Minutes - 2009/04/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council April 13, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 5 Natallia Mattke, Director of Sales & Catering for The Mermaid and resident of 5358 Clifton Drive, stated that Visit Minneapolis North is well known but that would not be the case with the new bureau so a large budget will be needed to become established and represent a large number (9-10) of cities. She explained most of their business is corporate meetings and conventions, not sports teams. Currently, The Mermaid is on the same level as Northland Inn and the Earle Brown Center so she is skeptical whether a new bureau run by two people will provide the same high level of representation for The Mermaid or be able to target their market. Ms. Mattke stated The Mermaid is satisfied with the representation received from Visit Minneapolis North and if Mounds View does not opt out now, it can remain in Visit Minneapolis North through 2010. Mayor Flaherty stated it appears there is a good chance that Mounds View will be asked to leave Visit Minneapolis North by the end of 2009 and it is hoped that a new bureau will be well organized to represent Mounds View businesses. Clerk-Administrator Ericson noted the legislation that created the ability to establish a lodging tax was to promote the city and hotels. The cities will be forming this entity through a joint powers agreement to promote and market its area for tourism so a partnership with the lodging properties is needed. He stated that with a different focus on Mounds View, maybe The Mermaid will gain business from sports teams. • Ms. Mattke stated by the time the sports teams come, they are already booked with a lower negotiated rate plus a commission paid to the National Sports Center. Dan Hall, representing The Mermaid, stated it is also during the time of year that they are booked for weddings. He explained how they bid for convention business but if The Mermaid is the only convention center in the bureau, he would wonder why a group would come to this area. However, if they are part of a bureau with established business, there is more business and it is based on hotel business instead of sports business. They also make application for grants and it is not known if that will be available with a new bureau. Council Member Gunn noted some of the Visit Minneapolis North member cities are not close to Mounds View but John Connelly has connections and knows this business. Also, Mounds View may not have an option so she supports the resolution. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7430, Approving Intent to Exercise the Opt Out Clause of the Contract with Visit Minneapolis North CVB effective December 31, 2009. Council Member Mueller commented on the Minneapolis and St. Paul crime rate and stated she thinks a new bureau could have a more dynamic name and create opportunities for Mounds View businesses.