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C I T Y OF SAN LU I S O B I S P O
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Administrative Officer
Prepared By: Brigitte Elke, Principal Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: ANNUAL PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE TOURISM BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
RECOMMENDATION
1. Conduct a public hearing to receive testimony regarding the Council's intention to continue the
citywide Tourism Business Improvement District.
2. Rule upon any protests.
3. If a legally sufficient protest showing is not made, introduce a resolution affirming the
establishment of the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District, setting forth the
basis for the assessment, and levying the assessment upon hotels in the district for fiscal year
2009-10.
DISCUSSION
Background
In June 2008 Council adopted Ordinance No. 1517 (Attachment 4) establishing a tourism business
improvement district (TBID) as requested by the local lodging industry. The district was formed
under the State's Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989, sections 36500 et seq. of the
Street and Highways Code and incorporated into the City's Municipal Code under Chapter 12.42.
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 12.42.060 and Sections 36530 and 36533 of the State's Parking
and Business Improvement Law, the appointed TBID Board submitted an annual report (Attachment
2) that outlined the board's efforts over the past year and the proposed activities for use of the
assessment funds in the upcoming year.
Section 36534 of the law further requires that, after the approval of the annual report, Council shall
adopt a resolution of intention(Attachment 3)to levy an annual assessment for that fiscal year and
schedule a public hearing to receive any written or oral protests against the district. Resolution No.
10115 (2009 Series) setting such a hearing was adopted on September 15, 2009.
Council Action: Public Hearing and Resolution
As set forth in Sections 36524 and 36525 of the California Streets and Highways Code and San Luis
Obispo Municipal Code Section 12.42.060, the Council has the ability to continue the proposed
citywide TBID at the public hearing, unless oral or written protests are received from City hoteliers
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Council Agenda Report—Annual TBID Report
Page 2
that will pay 50% or more of the proposed assessments. Under Municipal Code Section 12.42.060,
protests are weighted based upon the annual assessment for the prior year by each hotel. Staff will
have this information available at the meeting, but for privacy reasons, this information is not made
public before or at the meeting. In the event that a negative protest occurs, no further proceedings to
continue the levy of assessments for that fiscal year shall take place.
At the conclusion of the public hearing, if no or insufficient protest is received, Council may then
adopt a resolution affirming the establishment of the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business
Improvement District, setting forth the basis for the assessment, and levying the assessment upon
hotels in the district for fiscal year 2009-10. Such a resolution is provided as Attachment 1.
FISCAL IMPACT
According to the City's Financial Plan, the TBID is estimated to raise $837,000 for tourism
marketing and promotion in fiscal year 2009-10. As previously mentioned, the use of the assessment
funds are described in the TBID Board's Annual Report (Attachment 2).
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution confirming the TBID and levying the assessment
2. Annual Report
3. Resolution of Intention No. 10115 (2009 Series)
4. Ordinance No. 1517
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ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO. (2009 Series)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DECLARING THE BASIS
FOR AND THE LEVY OF THE ASSESSMENT FOR THE SAN LUIS OBISPO
TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT,AND AFFIRMING THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, the Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989, sections
36500 et seg. of the Streets and Highways Code, authorizes cities to establish business
improvement districts for several purposes, one of which is promotion of tourism; and
WHEREAS, the lodging businesses within the proposed City of San Luis Obispo
Tourism Business Improvement District had requested the City of San Luis Obispo
establish such a self-assessment improvement district in 2008; and
WHEREAS,the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District was
established in July 2008, and the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement
District law was incorporated into the Municipal Code under Chapter 12.42; and
WHEREAS, the City Council appointed an advisory board to cavy out the
functions specified in Street and Highways Code Section 36530, and to provide
oversight, guidance, and recommendations regarding the use of the assessment funds; and
WHEREAS the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District law
and the Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989 requires the advisory body to
prepare and submit an annual report stating proposed changes, improvements and
activities for the fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, such report was filed and approved by the City Council on
September 15, 2009.
