ASSEMBLY FINANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA March 18, 2021 This meeting will be held at or hosted from the Mona Lisa Drexler Assembly Chambers Juanita Helms Administration Center 907 Terminal Street, Fairbanks, AK 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be conducted in - person and by zoom or zoom- only based upon the Borough Risk Matrix FNSB Operational Status and if the Juanita Helms Administration Center is otherwise open to the public. Please visit https://www.fnsb.gov/415/Stay - Connected - with - the - Assembly or contact the Borough Clerk ’ s Office (907) 459 - 1401. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL MEMORANDA/REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS Explore Fairbanks annual budget presentation by Deb Hickok, President, to include a question and answer period. Explore Fairbanks Budget Report Backup Information.pdf CONTRACTS/BID AWARDS Change Order: For Contract Issued as a Result of RFP No. 18022. Transit Administration and Maintenance Facility. Approval of a Change Order to Design Alaska in the amount of $196,420.00, for a total contract amount of $2,604,021.00. Change Order Transit Administration and Maintenance Facility Backup Information.pdf Contract Award: Sourcewell Cooperative Contract 2021 Zamboni Ice Resurfacer. Approval of a contract with Zamboni Company, Inc in the amount of $111,564.95 to purchase a 2021 Zamboni Ice Resurfacer. Sourcewell Cooperative Contract 2021 Zamboni Ice Resurfacer Backup Information.pdf IFB Award: IFB Number 21039 Solid Waste Facility C & D Cell 5 Phase 1 Clearing & Grubbing. Fairbanks North Star Borough 1. 2. 3. 3.a. Documents: 4. 4.a. Documents: 4.b. Documents: 4.c.
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ASSEMBLY FINANCE COMMITTEE AGENDAMarch 18, 2021
This meeting will be held at or hosted from the
Mona Lisa Drexler Assembly ChambersJuanita Helms Administration Center907 Terminal Street, Fairbanks, AK
5:30 p.m.
This meeting will be conducted in-person and by zoom or zoom-only based upon the Borough Risk Matrix FNSB Operational Status and if the Juanita Helms Administration Center is otherwise open to the public. Please visit https://www.fnsb.gov/415/Stay-Connected-with-the-Assembly or contact the Borough Clerk ’s Office (907) 459-1401.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
MEMORANDA/REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
Explore Fairbanks annual budget presentation by Deb Hickok, President, to include a question and answer period.
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-14.An Ordinance Renaming And Redefining The Facilities Maintenance Reserve Established In Ordinance No. 99-016 To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve By Amending FNSBC Title 7 To Add Definitions Of Fund And Reserve Account, Adding New Sections To Establish Reserve Accounts Including The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve Account, Providing For A General Fund Transfer To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve, Requiring A Contribution To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve In The Mayor's Proposed Budget, And Making Other Related Changes; And, Recomputing And Adjusting The February 2021 Transfers Of The Fiscal Year 2019-20 "Net General Fund Lapse." (Sponsors: Mayor Ward and Assemblymembers Lojewski and Sanford)
2021-14 Backup Information.pdf
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-20-1Q.An Ordinance Amending The FY 2020-21 Budget By Appropriating $22,239 In Federal Pass-Through Grant Funding To The Capital Projects Fund For The Growden Area Accessibility Improvements Project For The Purpose Of Providing Parks And Recreation Project Support, Designing And Furnishing Interpretive Panels, And Providing Design Support For Wayfinding Signs. (Sponsor: Mayor Ward)
THE AGENDA ITEMS AS LISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE DELETION OF ITEMS OR EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, IF NEEDED.
Mona Lisa Drexler Assembly ChambersJuanita Helms Administration Center907 Terminal Street, Fairbanks, AK
5:30 p.m.
This meeting will be conducted in-person and by zoom or zoom-only based upon the Borough Risk Matrix FNSB Operational Status and if the Juanita Helms Administration Center is otherwise open to the public. Please visit https://www.fnsb.gov/415/Stay-Connected-with-the-Assembly or contact the Borough Clerk ’s Office (907) 459-1401.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
MEMORANDA/REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
Explore Fairbanks annual budget presentation by Deb Hickok, President, to include a question and answer period.
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-14.An Ordinance Renaming And Redefining The Facilities Maintenance Reserve Established In Ordinance No. 99-016 To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve By Amending FNSBC Title 7 To Add Definitions Of Fund And Reserve Account, Adding New Sections To Establish Reserve Accounts Including The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve Account, Providing For A General Fund Transfer To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve, Requiring A Contribution To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve In The Mayor's Proposed Budget, And Making Other Related Changes; And, Recomputing And Adjusting The February 2021 Transfers Of The Fiscal Year 2019-20 "Net General Fund Lapse." (Sponsors: Mayor Ward and Assemblymembers Lojewski and Sanford)
2021-14 Backup Information.pdf
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-20-1Q.An Ordinance Amending The FY 2020-21 Budget By Appropriating $22,239 In Federal Pass-Through Grant Funding To The Capital Projects Fund For The Growden Area Accessibility Improvements Project For The Purpose Of Providing Parks And Recreation Project Support, Designing And Furnishing Interpretive Panels, And Providing Design Support For Wayfinding Signs. (Sponsor: Mayor Ward)
THE AGENDA ITEMS AS LISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE DELETION OF ITEMS OR EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, IF NEEDED.
Mona Lisa Drexler Assembly ChambersJuanita Helms Administration Center907 Terminal Street, Fairbanks, AK
5:30 p.m.
This meeting will be conducted in-person and by zoom or zoom-only based upon the Borough Risk Matrix FNSB Operational Status and if the Juanita Helms Administration Center is otherwise open to the public. Please visit https://www.fnsb.gov/415/Stay-Connected-with-the-Assembly or contact the Borough Clerk ’s Office (907) 459-1401.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
MEMORANDA/REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
Explore Fairbanks annual budget presentation by Deb Hickok, President, to include a question and answer period.
