Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2018-259 directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of the Governmental Center, to consider adoption of a proposed Resolution Amending the Administrative Code, the title of which is as follows:
 
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA,  PERTAINING TO THE GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ("CVB"); AMENDING SECTIONS 13.30 AND 13.31 AND CREATING SECTION 13.32 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ("ADMINISTRATIVE CODE") TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS TO PERMIT THE CVB TO ENTER INTO INCENTIVE AND SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENTS FOR THE PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN BROWARD COUNTY; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

ACTION:  (T-10:26 AM)  Approved, as amended, with the Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated Tuesday, June 5, 2018, submitted at the request of Vice-Mayor Bogen.

VOTE: 6-0.  Commissioners Geller, Holness and Sharief were not present.

The Broward County Charter requires the posting of notice and a public hearing for adoption of amendments to the Broward County Administrative Code.

Authorizes the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau ("CVB") to enter into incentive and sponsorship agreements ("Sponsorship Agreements") to promote tourism in Broward County.

The proposed changes to the Broward County Administrative Code would create a Group Sponsorship Program ("GSP") and Tourism Sponsorship Program ("TSP") to assist the CVB in marketing Broward County to tourists, and would formalize a process for awarding incentives. Under the GSP, the CVB would be permitted to use monetary and nonmonetary incentives to encourage entities or organizations to host events or conventions in Broward County. The CVB will engage in a review process before offering a GSP incentive, including consideration of the entity's or organization's ability to attract tourism, the anticipated economic impact on Broward County, the expected number of hotel room nights that will be needed to accommodate attendees, and any other factors that might assist in the promotion of Broward County as a desirable tourist destination.
 
The CVB would also be given the authority, under a TSP, to sponsor events, services, or activities to target tourists already in Broward County. Under this program, monetary or nonmonetary incentives would be given to entities or organizations that organize or conduct these events. The proposed TSP also includes a review process that the CVB must undertake before agreeing to sponsor an event. The CVB is required to document in writing the results of its review process and its decision to approve or deny an application.
 
The GSP and TSP incentives would be provided exclusively to entities and organizations that enter into a Sponsorship Agreement with the County, which must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Office of the County Attorney. The changes to the Administrative Code would also give the CVB President authority to approve and execute Sponsorship Agreements up to $250,000. The Director of Purchasing, upon the written recommendation from the CVB President, would have the authority to approve Sponsorship Agreements in amounts greater than $250,000 and up to $500,000. Sponsorship Agreements in excess of $500,000 would be subject to approval by the Board.
 
The proposed changes to the Administrative Code implement recommendations made by the Broward County Auditor, who audited the CVB at the request of the CVB President shortly after the beginning of her tenure. The Auditor found that the CVB lacked a formal process for evaluating and authorizing sponsorships and monetary and nonmonetary incentives.

Mark A. Journey, Senior Assistant County Attorney, (954) 357-7600