Agenda Item Wording:
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Convention Center Discount Authority - Confirmation of the City Manager’s authority to establish a discount policy for Convention Center usage and to have the authority to delegate the implementation of that policy.
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Prepared by: Leslie B. Caviglia, City Manager, Leslie.caviglia@visalia.gov 559-713-4332.
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the Visalia City Council confirm the City Manager’s authority to establish a discount policy for Convention Center usage, based on the goal of economic enhancement for the community, and to have the authority to delegate the implementation of that policy as the City Manager sees fit.
Summary: The City Manager is requesting that the City Council approve this clarification regarding a discount policy for the Convention Center. While such authority was established many years ago and has been in practice, it has become a bit murky over the years as to when and how the authorization was granted. Because the Council adopts a fee structure for all City fees, including the Convention Center, clarifying the authorization for appropriate discounts is warranted. This Council agenda item is to provide such clarification.
It is the intent for the Convention Center Manager, Assistant City Manager and City Manager to develop a policy that will encourage economic stimulation in the community and provide flexibility to encourage usage during non-peak times at the Center for conventions, conferences, local non-profit and City Recreation usage. The emphasis of the Center is to stimulate the economy with an emphasis on bringing conventions and other events that will utilize hotel rooms in the community, a secondary priority to bring conferences and events that will provide large scale usage of the Center, but perhaps with fewer hotel rooms, and thirdly to provide for general usage of the Center for community use. The discount policy will focus on encouraging events that have high economic impact, and secondarily, to utilize the space during non-peak times and facilitate local non-profit and City Recreation usage that does not preclude use for overnight events.
While the Convention Center is subsidized by the General Fund, the goal is for the Center to operate as a business, and to limit the need for subsidy except and unless there is significant community economic incentive for a discount to be provided.
Fiscal Impact: This item confirms the authorization already in practice and is not intended to generate any further negative impact to the General Fund.
Prior Council Action: The previous authorization does not appear to have been a formal, specific action; therefore, this item is being brought forward for confirmation.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: To require the Convention Center to apply only the approved rates and fees for any and all events.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to confirm the City Manager’s authority to establish a discount policy for Convention Center usage, based on the goal of economic enhancement for the community, and to have the authority to delegate the implementation of that policy as the City Manager sees fit.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: Not specific
Attachments: N/A