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-14.An Ordinance Renaming And Redefining The Facilities Maintenance Reserve Established In Ordinance No. 99-016 To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve By Amending FNSBC Title 7 To Add Definitions Of Fund And Reserve Account, Adding New Sections To Establish Reserve Accounts Including The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve Account, Providing For A General Fund Transfer To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve, Requiring A Contribution To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve In The Mayor's Proposed Budget, And Making Other Related Changes; And, Recomputing And Adjusting The February 2021 Transfers Of The Fiscal Year 2019-20 "Net General Fund Lapse." (Sponsors: Mayor Ward and Assemblymembers Lojewski and Sanford)
2021-14 Backup Information.pdf
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-20-1Q.An Ordinance Amending The FY 2020-21 Budget By Appropriating $22,239 In Federal Pass-Through Grant Funding To The Capital Projects Fund For The Growden Area Accessibility Improvements Project For The Purpose Of Providing Parks And Recreation Project Support, Designing And Furnishing Interpretive Panels, And Providing Design Support For Wayfinding Signs. (Sponsor: Mayor Ward)
THE AGENDA ITEMS AS LISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE DELETION OF ITEMS OR EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, IF NEEDED.
Department Narratives Administration ................................................................................................................................................ 4-8 Communications ........................................................................................................................................ 9-15 Meetings and Conventions ..................................................................................................................16-19 Tourism......................................................................................................................................................... 20-24 Visitor Services and Partnership Development ............................................................................25-27
2021 Budgets by Department Revenue and Expense Summaries .................................................................................................... 36-37 2021 Expense Budget ................................................................................................................................... 38 Administration ...........................................................................................................................................39-41 Communications ...................................................................................................................................... 42-44 Meetings and Conventions .................................................................................................................. 45-47 Tourism......................................................................................................................................................... 48-50 Visitor Services ........................................................................................................................................... 51-53 Partnership Development .................................................................................................................... 54-56
Additional Information Annual Progress Report ......................................................................................................................... 58-95 Financial Statements November 30, 2020 ...................................................................................... 97-98 2019 Audit ............................................................................................................................................. 100-118
Table of Contents
The mission of Explore Fairbanks is to be an economic driver in the Fairbanks
region by marketing to potential visitors and optimizing the visitor experience.
Establish a strong brand identity for the Fairbanks region.
Focus marketing efforts on markets defined by Alaska tourism as well as opportunity markets
specific to the Fairbanks region.
Focus efforts on stimulating year-round visitor spending.
Provide leadership and serve as a catalyst for strategic product development and infrastructure improvement.
Advocate on behalf of the travel industry for the benefit of the Fairbanks region.
Mission Statement
Long-Term Strategic Priorities
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 1
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 2
Explore Fairbanks 2021 Board of Directors
Executive Officers
Seat C Buzzy Chiu – Chair Transportation Premier Alaska Tours Expires 2021 3427 International St Fairbanks, AK 99701-7383 (907) 978-7677 [email protected]
Seat A Kristin Baysinger – Chair Elect Events Carlson Center Expires 2021 2010 2nd Ave
Seat G Javier Villasenor-Gaona Lodging Chena Hot Springs Resort Expires 2022 PO Box 58740
Fairbanks, AK 99711 (907) 251-0591 [email protected] Seat H Danielle Hayes Transportation HAP Alaska-Yukon Expires 2022 3401 Lathrop St Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 455-1919
[email protected] Seat I Erica Moeller Retail The Roaming Root Cellar Expires 2023 372 Old Chena Pump Rd. #D Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 251-7083 [email protected]
Seat L Kory Eberhardt – Treasurer Lodging A Taste of Alaska Lodge Expires 2023 551 Eberhardt Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 488-7855 [email protected] Seat F Ralf Dobrovolny – Secretary Attractions 1st Alaska Tours Expires 2022 PO Box 84529 Fairbanks, AK 99708 (907) 590-5900 [email protected] President Deb Hickok & CEO Explore Fairbanks Ex Officio 101 Dunkel St, Ste 111 Fairbanks, AK 99701-4806 (907) 459-3770 [email protected] Seat K Reinhard Neuhauser Attractions Alaska Fishing and Raft Adventures Expires 2021 PO Box 74622 Fairbanks, AK 99707 (907) 699-7455 [email protected] Seat M Carly Nelson Conventions Wedgewood Resort Expires 2023 212 Wedgewood Dr. Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 450-2166 [email protected] Seat N Doug Toelle Appointed Running Reindeer Ranch Expires 2021 1470 Ivans Alley
Seat O John Scherzer Appointed Westmark Hotel & Conference Center Expires 2021 813 Noble St Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-7739 [email protected] Ex Officio Jimi Cash, Assembly Member FNSB Rep FNSB Assembly
PO Box 71267 Fairbanks, Alaska 99707 (907) 799-2692 [email protected]
Ex Officio Shoshana Kun, City Council Member City Council Rep Fairbanks City Council 800 Cushman St Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 590-8313
Entering 2021 with significantly-reduced budget and staffing due to the impacts of COVID-19, the Administration Department continues pursuit of funding sources in order to remarket the Fairbanks North Star Borough region with a team that is appropriately compensated and at a level of manageable workload. Simultaneously, the department will continue to monitor and respond to the stresses and strains imposed on tourism business partners and staff due to the pandemic’s impact on the travel industry. The department provides leadership in helping to create an environment in which businesses can recover.
