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Meeting minutes/March 20, 2007

Waterfront/Tourism Enhancement Committee

Library/Landmark on the Sound

 

The meeting was called to order by Jane Ipsen at  2:30 PM.  Others present were Patrice Thorell,

Bob Houston, Virg Staiger, Joan Allan, Gary Hisel, Susan White, and Leslie Newman.

 

Meeting minutes from February 13, 2007, were approved, with the correction of the spelling of Matt Moeller’s name.

 

The Ravenhurst Economic Development Report was discussed, as it relates to the Waterfront/Tourism Committee. Leslie pointed out that the Aesthetics and Beautification Committee is also using this report as a guide. Patrice distributed copies of the City Council Goals and Strategic Objectives, and a draft copy of the City of Des Moines Economic Development Matrix. 

 

Susan White, Des Moines City Council member, highlighted a number of things happening in Des Moines that relate to the Ravenhurst Report: 

           

  • Zoning changes in Redondo

 

  • The hiring of  ClearPath Consulting for Pacific Highway development.

 

  • Beach Park developments:

 

                        Heritage grants received in the amount of one million dollars and $300,000.00 for

                        Beach Park projects.

 

                        The city and the Dept.of Fisheries are working to resolve the creek/flood plain                               area issues.

 

                        Des Moines Creek trail project is in the design process.

 

                        Money is in place to rehabilitate the historical buildings at Beach Park.

 

                        Negotiations are ongoing with Tillicum Village to manage the facilities at Beach

                        Beach Park for tourism opportunities.

 

Leslie passed out the flier announcing Des Moines Marina District Earth Day Clean Up.

She said the QFC is now a member of Destination Des Moines, and will be participating in the April 21 Clean Up activity.

 

A free “Main Street 101” series is being offered Sunday, March 25, 2007, as part of the 2007 National Main Streets Conference in Seattle. Seminar information was distributed to committee members, who are encouraged to attend.  The City of Des Moines has joined the Main Street program, and Susan will attend the conference and collect information for use by Destination Des Moines committees.

 

Gary Hisel pointed out the importance of the Marina Master Plan in making Des Moines a tourism destination.  Susan said the council is looking at marina passenger ferry service, which would be a tool for encouraging tourism.

 

Leslie announced that one Communications Committee has been formed combining the original committees of public relations, membership, website and communication.

 

On Tuesday, March 27, 8AM, in the Landmark on the Sound dining room, Destination Des Moines will be providing breakfast, and presenting an update to the Des Moines Business Committee of the SW King County Chamber of Commerce.  

 

On April 24, 8 AM, in the Landmark on the Sound auditorium, a joint meeting of the Des Moines Business Committee and the Lodging Committee is being held.  Other Des Moines businesses are invited to attend.

 

At the May meeting, to be scheduled, Waterfront/Tourism committee members will review all information collected and discussed over the past months, and identify one achievable item for the committee to pursue, at this time.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 3:30 PM.

 

Submitted by Joan Allan

 

(Back-up to minutes:  City Council Goals and Strategic Objectives, City of Des Moines Economic Development Matrix draft, Main Street Project information, and Store Front Consulting outcomes).