WHEREAS, on September 15, 2009 the City Council adopted Resolution No.
10115 (2009 Series) declaring its intention to continue the San Luis Obispo Tourism
Business Improvement District in.2009-10; and
WHEREAS,the City Council held a duly noticed Public Hearing on October 20,
2009 to allow for protests, as contemplated by Streets and Highway Code Section 36524;
and
WHEREAS, sufficient written or oral protest were not received from hotel
businesses in the district which pay fifty percent or more of the assessment;
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
San Luis Obispo as follows:
PA�- 3
ATTACHMENT 1
a) The establishment of Tourism Business Improvement District in the City of
San Luis Obispo in accordance with the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business
Improvement District law, San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Chapter 12.42,
and the California Streets and Highways Code, section 36500 et seq. (Parking
and Business Improvement Law of 1989) is affirmed.
b) The assessment levied by the Tourism Business Improvement District shall be
used to promote lodging at the hotels within the district and administer
marketing programs that increase overnight lodging.
c) The assessment shall be levied and allocated by the City of San Luis Obispo.
d) The assessment shall to be levied on all "hotels", as that term is defined in San
Luis Obispo Municipal Code section 3.04.020, to wit: any structure, or any
portion of any structure, which is occupied or intended or designed for
occupancy by transients for dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes, and
includes any hotel, inn, tourist home or house, motel, studio hotel, bachelor
hotel, lodging house, rooming house, apartment house, dormitory, public or
private club, mobile home or house trailer at a fixed location, or other similar
structure or portion thereof.
e) The assessment shall be based on two percent (2%) of gross room rent.
f) New hotels shall not be exempt from assessment.
Upon motion of , seconded by ,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 12009.
Mayor David F. Romero
ATTEST:
Elaina Cano, Interim City Clerk
City Clerk
ATTACHMENT 1
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jonathakj. Loyzif
City Anomey
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TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
ANNUAL REPORT
FROM: TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD
MEMBERS: John Conner, Chair
Tim Billing, Vice-Chair
Jamie Wallace
Joel Koper
Robert Mueller
Prepared By: Brigitte Elke, Principal Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD
ANNUAL REPORT
DISCUSSION
Establishment of the Tourism Business Improvement District
In June 2008 Council adopted Ordinance 1517 establishing the tourism business improvement
district (TBID) in the City of San Luis Obispo as requested by the local lodging industry. The
assessment for the district became effective on October 1, 2008 and the use of funds was defined in
Section 12.42.030 of the Municipal Code as follow:
"This ordinance is made and enacted pursuant to the provisions of the Parking and Business
Improvement Area Law of 1989 (Sections 36500 et. seq., of the California Streets and Highways
Code). The purpose of forming the district as a business improvement area under the Parking and
Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 is to provide revenue to defray the costs of services,
activities and programs promoting tourism which will benefit the operators of hotels in the district
through the promotion of scenic, recreational, cultural and other attractions in the district as a
tourist destination. "
Advisory Body
At the time the TBID ordinance was adopted, as required by State law, Council established an
advisory board and elected five hoteliers to the newly created TBID Board to advise Council on the
use of the assessment. Based on the Board's recommendation, the number of board members was
increased to seven in September 2009.
Tourism Business Improvement District,umual Report ATTACHMENT
Advisory Board Members 11l' 67
Name Property Term
John Conner- Chair Petit Soleil 3/31/2013
Tim Billing- Vice-Chair Embassy Suites 3/31/2013
Jamie Wallace Courtyard by Marriott 3/31/2011
Joel Koper Holiday Inn 3/31/2011
Robert Mueller Days Inn 3/31/2012
Role and Function of the TBID Board
In addition to the governing City ordinance, the TBID Board established its bylaws and further
defined its role and functions as:
The functions and duties of the TBID BOARD shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
A. Planning a comprehensive program to promote tourism to the City of San Luis Obispo and
prepare an annual marketing program consistent with industry goals and objectives.
B. Develop advertising and promotional programs and projects to benefit the lodging industry in
San Luis Obispo.
