HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Convention & Visitor Bureau - 04/14/1994 I'•
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CCACVB BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MINUTES
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
3PM
HOLIDAY INN-EMERALD BEACH, MARLIN ROOM
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:12PM by Chairman Jones.
ll. Roll Call
Directors attending: Al Jones (Chairman), presiding
Marco Arredondo, Rosario Carrizo, David Coggins, Ralph Ehrlich, Cathy Harrison, Rex
Kinnison, Bill Pruet, E.J. Schanfarber, and Jean Titus.
Absent: Lillian Murray, Ricardo Sanchez, Barbara Sheppard, Gene Urban and Erich
Wendt.
Attending Staff: Keith E. Arnold, Mary Etta Brundidge, and Dottie Sylvester.
Guests: Gordon Landreth (Cotten/Landreth Architects, Inc.), Mo Morehead(MDL), and
Holly Osborn (MDL).
Ill. Motion to approve Minutes of March 23, 1994 Board of Directors Meeting
The third sentence under item IV. was changed to read "Cathy Harrison stated that
she received a note from a citizen on the makeup of boards. " A motion was made by
Ralph Ehrlich to approve the above minutes which was accepted by the Board.
IV. Downtown Management District Gateway Project
A presentation was made by Gordon Landreth, member of the Board of Directors for
the Downtown Management District. He explained that the Gateway Project has been
Q taken on by the Downtown Management District (DMD) and that the DMD was
looking for support from the CVB in the form of input. Their goal is to acquire
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feedback from people who will be influenced by the project. He added that he had
made a recent presentation to the Municipal Arts Council which resulted in their
pledging $150,000 towards the project.
U A picture was shown of the existing area which has been marked for the Gateway
Cl) Project. It was emphasized that Shoreline cannot be crossed all at once. To the left
of the civic plaques on 1-37 there is currently a sign that reads "Do Not Enter". TherC B
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DMD felt that graphics need to be improved in that area as it is the gateway to
Downtown.
On top of the picture shown the DMO had an artist paint their concept of what
Downtown would look like with the Gateway project. The change would involve a
realignment of 1-37 and a portion of Shoreline. The northbound lanes of 1-37 would
be rebuilt and moved over against southbound lanes. A parkway would be established
on vacant land. 80 feet wide medians would be slid against the Seawall. Northbound
traffic would move over to southbound. A greenbelt would be established against the
Seawall more than 60 feet wide which would be built on top of the roadway.
Supports from the Seawall would tie into the structure of the roadway. Sand and a
gravel bed would be brought in and an irrigation system would be built in. Drainage
would go into the existing gutters and outlets on Shoreline today.
The City has a long range plan for the Convention Center where Chaparral would
become one way as well as Mesquite. The City has agreed to close the Water Street
access. Mesquite would stay open because of the new fire station -- the fire trucks
would need to have access. For special events and festivals, Chaparral could be
closed fora day or evening (between the Interstate and the belt). Development of the
Gateway plan would result in a three block long pedestrian area.
The DMD is looking at doing improvements which would involve the planting of
wildflowers using a private contractor.
There could also be an area stage in the park area which could be utilized for Bayfest.
The biggest concern the DMD thought it would have with Bayfest would be their
objection to loss of parking for their volunteers. Bayfest volunteered to bus their
volunteers as long as their underground electricity was moved to the greenbelt. The
DMD agreed to do that.
The DMD had studied time lapse photography done along the Seawall to determine
how many people use that area for parking their cars. They found that very few
people park along the Seawall and that the main traffic is across from parks and the
T-Head. Therefore, the DMD has proposed intermittent spots along the Seawall where
5-6 cars could be parked in a row as well as 3-4 trolley spots for pickup of
passengers. The DMD's goal is to limit parking so that the view can be seen as much
as possible.
A question arose as to how far the Gateway plan would extend along the Seawall.
The response was that it would span from the People's Street T-Head to Power Street.
Beyond Power Street, the area would maintain the existing condition although the
DMD would like to see it go further sometime afterwards.
It was confirmed that there is another concept for the downtown area being
promulgated by one individual (not the DMD). That concept would have northbound
traffic on Shoreline and southbound traffic on Water Street. It also includes a two-
way meandering roadway through the park at ten miles an hour while people are
crossing the park. The DMD felt that this would create a greater hazard for the people
who are walking.
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A question arose as to whether the DMD would primarily fund the project. The
response was no -- funding would be obtained through State Highways, State Parks,
Transportation, 1ST funds, the DMD as well as downtown property owners who have
already contributed S 1 million. The estimated cost for the entire project has been
projected to be $5 million. It was emphasized that they plan on carrying out the
concept "right the first time". Fountains, plants, irrigation, roadway, etc. has all been
considered in the S5 million cost. Funds will also try and be obtained from the
National Endowment for the Arts.
