HomeMy WebLinkAboutHotel Motel Tax Board Minutes 5-28-21ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HOTEL MOTEL TAX BOARD
FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021
CENTURY CENTER
8:30 A.M.
Members Present Members Absent
John Anthony Jenny McNeil
Greg Downes Dan Parker
Mark McDonnell Paul Phair
Scott Rieth
Carmen Piasecki
Gary West
Ron Zeltwanger
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by President Anthony. Jeff Jarnecke conducted roll call
of board members. President Anthony welcomed Scott Rieth to the board. Scott is the new
Executive Director of Hospitality for the University of Notre Dame.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Anthony entertained a motion to approve the minutes of the February 26, 2021 meeting. Mark
McDonnell moved to accept; Greg Downes seconded, and motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Mr. Zeltwanger referenced the distributed financial report and noted the current $2.9M operating
budget. The current budget includes $581,000 in carryover funds from the FY20 budget. In the first
quarter, $550,000 was collected in revenue while nearly $1M in expenses were incurred. The
current cash reserve is $3.7M. Mr. Zeltwanger plans to review the budget in approximately 30 days
with the committee to determine if budget adjustments for the current fiscal year are warranted. Mr.
Downes inquired about the County budget process and noted the potential requirement for approval
if adjustments are made.
Mr. Downes moved to accept the treasurer’s report as presented. Ms. Piasecki seconded and
motion carried.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Mr. Anthony again welcomed Scott Rieth to the board. He noted the increased hotel activity in St.
Joseph county during the second quarter. Mr. Anthony also noted the success within the state of the
enabling legislation to increase the local hotel rate from 6% to 8%. Discussion around the timing and
local process ensued.
AGENCY REPORTS
POTAWATOMI ZOO
Josh Sisk shared that $4.6M of the needed $6.3M has been raised and the Zoo is now moving to
focus on the funding for the new lions’ habitat. The Zoo is also working to create a new master plan,
which includes $37M in projects. While the Zoo is working through some growing pains associated
with construction and great attendance, the work associated with a new café space is increasing.
Staffing issues remain a concern as does parking for Zoo guests.
VISIT SOUTH BEND MISHAWAKA
Rob DeCleene reporting that March/April of 2021 was better from an occupancy standpoint than
2019 although the rate extended is still sluggish. Youth sports, especially hockey, is a working
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strategy within our community. Rob’s team is focusing on digital marketing and recently published
their annual report, which can be found online.
CENTURY CENTER
Jeff Jarnecke provided an update and shared some renders associated with the Morris 100
Neverending Encore capital campaign for the Morris Performing Arts Center. He also shared
financial updates on both the Century Center and Morris noting that both operations had stabilized
for the current year and that Q3 and Q4 looked promising but that it will still likely be a financially
challenging year. Jeff also provided an update on esports stating further enhancements within the
Bendix Arena should be done by June 11 and that national tournaments and events have been
secured for August, October, November and December of this year. A title sponsor could also be
confirmed in the coming weeks.
MISHAWAKA SPORTS COMPLEX
Ken Prince provided an update on the Mishawaka Sports Complex and noted that a feasibility study
was underway regarding the potential of adding ice rinks to the complex. Mishawaka is still working
on property and infrastructure planning on the proposed land and they could potentially break
ground on the facility as soon as this fall. Ken noted the process with the City of Mishawaka and
stated the priorities included the indoor space first followed by the ice rinks. The outdoor
components of the proposed facility are the third priority and make not ultimately make sense for the
project.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Zeltwanger commented on the potential of available cash for projects via the Cares Act and the
American Rescue Plan funding. He shared the revenue enhancement committee is working through
some thoughts and will ultimately share a plan with the County of potential uses by the Hotel Motel
Tax Board. Mr. Zeltwanger thanked Rob DeCleene, Aaron Perri and Jeff Jarnecke for their work on
drafting some ideas, which included a hotel grant program, capital improvements, investment
opportunities for hospitality projects, and reimbursement of losses by agencies. These four areas
totaled $7.6M. He noted the committee would meet again soon and would finalize a plan to share
with the County Council, which will distribute any funds.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Downes provided an updated on the Morris100 campaign and encouraged board members to
visit Morris100.org for more information. The campaign is off to a good start. He noted the various
subcommittees and specifically noted the important work of the equity in the arts, nextgen and
celebrations committees, which are all meeting and performing quality work. Mr. Downes thanked
the VPA staff for their continued hard work.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Mr. Anthony adjourned the meeting at 9:36 a.m. after a motion by Mr.
McDonnell and a second by Ms. Piasecki.
JA:jsj
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