HomeMy WebLinkAboutTourism & Fair Committee - Minutes - 11/16/2022
2022-07-20 Minutes
Minutes of the
BAYFIELD COUNTY TOURISM-FAIR COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 4:30 PM
EOC
Members Present: Larry Fickbohm, James Crandall, Jeremy Oswald, and John Rautio
Members Absent: Steve Sandstrom
Others Present: Mary D. Motiff, Tourism Director; David Eades, Fair Coordinator
I. Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:30 by Fickbohm
II. Motion Regarding September 28, 2022, Tourism-Fair Committee Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve by Crandall, second Rautio – motion passed
III. Public Comment: – Limited to 3 minutes per person. - None
IV. Budget Review:
Motiff gave a brief overview of the current budget. We are under on capital expenses, ahead on
revenue, and over on contracts. Overall budget is on track to be balanced.
V. Discussion and Possible Action on 2023 Fair Planning:
A. Monster Truck
We are currently waiting for a contract. Will send contract to Committee members to review
when we receive it.
B. Admission Prices
Motiff requested to increase the daily admission price to $15 daily for easier ticket sales and cash
handling. There is some federal money available from a public lands grant. Several ideas are being
discussed. Free admission in 2023, no fees for exhibitors, and money for media campaign
promoting public lands. Motiff will keep the Committee in the loop as all Departments are vying
for the same monies.
Motion to increase admission to $15 daily by Oswald, 2nd Rautio, motion passed.
VI. Discussion and Possible Action on Recommendation for ATV/UTV Use on County
Highways:
Motiff asked if the Committee wants to take a position. Minor discussion ensued about economics,
laws, and safety. Committee determined it needed more information to make a decision. No action
taken.
VII. Buildings and Grounds Update:
A. Dairy Barn Roof Repair
The repair has not been done yet.
B. Maintenance Building Roof
New asphalt shingle roof has been installed.
C. Winter Storage
Motiff noted that the grounds crew used the buildings more efficiently and was organized better
this year. We should have revenue over $2,000 more than last year.
D. Horse Arena
2022-07-20 Minutes
Bob Anderson from the Highway Department has added clay to the arena and Fickbohm will use
the rotavator in the spring to work it in.
E. Campground Designation
Met with Bayfield County Health and we are still working on application.
VIII. Tourism Report from Director:
A. Department Goals & Objectives with Activities
Motiff held an area tourism meeting, and it was attended by regional and state entities. A nice
round table discussion took place.
The Snowmobile map has been updated and is at the printer.
Visitor Guide is being updated now and will go to the printer in December.
Motiff organized a co-op ad with the other National Scenic Byways in WI for an ad in the State
Department of Tourism guide. A great partnership with the other byways with future possibilities
to shine light on our byway.
B. Measurable Data Review including Analytics & Sales Tax
Motiff noted that sales tax is still up and setting records again for the County.
Room Tax still a better indicator of tourism and Motiff is working on getting better data.
Visitor Guide requests were down from last year but are still up from pre covid numbers.
Motiff stressed that Facebook is still a great way to a advertise as it costs little money but has
great impact to reach people.
There is a winter YouTube campaign ready to go, an Instagram influencer tagged us and we
shared their content to great success and the Shrpa itineraries on the website are doing well.
Motiff noted that they will change seasonally with winter ones coming soon.
IX. Future Agenda Items and Next Meeting Date:
There was some discussion and concern about short term rentals and what we can do to get a handle
on them.
Changes asked for by 4H Market Sale Committee will be on the next agenda with a representative
from the group present.
WI Fair Convention is in January - next meeting Wednesday, February 8. 4:30 EOC.
X. Adjournment:
Fickbohm adjourned the meeting at 5:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Mary D. Motiff
Director, Tourism & Fair