NN Ord-1998-013 Budget Amendment 10 - 05-19-1998-8d

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difficulty in attempting to work with the Department of Transportation regarding the highway signs: installation, costs, locations, engineering, etc. Mr. Link stated that tl~e highway signs and the approval of the slogan were scheduled to go before the county commissioners at the December 16'h meeting. Mr. Link suggested that since many things had changed regarding the highway signs that the abstract on the county commissioners agenda be re-written reflecting those changes. Ms. Green and Mr. Ted Abernathy will re-tool the abstract regarding the highway signs and forward to Mr. Link for commissioner's meeting. Mr. Cary stated the revised budget should retain the $30,000 for highway signs. The board could decide not to spend the full a-nount based on commissioner's input. Also, the revenues for the bureau were trp $100,000. Ms. Green advised there has been a 4% growth in occupancy tax overall and pointed out the last quarter of the Chapel Hill occupancy tax carne in aRer tl~e 96-97 books were closed. The revised budget was for $560,000. It was at this time that Mr. Cary made a motion to approve the revised budget, Mr. i'avao seconded the motion, and with all in favor it was passcct that it be presented to the county commissioners. DIRECTOR'S REPURT Ms. Green reported that Maria Lundberg; Communications Director had subrTritted her resignation. The number two candidate, Ms. fatty Griffin, was contacted, and slrc accepted the position. Ms. Griffin will begin Jnnuary 5, 1998. Presently, Mr. Dale Chodorow is working as a temporary, with his main focus on developing a new visitors guide. Mr. Chodorow conducted a focus group with hospitality partners on December 9''' to discuss ideas regarding a new visitors guide. Ms. Green shared some of these ideas with the board and also the concept of enhanced listings for Chapel Bill/Orange County restaurants and accommodations. April is the desired completion date for the visiic~rs guide. After discussion regarding the enhanced listings, a motion was mactc by Mr. Carey that the visitors bureau should allow, on a trial basis, enhanced listings fear restaurants and hotels in the visitors guide and paid listings for retail stores. I Ic also added that the county attorney should review the wording contained in the forms for listing prior to mailing to Local businesses. Catharine Callaway seconded the motion and with all board members in agreement the motion was carried. Ms. Green then updated the board on tine new collateral pieces, wl~icl~ includes the lure brochure, the new format for the "happenings" Calendar of Events, and the new folders for sales kits. The post cards, visitors map, and the newly designed meeting planners' guides to be available within 2 to 3 months. 2 .a..