Committee reports tourism income of $12.5 million in 2004

By Ralph Pokorny

Nevada Daily Mail

Vernon County is not usually considered a mecca of tourism; however, it brings a lot of money into the coffers of local businesses as well as the city, county and state governments.

In 2004, about $12.5 million were spent in Vernon County with travel-related businesses generating nearly $1 million in sales taxes, income taxes and other taxes, Russ Kemm, IMPACT Nevada Tourism chairman, told the Nevada City Council Tuesday night.

Kemm, who was presenting IMPACT Nevada's annual report to the council, said that last year about 3,200 travelers stopped at the visitor center, which is open from April 1 through the October, on east Austin Boulevard, looking for information.

"This year we plan to build a lighted kiosk where lodging and visitor information will be available 24/7," he said.

The tourism committee already has tourism information racks placed in 21 local businesses.

Kemm said that this year they have approved $16,725 in grants to enhance existing events or to support new events like the Eagles State Convention that will be held here in June and the RecFest that will be held here for the second time, Oct. 14 and 15.

"The RecFest draws national attention to our area," he said.

Since the tourism tax was instituted in 2000, more than $75,000 in grants funded by it have been awarded.

"These events are specifically geared to generate heads for beds," he said.

Kemm told the council that they would like to see the city improve the lighting in the "motel zone" to make it easier to find entrances and to improve the roads going to the existing recreation attractions such as the golf course, raceway, sports complexes and the water park.

"We want to make people happy to be in Nevada and want to come back," he told the council.

In other business the council:

* Approved spending between $450 and $500 for the city's share of the cost to hold a joint city and county cleanup day on April 23. The money will go to pay half of the cost of dumpsters and landfill fees.

* Accepted the low bid of $9,489.98 from Executive Protection Systems for an APD2000 hand-held chemical detector for the fire department. A Homeland Security Grant will cover the entire cost of the equipment.

* Accepted a bid of $11,389.00 from 123 Graphics, LLC, Lenexa, Kan., for a 44-inch Epson 10600 inkjet printer for the geographic information systems and engineering department. The equipment will be used to print large maps and other large pieces of data on rolls of paper up to 44 inches wide. The city solicited bids from three companies, however, 123 Graphics, LLC was the only company to return a bid.

* Passed on first reading a special ordinance approving an extended service agreement with Micro-Com Digital Control Technology for maintenance of the control systems for the city's water towers.

* Passed on first reading an ordinance approving a plumbing services agreement with Kappel's Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioner, Inc.

* Passed on first reading a special ordinance authorizing a HVAC service agreement with Kapple's Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioner, Inc.

* Passed on first reading a special ordinance authorizing a HVAC service agreement with Ernsbarger Heating and Cooling.

* Passed on first reading a general ordinance to require sidewalks widths to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for widths and to update the specifications for concrete and asphalt streets.

* Voted 4-0 with Mike Straight abstaining because of a conflict of interest, to adopt Resolution No. 1116 to authorize the sponsorship of a grant application on the behalf of the Council on Families in Crisis.

* Adopted Resolution No. 1117 approving a memorandum on the 2004 meet and confer session between the city and Local No. 3031 International Association of Fire Fighters.

* Passed on second reading a special ordinance amending the 2005 annual city budget to agree with actual expenditures and revenues.

* Passed on second reading an ordinance approving the issuance of bonds to finance the Country Club NID Project.

* Approved an agreement with Bench Craft Company to provide benches for the Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course. The company will sell advertisements on the benches to cover the cost.

* Passed on second reading a special ordinance approving an agreement with Bench Craft Company to provide golf ball washing equipment at the Frank E. Peters Golf Course.

* Passed on second reading a special ordinance vacating the permanent drainage easement in Hedges Plaza to the city of Nevada.

* Passed on second reading a special ordinance replacing the vacated permanent drainage easement in Hedges Plaza with a new permanent drainage easement along the west side of the property. According to Craig Hubler the change in drainage easements will have no adverse effect on neighboring property.

* Gave final approval to a special ordinance to hire Allgeier, Martin & Associates, Inc. to conduct a feasibility study for backup power needs for essential city facilities.

* Passed on second reading a special ordinance approving to a service contract with Tim's Muffler Shop for repair services.

* Passed on second reading a special ordinance approving a service agreement with Nevada Auto Mall for vehicle repair services and a special ordinance approving a service agreement with Jearl's Nevada Radiator shop for radiator repair services.

* Passed on second reading a special ordinance approving a service agreement with Guthrie Motors, Inc. for vehicle repair services.

* Gave final approval to a special ordinance approving a service agreement with Alelco, Inc. for cathodic protection services.

* Passed on second reading a special ordinance authorizing a water and wastewater service agreement with Allgeier, Martin & Associates, Inc., for miscellaneous design services.