C. Present an annual assessment report to the City Council regarding the implemented promotional
programs and projects.
D. Perform any other lawful tasks as directed by the Council.
It set its monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 2 pm. The first regular
meeting occurred on September 10, 2008 after a special meeting on September 3, 2008.
Work program for 2008-2009
The TBID Board started its discussion about possible marketing efforts in October 2008 and
continued the discussion through November. Establishing a guiding marketing plan and the
development of a San Luis Obispo Lodging only (only hotels and motels within City limits) website
were the main objectives. The Board initially wanted to create the marketing plan and the website
first and then commission a marketing company to execute the plan. However, it reconsidered that
position at its December meeting, arguing that a company writing the plan will already have bought
into the recommended strategies and would therefore be best positioned to execute the selected
proposal.
The Board subsequently approved a RFP document, requesting companies to submit proposals with
a three-phase approach. The proposals sought were expected to provide the following components:
1. Establishment of a City of San Luis Obispo Tourism Marketing Plan
2. Website Development
3. Execution of the Marketing Plan
The deadline for submittals was January 28, 2009 and 12 proposals were received. The date for
review, finalist interviews, and evaluation of the agencies was set for February 18, 2009.
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Tourism Business Improvement District inmual Report
ATTACHMENT 2
Evaluation Process and Finalist Presentations
The TBID Board chose the week of February 2nd through 6d' for review of the proposals to narrow
the field for presentation to the Board. The TBID Board met in a special meeting on February 2,
2009 and reviewed the 12 proposals received. Three companies were selected for presentation to the
Board during the regular monthly Board meeting on February 11, 2009.
Verdin Marketing, Ink., Level Studios, and 20/20 Creative Group presented their proposals for all
three elements of the RFP to the TBID Board. After each presentation, the Board took time for
questions and comments. Following the presentations, the Board decided to meet again on February
18, 2009 to make a final selection and recommendation to Council.
In addition to the TBID Board's evaluation of the respondent agencies, the submitted information
had been made available for review to all hoteliers throughout the process. From the time of bid
opening to the second special meeting on February 18, 2009, all proposals and the subsequently
provided presentations were available to all hoteliers for review and input at City Hall.
Selected Proposal
After deliberation, input from hoteliers present at the meeting, the Board voted unanimously to
recommend Level Studios as the Marketing firm to the TBID through June 2010. Level Studios is a
local agency headquartered at 3450 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo. Founded in 1995 as Web
Associates, the agency now operates studios in San Jose and Los Angeles and has a staff of 130
employees, 95 of which are employed in San Luis Obispo. Their client list includes Hewlett
Packard, Apple, Netflix, and BlackBerry.
Current Status of Marketing Efforts
On August 10, 2009 the TBID's website went live under httT):Hsincerelycalifomia.com. The website
features the newly developed logo and tagline for the TBID. It showcases all the accommodations
with amenities, things to do (day trips, outdoor activities, shopping, wine tasting), events, and local
legends section.
In September 2009, the agency will launch its branding campaign with an extensive media and PR
plan. The plan will utilize the following strategy& execution:
- test ads and response digitally for the first three months develop traditional ads from digital
success;
- use digital to level exposure through the year, and traditional for seasonal emphasis;
- gradually develop social and event content and repurpose into media;
- form partnerships with other sites, marketing bodies, travel and event planners..
Media Mix:
- print publications including consumer magazines, trade publications;
- CRM—seasonal email newsletter, Pay per Click, online display ads;
- Search Engine Optimization;
- PR special events for editorial coverage;
- Social media such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Yelp, etc.
The total cost which covers execution of the plan including production cost is $508,700
Tourism Business Improvement District ulnual Report —
ATTACHMENT2
In addition, the board received presentations and funding requests from a variety of organizations.
After considering the benefits to its constituency, the board gave sponsorship funding to two
organizations. The board also commissioned a report from Smith Travel Report to receive
occupancy data comparing nine different counties throughout the state. This report enhances the
data commissioned by the Promotional Coordinating Committee which only reports on the City of
San Luis Obispo.