It was explained that one year ago citizens met with the State Highway and Parks
Department who verbally said they would support such a project.
The DMD has a/ready sat down with City staff and been able to account for $4 million
out of the $5 million that will be required for the project. The DMD thinks the plan is
a feasible project which can be carried out within 2-3 years.
The DMD has garnered strong support for the project from the Art Museum, the
Municipal Arts Council, Bayfest, a civic club, the Museum of Science & History. Thus
far, they have not encountered any opposition. They will be presenting their concept
to the Water Shore Advisory, the City Council, etc. They are going through such
multiple presentations before presentation to the newspaper and television so that
they can obtain input and advise from organizations like the CVB.
It was asked if there would be swimming pools built. The response was that there
would be brick pavers and fountains.
Mr. Landreth was asked if the DMD is expecting any opposition. He responded "none
except from the individual who has his own plan". He added, however, that that
individual has informed the DMD he would not fight their concept.
Another question was posed as to the main objective of the project -- whether it was
visual or functional The answer was functional There will be stations for joggers,
volleyball sand courts, etc. The park along the Interstate would be functional as well.
It was affirmed that the trees inside the park will be thick and tall.
The City is discussing closing Belden Street.
Chairman ✓ones asked Mr. Landreth "what can we do to help?" Mr. Landreth replied
"talk it up and support it, encourage it. "
The project will go public on April 26th before City Council.
It was asked who wou/d have the final answer on whether or not the project would
be carried out. The response was that the City has the authority to "seal up"grant
applications. The endeavor would be a City proposal. The City wou/d also have to
"swop" land with the Highway Department.
Alan Samuel, Kathryn Childers, the DMD, and Bob Rowling have put up funds to take
care of the prospective park. Mr. Landreth commented that "we believe we can get
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the majority funded by State agencies and federal" with the City picking up
maintenance of the park.
Bill Pruet noted that ten years ago Tom Utter came up with a similar idea. However,
people were against an obstructed view of the water. He felt there would be
substantial opposition to the DMD's plan. He added that "the City doesn't maintain
parks all over town".
Keith Arnold, speaking for the CVB Board, remarked that "from a tourism standpoint,
development of the downtown area is number two on our priority list". He added that
considering people come from the airport and drive past refineries, to reach such a
setting would set a different tone for the visitor. It was felt that the park would be
good for special event opportunities as well as a place where conventions could hold
receptions, etc.
It was noted that the project would encompass six acres across and be four acres
long.
Drawings have been developed for the Gateway Project for close to one year.
Chairman Jones felt that it was the sense of the Board to encourage the DMD and that
they liked the idea. No one disagreed. A motion was made by Mr. Ehrlich for the
Board to go on record in support and endorsement of the project in concept. All
agreed.
V. Long Range Planning Issues Discussion
Mr. Pruet was asked to expound on product development issues. He began by
explaining that three years ago the Bureau first got involved in the attempt to bring the
Lexington to Corpus Christi. They felt the ship would be a nice addition to package
the City. The Board also changed its mission statement to improve the visitor product
in Corpus Christi. In addition, the Board offered to put up money for the debt to the
Navy in what they felt would be a winning proposition. This came on the "heels" of
the first Columbus Fleet visit.
Regarding the Columbus Fleet, Mr. Pruet noted that "that was an eleventh hour
situation" during which the Board was led into a position of financial commitment.
They developed a formula to recoup their investment out of which they were able to
make a small amount. He emphasized that "this was a risky position for the Bureau".
"The Lexington and Columbus Fleet were the two most significant investments in
product development the Board has done. One was forced on us, one we went into
with some knowledge beforehand. " He ended by stating "if the right project comes
along, it may be worth the risk. "
Mr. Arnold noted that a study had been done several years ago for the Bureau which
said it didn't have a critical mass of attractions to bring people to Corpus Christi. " He
added that there were currently 12 travel writers in the City. One of the travel writers
took a motorcoach trip to Corpus Christi eight years ago. At the time, the writer
couldn't figure out why they were stopping in Corpus Christi.
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Mr. Arnold pointed out that "festivals are an important part of attracting tourists. "
However, none have budgets for outside promotion. He felt the City has a need right
now to refurbish the Columbus Fleet which was referred to as a "distressed
attraction".
