HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2020-055• Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
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Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2020-584
File ID: AB2020-584 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 11/25/2020 Entered by: THelms@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: County Executive's File Type: Resolution
Office
Assigned to: Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee Final Action: 12/08/2020
Agenda Date: 12/08/2020 Enactment #: RES 2020-055
Primary Contact Email: Tschroed@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution approving the 2021 recommended Convention Center allocations for tourism -related
facilities and activities as defined through RCW 67.28.1816
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
See attached
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body:
Action:
12/08/2020 Council Finance and Administrative RECOMMENDED FOR
Services Committee APPROVAL
Aye: 3 Browne, Byrd, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Sent To:
12/08/2020 Council APPROVED
Aye: 7 Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Attachments: Resolution, Attachment A
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 121912020
PROPOSED BY: Executive
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-055
APPROVING THE 2020 RECOMMENDED CONVENTION CENTER
ALLOCATIONS FOR TOURISM -RELATED FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
AS DEFINED THROUGH RCW 67.28.1816
WHEREAS on October 22, 2020, the Whatcom County Lodging Tax
Advisory Committee (LTAC) held a virtual public meeting to consider 2021 funding for
use of Convention Center Funds; and
WHEREAS, the committee recognized the extraordinary environment
shaped from the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in a significant decrease in tax
revenue achieved through the Lodging Tax; and
WHEREAS, it was recognized that the Chambers and Bellingham
Whatcom Tourism continue to provide support and education for safe travel and guidance
on business closures and openings; and
WHEREAS, the annual call for applications was suspended due to the
COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the cancellation of a majority of 2020 scheduled
events and festivals supported by the Lodging Tax Fund and it was determined a
competitive 2021 application process may occur when a more definitive outlook is
available for large group gatherings; and
WHEREAS, the committee recommended continued funding for the
Chambers and Bellingham Whatcom Tourism in the amount of $527,00 as they work to
support our communities striving safely open for tourism; and
WHEREAS, the LTAC further recommends a 10% contingency in the
amount of $100,000 to be used in the event an eligible tourism promoting activity is
brought forward later in the year; and
WHEREAS, the committee recommends funding increased maintenance
costs for the Glacier restrooms. This high traffic restroom is used by locals and visitors
seeking adventures outdoors. The additional maintenance support in the amount of
$7,500 for a total of $19,500 annually will ensure twice daily cleaning and grounds
keeping in the immediate area, septic tank/field maintenance and inspections and cleaning
supplies; and
WHEREAS, the committee unanimously agreed to the 2021 funding
recommendations totaling $646,500 which were detennined based on the ability to
promote and serve tourism activities in Whatcom County as defined in RCW 67.28; and
WHEREAS, the 2021 Convention Center Fund revenue is projected at
$610,000 and the 2020 fund balance is projected to be $2,047,999; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Whatcom County Council hereby
authorizes the County Administration to allocate $646,500 from the Lodging Tax Fund
for the purposes of tourism related activities as recommended by the Lodging Tax
Advisory Committee and detailed in attachment A.
APPROVED this 8th day of December
IJ
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Dana ABowi
=l,vis, ouhcil Clerk
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APPROVED. as to form:
Chris Quinn per email 11/30/2020
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
2020.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
uchanan, Council Chair