CITY OF ANTIGO

HOTEL/MOTEL ROOM TAX COMMISSION MEETING

AUGUST 28, 2013

Members Present: Mayor Brandt, Rick LeBrun, Deena Grabowsky, David West and Sam Hardin

Members Absent: Alderperson Kassis and Ann Majewski

A meeting of the Hotel/Motel Room Tax Commission was called to order on the above date at 8:30 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room, City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bill Brandt, Chairperson, and Jaime Horswill, Clerical/Utility Assistant, recorded the minutes thereof.

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1. 2013 Room Tax Request Proposal

Antigo Area Youth Hockey Association (AAYHA) submitted a Hotel/Motel Room Tax Commission Application for the AAYHA Tournaments and Camp requesting $2,000.

The application advised that advertising is to start immediately and end June 14, 2014. This is not a first time event, and has been successful in the past.

The application further advises that a visitor will spend 3 days each weekend at this attraction, with a projected number of overnight stays at a minimum of 300 rooms.

The application noted there would not be any direct profit to this organization except for food sales during the event. All money from the association is used for events, expenses, etc.

The application advised the AAYHA program is one of the largest draws for the hotels in the area during the winter months. There is scheduled to be five weekend tournaments at the Multi-Purpose Building in Antigo. Every year their advertising gets better and better and increases room nights. Advertising will help to reduce cancelled tournaments and camps.

Mayor Brandt noted these events do fill motel rooms and is not a first time event.

Upon inquiry by Sam Hardin, David West advised that this is a several weekend event.

LeBrun moved, Hardin seconded, to approve the 2013 room tax request proposal from Antigo Area Youth Hockey Association for $2,000. Carried 5-0, Absent-2.

APPROVED

2. Financial Update

Kaye Matucheski, Clerk-Treasurer, provided the commission with a Hotel/Motel Financial Recap as of August 20, 2013 with an ending Cash/Investment Balance of $63,283.56, plus Reserves of $145,000 for a total balance of $208,283.56.

Mayor Brandt noted the $2,000 in encumbered funds requested in 2012 from the Langlade County Fair was approved but never requested.

Upon inquiry by Mayor Brandt, Rick LeBrun advised that the burden should not be on the commission to make sure that organizations request the money they were approved for.

Mayor Brandt indicated that the event has been over for well over a year. Maybe they did not need the money or felt they did not meet the qualifications they thought they were going to.

Consensus of the commission was to revert the money back into the fund.

Upon inquiry by Mayor Brandt, Deena Grabowsky, indicated that there are not enough funds available in the reserve for the Welcome Center to start building yet.

Ms. Grabowsky further indicated that the organization needs to become a 501c3 and they are in the process of obtaining this status to be able to solicit more funds.

Upon inquiry by Mayor Brandt, Ms. Grabowsky indicated that the Chamber of Commerce asked for a ball park figure of how much they were going to need for a new building and they were told approximately $250,000 to $300,000, which includes the driveway. No plans have been drawn; this is just a very rough estimate.

Mayor Brandt suggested possibly obtaining a loan, since there is $145,000 in reserves and $20,000 ($5,000 a quarter) that is dedicated to a new Welcome Center a year. Ms. Grabowsky indicated that the Remington Foundation also gave the center $50,000.

Ms. Grabowsky indicated that the new Welcome Center will not be elaborate. They plan to add a conference room and a 24 hour foyer where people can come and pick up information.

Upon inquiry by Mayor Brandt, Ms. Grabowsky indicated that there will not be bathroom facilities in the 24 hour section.

Upon inquiry by Mayor Brandt, Ms. Grabowsky indicated that there are no state plans at this point.

INFORMATION ONLY

3. Any Other Matters Authorized by Law to be Discussed

NONE

4. Adjournment

Hardin moved, LeBrun seconded, to adjourn at 8:43 a.m. Carried 5-0. Absent 2.

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Mayor Brandt, Chairperson Date