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She also briefly discussed some of the organizational changes that have occurred since she joined Visit <br /> Tri-Valley 22 months before, noting a significant decrease in the number of upper level staff members. <br /> Ms. Steinfeld reviewed relevant statistics, as reported by the Smith Travel and Research Report that is <br /> shared with participating hotels on a monthly basis. She explained that hoteliers are predominately <br /> concerned with three data points: occupancy, the average daily rate (ADR) and RevPAR, which is the <br /> revenue per available room. For the current TBID period ranging from July 2010 to July 2014, Tri-Valley <br /> occupancy rates increased from 71.3% to 84.1%. ADR increased from $81.75 to $121.26 and RevPAR <br /> from $58.29 to $102.22. She attributed much of this improvement to changes in the general economy <br /> though also felt that Visit Tri-Valley played an important role in helping to draw visitors to the area. She <br /> noted that while both ADR and RevPAR have experienced significant increases, occupancy is the only <br /> influence on the TBID and TMD budget. As such, the TMD does include the option to increase the <br /> assessment by a maximum of $1 per occupied room night over the 7 year period, beginning in year 3. <br /> Any change would require a unanimous vote by the 7 hoteliers seated on the 13-member Board of <br /> Directors of Visit Tri-Valley. <br /> Vice-Mayor Brown noted that the 2015 visitors' guide includes ads for San Ramon hotels despite the <br /> fact that they have elected to withdraw from the program. <br /> Ms. Steinfeld reminded her that San Ramon is still a contributing member of the TBID until its expiration <br /> on June 30, 2015. She also explained that monies are collected in arrears on a quarterly basis and then <br /> spent the following quarter. To avoid any potential issues, Visit Tri-Valley will continue to promote San <br /> Ramon lodging options through the end of the 2015 calendar year. <br /> Vice-Mayor Brown reported that she recently visited historic Santa Rosa and was told by several <br /> individuals that they had just received their Visit Tri-Valley guides. She asked whether Visit Tri-Valley <br /> has any plans to relocate from its current office space in Hacienda Business Park to a more accessible <br /> location for visitors. <br /> Ms. Steinman confirmed that they have already begun looking for new space to occupy once their <br /> current lease expires in 2016. The goal is to have a friendly walk-up type location with brochures and <br /> other information on display but not any type of official visitors' center. <br /> Councilmember Olson asked who, aside from the hoteliers mentioned, make up the Visit Tri-Valley <br /> Board of Directors. <br /> Ms. Steinman explained that the Board includes representatives from Good Guys, Alameda County <br /> Fairgrounds, Beats Hospitality, Premium Outlets and wine growers. One seat is also filled by the <br /> Economic Development Director of one city, which rotates on a yearly basis. <br /> Councilmember Olson asked what sort of oversight exists with respect to the collection of fees. <br /> Ms. Steinman said she asked the same question when she came on board and was reassured that <br /> each city audits their hoteliers individually. Each city receives 1% of their respective fees collected and <br /> Pleasanton receives an additional 1% of all fees collected for serving as the district administrator. <br /> Mayor Thome clarified for the benefit of the public that the only cost to taxpayers for Visit Tri-Valley <br /> services is a $2,500 membership fee that the city pays each year. The $2 occupancy fee does not <br /> directly impact taxpayers. He also reminded them that the city collects an 8% Tourism Occupancy Tax <br /> (TOT). <br /> Ms. Steinman explained that prior to institution of the TBID a portion of the annual TOT revenues was <br /> used to support Visit Tri-Valley. Since 2005 however, the organization has become fully self-supported. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 12 February 17, 2015 <br />