ORGANIZATIONAL RECOVERY
Target Date: On-going
Due to dramatic declines in revenue – primarily in Hotel/Motel Tax collections – due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Explore Fairbanks has cut marketing budget and staff as well as implemented across-the-board salary cuts
Key Factors: Availability of Phase 4 and beyond stimulus package(s)
Main Theme: Ensure that we have exhausted every option to secure stimulus and other funding
STIMULUS FUNDING
Target Date: On-going and as available
Method 1: Exhaust every option to secure stimulus and other funding
• Liaison with policymakers and elected officials o Ensure that eligibility requirements include 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations o Create traction for direct funding to Explore Fairbanks as the destination marketing and
management organization for the region • Apply in a timely fashion to stimulus and other funding opportunities
o Ensure that the organization has the effective controls in place to meet financial reporting and compliance objectives
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Target Date: Audit completed by March Board of Directors Meeting
Method 1: Fund Accounting, Reporting and Audit
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 4
• Prepare for a clean 2020 audit made more complex because of multiple stimulus funding streams as well as COVID-19 mitigation measures
Target Date: On-going
Method 2: Financial Leadership
• Provide financial input with an emphasis on programs that will directly impact industry recovery and sustainability of the organization
o Coordinate the annual budget process to ensure resources are invested carefully and efficiently
o Assure all aspects of fiscal accountability with thorough and timely recordkeeping, oversight, and reporting
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Target Date: On-going
Method 1: Assure team well-being and motivation
• Re-assess workload and work allocation and monitor pressures due to reduced staff • Oversee that employees are provided with the right remote working tools
o Employees can stay engaged and productive • Maintain competitive compensation, human resource benefits and polices to retain talent
o Re-assess staffing salary cuts • Collaborate with DMO HR Group for best practices
Target Date: On-going
Method 2 Post COVID-19 talent acquisition
• Collaborate with various agencies to ensure available workforce candidates for organization • Build on recruitment strategies including online and virtual abilities
LOCAL, STATEWIDE AND NATIONAL RECOVERY
STAKEHOLDER AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND PUBLIC POLICY
With tourism as the hardest hit industry sector due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, business relief and recovery takes precedence.
Target Date: Quarterly as appropriate
Method 1: Educate stakeholders on the state of the travel industry and recovery
• Convey statistics on state of the travel industry • Convey updates on key variables needed for full recovery • Conduct one-on-one meetings with newly elected officials
Target Date: On-going
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 5
Method 2: Liaison with policymakers on tourism business relief and recovery
• Pro-actively advocate for federal relief funding for tourism businesses • Support state and federal policies designed to aid tourism business recovery • With the appropriate departments and the Alaska Travel Industry Association , monitor, make
recommendations for change and communicate travel restrictions to business community and potential visitors
• Communicate challenges and opportunities to Explore Fairbanks’ business partners on a regular basis and as needed
• Participate: o On the ATIA Board of Directors o Participate in U.S. Travel Association’s Travel Coalition and Destination Capitol Hill o On the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee
Method 3: Provide up-to-date COVID-related travel information
• In tandem with transportation partners, facilitate communications to and from businesses regarding safety and sanitation protocols
• Create and expand communications to travelers regarding travel restrictions, safety and sanitation protocols
Method 4: Follow-up on key already-identified public policy priorities
• Facilitate participation from the local travel industry in the development of the Fairbanks North Star Borough’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
• Continue to address Winter Tourism Business challenges o Follow-up with FNSB on Chena Lake/Tanana Lakes white paper o Organize Winter Tour Part II for policymakers o Develop strategy for zoning changes that encourage the fostering of tourism businesses
in the Fairbanks North Star Borough • Public Lands
o Track on Denali Park and Preserve Road repair status Winter and Shoulder Season Plan implementation Participate in Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Denali Work Group
o Participate in ATIA’s Public Policy and Planning Committee and Public Land Managers Forum
Method 5: Pro-actively bring forward and respond to tourism businesses who bring forward public policy issues
• Issues vetted within the Public Policy Advisory Committee • Bring issues as appropriate to Board for discussion / approval
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 6
Method 6: Advance Sustainability Plan for destination
• Retain Adventure Green certification • Examine issues, such as climate change, to assess potential impacts on the tourism industry
STRATEGIC PRODUCT AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Target Date: Monthly and on-going
Method 1: Revitalization of Downtown
• Participate in Polaris Work Group • Participate in citizen committees if City of Fairbanks applications are accepted for:
o EPA Multi-purpose Grant o Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training (DoD IRT)
• Work with Fairbanks Arts Association to redefine program arrangements for potential arts center in downtown Fairbanks
Method 2: Transportation Capacity
• Together with Tourism Department: o Monitor status of transportation modes: air, cruise, rail, and border o Develop content and updates for employment webpage of explorefairbanks.com
LOCAL RECOVERY
Target Date: Spring 2021
Due to decrease in employment in the Leisure and Hospitality sector – which includes tourism industry – of the Interior, revitalize workforce training and recruitment as businesses seek to gradually re-hire.
Key Factors: Status of cruise land tours; forecasts from tour operators and independent travelers
Main Theme: “Hire Local” “Know Your Own Backyard”
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Method 1: Networking
• Work with workforce development experts on the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Career and Technical Advisory Committee
o Work with FNSBSD Tourism and Hospitality Committee o Work with other workforce related committees that align with objectives
Method 2: School Trainings
• Together with Visitor Services and Partnership Development Department:
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 7
o prepare virtual Customer Service Training modules and arrange appointments with groups of high school, including home school, and college students
o Develop content and updates for employment webpage of explorefairbanks.com
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 8
2021 COVID-19 REMARKETING PLAN Communications Department
In 2021, the Communications Department looks to continue its path of remarketing by focusing on the local, statewide, national and international markets. This will be done through a variety of methods including but not limited to the explorefairbanks.com website, social media, media outreach, video production and advertising. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Communications Department has pivoted to place more emphasis in the local and statewide markets than has traditionally be done as well as expanded methods of promoting Fairbanks through digital means including increased video production and digital advertising.
LOCAL RECOVERY
Target Date: On-going
Encourage local-area residents to explore the Fairbanks region in a responsible manner.