E.J. Schanfarber reported that the owner of the barge that hit the Columbus Fleet was
Kirby Lumber. He, Dusty Durrill and Rick Stryker met with Kirby last night to discuss
the accident. Estimates on the damage to the Pinta are approximately ha/f a million.
The Santa Maria needs to be pulled out of the water and surveyed which will cost
$50,000. Compression occurred when the Santa Maria was hit which moved the ribs
of the ship. The ship may have to be rebuilt. It is dependent upon how the ABS
surveyor and Coast Guard assess the ships to determine whether or not the attraction
will be pulled out for the season. Their hope is that the attraction will be open to
tourists.
It will cost $120,000 to refurbish the Nina.
Mr. Arnold noted that the loss of revenue will probably be 50% if only one out of the
three ships is available for tourists. The Columbus Fleet is one of the City's top four
attractions.
Mr. Arnold asked on the product development side "what becomes our role? Should
we rescue an attraction like this? Do we need policy to develop a matching grants
program? What if someone else wants to bring in another major attraction and falls
short on money?" Regarding casino gaming, Mr. Arnold was told by R.C. Allen that
"mutuals are in support of it. A judge's ruling will decide whether it requires an
amendment". He felt it would have a positive impact on tourism and again asked the
Board, "what is our stance?"
Mr. Schanfarber felt the Board should take positions on things like gaming and that
it should garner local support. "We should assume some responsibility"although he
added he "wouldn't want to tag a lot of our dollars on things like that". It was added
that it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to get the Columbus Fleet out of
trouble.
Rex Kinnison, who is also Chairman of the Nueces Sports Facility District, spoke about
a plan for an indoor all purpose arena which would expand the current Convention
Center. In addition, an outdoor all purpose arena is envisioned.
Mr. Pruet commented "I think that's the ultimate product development goal-- we have
a lot of lost convention opportunities with the Bayfront Convention Center. We should
commit serious dollars to that. "
Chairman Jones commented that the driving force behind the consolidation effort was
to acquire the staff and budget that is needed to pursue such issues as product
development.
Mr. Arnold noted that it would cost approximately $40,000 to see what is needed and
where for product development. Mr. Kinnison added that other key factors for such
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a study would entail need, support, funding and location. Due to the wide nature of
such a study he felt that 575,000 would be needed.
Mr. Kinnison elaborated on the new indoor arena -- that it would hold 12,000 seats
and could be used for basketball, conventions, and concerts. The separate, outdoor
facility would have a baseball park and would also be used for soccer and festivals.
Mr. Arnold added that the indoor arena would be built adjacent to the Bayfront
Convention Center and have 60,000 square feet. There would also be a flow between
the two buildings. The goal is to make it all a multi-purpose building. If such an
endeavor was pursued it was noted that it might encourage the building of another
hotel. It was verified that there is room around the existing Bayfront Convention
Center to build such a facility as well as another hotel. Mr. Kinnison pointed out that
he would have to talk with the RTA, Chamber of Commerce and EDC on the above
plans as well.
Mr. Pruet posed the question, "where do we get the $80,000 to do the study?" He
noted that the strongest thing the Board could do would be to come up with a plan
to assume operation of the Convention Center. Then the Bureau would be in a
position to pursue other endeavors. It was noted that every year at least $350,000
in bed tax money goes to the City under "Administration". He felt that the Bureau
could administer the $4 million in bed tax for a considerable amount less. Out of the
$4 million the Bureau receives $ 1. 7 million while $2.3 million goes to the debt service
for the Bayfront Convention Center. A maintenance trust fund has been setup for the
Convention Center li.e. roof, air conditioning, carpet). In addition, money was given
to the Legal Arts Council. At this point Mr. Arnold stated that the Bureau will bring
a printout to the next Board meeting of how the bed tax is spent. Chairman Jones
pointed out that if the Bureau did take on the Convention Center it would also have
to take on liability of it as well.
Mr. Arnold noted that the consolidation issue would have required renegotiation of the
Bureau's contract with the City. At one point, a City official had said that the formula
for occupancy tax received over $3.2 million could be changed to 50/50 rather than
the current 25/75. Mr. Pruet suggested that someone go back to the City Manager
and win 3-4 strong supporters on the Council. Chairman Jones commented that the
consolidation issue was not over yet.
Mr. Arnold brought up two product issues that would be related to next year. The
first one is the need for the Bureau to design and put together a new airport booth.
He added that they have acquired carte blanche to do so. The second one is the
relocation of a Visitor Information Center on Padre Is/and. The Bureau feels that it
would be better to have such a center on Padre Island rather than Flour Bluff. It was
pointed out that dollars and studies would be needed for these two projects to
progress.
