Atlantic city tourism advisory commission



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ATLANTIC CITY

TOURISM ADVISORY COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: 15 S. Pennsylvania Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401
PRESIDING: Derek Cason, Chair
PRESENT: Daryl Bulthius, Derek Cason, John Exadaktilos, Joseph Kelly, Keith Mills, Sly Stankovic, Rev. William Williams, Ali Reynolds
ABSENT: Joseph Maher
CRDA STAFF: Susan Thompson, Sharon Dickerson, Laura Berrios, Heather Walls, Don Guardian, Kim Butler, John Palmieri
OPENING STATEMENT
The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 5:00PM. Ms. Walls read a statement of compliance with the notice requirements of the Senator Byron M. Baer Open Public Meetings Act and called the roll.
DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT


  • Ms. Susan Thompson updated the Commission on the preparations leading up to Miss America Competition.

  • Ms. Thompson congratulated Kim Butler, Director of Communications, on her successful efforts to bring the Garden State Film Festival and the Challenge International Triathlon to Atlantic City.

  • The groundbreaking for Bass Pro will take place next month.

  • The Sheraton & Tun Tavern report that they have had the best 6 weeks in the last 10 years.

  • The ACA has renewed their commitment to offer $1 million in incentives to bring more conventions to Atlantic City.

  • The Newsletter has many details related to upcoming Miss America events.

Mr. Cason inquired who sponsored the Miss America press conference today. Ms. Butler stated it was a joint effort with ACPD, CRDA, ACA, DGE and CCC. Mr. Cason expressed his appreciation for the event.


Mr. Bulthius stated a Commission Facebook page has been created. Rev. Williams expressed concern over who will manage the page. Mr. Bulthius stated the administrators are himself, Mr. Cason, and Ms. Butler.
RATIFICATION of MINUTES
A motion was made by Mr. Kelly to ratify the minutes dated July 23, 2013. Rev. Williams seconded the motion which was approved by a unanimous vote of the Commission.
CLEAN & SAFE
Mr. Exadaktilos surveyed properties and issues around the city. All issues were handled by the appropriate agencies.
Mr. Exadaktilos spoke to the PBA President about the possibility of a joint office for technology and the PBA. They are trying to identify a location.
Mr. Cason identified areas that could be cleaned up to give people a better sense of safety. Of particular concern is the site of the old Playboy property which needs better lighting. Mr. Exadaktilos stated the Boardwalk frontage of that area was recently approved for new development and another parcel may be sold as well. Ms. Thompson stated the Florida Avenue site would not be lit before Miss America. Mr. Cason stated the boardwalk frontage of this area is too dark.
Ms. Thompson also stated that Pacific Avenue has been scheduled for mill and pave project however it has been delayed due to ADA requirements of the sidewalks.
Mr. Stankovic stated he has happy to see the building inspectors making sure properties are compliant.
Mr. Cason would like to promote the Ambassador award to give businesses an incentive to keep their properties clean and compliant
Ms Thompson stated Boardwalk Hall will get $600,000 in improvements prior to Miss America.
Public Safety Director Willie Glass stated it is easier to keep things safe than to get them safe.
Mr. Kelly stated a maintenance plan is needed to continue improvements and we need to continue to increase security.
Mr. Exadaktilos stated the Atlantis Art Project is attracting skateboarders and signage is needed to deter them. Ms. Butler also said TIPS 411 would be a good way to alert police of this activity.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Kelly stated they are working on a website that will be one portal for developers to use to navigate through the approval and permitting process for businesses and new development. He will provide a 10 minute preview at the next agenda. Mr. Kelly will have an intern walking through the process to see what the experience of developing a business in Atlantic City is. This will be done quarterly. Mr. Cason inquired how long the process should take. Mr. Kelly responded it depends on the business. The goal is to have the website online by the first of the year. Ms. Thompson added the process needs to be business friendly and all departments need to understand the path.
Mr. Kelly suggested that one committee at each meeting could do a longer presentation and rotate through the months.
Mr. Mills brought up the Christopher Columbus statue related to the Bass Pro development. Bass Pro has proposed to move it to a location in the center of its parking lot. To Mr. Exadaktilos question, Mr. Mills stated it is not part of Green Acres. The members discussed better locations for the statue. Mr. Mills stated the statue is not in great shape and may not withstand another move. Ms. Thompson stated there is a Land Use Hearing regarding Bass Pro on September 5 at 10am and the public is invited to attend.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION AGENDA
Mr. Bulthius stated he, Mr. Cason, Mr. Stankovic and Mr. Exadaktilos met with Ms. Butler. Topics that were discussed included more pleasant language for signs and a new Facebook page. The Marketing and Promotion committee will make a lengthier presentation in October.
The committee suggested resolutions to continue an ACTDAC newsletter and the possibility of Channel 2 programming to showcase Atlantic City and the Tourism District. Information for the resolutions needs to be formalized and sent to Ms. Butler.
Mr. Kelly discussed the recent negative publicity in the Inquirer on August 11, 2013. It was suggested the Commission could respond on behalf of the community. Ms. Butler supported this suggestion and stated it was important to get as many letters as possible sent prior to the Miss America Pageant. Mr. Cason asked if we should write letters as the commission or individuals. Ms. Butler stated it might be more expeditious and effective to write as individuals. Ms. Butler will supply the information to send a letter to the Inquirer.
Mr. Exadaktilos expressed concern over the condition of the Boardwalk stores. Ms. Thompson stated Ms. Elizabeth Terenik, Director of Planning, is working on code enforcement. Mr. Joe Molineaux from the Small Business Development Center has also been coaching the Boardwalk businesses.
Mr. Stankovic stated the rolling chairs need to be cleaned up and standardized. Ms. Thompson stated Ms. Reynolds is working on having college students take the jobs next year. A few of the operators are not onboard with the overhaul of the rolling chair businesses.
Mr. Exadaktilos also stated the cabs need to be cleaned up and should accept credit cards for improved customer service. Mr. Mills stated these suggestions could be resolutions for our next meeting.
Ms. Butler reported they are working with ABC and the SID Ambassadors will be touring the press during pageant week. Ms. Butler also noted some positive press from The Golf Channel.
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE
Rev. Williams stated he is developing short term and long term goals. One 10 year goal is to invest in the reading levels of the today’s’ elementary children in order for them to grow into productive members of the community.
Ms. Reynolds also stated the FAA Tech Center partnership is developing future engineers and they will also review the REVEL employment program.
Mr. Cason stated the reality is that new jobs are not being created. The education system is not teaching 21st century skills and non-gaming businesses need to be encouraged and promoted.
General Public Comment
Ms. Libbie Wills discussed the Community Think Tank and stated the organized would like to expand to other wards.
Ms. Price the taxicabs need incentives for hospitality training, uniforms and offering credit card options. Ms. Price also stated kids are throwing rocks from new landscaping areas and suggested and different material be used in place of the rocks.
Mr. Lamaine recommended using student interns for various businesses to provide assistance in cleaning up and promoting their businesses. Regarding the cab drivers, they are governed by regulations and will follow regulations that are enforced. The Channel 2 programming could be helpful but must be consistent.
Mr. Lamaine stated many members of PACE feel the concerts at Gardiners’ Basin have gotten too big and suggested they be moved to Bader Field. PACE members also feel the communications in City Hall have been unfriendly and disrespectful when residents call with concerns about their neighborhood.
Ms. Rita Mack stated additional regulations on businesses should be given careful consideration that they do not cost a business too much revenue. The city also needs more open space. Are we advertising the parking garage? Ms. Thompson responded in the affirmative.
Resolutions