Main Theme: Explore Local, Explore Fairbanks Responsibly
Subthemes: Be a visitor in your own town, explore your own backyard, stay and play, events, open for business, wide open outdoor spaces, smaller crowds, buy local and support local economy
REMARKETING
Method 1: Blogs and Website
• Create and post timely blogs featuring Explore Local subthemes and spotlight videos • Refine and update content for Local Destinations pages on website • Regularly update Open for Business list on website
Method 2: Social Media
• Create posts highlighting different ways to Explore Local • Create posts linked to updated content and spotlight videos on website
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 9
Method 3: Spotlight Videos
• Continue creation of Explore Local spotlight video series by completing winter and aurora videos
• Post videos to YouTube, website and social media
Method 4: Press Releases/Media Outreach
• Create and distribute timely press releases to local media contacts encouraging people to Explore Local
• Pitch relevant story ideas to local press about visitor industry activities, attractions and tours, as well as local destinations
Method 5: Community Perspectives/Editorial
• Secure and coordinate multiple Community Perspectives in Fairbanks Daily News-Miner • Request Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Editorial Board to write editorials supportive of the visitor
industry utilizing Explore Local messaging
Method 6: Local Radio
• Secure a series of regularly scheduled interviews on local radio stations
Method 7: Scavenger Hunt and Photo Contest
• Create and execute two Explore Local Scavenger Hunt and Photo Contests
Method 8: Virtual Tours
• Work with Visitor Services and Partnership Development to promote virtual tours for Armed Forces orientations
REMARKETING: PAID ADVERTISING
Method 1: Social Media
• Create a series of targeted ads on Facebook/Instagram with Explore Local subthemes including the Scavenger Hunt and Photo Contests
• Create ads geared to members and families of the Armed Forces at Fort Wainwright, Eielson, Greely and Clear
• Use spotlight videos as YouTube ads targeted to the Fairbanks area
Method 2: Radio
• Utilize 101 Ways to Explore Local campaigns to promote subthemes • Create on-going series of radio ads to run throughout the year promoting Explore Local
subthemes • Utilize weekly call-ins on KIAK to promote Explore Local subthemes
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 10
Method 3: Print
• Place regular ads in Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and Alaska Post
Method 3: Television
• Utilize spotlight videos in a series of television commercials
STATEWIDE RECOVERY
Target Date: On-going
Encourage statewide residents to visit the Fairbanks region in a responsible manner.
Main Theme: Explore Fairbanks Responsibly
Subthemes: Road trips, explore the State of Alaska, incorporate messages/themes from ATIA if appropriate, air and rail travel, support the Alaskan economy, family friendly, accessible outdoor adventures, events
REMARKETING
Method 1: Blog and Website
• Create and post blogs with a call to action for Alaskans to Explore Fairbanks Responsibly
• Develop statewide road/rail travel content on Interior website page promoting travel within Alaska
• Refine and update content for Local Destinations pages on website • Expand family friendly and outdoor adventure content on website • Update and highlight events that are happening on website • Regularly update the COVID-19 landing page and homepage as
mandates and protocols change • Regularly update Open for Business list on website
Method 2: Social Media
• Create multiple posts featuring subthemes and link to appropriate landing pages on website
• Create posts featuring road/rail trip ideas and link to website • Promote family friendly and outdoor adventure themes
Method 3: Press Release/Media Outreach
• Create and send timely press releases to statewide media promoting Alaskans to Explore Fairbanks responsibly and relevant subthemes
• Pitch Fairbanks story ideas to Alaska-based travel writers
Method 4: Community Perspective
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 11
• Secure and coordinate editorials supportive of traveling to Fairbanks in Anchorage Daily News and/or other Alaskan newspapers
Method 5: Spotlight Videos
• Continue creation of Explore Fairbanks spotlight video series by completing winter and aurora videos
• Create and/or complete additional summer spotlight videos • Post videos to YouTube, website and social media
Method 6: Collaborate with other DMOs and ATIA
• Incorporate and utilize ATIA statewide messaging • Work collaboratively with other DMOs to promote in-state travel
REMARKETING: PAID ADVERTISING
Method 1: Social Media
• Create a series of geographically targeted ads on Facebook/Instagram incorporating subthemes • Create ads geared to members and families of the Armed Forces at Joint Base Elmendorf-
Richardson • Use spotlight videos as YouTube ads targeted to Alaskans or people currently in the state
Method 2: Television
• Utilize spotlight videos in an expanded series of television commercials
Method 3: Radio
• Create on-going series of radio ads to run throughout the year promoting subthemes in Anchorage, Mat-Su and other locales throughout Alaska
Method 4: Digital
• Continue and refine Google Display ads campaign geotargeted to Alaska residents • Continue and expand Google Pay Per Click campaign geotargeted to Alaska residents • Explore options for reaching in-state residents through additional digital publishers including but
not limited to ADN, Alaska Magazine and Anchorage Press
NATIONAL RECOVERY
Target Date: On-going
Encourage potential visitors to imagine themselves in Fairbanks, start planning their trip when the time is right and to “Explore Fairbanks Responsibly.”
Key Factors: US/Canada border re-opened to non-essential highway traffic, airline and cruise tour connectivity, consumer confidence
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 12
Main Theme: Imagine Yourself Here. Explore Fairbanks Responsibly.