Proposed Activities for 2009-10
Marketing Efforts and Branding
1. Continue marketing efforts to promote the TBID brand and drive traffic to
httpJ/sincerelycalifornia.com to generate bookings for San Luis Obispo hoteliers. This will
be achieved through the contract with the TBID's advertising agency Level Studios. The
contract goes through June 30, 2010.
2. Contract with the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau for regional
marketing and PR efforts to supplement the San Luis Obispo City efforts and maximize
outreach to potential visitors.
3. Solicit proposals for merchandise to further promote the TBID's brand"San Luis Obispo—
Sincerely, California".
Event Promotion
1. Establish a process for grant funding to efficiently and effectively evaluate the many funding
requests the board receives.
2. Engage in efforts to attract two major events to San Luis Obispo and evaluate needed
funding to do so.
3. Establish a working relationship with the San Luis Obispo Vintners to jointly promote the
San Luis Obispo wine region and fully integrate their two main events into the TBID's
tourism efforts.
Trade Shows
1. Evaluate the benefit of participating in tourism related tradeshows and if deemed important,
develop the needed marketing material to participate and promote San Luis Obispo—
Sincerely, California
Financial Statement
Income Time Frame Amount
TBID Assessment October 2008 —June 2009 $ 646,893.00
Interest on Income $ 6,198.00
Total Income $ 6539091.00
Expenditure
Agency Contract February—June 2009 $350,000.00
SLO County Airport $ 3,680.00
Festival Mozaic $ 10,000.00
Smith Travel Research $ 2,100.00
Total Expenditure 2008-09 $ 365J80.00
Carryover to 2009-10 $ 287,311.00
Budget Estimate Financial Plan 2009-10 $ 837,000.00
Total Estimated Budget 1 2009-10 1 $1,124,311.00
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Tourism Business Improvement District iuinual Report J ATIACHME9 2
Proposed Assessment for 2009-10
The TBID Board does not recommend any changes in the levy of the assessment. The assessment is
recommended to continue at 2%of gross receipts to be submitted monthly to the City of San Luis
Obispo together with the Transient Occupancy Tax.
ATTACHMENT 3
RESOLUTION NO. 10115 (2009 Series)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DECLARING ITS INTENTION
TO CONTINUE THE SAN LUIS OBISPO TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT,TO CONTINUE THE BASIS FOR AND TO LEVY THE ASSESSMENT
FOR THE DISTRICT,AND TO SET DATES FOR THE PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE
DISTRICT AND THE ASSESSMENT FOR 2009-10
WHEREAS,the Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989, sections 36500 et seq.
of the Streets and Highways Code, authorizes cities to establish business improvement districts
for several purposes,one of which is promotion of tourism; and
WHEREAS, the lodging businesses within the proposed City of San Luis Obispo
Tourism Business Improvement District had requested the City of San Luis Obispo establish
such a self-assessment improvement district in 2008; and
WHEREAS, the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District was
established in July 2008 and incorporated into the Municipal Code under Chapter 12.42; and
WHEREAS, the City Council appointed an advisory board to provide oversight,
guidance, and recommendations regarding the use of the assessment funds; and
WHEREAS, the City Municipal Code and the Parking and Business Improvement Law
requires the advisory board to prepare and submit an annual report stating proposed changes,
improvements and activities for the fiscal year,and
WHEREAS, this report was filed and approved by the City Council on September 15,
2009.
NOW,THEREFORE,.BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
1. The San Luis Obispo City Council proposes to continue the established Tourism Business
Improvement District in the City of San Luis Obispo in accordance with City Municipal
Code Chapter 12.42 and the California Streets and Highways Code, section 36500 et seq.
(Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989).
2. The assessment levied by the Tourism Business Improvement District shall be used to
promote lodging at the hotels within the district and administer marketing programs that
increase overnight lodging.
