tourism and Marketing Manager, Econ. Development
Barbara Blythe, Visitor Services Manager, Econ. Development
Vanessa Mager, Special Events Manager, Econ. Development
Wayne Olson, Senior Development Analyst, Econ. Development
Deborah Schwartz Glickman, Business Advocate, Econ. Development
Also Present:
Councilmember Jan Harnik, City of Palm Desert
Mayor Gina Nestande, City of Palm Desert
Brian Simpson, Desert Willow Golf Resort
Cimin Cohen, Ideapeddler
Raghav Mehra, Ideapeddler
Andrea Foertsch, Ideapeddler
Jan Hulahan, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
III. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Marketing Committee meeting of
June 3, 2020.
Rec: Tabled
A motion and vote could not be made, as a quorum was not
present. Committee noted that no changes to the minutes as
presented were needed. Approve tabled till October 6, 2020
regular meeting.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. General update from the City Manager on COVID-19 impacts on City
Operations
Rec: Receive and File.
Ms. Aylaian, presented a summary on City operations during the pandemic,
as the City is not open to the public. The City continues to offer all services
via phone, email and online. Currently there is not an exact opening date for
the City. Ms. Aylaian also presented the overall budget for FY19/20 and FY
20/21. FY 19/20 saw a $6.2-million-dollar gap. This gap was closed by using
cash on hand. FY 20/21 is projected to see a $8.3-milion-dollar gap. The City
proposes to the close the gap with funds from obligated general fund
reserves, pausing some projects and unobligated reserve funds.
B. Presentation on proposed Unite Palm Desert Hotel Voucher Program.
Rec: Review and File.
Ms. Hulahan shared that the JW Marriot is focusing on their leisure plan
moving going forward. The hotel will be offer a 3rd night free program from
now till December. Once operating the hotel will be at 300 max occupancies,
to allow for social distancing.
Mr. Soule presented the hotel voucher program. The City will assist with
covering the cost of the 3rd night at a flat rate for every hotel in Palm Desert.
The City Council approved $900,000 for this voucher program.
C. Presentation of FY 2020/21 Media Plan.
Rec: Receive and discuss.
Ms. Cohen presented a comprehensive plan (see attached) with a total
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Media Plan budget of $550K. $409K from the FY 20/21 budget and $141 K
budget from the FY 19/20 budget, which Ideapeddler has rolled over.
Mr. Soule asked for feedback, as a vote cannot be taken without a quorum.
All in attendance agreed the plan is on the right track.
VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
VII. OLD BUSINESS
None
VIII. REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS
A. City Council.
None
IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. Chair.
Rolf Hoehn, Indian Wells Tennis Garden — Mr. Hoehn updated the
committee members on their continued plans for next year's BNP Paribas
Tennis Tournament.
Committee Members.
Jeffrey Norman, McCallum Theatre — Mr. Norman announced the New CEO,
Jamie Grant from San Francisco. Mr. Grant will be starting Sept. 1st
Franchesca Forrer, Westfield Palm Desert — Ms. Forrer shared that a Drive -
In pop up theatre starts this weekend at the Mall. They will also be hosting
Picnic on the Patio, which will take place every weekend from now till Labor
Day. Mr. Forrer also mentioned that all stores with exterior entrances are
open for business.
Brian Simpson, Desert Willow Golf Resort — Mr. Simpson told the Committee
that Desert Willow was noted in Golf Weekly Magazine as the 20th best golf
resort in CA. In the U.S golf in June saw an increase of 14% year over year.
July has been the best year over year for the resort. Mr. Simpson noted that
the golf resort is a great outdoor wedding location.
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C. Staff.
None.
X. NEXT MEETING:
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Confirm October 6, 2020
With Committee Member concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 4:49
p.m.
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