Port Orchard council approves Chamber to Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

After a 3-3 deadlock by the Port Orchard city council, Mayor Tim Matthes cast the deciding vote for his appointment of the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce to be represented on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

On May 13, the council approved the appointments of Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Cedar Cover Inn and Mrs. Howe Bed and Breakfast as businesses, who collect the lodging tax, to be on the LTAC. They also approved Fathoms o’ Fun, the Saints Car Club, Port Orchard Bay Street Association and Visit Kitsap Peninsula to represent groups involved in activities.

The council voted 6-1 to replace the Chamber with Visit Kitsap.

But Visit Kitsap Peninsula Executive Director Patty Graf-Hoke sent an email July 8 to the city stating it would be “best not to be on the LTAC” and hopes to continue working with the council.

Councilwoman Cindy Lucarelli suggested reducing the number of business to three.

State law requires an equal number of businesses and organizations on LTAC.

Councilman Jerry Childs noted that the Chamber, Sidney Museum and Cedar Cove Association all received two votes on the council members matrix of businesses and group for LTAC.

Councilman Fred Chang said the Chamber and Sidney Museum were on LTAC last year.

“My vote is for Cedar Cove Association because they have never been on it,” Childs said.

Voting to place the Chamber on the LTAC were Jeff Cartwright, Bek Ashby and Rob Putaansuu, while Chang, Lucarelli and Childs were opposed.

In other action, the council approved:

• Adoption of the 2014 Comphensive Plan amended roster.

• Approved agreement from Kitsap County to receive road mitigation fees from the Freestone at Bayside Development.

• Approved a public event application for the Act of Proscription/Dress Act 1746 event sponsored by the Swim Deck.

• Approved ordinance to repeal a resolution and amending a chapter of the city’s Municipal Coded regarding street vacations.

The council voted to remove the agenda action on a contract with N.L. Olson and Associates for the 2014 Paul Powers Park. It will be placed and voted on at a later date.