Subthemes: Plan now, travel later; travel mandates/protocols; bucket list; VG/WG request; ways to get here (airline, cruise and highway); events; visiting friends and relatives; Fairbanks’ three seasons
REMARKETING
Method 1: Blog and Website
• Create and post timely blogs featuring the various subthemes • Utilize spotlight videos to promote Fairbanks throughout website • Create new content on website geared towards the long-haul road traveler • Update and highlight events that are happening on website • Regularly update the COVID-19 landing page and homepage as mandates and protocols change • Regularly update Open for Business list on website
Method 2: Social Media
• Continue to post inspirational content that promotes subthemes • Feature spotlight videos in a series of posts • Incorporate Al-Can Highway messaging/imagery for potential long-haul visitors
Method 3: Video
• Procure camera and create new 360-degree videos and stills • Procure drone to capture captivating footage to be utilized in various video productions • Continue creation of Explore Fairbanks spotlight video series by completing winter and aurora
videos • Create and/or complete additional summer spotlight videos • Post all videos to YouTube, website and social media
Method 4: Press Release/Media Outreach
• Create and send timely press releases showcasing relevant subthemes • Pitch story ideas to domestic/national press promoting visitation to Fairbanks • Identify and target domestic media and discuss potential Fairbanks media tours and story ideas
supporting remarketing
Method 5: E-news
• Utilize the Explorer e-news to promote the Fairbanks region and disseminate information about subthemes
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 13
REMARKETING: PAID ADVERTISING
Method 1: Print Ads
• Utilize print advertising targeting independent travelers focusing specifically on placements that generate Visitors Guide inquiries and markets that are accessed by direct flights
• Incorporate “Imagine Yourself Here. Explore Fairbanks Responsibly.” messaging in all ads
• Showcase safety protocols and travel responsibly information as space allows
Method 2: Digital
• Continue TravelSpike campaign • Continue to refine and update Google Display and Pay Per Click campaigns • Continue utilizing digital ads offered by ATIA including ads on travelalaska.com and the Audience
Extension Program • Incorporate new imagery with a wider variety of photos in online placements including
landscapes, wide open spaces and minimal people • Explore new digital methods to reach key markets including but not limited to consumers, travel
agents, tour operators, media and meeting planners
Method 3: Social Media
• Create a series of targeted Facebook/Instagram ads that focus on specific geographic regions, psychographics and/or lookalike audiences
o Geo: Pacific Northwest, large population areas, direct flight hubs o Psycho: RV travelers, road trippers, fishing, outdoor adventurers o Lookalike audiences: People who like our FB page, consumer database
Method 4: E-news
• E-news to ATIA email leads for people who fit the “arrive & leave by highway” discriminate category
INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY
Target Date: On-going
Encourage potential visitors to imagine themselves in Fairbanks, start planning their trip when the time is right and to “Explore Fairbanks Responsibly.”
Key Factors: Lifting of travel bans, loosening of State of Alaska travel mandate, US/Canada border re-opened to non-essential highway traffic, airline and cruise tour connectivity, consumer confidence
Main Theme: Imagine Yourself Here. Explore Fairbanks Responsibly.
Subthemes: Plan now, travel later; bucket list; VG/WG request; ways to get here (airline, cruise and highway); travel mandates/protocol
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 14
REMARKETING
Method 1: Website
• Work with Tourism Department to refresh foreign-language pages on website • Regularly update the COVID-19 landing page and homepage as mandates and protocols change • Regularly update Open for Business list on website
Method 2: Social Media
• Continue to post inspirational content that promotes subthemes
• Feature spotlight videos in a series of posts • Work with EastWest Marketing to continue posting
relevant content on Chinese social media platforms, Weibo and WeChat
Method 3: Video
• Explore ways to produce video content with foreign-language voiceover and/or captions
Method 4: Press Release
• Use TravMedia to send press releases to appropriate international media contacts
REMARKETING: PAID ADVERTISING
Method 1: Print Ads
• Work with Tourism Department and European contractor to identify appropriate publications in Europe
Method 2: Digital
• Explore ways to reach foreign nationals that are living in the United States
Method 3: Social Media
• Create ads in foreign languages and target to appropriate international locations
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 15
2021 COVID-19 REMARKETING PLAN
Meetings and Conventions Department
For 2021 the Meetings and Conventions Department will focus its priorities on remarketing Fairbanks as a meeting destination in the time of COVID-19. Emphasis will be given on communicating to local, state, and national meeting planners how Fairbanks meeting facilities and hotel properties have adapted new health and safety guidelines to ensure the safety of events and up to date information on Alaska travel mandates and other pertinent regulations. Remarketing endeavors will also incorporate “Meet In Fairbanks Responsibly” themes regarding the safety of the destination (wide-open spaces, smaller crowds, etc.) as well as reintroducing destination highlights drawn from brand pillars. Focus will be given to smaller local and state meetings and conferences that have the best opportunity for returning. The department will educate local meeting planners on best practices for hosting meetings, to include incorporating virtual platforms and the concept of “hybrid meetings.”
LOCAL AND STATE RECOVERY
Target Date: Ongoing
Work with local meeting planners and Golden Heart Meeting Ambassadors to educate/provide them with resources and support on hosting meeting and events in the time of COVID-19 with a focus on the return of smaller events, meetings, and conferences
Key Factors: Attractions/activities/businesses (including hotels and event facilities) re-opening, ease in travel restrictions, airlift availability for Lower 48 attendees
Main Theme: “Meet in Fairbanks Responsibly”
Subthemes: we are open for business, wide open spaces/trails/parks, maintain social distancing, cleanliness, support/buy local and support local economy, events
REMARKETING
Method 1: Webinars
• Create and host webinars focusing on best practices for hosting meetings and events to include topics such as:
o Information on Alaska travel mandates o Clauses to look for in contracts such as attrition and force majeure o Expected safety and sanitation procedures at the venues o Expected communication between planners/attendees regarding safety measures
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 16
o Signage for the event/venue regarding safer practices o Use/distribution of sanitizer and masks o Plan for what to do if an attendee becomes symptomatic o Best practices for hosting “hybrid” (part in-person/part virtual) meetings
• Record webinars to make available on demand, send link out through targeted e-mail • Keep abreast on national trends, best practices, CDC/DHSS guidelines and revise webinars
accordingly • Make Tourism Department Fairbanks Aurora and Midnight Sun (FAMS) webinars available to
meeting planners as well as a reminder of destination highlights • Conduct follow-up with webinar attendees and offer assistance as needed
Method 2: Virtual Site Inspections
• Provide meeting planners an opportunity to “see” the facilities available in Fairbanks in a virtual manner
o Collect stills/video from meeting venue partners showcasing meeting spaces in various setups as well as the following information: Sanitization protocols and safety rules put in place by partner businesses Amenities and the ways in which the venue can support technical needs for a
hybrid event o Incorporate information on the services offered by Meetings and Conventions in-
between the venue segments o Include up-to date information on travel mandates o When possible, move towards in-person site inspections that follow proper health and
safety guidelines
Method 3: Local/Community Engagement
• Remain actively involved in appropriate community organizations and endeavors that are connected towards meetings and events, to include:
o Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Weekly programs Military Affairs Committee
o Rotary Club of Fairbanks • In conjunction with the President/CEO, provide administrative support and other areas of
assistance as needed for the Polaris Working Group
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 17
STATEWIDE RECOVERY
Target Date: Ongoing
Work with statewide meeting planners and Golden Heart Meeting Ambassadors to educate/provide them with resources and support on hosting meeting and events in the time of COVID-19 with a focus on the return of smaller events, meetings, and conferences
Key Factors: Attractions/activities/businesses (including hotels and event facilities) re-opening, ease in travel restrictions, airlift availability for Lower 48 attendees
Main Theme: “Meet in Fairbanks Responsibly”
Subthemes: we are open for business, wide open spaces/trails/parks, maintain social distancing, cleanliness, reintroduction of destination highlights, implementation of health and safety measures with meeting venues
REMARKETING
Method 1: Webinars
• Create and host webinars focusing on best practices for hosting meetings and events to include the topics referenced above for local market.
