4/14/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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FF_ APR i A 1992 Director Baird also cautioned against a policy of allowing administrative salaries to be funded because at some future time we may have to cut back and that places the Board in the position of "the bad guy" for cutting back, and the Board members agreed. Chairman Eggert concluded that everyone agreed applicants should be told that these funds cannot be used for administrative salaries. Director Baird agreed to contact everyone who received an application packet by telephone immediately, because the applications are due back on April 20. Chairman Eggert asked what will be done about the check lists, and Director Baird explained that the check list is a basic outline so that everyone understands the legal uses for the funds. The Tourist Development Council did not want to restrain creativity by setting strict criteria in the check lists. Chairman Eggert argued that everyone agrees that we exclude administrative salaries but that point is not included in the informational packet which is sent to potential applicants. Commissioner Scurlock thought the language must be consistent with the law and should not be set down to a minimum. Chairman Eggert was concerned that the application should contain all the information to prevent embarrassment when an application is completely rejected simply because they were not given the proper rules. Commissioner Wheeler assured her that would not happen. He detailed the three standards used in evaluating an application: 1) to attract people to use hotel rooms; 2) to attract people from outside the county even if it is only for the day; and 3) to promote off-season events from April to Thanksgiving. In following these three standards each event is evaluated and a judgment must be made. Director Baird pointed out that the council decided billboards would not be funded. The law allows billboard advertising but the council felt billboards were not good for Indian River County and decided not to allow that type of expenditure. Chairman Eggert stressed that if these standards and restrictions are used by the council in evaluating applications, they should be in writing and given as part of the informational packet, and if other traditional or unwritten policies evolve, they should also be in writing. Director Baird advised that these details were explained to everyone who picked up a packet, but he offered to draft a letter with a statement that in the past the Tourist Development Council has found these items to be unacceptable. 22 7_-_7 i