RESOLUTION OF THE ATLANTIC CITY TOURISM DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDING TO THE CASINO REINVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY A REVIEW OF THE BASS PRO SHOP DESIGN AND THE IMPACT OF THE DESIGN ON THE CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS PARK AND STATUE
Resolution ACT 13-01 was read by title. Hearing no member discussion or public comment, the Chair requested a motion. A motion was made by Mr. Mills and seconded by Rev. Williams. Motion was approved by unanimous vote of the commission.
RESOLUTION OF THE ATLANTIC CITY TOURISM DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMISSION (“TAC”) RECOMMENDING TO THE CASINO REINVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY THE CREATION OF A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER WITH CONTENT BE PROVIDED BY TAC AND THE PROTECTING ATLANTIC CITY’S ENVIRONMENT TASK FORCE (“PACE”)
Resolution ACT 13-02 was read by title. Hearing no member discussion or public comment, the Chair requested a motion. A motion was made by Mr. Mills and seconded by Mr. Exadaktilos. Motion was approved by unanimous vote of the commission.
RESOLUTION OF THE ATLANTIC CITY TOURISM DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMISSION (“TAC”) RECOMMENDING TO THE CASINO REINVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY THAT THE AUTHORITY SUPPORT THE PRODUCTION OF A LOCAL TELEVISION SHOW TO HIGHLIGHT CRDA’S AND THE CITY OF ATLANTIC CITY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Resolution ACT 13-03 was read by title. Mr. Mills requested that the city be included in the programming. Ms. Reynolds stated the resolution does not included requested funds but only financial support. A budget will need to be developed as appropriate. Hearing no member discussion or public comment, the Chair requested a motion. A motion was made by Rev. Williams and seconded by Ms. Reynolds. Motion was approved by unanimous vote of the commission.



Hearing no further discussion, the Chair requested a motion to adjourn. A motion was made by Mr. Mills and seconded by Mr. Bulthius. Motion to adjourn was approved by unanimous vote of the Commissioners.



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