• Make Tourism Department Fairbanks Aurora and Midnight Sun (FAMS) webinars available to meeting planners to reintroduce destination highlights
Method 2: Virtual Site Inspections
• Provide statewide meeting planners an opportunity to “see” the facilities available in Fairbanks in a virtual manner incorporating the same strategies (above) for the local market
Method 3: Nurture pre-existing relationships with key accounts
• Conduct one in-person sales trip to Anchorage and host one meeting planner luncheon (pending feasibility of in-person sales trip, explore virtual platform if not)
• Continue to pursue opportunities for hosting statewide Alaska School Association events • Secure the return of the First Alaskans Institute Elders & Youth Conference and the Alaska
Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention o Maintain relationships with key statewide stakeholders to remain aware of the
discussions regarding challenges, opportunities, and site inspection priorities o Attend AFN meetings (virtually) to maintain relationships and encourage support of
Fairbanks as the location for future annual conventions o Attend the 2021 AFN Convention in Anchorage
Method 6: Prospecting
• Develop a strategy for targeted outreach on a statewide level
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 18
• Utilize Simpleview database to stay updated on current business, to qualify known prospects, and to target new businesses
• Contact planners in a timely basis to offer leads and bids for upcoming events • Pursue opportunities identified during contracted research and prospecting
NATIONAL RECOVERY
Target Date: Ongoing
Work with national meeting planners to educate/provide them with resources and support on hosting meeting and events in Fairbanks in the time of COVID-19 with a focus on the return of smaller events, meetings, and conferences
Key Factors: Attractions/activities/businesses (including hotels and event facilities) re-opening, ease in travel restrictions, airlift availability for Lower 48 attendees, consumer confidence, decline in local/Alaska COVID-19 case counts, implementation of health and safety measures with meeting venues
Main Theme: “Meet in Fairbanks Responsibly”
Subthemes: we are open for business, wide open spaces/trails/parks, less density, maintain social distancing, cleanliness, reintroduction of destination highlights
REMARKETING
Method 1: Virtual Site Inspections
• Provide national meeting planners an opportunity to “see” the facilities available in Fairbanks in a virtual manner incorporating the same strategies (above) for the local market
• Make Tourism Department Fairbanks Aurora and Midnight Sun (FAMS) webinars available to meeting planners to reintroduce destination highlights
Method 2: Virtual Trade Shows
• Participate in applicable virtual trade shows, particularly those with an emphasis on small market meetings
o Showcase in meetings current travel restrictions, safety and health measures implemented by meeting venues, and destination highlights
o Conduct follow-up in a timely manner
Method 3: Prospecting
• Develop a strategy for targeted outreach on a national level • Utilize Simpleview database to stay updated on current business, to qualify known prospects, and
to target new businesses • Contact planners in a timely basis to offer leads and bids for upcoming events • Pursue opportunities identified during contracted research and prospecting
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 19
2021 COVID-19 REMARKETING PLAN
Tourism Department
For 2021 the Tourism Department will focus its activities on reaching out to key travel agents and tour operators, domestically as well as in core international markets, to update them and keep them appraised of State of Alaska travel mandates and guidelines and health and safety practices in place at the destination level as well as with Explore Fairbanks partners. The department will utilize the theme of “Explore Fairbanks Responsibly” and sub-themes as developed by the Communications Department to ensure consistency in messaging. In the absence of in-person sales missions and trade shows, virtual platforms and online training will be used to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, the department will maintain outreach with contacts within the airline and cruise industry to provide assistance as needed, with an eye towards eventual recovery to the market.
DOMESTIC RECOVERY
Target Date: Ongoing
Educate key domestic travel agents and tour operators on what Fairbanks has to offer as a year-round destination with an emphasis on health and safety of their clients as well as current travel restrictions.
