TOWN OF PROVINCETOWN – VISITOR SERVICES BOARD
SPECIAL
MEETING – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2005
Chairman Steve Melamed opened the
meeting at 10:05 AM noting the following attendees:
VSB members: Peter Bez; Lynne Davies, Vice Chairman;
Ellen Freeman; Laurel Guadazno; Steve Melamed, Chairman and Barbara Rushmore
VSB members absent: Mick Rudd
Other attendees: Patricia
Fitzpatrick, Tourism Director
Recorder: Bill Schneider
The following are meeting
minutes, in brief.
The
Chairman addressed the minutes from the meeting on February 8, 2005. The grant application submitted by Barbara
Rushmore on behalf of the Library Building Fund in the amount of $5,000 should
be reflected as FY 2006, not FY 2005.
The recorder was asked to forward a corrected copy of the minutes to
each member of the VSB for approval at the March 8, 2005 meeting.
The
Chairman addressed the concerns the VSB has regarding the false perception
about Provincetown. Ellen Freeman
referenced the comments made by the Family Pride Coalition in the supporting
documents presented with their grant application as well as the article about
Provincetown, which appeared in “In News Weekly.” Barbara Rushmore reflected upon the many positive things the Town
has done and continues to do. Tourism
Director Patricia Fitzpatrick spoke about her positive relationship with travel
writers and the importance of being a credible source. Peter Bez stated Provincetown is a
destination that offers something for every budget. Lynne Davies spoke about the marketing budget. The Chairman addressed spin control when
responding to editorial comments.
MOTION: Move
that the Tourism Director draft a letter to the Guest Opinion column in
response to the article about Provincetown, which recently appeared in the
publication “In News Weekly.”
Motion by: ..... Peter Bez Seconded
by: Ellen Freeman Yea
6 Nay 0
The Tourism Director
agreed to circulate a draft of the letter to the VSB by the end of the week.
Ellen Freeman requested
the Tourism Director work on an outline in conjunction with the Chamber of
Commerce and Provincetown Business Guild concerning the hospitality academy.
Steve Tait presented a
proposal for a community marketing survey to be conducted by San Francisco-based
Community Marketing, Inc. on behalf of the Provincetown Business Guild. The PBG would like the VSB consider
financial assistance in funding half of the market research, which is estimated
to cost $20,000. The Chairman expressed
his interest in receiving a composite incorporating information from the
Chamber of Commerce. Vice Chairman
Lynne Davies asked about the possibility of this firm provide a marketing
plan. Mr. Tait indicated Community
Marketing, Inc. could provide the VSB with a marketing plan for approximately
$3,800 plus expenses. Ellen Freeman
requested the VSB have input in developing the criteria for the survey.
The Chairman requested
the Chamber of Commerce be asked if they wish to participate before the VSB
votes on whether or not to grant the PBG’s request for funding.
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 4:50 PM.
MOTION: Move
that the VSB fund $15,000 ($7,500 for a market survey conducted by Community
Marketing under the direction of the Provincetown Business Guild; also $7,500
set aside to be offered to the Chamber of Commerce for the continuity of
parity, to conduct a similar market survey of their client base by a third
party, if they so wish) to be available until the end of fiscal year 2005.
Motion by: ..... Peter Bez Seconded
by: Lynne Davies Yea
6 Nay 0
David Flower addressed the VSB about decorating the
VSB booth for the Gay and Lesbian Expo and distributed the proposed design of
the booth.
Don Murphy presented the
grant application for the Provincetown Portuguese Weekend. Peter Bez requested information from last
year’s income, which Mr. Murphy was not prepared to respond to. Laurel Guadazno inquired if the VSB logo
would be included on all advertising.
Lynne Davies asked if brochures have been printed. Mr. Murphy confirmed the brochures have been
drafted and do not include the VSB logo as all sponsors are treated
fairly. Ms. Davies reiterated the VSB
grant application guidelines are enforced pursuant to the grant agreement
between the Town and the grantees.
Ellen Freeman expressed concern that the VSB guidelines be applied
uniformly to all applicants.
MOTION: Move
that the VSB fund $2,850 for the participation of the Gazela at the 2005
Provincetown Portuguese Festival from the FY 2005 promotional grant budget.
Motion by: ..... Laurel Guadazno Seconded
by: Peter Bez Yea
0 Nay 5 (LG, BR, PB, SM, LD)
Abstain 1 (EF)
Ellen Freeman left the meeting at 12:20 PM.
Jim Cox presented the grand application for the
Silent and Live Auctions 2005 on behalf of the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod.
MOTION: Move
that the VSB decline the application request submitted by the AIDS Support
Group of Cape Cod for a promotional grant.
Motion by: ..... Peter Bez Seconded
by: Laurel Guadazno Yea
5 Nay 0
MOTION: Move to direct the chair to direct the Tourism Director to provide the VSB
with the report of exactly what marketing is are in place for the remainder of
FY 2005 to include the information requested by Ellen Freeman.
Motion by: ..... Peter Bez Seconded
by: Laurel Guadazno Yea
5 Nay 0
Move to fund the booth
redesign in the amount of $3,000 and assign a committee of David Flower,
Patricia Fitzpatrick and Laurel Guadazno.
Motion by: ..... Lynne Davies Seconded
by: Barbara Rushmore Yea
5 Nay 0
MOTION: Move to fund the booth redesign in the amount of $3,000 and assign a
committee of David Flower, Patricia Fitzpatrick and Laurel Guadazno.
Motion by: ..... Peter Bez Seconded
by: Barbara Rushmore Yea 5 Nay
0
The Chairman announced the meeting will be continued until
9:30 AM on Wednesday, February 16, 2005.