VI. Departmental Reports
Mr. Arnold noted that last weekend while he and Marilyn Pierce were working on the
Budget, they had received a lot of calls asking why Corpus Christi hadn't participated
in the Texas insert. They explained that they were not in the Corpus Christi
newspapers as they opted to put that thousands of dollars in other markets. At this
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point a radio commercial was played for the Board which was run in San Antonio and
Houston last week in support of the insert. A different approach was taken for the
commercial which was distinctive and one that would "cut through". Over a 1,000
calls were received as a result of the insert.
The Marketing Plan and Budget will be presented to the Board at the May meeting as
well as a white paper on marketing to Mexico.
Mr. Arnold has gone over the Budget with E.✓. Schenfarber. Rex Kinnison has
received a copy of the Budget which he will review as well.
The State has started its seminars in Texas which was touched on by Dr. Dianne
Mendoza Freeman during her recent visit to Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi will be the
first to present to over 100 Mexican travel agents in Mexico City on May 3rd and 4th.
The seminar will be attended by Keith Arnold, Lucy Reta ICVBI and Rudy Delgado
/EDC/ and will consist of two days of presentations. Free air service will be provided
by Continental.
The Mustangs have offered to do a barbecue to benefit a highly, socially acceptable
charity in November in Monterrey. They have "adopted"Mr. Arnold to provide input.
The CVB will buy tickets for travel agents in Mexico to attend. It is envisioned that
the event will provide the Bureau good press coverage.
VII. Old Business
Ms. Harrison thanked the Chairman and Mr. Pruet for their hard work on the
consolidation.
Chairman Jones noted that the consolidation folks had ample time to inform the
Chamber of Commerce people. Only at the last minute did problems crop up. The
goal of the Interim Board was to have wide spread support by the Chamber for the
consolidation. It was pointed out that the overriding issue was the public/private
issue. Efforts will be taken to come to an understanding.
Mr. Coggins remarked that he hoped the consolidation wouldn't die. "We need to find
overall ideas for this town" and expressed his desire to the Board that they "push
toward some mechanism that helps bring all the Boards together with follow-up
periodically". He emphasized that "you have to get it back to the community. " He
believed that the marketing concept for the consolidation was not sold. "You have
to have the tax payers with you in this community -- then they will be onboard. "
Chairman Jones suggested that the Board express their consensus is to still pursue the
consolidation effort.
Mr. Ehrlich asked "is it over or still an issue?" Chairman Jones stated that the
membership of the Chamber of Commerce could diminish and believed that business
would not continue at the Chamber as usual. Mr. Pruet added that two-thirds of the
Chamber's Board is looking for something to change. 25 to 5 of the Chamber Board
voted in favor of the consolidation.
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Chairman Jones noted that there were a lot of issues in the alternatives paper that had
nothing to do with the public/private ratio.
Mr. Coggins stated that "we're focused on the tourist business. We have to stand up
and be counted. Tourism and visitor business is important for us. "
Mr. Arnold suggested that "maybe we have to have more strategic alliances".
Chairman Jones stated that a group had met in the morning regarding the need for
change. "The question is how to get to that. "
Mr. Coggins made a motion that the CVB Board continue to support the consolidation.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Harrison and approved by the Board.
VIII. New Business
Chairman Jones asked Mr. Coggins to speak on the Coastal Management Plan which
he described as a "huge issue that will affect us". Mr. Coggins noted that the General
Land Office has written a paper outlining policies and procedures for setting up a
Coastal Coordinating Committee. It will establish them as a "super-czar" and will
enable them to permit authorization for construction in the two counties next to the
Gulf of Mexico (includes Nuecesl. It also empowers the General Land Office to review
a permit for compliance to a plan that they write. Mr. Coggins stressed that "it can
affect you in your house and yard" and described it as the reach of the
environmentalist movement over the last 15 years. They could also change the value
of property. For instance, property once worth $600,000 on Mustang Island could
drop as low as $50,000 or S60,000 because of the restricted potential. It could
affect tax dollars to support schools as they make and enforce the rules.
Development has stopped on Padre Island and Mustang Island right now. A hearing
will be held next Thursday night. Garry Mauro, the Board of Realtors and the Chamber
of Commerce will be in attendance. Mr. Coggins is involved in coordinating a
presentation that will "present our story". The Coastal Management Plan is scheduled
to go into effect in June.
Mr. Arnold added that the above plan could also place restrictions on the Gateway
Project. Mr. Coggins noted that the cost of getting a permit would triple from what
it is currently.
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 4:54PM.
Dottie Sylvester
Recording Secretary