Item Q08
'.
Board of County Commissioners
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting Date: June 16, ~04
Bulk Item: Yes [] No m
Division: Board of County Commissioners
Department: George R. Neugent
AGENDA ITEM WORDING:
To review and discuss with City Council member Randy Mearns the possibility of
establishing a Convention and Visitors Bureau for Greater Marathon.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
CONTRACT I AGREEMENT CHANGES:
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
TOTAL COST:
BUDGETED: YES [] NO []
COST TO COUNTY: $
~A
Source of Funds:
REVENUE PRODUCING: YES [] NO [] AMT PER MONTH:
YEAR:
APPROVED BY: COUNTY ATTY [] OMS/PURCHASING [] RISK MANAGEMENT []
APPROVAL: '1W.. ~ ~~
Commissioner GEOkGE R. NEUGENT
DISTRICT II
DOCUMENTATION: INCLUDED ~ TO FOLLOW []
NOT REQUIRED []
DISPosmON:
AGENDA ITEM #
Q)?
MAY 2 R 7004
Sponsored by: Mearns
I'
CITY OF MARATHON, FLORIDA
RESOLUTION 2004-050
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARATHON,
FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE CREATION OF A CONVENTION AND
VISITORS BUREAU FOR GREATER MARATHON
WHEREAS, the islands of the greater Marathon community sought and received by referendum
on November 1, 1999 its incorporation as the City of Marathon in order to better govern itself and better
represent the interests of its citizens and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Greater Marathon Community is unique to the Florida Keys with its own
special character and needs; and
WHEREAS, various local interests representing tourism and those of the local community have
come together to form the Greater Marathon Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMVCB) in order to best
understand, market, promote and serve the interests of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MARATHON, FLORIDA, that:
Section 1. The City of Marathon hereby recognizes and supports the GMVCB concept as the
most appropriate body to market and promote tourism and otherwise serve the best interests of the
Greater Marathon community.
Section 2. The City of Marathon hereby requests the Board of County Commissioners of
Monroe County recognize the GMCVB.
Section 3.
This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Marathon, Florida, this 25th day
of May, 2004.
THE CITY OF MARATHON, FLORIDA
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Bartus, Bull, Mearns, Miller, Pinkus
None
None
None
ATTEST:
~~{o< 6~l&~
Cindy L. Ecklund
City Clerk
(City Seal)
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY FOR THE USE
AND RELIANCE OF THE CITY OF MARATHON, FLORIDA ONLY:
0G~8G
FLORIDA HOTEL & MOTEL ASSOCIATION, INC.
HoapltaJlty Square
HOSPITALITY SQUARE. 200 WEST COllEGE AVENUE
POST OFFICE BOX 1529. TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32302-1529
850-224-2888 . 800-476-FHMA . FAX 850-222-FHMA
June 16, 2004
Tom Chemiavsky, CHA
Vice President/General Manager
Hawk's Cay Resort & Marina
Mile Marker 61
Marathon, Florida 33050
Dear Tom:
In regards to the upcoming meeting to possible changes in the Florida Keys marketing efforts, as an
officer and a member of the Florida Hotel & Motel Association Board of Directors, you are certainly
authorized to represent our long-established policy in bed tax matters.
Specifically, FH&MA has consistently opposed any change in current local option tourist develoment
tax laws, which clearly state that bed taxes may only be imposed at the County level, or in a single sub-
County district. You may also recall that our Board recently reaffirmed its adamant opposition to any
form of municipal bed taxes. It is our feeling that a unified, county-level marketing effort is the most
efficient and effective way to spend current bed tax dollars.
It is always desirable for communities to work out their differences and develop marketing programs
that are mutually beneficial and maximize the effectiveness of limited bed tax revenues rather than
developing too many diverse programs that only dilute and confuse their marketing message.
Please keep us informed on the progress of the discussions in the Keys. As one of Florida's most
important tourism markets, we are all vitally concerned with your continued success.
Sincerely,
~~;7~
Gary L. Smith, CAE
Executive Vice President
Florida Hotel & Motel Association
Cc: Tom Waits, President/CEO
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