Item Coversheet



BOCC AGENDA ITEM

Item Title:Appoint Board Member to the Tourist Development Council and Appoint TDC Chairman
Date:1/10/2022
Department:County Manager
Background:

The AITDC is a volunteer, citizen-based committee who is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The AITDC is charged with providing recommendations to the BOCC on tourism related matters including, but not limited to, the creation of marketing plans, new product development, and the expenditure of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds. The AITDC is also charged with the continuous review of expenditures of TDT funds.

To ensure proactive and professional management of the AITDC and execution of related tourism programs, initiatives, and special projects, the BOCC contracts with Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (AICVB) to provide administrative and operational support to the AITDC and related tourism activities. This includes, among other items, the preparation of marketing plans, management of tourism related contracts, development of new products, expansion of the tourism market, and preparation of an annual budget for the AITDC and BOCC’s consideration. 

The AITDC was established by ordinance after a vote of the electorate of Nassau County in November of 1988. The AITDC is composed of nine (9) members who are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the BOCC. The appointments are governed by Florida Statute 125.0104 which states the AITDC shall be comprised of:

  • One (1) County Commissioner
  • Two (2) Elected Municipal Officials
  • at least one of whom shall be from the most populous municipality in the county or sub-county special taxing district in which the tax is levied
  • Six (6) persons who are involved in the tourist industry and have demonstrated an interest in tourist development
  • No less than three (3) nor more than four (4), shall be owners or operators of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations on Amelia Island subject to the tax and reside in Nassau County

Additional information, in part, concerning characteristics of the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council's operations follow in accordance with Florida Statute 125.0104 and Nassau County Ordinance 88-31 as follows:  

  •  The AITDC shall meet at least once each quarter
  • Members of the AITDC shall serve for staggered terms of 4 years
  • All members are required to:
    • Be Nassau County residents and registered voters
    • Adhere to Florida Sunshine Law
  • The Board of County Commissioners shall have the option of designating the chair of the AITDC or allowing the AITDC to elect a chair.

 

 

Current TDC Members:

  • Aaron Bell, Chairman (BOCC representative) - Term follows statute
  • Len Kreger, City Commissioner (Elected Official, City of Fernandina Beach) - Term expires December 2022
  • John Beasley, Town of Hilliard (Elected Official, City of Fernandina Beach, Town of Callahan or Town of Hilliard) - Term expires December 2024
  • Lisa West, Addison on Amelia (Tourist Industry, Tax Paying) - Term expires December 2022
  • Will Weist, Ritz Carlton (Tourist Industry, Tax Paying) - Term expires December 2024
  • Bob Hartman, Residence Inn (Tourist Industry) - Term expires December 2024
  • Phyllis Davis, Amelia Island Museum of History (Tourist Industry) - Term expires December 2022
  • Barbara Halverstadt, Jacksonville Aviation Authority (Tourist Industry) - Term expires December 2022
  • Olivia Hoblit, Innisfree Hotels (Tourist Industry) - Term expires December 2024
Request:
Appoint Commissioner to serve on the Tourist Development Council and Appoint a Tourist Development Council Chairman.
Financial/Economic Impact to Future Years Budgeting Process or Effect on Citizens:
The Amelia Island The Tourist Development Council (AITDC) is a Board of County Commissioners appointed body who provides recommendations to the BOCC on tourism related matters including marketing plans and the expenditure of Tourist Development Tax funds/annual budget. AITDC is funded from Tourist Development Tax (Bed Tax) imposed on lodging establishments including hotels, motels, AirBnB, etc.
Action Requested and Recommendation:
Appoint Commissioner to serve on the Tourist Development Council and Appoint a Tourist Development Council Chairman.
Is this action consistent with the Nassau County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?
NA
Funding Source:
N/A
Additional Information Needed for Contracts/Agreements (If Applicable)
Contract Number assigned by Contracts Management:
N/A
For non-governmental agencies, has the document been sent to the vendor for signature?
N/A
Does the document need to be recorded? If so, who will pay the recordation fee?
N/A
Are there any special mailing instructions? (Include contact name, address, deadline for submittal, how to mail such as express mail, FedEx, etc):
N/A
How many originals are needed?
N/A