Key Factors: Return of Cross Gulf of Alaska cruises, loosening of State of Alaska travel mandate, US/Canada border re-opened to non-essential highway traffic, availability of Alaska-based land tour programs, airline connectivity, consumer confidence
Main Theme: “Explore Fairbanks Responsibly”
Subthemes: stay and play, we are open for business, wide open spaces/trails/parks, maintain social distancing, smaller crowds, cleanliness
REMARKETING
Method 1: Destination Training Webinars
• Host bi-weekly Fairbanks Aurora & Midnight Sun (FAMS) destination training webinars o Incorporate safety messaging and travel guidelines into the webinars o Promote destination’s advantage of having wide-open spaces and minimal crowds o Reintroduce the destination and brand pillars (Midnight Sun, Aurora, etc.) o Offer specialized webinars to companies as needed o Record webinars and make available on a wider level
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 20
• Host supplemental training webinars on other topics (Midnight Sun Season, Aurora Season, etc.) and invite Explore Fairbanks industry partners to participate
o Target attendees of FAMS webinar participants o Re-emphasize aforementioned safety themes, make applicable to the main topic o Encourage partners to showcase their safety and health procedures in their
presentations o Record webinars and make available on a wider level
Method 2: Trade Shows
• Participate in the following domestic-based trade shows, either in-person or virtual o American Bus Association Marketplace o GoWest Summit o IPW o American Society of Travel Advisors o National Tour Association Travel Exchange
• Participate in other virtual trade show/destination training platforms when available and strategically applicable
• In one-on-one meetings and presentations, reintroduce the destination and brand pillars (Midnight Sun, Aurora, etc.) as well as safety and health messaging
• Follow-up promptly with agents and operators after meeting as well as with distributing tourism leads to partner subscribers
Method 3: Familiarization (FAM) tours
• Host, when applicable, familiarization tours for domestic travel agents and tour operators • Ensure that activities and experiences incorporated into the itineraries are aligned with current
travel mandates and guidelines • Encourage Explore Fairbanks partners who participate in the FAMS to use the opportunity to
showcase/highlight their health and safety measures • Utilize virtual platforms to showcase destination and partner products in the absence of in-
person familiarization tours
Method 5: Explorer E-news
• Utilize the Explorer E-news as a medium for updating domestic travel trade on Alaska travel updates and current status of visitor industry businesses
Method 6: One-on-One Contact with Key Tour Operators and Travel Agents
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 21
• Maintain regular contact with key tour operators and travel agents who typically have sold Fairbanks in the past
• Keep them updated on current health and safety measures, travel restrictions, status of Explore Fairbanks partners operations
• Introduce new products, as needed, to meet the changing needs of clients • Assist with creating Alaska-only land-based itineraries in anticipation of potential further closures
of the U.S.-Canada border • Use tourism leads, when applicable, to introduce operator/agent product needs with Explore
Fairbanks partners
INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY
Target Date: Ongoing
Educate travel agents and tour operators in the below core international markets on what Fairbanks has to offer as a year-round destination with an emphasis on health and safety of their clients as well as current travel restrictions
Key Factors: Lifting of travel bans, return of Cross Gulf of Alaska cruises, loosening of State of Alaska travel mandate, US/Canada border re-opened to non-essential highway traffic, availability of Alaska-based land tour programs, airline connectivity, consumer confidence
Main Theme: “Explore Fairbanks Responsibly”
Subthemes: we are open for business, wide open spaces/trails/parks, maintain social distancing, smaller crowds, cleanliness, welcoming destination
REMARKETING
Market 1: German-Speaking Europe Market
• Retain the contract of Explore Fairbanks European contractor so that she can engage in the following activities
o Maintaining regular contact with tour operators and travel agents who have been selling Fairbanks programs to keep them up to date on the market, to include health and safety guidelines and travel restrictions, as well as new product information, partner updates, and itinerary assistance/development
o Participate in ITB Berlin, either in-person or virtually o Participate in the Visit USA Germany/Austria trade show, either in-person or virtually o Participate in other virtual destination training/trade shows when strategically
appropriate and within budget o Invite travel agents and tour operators to participate in the Fairbanks Aurora & Midnight
Sun (FAMS) destination training programs and supplemental webinars o In conjunction with the Director of Tourism, host destination training webinars within the
market
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 22
o Maintain regular contact with Condor Airlines in anticipation of their return to Fairbanks in summer of 2021 for their 20th anniversary
• In conjunction with the European contractor and in partnership with Condor Airlines, host a late summer familiarization tour for qualified tour operators and travel agents
Market 2: China Market
• Retain the contract of Explore Fairbanks China contractor to maintain social media presence in China market on WeChat and Weibo
• Work with Communications Department to have social media messages incorporate safe travel themes as well as current travel restrictions
• Meet with China-based travel agents and tour operators at GoWest Summit and IPW • Invite applicable/qualified China-based travel agents and tour operators to participate in
destination training webinars
Market 3: Japan Market
• Reach out to established contacts in Japan on a regular basis to provide updates on the Fairbanks market in regard to health and safety guidelines, travel restrictions, etc.
• Participate either in-person or virtually in the Japan Travel Expo • Coordinate with U.S. Commercial Services a virtual Japan sales mission to include Explore
Fairbanks Japan-focused partners • Conduct Japanese-version Fairbanks Aurora & Midnight Sun (FAMS) destination training webinars • Monitor the Japan market on a regular basis to track on travel trends and interest in returning to
the U.S. market to include regular contact with Explore Fairbanks Japan-focused partners • Translate applicable content from Explorer e-news to distribute to travel trade in the Japan
market • Meet with Japan trave trade representatives at GoWest Summit and IPW • Meet with Japan travel trade representatives at other virtual destination training opportunities
and trade shows
Market 4: Australia/New Zealand Market
• Invite Australia and New Zealand tour operators and travel agents to participate in the FAMS online training program and conduct date and time appropriate webinars specific to larger agencies
• Meet with Australia and New Zealand travel trade representatives at GoWest Summit and IPW • Meet with Australia and New Zealand travel trade representatives at other virtual destination
training opportunities and trade shows • Reach out to established contacts in Australia and New Zealand on a regular basis to provide
updates on the Fairbanks market in regard to health and safety guidelines and travel restrictions
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 23
Market 5: India, Latin America, Southeast Asia
• Invite tour operators and travel agents to participate in the FAMS online training program and conduct date and time appropriate webinars specific to larger agencies
• Meet with travel trade representatives at GoWest Summit and IPW • Meet with travel trade representatives at other virtual destination training opportunities and
trade shows • Reach out to established contacts in those markets on a regular basis to provide updates on the
Fairbanks market in regard to health and safety guidelines, travel restrictions, etc.