3. The assessment will be levied and allocated by the City of San Luis Obispo.
4. The assessment is proposed to be levied on all "hotels", as that term is defined in San
Luis Obispo Municipal Code section 3.04.020, to wit: any structure, or any portion of any
structure, which is occupied or intended or designed for occupancy by transients for
R 10115
ATTACHMENT 3
Resolution No. 10115 (2009 Series)
Page 2
dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes, and includes any hotel, inn, tourist home or house,
motel, studio hotel, bachelor hotel, lodging house, rooming house, apartment house,
dormitory, public or private club, mobile home or house trailer at a fixed location, or other
similar structure or portion thereof.
5. The assessment shall be based on two percent(20/9)of gross room rent.
6. New hotels shall not be exempt from assessment.
7. The public hearing, held pursuant to the City Municipal Code Chapter 12.42 and the
Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989, sections 36535 of the Streets and
Highways Code, is to allow for comments on the District and proposed assessment, and is
hereby set for 7 P.M. Tuesday, October 20, 2009 before the City Council of San Luis Obispo
at the City Council Chamber at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
8. At the public hearing, the testimony of all interested persons for or against the
continuation of the District,the boundaries of the District, or the furnishing of specified types
of improvements or activities will be heard.
9. Any protest against the continuation of the City of San Luis Obispo Tourism Business
Improvement District and the levying of the assessment, or any aspect, may be made in
writing. A protest may be withdrawn at any time before the conclusion of the public hearing.
Any written protest shall contain a description of the business in which the person signing the
protest is shown on the official records of the City of San Luis Obispo as the owner of the
business. If the person is not shown on the official records of the City of San Luis Obispo
then the protest shall contain or be accompanied by written evidence that the person is the
owner or the authorized representative of the business. Any protest as to the regularity or
evidence of the proceedings shall be in writing and clearly state the irregularity or defect to
the City of San Luis Obispo at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo,CA 93401.
10. If, at the conclusion of the public hearing, there are of record, written protests by the
owners of businesses within the proposed San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement
District that will pay fifty percent (50%) or more of the total assessments of the entire San
Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District, no further proceedings to continue the
San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District shall occur. New proceedings to
form the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District shall not be undertaken
again for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of the finding. If the majority of
written protests are only as to an improvement or activity proposed, then that type of
improvement or activity shall not be included in the San Luis Obispo Tourism Improvement
District.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Clerk is instructed to provide
notice as required by the City Municipal Code Chapter 12.42 and the Parking and Business
Improvement Law of 1989, sections 36534, subpart (7) of the Streets and Highways Code, to
wit: the City Clerk shall give notice of the public hearing by causing the resolution of intention
Resolution No. 10115 (2009 Series) ����� Z
Page 3
to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City no less than seven days
before the public hearing.
Upon motion of Council Member Ashbaugh, seconded by Vice Mayor Settle, and on the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ashbaugh,Carter and Marx,Vice Mayor Settle and
Mayor Romero
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 15th day of September,2009.
