WORKSHOP ITEM Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk
Title
TWIN CITIES GATEWAY VISITORS BUREAU ADDITIONAL BOARD SEAT
Background
Based on annual lodging tax receipts, the City of Blaine is entitled to an additional appointed Board seat for the Twin Cities Gateway Visitors Bureau. Per the bylaws, this second appointed seat is to be from the hotel/lodging sector. All lodging properties in Blaine are eligible and staff reached out to all lodging properties regarding their interest and asked for a letter of interest that included:
- List of any service organizations or professional activities that you have been or are currently involved with
- Briefly explain why you wish to serve on the Board
- List any special background, strengths, or abilities you would bring to the Board
- List any specific goals and/or objectives you visualize for the City
Two letters of interest were received by the deadline of September 14 and are included for Council review. Interviews were conducted with Councilmember Jeppson, the current Blaine representative, who will share a recommendation for appointment to Blaine City Council.
In terms of a time commitment, the Twin Cities Gateway Board of Directors meets six times a year, the next meeting being November 17. While attendance is not required, it is encouraged as the goal is to have Boardmembers who are actively engaged. Below is the language from the bylaws outlining the Board position in more detail.
ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Board of Directors.
A. The Board of Directors shall be proportionately represented, based on the percentage of lodging fee contributions contributed by the Member City during the preceding year. Each Member City shall have at least one Board Member. For each additional 10%, or portion thereof, above the initial 10% of the overall contribution will entitle the Member City to one additional representative. The first Board Member appointed by the Member City shall be an elected or appointed municipal representative of that Member City. The second Board Member selected by the Member City will be from that community’s lodging industry. Any additional representatives shall be selected at the Member City’s discretion. The term of any Board Member appointed, or selected by a Member City shall immediately cease, without further action, upon the date of termination of membership of that Member City in the Corporation.
B. Member Cities added after the approval of these By-Laws will be allowed one (1) Board Member until the end of the first calendar year after being added and then the terms of Section 1. shall apply
Recommendation
Council is asked to provide input on appointment based on the recommendation by Councilmember Jeppson. Formal Council appointment will occur prior to the November Board meeting.