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109 challenged the way it is to be funded. He did not feel it is fair to hotels that they should fully support the Bureau. He favored charging dues for bu- reau members to go directly to the Convention Bureau rather than it being fun- ded by hotels. He stated the five hotels are barely at the point of breaking even, and with new hotels being built in Contra Costa County there will be more competition than at the present time. Mr. Terrill stated that a consultant hired by thg City and Chamber of Com- merce to study the feasibility of a Convention and Visitors Bureau suggested three methods of financing: using City excess tax revenue; City General Fund ..... money; or a portion of the hotel tax. He stated he favor using City excess tax revenues. Mr. Peter Bailey, the new Fairgrounds Manager, stated he was involved in upgrading the San Mateo County Fair buildings, which are paying for them- selves. He added that the Alameda County Fairgrounds has not marketed itself enough to businesses and organizations; there is a study presented this date regarding additional improvements and renovations to support an increased con- vention business. Mr. Scott Raty, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, stated the city loses out on various conventions and other events because there is not a way to attract and invite these people to Pleasanton. He added that in the loss of these events it has a negative impact on all businesses within the City. Mr. Mike Goodison, 1636 Rennellwood Way, stated he is opposed to the City being the sole source for funding; the City assumes all the risk while the hotels benefit from the Bureau. He added he would like to see more private funding and less public funding. Councilmember Brandes stated he felt it would be totally inappropriate for the Council to reduce the occupancy tax. He stated he did not have a problem in taking part of that money and putting it towards a Convention Bureau, but he does have a problem as it relates to Prop. 4 and its effect on projects approved by the voters. He stated it is a problem of timing, and not support. He stated he did not see any way to spend any significant funds out of the general revenue of the City for a Convention and Visitors Bureau. He asked if there is a mechanism whereby the City could advance money for the construction of a Convention Bureau at the Fairgrounds with reimbursement to be collected later. The City Attorney advised this could be worked out. Council discussion ensued regarding the need for additional information related to funding and possible improvements to the Fairgrounds. It was moved by Councilmember Wilson, and seconded by Councilmember Mohr, that the item regarding establishing a Convention and Visitors Bureau be con- tinued for one month, and instructed staff to provide additional information regarding funding and possible improvements to the Fairgrounds related to a Convention Bureau. The roll call vote was as follows: AYES: Councilmembers Brandes, Butler, Mohr, Wilson, and Mayor Mercer NOES: None ABSENT: None 13 - 5-5-87