Mayor David F.Romero
ATTEST:
Elaina Cano
Interim City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FO
J nathan P. Lowell
City Attorney
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ATTACHMENT 4
ORDINANCE NO. 1517(2008 Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ESTABLISHING THE SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY TOURISM BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT(TBID),FIXING THE BOUNDARIES
THEREOF,PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF A BUSINESS
ASSESSMENT TO BE PAID BY HOTELS IN SUCH DISTRICT
WHEREAS,on April 15,2008, the City of San Luis Obispo Council adopted Resolution
No. 9972 (2008 Series) entitled, "Resolution of the City of San Luis Obispo Declaring its
Intention to Establish the Sari Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District(TBID),to
Establish the Basis for and.to Levy the Assessment for the District and to Set Dates for the
Public Hearing on the District and the Proposed Assessment"; and
WHEREAS,as specified in such Resolution,the boundaries of the district encompass the
City of San Luis Obispo,and there are no separate benefit zones within the district;and
WHEREAS,said Resolution was published and copies thereof were duly mailed and posted,
all as provided by state law and specified in the Resolution; and
WHEREAS,pursuant to that Resolution a public meeting concerning the formation of said
district was held before the City Council on.May 20,2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council
Chambers at City hall;and
WHEREAS, also pursuant to Resolution a public hearing concerning the formation of said
district was held before the City Council on June 3,2008 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers
at City Hall; and
WHEREAS,all written and oral protests made or filed were duly heard,-and testimony for
and against the proposed action was received and considered; and
WHEREAS,the City Council determined.that there was no majority protest within the
meaning of Streets and Highways Code.Section 36525.,as written protests were not received
from owners of businesses in the proposed district which would pay fifty percent (50%) or more
of the assessments proposed to be levied; and
WHEREAS,protests are weighted based on the assessment proposed to be levied on each
hotel. For purposes of the initial formation of the district,the proposed assessment to be levied
was calculated based on the assessment rate multiplied by the most recent available data for the
hotels' rental revenues.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED.by the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to authority granted under the Parking and Business
Improvement Area Law of 1989, California Streets and Highways Code Sections 36500 et seq.,
01517
Pool,—iJ�
Ordinance No. 1517 (2008 Series) ATTACHMENT 4
Page 2
the City of San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District(TBID)is hereby
established in the City of San Luis Obispo as herein set forth and all hotels in the district
established by this ordinance shall be subject to any amendments made hereafter to said law or to
other applicable laws.
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of San.Luis Obispo finds that hotels within
the San Luis Obispo Tourism.Business Improvement District will be benefited by the
improvements and activities funded by assessments to be levied.
SECTION 3. Chapter 12.42(Tourism.Bu0ness Improvement District)is hereby added to
Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks,and Public Places)of the San Luis Obispo,Municipal Code to read
as follows:
12.42.010.TITLE.This chapter shall be known as the"City of San Luis Obispo
Tourism Business Improvement District Law."
12.42.020.DEFINITIONS.
(1)"City Council' shall mean the City of San Luis Obispo City Council.
(2)"City Advisory Body"shall mean the Advisory Body appointed by the City Council,
pursuant to this chapter.
(3)"District".shall mean the City of San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District
(or`TBID")created by this chapter and as delineated in Section 12.42.040.
(4)"Hotel'shall.mean any structure,or any portion of any structure,which is occupied or
intended or designed for occupancy by transients for dwelling; lodging or sleeping purposes,and
includes any hotel,motel,bed and breakfast,or vacation home and pays Transient Occupancy
Tax. For purposes of this chapter the,definition of"hotel'shall not include RV Parks.
(5)"Law"shall mean the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989, California
Streets and Highways Code Sections 36500 et seq.,as amended.
(6)"Operator"shall mean the person who is the proprietor of the hotel,whether in the capacity
of owner,lessee, sublessee,mortgagee in possession, licensee or any other capacity.Where the
operator performs its functions through a managing agent of any type or character other than an
employee, the managing agent shall also be deemed an operator for the purposes of this chapter
and shall have the same duties and liabilities as his principal. Compliance with the provisions of
this chapter by either the principal of the managing agent shall,however,be considered to be
compliance by both.
(7)"Transient'means any person who exercises occupancy or who is entitled to occupancy,by
reason of concession,permit,right of access, license, or other agreement for a period of thirty
(30)consecutive calendar days or less, counting portions of calendar days as full days.
12.42.030.AUTHORIZED USES.This ordinance is made and enacted pursuant
to the provisions of the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989(Sections 36500
et. seq.,of the California Streets and Highways Code). The purpose of forming the district as a
business improvement area under the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 is to
provide revenue to defray the costs of services, activities and programs promoting tourism which
will benefit the operators of hotels in the district through the promotion of scenic,recreational,
cultural and other attractions in the district as a tourist destination. It is the intent of this chapter
ATTACHMENT 4
Ordinance No. 1517 (2008 Series)
Page 3
to provide a supplemental source of funding for the promotion of tourism in the district and it is
not intended to supplant any other existing sources of revenues which may be used by the City of
San Luis Obispo for the promotion of tourism. The specific services, activities and programs to
be provided by the district are as follows:
A. The general promotion of tourism within the district is to include costs as
specified in the business.plan to be adopted annually by the City Council.
