HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-12 - Minutes•ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
May 12, 2008
Commissioners Present: Dan Coody, Neal Crawford, Bob Davis, Pat Gazzola, Robert Rhoads,
Maudie Schmitt and Tim Freeman.
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Sandra Bennett, Jennifer Law, Allyson Twiggs and Marilyn Heifner
Chairman Pat Gazzola called the regular monthly meeting of the Fayetteville Advertising and
Promotion Commission to order on May 12 at the Fayetteville Town Center at 2:00 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF COMMISSIONER
Tim Freeman, general manager of Holiday Inn Express was introduced as A & P Commissioner.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF HMR TAX
Dennis Hunt with Stevens discussed funding options for use of HMR funds. He emphasized that this
was extremely premature and would require a citizen vote to use HMR funds for bonds as a funding
option for Walton Arts Center.
• In 1998, voters approved bonds secured by 1 cent HMR tax for $6,950,000 to be paid off in 2015
($760,000 annual payment). In July 2003, those bonds were refinanced for a $672,000 annual
payment. On October 1, 2008, the bonds can be refunded and extend the debt for a new issue.
By using the existing HMR
tax, it is
the only way
in the city's current position to get new money and it
is the only option available
to build
a tourist type
facility.
Davis asked the disadvantage of paying off the current debt. Hunt responded, "None." Coody said
he was exploring options available for WAC expansion in Fayetteville including — using city owned
property and no greenfield development.
MINUTES
Moved by Davis to correct the April minutes to read,
"In a split vote with Chairman McGeady breaking the tie, Tim Freeman was elected to A & P
Commission to fill a term expiring April 1, 2012. Correction to the Minutes on May 12, 2008 — should
be "Chairman Gazzola breaking the tie."
Second by Coody. Motion carried.
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• HMR COLLECTIONS
Total collections of HMR tax in April (March sales) was $183,672, an increase of 7.06% for the
month. Year to date collections are $689,175, a 6.75% increase.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Keith Glass brought financial statements for March to the meeting. Year to date budget figures were
wrong. Coody moved, Schmitt seconded that financials be approved. Motion carried.
CITY ATTORNEY
City
Attorney Kit Williams
reported that the City
Prosecutor's
office collected over $41,000 this year
and
$10,396.74 in March.
Only 2 % of taxes are
overdue and
businesses not paying.
CLINTON HOUSE MUSEUM REPORT
Jennifer Law reported 141 visitors in March. Roy Clinton, Tim Freeman, Steve Smith, Marilyn
Heifner and 1 other have agreed to serve on CHM Board of Directors. Three guest lecturer series were
completed. Bricks have been laid in the sidewalks. Fox News filmed a documentary segment at the
house on Hillary. A wedding has been booked for the fall. She distributed goals and objectives for
2008 for the Museum. Tim Freeman asked for a comparison of monthly visitors with last years.
• VISITOR BUREAU
An open house was held at the Visitor Center and attractions were invited to set up tables for National
Tourism Week. The International Association of Fire Fighters Motorcycle Rally will be here every
other year. Saturday of Champions will be May 17. Allyson and Julie attended the ASAE Trade Show
in Little Rock. Ryan is busy with USSSA tournament.
TOWN CENTER
Town
Center met sales goals
in April, but collections fell off.
Year to date sales are 9% higher than
2007.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Staff has been working with the Agency to finish the Visitor Guide. Interviews have been conducted
for part time help at the Visitor Center.
Marilyn is working with parks department for wayside signage at Lake Fayetteville.
AGENCY REPORT
Is
Jade reported that the new visitor guide will go to print next week. Spring ads are being run.
• Leigh reported on web stats and public relations efforts. The e -newsletter has been deployed.
Approximately 100+ people were on the website on Thursday and Friday. They had clicked through
from the newsletter.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
Respectfully submitted, %
0 J U
Marilyn Heifner
Executive Director
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