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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 08, 2010 Page 9 Councilmember Pust arrived at this time: approximately 6:42 p.m. Ms. Olstrander reviewed marketing plans for 2010 through use of major advertis- ing venues; partnering with Gopher Sports; and Constant Contact e-mail groups. Ms. Larson noted the significant reduction in advertising costs due to in-house preparation of many of the marketing materials and management of the a-mail process. Ms. Larson noted discussions were being held to accommodate potential growth for the Jazz Blast in the future through additional cooperative ventures. Ms. Larson advised that they would continue their positive promotion of Rose- ville, and assured the City Council that they were "holding our own" in the hospi- tality industry. Mayor Klausing asked, for the public benefit, the purpose of and funding sources for the RVA. Ms. Larson advised that the purpose of the RVA was to sell Roseville's hospital- ity community to local, regional and national marketing to promote the commu- nity and its amenities; and that this was funded through a three percent (3%) hotel tax, not from the community at large. Ms. Larson noted that the hospitality indus- try was a very large economic generator in the community, as well as employing many through its hotels and restaurants. Mayor Klausing clarified that, by State Statute, that three percent (3%) was only used for the RVA and not the City. Ms. Larson concurred, noting that exclusive use of that 3% was required to pro- mote tourism in the community and had been successful to-date (i.e., bringing the Jazz event to the hospitality industry in January, a normally slow time for their businesses). Councilmember Roe sought clarification of the City's hotel tax in comparison to surrounding communities. Ms. Larson advised that the City's hotel tax was well less than 1-1/2% until the extra percentage tax was initiated, with the City now approximately'/2% less than area competitors. Roe noted that this was a definite advantage for those in the area on pleasure or business to stay in Roseville, in addition to the City's new Park and Ride facility. Ms. Larson also noted the lower costs for eating and entertainment in Roseville as well as no-fee parking.