B.The marketing of the district to the travel industry in order to benefit local
tourism and the local hotel industry in the district.
12.42.040.BOUNDARIES.The boundaries of the TBID shall be the boundaries
of the City of San Luis Obispo.
12.42.050.LEVY OF ASSESSMENT AND EXEMPTIONS. The TBID shall
include all hotels located within the TBID boundaries. The assessment shall be levied on all
hotels existing and Ram,within the City of San Luis Obispo based upon two percent(20/6)of
the paid gross rent charged by the operator per night for all transient occupancies. The
assessment shall be collected monthly,based on two percent (20/6)of the gross rent charged by
the operator per night in revenues for the previous month. New hotels within the boundaries
shall not be.exempt from the levy of assessment authorized by.Section 36531 of the law.
Assessments pursuant to the.TBID shall not be included in gross room rental revenue for purpose
of determining the amount'ofthe transient occupancy tax. The value of rooms for extended stays
of more than thirty(30)consecutive calendar days shall be exempt from the levy of assessment.
12.42.060.ANNUAL REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT. All of the assessments
imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be reviewed by the City Council annually,based upon the
annual report prepared by the Advisory Body appointed pursuant to this chapter and Sections
36530 and 36533 of the law. After approval of the annual report the City Council shall follow
the hearing process as outlined in Section 36534 of the law. At the public hearing the City
Council shall hear and consider all protests. If written protests are received from hotel
businesses in the district paying fifty percent(50%)percent or more of the annual assessment,no
further proceedings to continue the levy of assessments shall take place. The protests shall be
weighted based upon the annual assessment for the prior year by each hotel business.
12.42.070.YWOSITION OF ASSESSMENT. The.City Council hereby levies
and imposes and orders the collection of an additional assessment to be imposed upon hotels in
the district described above,which shall be calculated pursuant to Section 12.42.050 above.
Such levy shall begin on August 1, 2008.
12.42.080. USE OF REVENUE. The improvements and activities to be
provided by the TBID will be funded by the levy of the assessments. The revenue from the levy
of assessments within the TBID shall not be used to provide improvements or activities outside
the TBID or for any purpose other than the purposes specified in the resolution of intention. All
funds shall be expended consistent with the purposes of this act. Funds remaining at the end of
any TBID term may be used in subsequent year in which TBID assessments are levied as long as
they are used consistent with the requirements of this Section. The City Council shall consider
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Ordinance No. 1517 (2008 Series) ATTACHMENT 4
Page 4
recommendations made by the City Advisory Body created by Section 12.42.100 of this chapter
as to the use of assessment revenue.
12.42.090.DELINQUENCY,PENALTY,AND INTEREST. Any hotel that
fails to remit any assessment imposed by this ordinance within the time required shall pay a
penalty in accordance with the policies, regulations, and ordinances of the City of San Luis
Obispo. Any and all remedies available to the City of San Luis Obispo for non payment of
assessments or taxes shall be applicable in the event of non payment of an assessment under this
chapter.
