CHOC Visitors Bureau minutes 051519

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For Approval June 19, 2019 Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Meeting May 15, 2019 The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau met at The Rizzo Center, 150 Du Bose Home Lane, Chapel Hill 27517 Board Members Present : Kayla Dempsey, Anthony Carey, , Annette Stone, David Brooks, , Andrew Strickland , Tanya Moore , Penny Rich , Mark Bell , Matt Gladdek, Jeff Strickler, Pam Hemminger, Rosemary Waldorf, Mark Sherburne, Libby Hough Not Present : Tim Hoke , Lydia Lavelle , Shannon Campbell Staff attendance : Laurie Paolicelli, Marlene Barbera , Allison Chambers, Patty Griffin , Tina Fuller, Steve Brantley, Katie Murray Also present : Clean Design Staff Call to Order Chair Anthony Carey called the meeting to order at 8 : 10 am . Chair Carey recognized the passing of Lee Pavao, longtime board member and great supporter of tourism in Orange County . Laurie Paolicelli spoke about is history of being a great community supporter and visionary . Penny Rich reminded the board that he was an advocate for senior citizens in the community and helped to make the first Orange County Senior Center a reality . Steve Brantley and Mark Sherburne shared memories as well . Introductions were given by all . Welcome by Host Mark Sherburne welcomed the board to the Rizzo Center on behalf of their GM , Brent Haste . This facility is part of the Keenan Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . It was developed on fifteen acres of land , along with the adjoining neighborhood of Meadowmont, on a part of the tract of land formerly owned by the Dubose Family . They focus on training for executives of fortune 500 businesses while utilizing business school staff. They have branched out since opening to accommodate corporate meetings and transient travelers following the latest expansion . While the Rizzo Center has a GM Mark Sherburne oversees this property as well as the Carolina Inn . The board was welcome to stay for a tour of the property follow the meeting . Approval of Minutes Chair Carey requested a motion to approve the April 17 , 2019 minutes . Libby Hough so moved and Penny Rich seconded the motion . With all members in favor, the minutes were approved as submitted . Finance Report Penny Rich reported that March 2019 occupancy tax collections were up 20% as compared to March 2018 . Airbnb paid approximately $ 12, 000 in occupancy tax but the bureau is still working on the comparison we have from AirDNA showing a higher than indicated occupancy . Mayor Pam Hemminger interjected that the town will be discussing Airbnb in June and appreciates the bureaus research efforts . Commissioner Rich responded that the county will follow the municipalities lead . The new fiscal year will begin on July 1 and the bureaus budget includes $ 238K of fund balance appropriated . Chapel Hill is considering charging a home occupation fee in order to have funds to enforce zoning restrictions as they relate to short term rentals . The town would like to educate residents and let them know they are not trying to put owner occupied short term rental out of business .