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Tourist Development Council Meeting
Minutes
December 14, 2004
Ocean Center

Call to Order:
Chairman Frank Bruno called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM

Approval of Minutes of November 9, 2004:
Motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes with all in favor.

Status Report of Expansion:
Matt Greeson, Assistant County Manager gave a report on the expansion. A memo was distributed stating the project overview to date. There was no update on Project Consultants. A report will be given in the spring regarding the construction services. Since the last memo, the city commission approved the ordinance on second reading for the right of way vacations on November 17th. Those are condition ordinances and several things have to be accomplished before they take effect such as right of way issues. We received our Water Management District permit for the south lot. We have also submitted a revised site plan to the city for consideration. Construction of the south parking lot is still scheduled to commence after Bike Week. Information on the bond issue can be accessed through the web site and Matt will send everyone a link to this web site. There have been several inquiries about the schedule for completing the project. We are projected to open in 2007 but a specific date can’t be released at this time as we are still at the schematic design phase. After the council has approved the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) with the Construction Manager he will sign a contract saying he will complete this project within a certain number of days. That will give a definitive opening date.

Events and Conventions Bookings Report:
This report was given by Ocean Center Director, Rick Hamilton. A schedule was distributed listing the conventions, consumer shows and public spectator events for December 2004 through April 2005. Bookings are up and we forecast a very successful financial year. There are several room nights associated with some of the bookings. There are three sales trips listed on the schedule.

Architect’s Presentation:
Andy McLean, TVS International gave an overview of schematic drawings. He has given a set of plans to the Construction Manager to begin the pricing activity of the project. He showed several slides of the construction plans. There was discussion on an escalator and a motion was made, seconded and approved to include an escalator in the final plans. The truck access for unloading will be on the north side with screening for concealment. The possibility to be able to close off the street in front of the south entrance to use as a pedestrian walkway, if necessary during large events was shown. There was discussion about the south entrance, the canopies on the entrance from A1A, the use of Peabody Auditorium, landscaping, street trees, the allover theme, type of glass on the south entrance and the size and number of meeting rooms. Motion was made, seconded to approve the present schematics.

Public art and what is needed will be discussed at the January 11th meeting. The Art in Public Places Committee is set up by ordinance. County Code requires any construction project of a certain size has to dedicate one half to one percent of construction costs to Art in Public Places. They have recommended $400,000 which is a little over one half percent.

Update From Partners:
No report for the Hotel-Motel. Sharon Hughes will provide a written report from the CVB/Ad Authorities. There is still some concern about the hurricane cleanup and sign restoration. They have invited planners in the Washington DC area to discuss their attitudes about Florida and the hurricanes. The convention center in Fort Lauderdale has offered free space during the months of August and September for 2005 and 2006, which puts them at a major advantage.

Old Business:
Jim Bazemore would like a simplified two page report on how we stand financially.

New Business:
There was no new business.

January meeting will be held on the 11th.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:20

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Volusia County, Florida.