12.42.100 ADVISORY BODY. An advisory body comprised of five(5)
members is hereby created to carry out the functions of an advisory board under Section 36530
of the law. Said advisory body shall be referred Was the Tourism Business Improvement
District Board or TBID Board The members of the TBID Board shall be appointed following
the City's recruitment guidelines for Advisory Bodies. All applicants and members must be
operators of hotels within the district,or employed by the operator of such a hotel. The length of
the term for each individual member of the TBID Board shall follow the guidelines of all City
Advisory Bodies and is limited to eight(8)subsequent years. Members of the TBID Board shall
serve at the pleasure of the City Council and may be removed by the City Council at any time. If
a member no longer represent the lodging establishment for which he or she was selected to the
TBID Board,his or her seat will be vacated and a new member will be appointed. The TBID
Board shall review the implementation of this chapter, the implementation of programs and
activities funded through this chapter, and,advise the City Council on the amount of the district's
assessments and on the services,programs,and activities to be funded by the Assessments, and
shall perform such other duties as required by the law,including preparing the Annual Report
required by Section 36533 of the,law., The.Annual Report shall be submitted to the City Council
no later than 90 days before the new budget year. The City Council shall ensure that the TBID
Board has timely access to all public information regarding collection,disbursement,and uses of
the funds collected under the terms of this ordinance
12.42.110 MODIFICATION OR DISESTABLISHMENT. The City
Council,by ordinance,may modify the provisions of this chapter and may disestablish the
district or parts of the district, after adopting.a resolution of intention to such effect. Such
resolution shall describe the proposed change or changes,or indicate that it is proposed to
disestablish the area, and shall state the time and place of a hearing to be held by the City
Council to consider the proposed action. If the operators of hotels which pay fifty percent(50%)
or more of the assessments in the district file a petition with the Clerk of the City of San Luis
Obispo to adopt a resolution of intention to.modify or disestablish the district,the City Council
shall adopt such resolution and act upon it as required by law. Signatures on such petition shall
be those of a duly authorized representative of the operators of hotels in the district. In the event
the resolution proposes to modify any of the provisions of this chapter,including changes in the
existing assessments or in the existing boundaries of the district, such proceedings shall
terminate if protest is made by the operators of hotels which pay fifty percent(50%)or more of
the assessments in the district,or in the district as it is proposed to be enlarged.
Ordinance No. 1517-(2008 Series) ATTACHMENT
TTA^HENT A
Page 5
In the event the resolution proposes disestablishment of the district,the City Council shall
disestablish the district;unless at such hearing,protest against disestablishment is made by the
operators of hotels paying fifty percent(50%)or more of the assessments in the district.
SECTION 4, If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is
for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent
jurisdiction,.such decision shallnot affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance.
The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance and each section,
subsection, sentence, clause and phrase hereof,irrespective of the fact that any one or more of
the sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
SECTION 5. A summary of this ordinance,together with the names of Council
members voting for and against it, shall be published at least five(5) days prior to its final
adoption, in The Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in the City of San Luis Obispo.
This ordinance shall go into effect at the expiration of thirty(30) days after its final adoption.
INTRODUCED on the P day of June 2008, AND FINALLY ADOPTED by the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo on the 17th day of June 2008, on the following roll call
vote:
AYES: Council Members Carter, Mulholland and Settle,.Vice Mayor Brown.and
Mayor Romero
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor David F. Romero
ATTEST:
udrey Her
City Cler
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
onathan well
orney
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RED FILE
��°� $ ;' - MEETING AGENDA
IDATEIOjITEM # PN-a
October 20, 2009
Mayor Dave Romero,Vice Mayor Allen Settle, Council Members Andrew Carter,
Jan Howell Marx and John Ashbaugh.
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council Members,
Due to a schedule conflict I am unable to attend the City Council meeting today
Tuesday, October 20, 2009. That being said, I would like to give you my feedback on
continuing the T-BID assessment. Being a Hotel General Manager in the City of San
Luis Obispo as well as a current member of the Tourism Business Improvement
District Board, I am very enthusiastic about the progress that has already been made. It
is vital that resources are allocated to promote the city of San Luis Obispo as a tourism
destination.
I have had the privilege of attending almost every meeting since the San Luis Obispo's
T-BID assessment board began. It has been a very positive and forward moving process
and should continue to be for years to come. The promotion of tourism is vital for our
city so we can compete with those communities around us who have even larger
budgets. A larger budget allows us to seek marketing opportunities the City may not
otherwise afford, and the T-BID will enhance existing marketing efforts already iri place
by working together for the greater good.
It is time to show the world that San Luis Obispo has so much to offer the traveler, a
very genuine"Sincerely California" experience!
Respectfully, �1
Dear le llattoK
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