AIRLINE RECOVERY
Target Date: Ongoing
Maintain service with current carriers, encourage previous carriers/service that withdrew from summer 2020 to return to market when feasible
Key Factors: Return of Cross Gulf of Alaska cruises, consumer confidence, economic recovery for airlines
REMARKETING
• Coordinate outreach efforts in conjunction with Fairbanks International Airport and their consultant
• Include airline contacts in Explorer e-news distribution list to keep them apprised of destination information
CRUISE RECOVERY
Target Date: Ongoing
Provide cruise companies with support, such as destination training, for Cross Gulf of Alaska cruises and land tour packages, as well as marketing packages to domestic and international travel agents
Key Factors: Return of Cross Gulf of Alaska cruises, lifting of current cruise bans, consumer confidence
REMARKETING
• Conduct specialized FAMS online training programs to cruise industry sales agents to promote Fairbanks and Denali as part of the Cross Gulf of Alaska cruise land tours
• Incorporate Cross Gulf of Alaska cruise land tours into all FAMS online training programs for travel agents and tour operators
• Promote Cross Gulf of Alaska cruise land tours in meetings with travel agents and tour operators through meetings at trade shows as well as other virtual destination training platforms
• Work with Alaska-based receptive operators and CLIA-Alaska to stay up to date on latest cruise industry news
• Work with Alaska-based receptive operators and railbelt partners for marketing of potential land-only tour packages in the absence of Cross Gulf of Alaska cruises
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 24
2021 COVID-19 REMARKETING PLAN
Visitor Services and Partnership Development Department
In 2021, the Visitor Services and Partnership Department looks to continue engaging with its partners to keep abreast of current level of operations to share with guests. To be a reliable resource for updates about tourism industry standards in a pandemic and available funding programs available for tourism businesses. Partnership Development will emphasize information sharing and education through webinar-based seminars and trainings. Visitor Services will expand its offerings to develop app-based self-guided walking and driving tours to encourage guests and new residents to be outside and explore Fairbanks’ wide-open spaces responsibly.
PARTNER RECOVERY
Target Date: Ongoing
Engage with partners to keep abreast of current level of operations and share updates about industry resources
Key Factors: Activities/attractions/businesses re-opening, State of Alaska Health Mandate 10 updates, CDC updates and advisories, funding outlet updates
Main Theme: Open for business
Subthemes: Explore Fairbanks Responsibly, explore Alaska, support Alaskan economy, support small business
PARTNER BUSINESSES OPERATIONAL STATUS
Method 1: Online Feedback Surveys
• Update and send surveys to partners asking about current status of operations and updates regarding implemented COVID-19 safety protocols
Method 2: Open for Business directory
• Compile feedback from survey regarding currently open businesses into a directory to share on www.explorefairbanks.com homepage and blog
• Import survey responses to partner extranet to update web listings with partner’s current operating status and COVID-19 conscious protocols
• Print copies for handing out at the Visitors Center to encourage guests to explore responsibly throughout Fairbanks and surrounding communities
Method 3: Educational Webinars
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 25
• Produce educational webinars for partners regarding COVID-19 grant and loan programs; current marketing trends; local, national, and international traveler profile updates
• Invite partners to present during partner-to-partner educational webinars to share their efforts to help guests explore responsibly and the steps they have taken to meet local and national COVID-19 safety protocols
• Post links to the recorded webinars in the partner extranet to be available on demand for current and new partners
• Produce new partner webinar series educating prospects about the benefits of partnering with Explore Fairbanks to help market their business
Method 4: Electronic newsletters
• Produce weekly newsletters to share: o City and borough resources for available grant and loan assistance programs o Published research findings regarding traveler intentions for interstate travel o Updates about current modes of travel into and throughout Alaska
VISITOR SERVICES RECOVERY
Target Date: Ongoing
Develop app-based self-guided virtual tours encouraging visitors and residents to imagine themselves responsibly exploring Fairbanks’ history and wide-open spaces
Key Factors: Telecom carrier dependability
Main Theme: Explore Fairbanks responsibly
Subthemes: Imagine yourself in Fairbanks, Alaska; explore local; maintain social distancing; wide open spaces; small crowds; maintain social bubble
SELF-GUIDED VIRTUAL TOURS
Method 1: Pocket Insights application development
• Create one downtown historical walking tour and one newcomer’s driving tour • Import narrative text for each point of interest • Upload pictures of each point of interest
Method 2: Promotion
• Create press release highlighting the ease of access for guests to explore Fairbanks responsibly through self-guided educational and historical tours
• Utilize the Explorer E-News to disseminate specifics about tours to partners, travel trade and consumer audiences
• Distribute information about available self-guided tours to U.S. Army Garrison Alaska - Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base planners for inclusion in their in-processing programs
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 26
COMMUNITY RECOVERY
Target Date: Summer 2021
Reconfigure Fairbanks Visitor Industry Walk for Charity to encourage residents to support area non-profits through an online donation portal.
Key Factors: Availability of online event registration portal charging minimal processing fees, participation from non-profit community
Main Theme: Visitor Industry gives back to local community
Subthemes: Support local, local events, non-profit support, Tourism Works
DONATION PORTAL DEVELOPMENT
Method 1: Donation portal research
• Hire an online portal for processing donations • Ensure multiple non-profits can be listed for receiving donations
Method 2: Secure Non-profit Participation
• Enlist non-profits to participate with informational webinars garnering their support for online donation
Method 3: Press Release/Media Outreach
• Create and distribute press release encouraging residents to donate to the non-profit of their choosing
• Incorporate participation messaging into Communications’ weekly radio on KIAK • Include event information on community calendars for Downtown Association, Greater Fairbanks
Chamber of Commerce, and Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 27
for 2021 as allocated below.
2021 Budget Reserve
Estimated Fund Balance 12/31/20* $1,765,096
2021 Fund Balance $991,103
2021 Designated Reserve:
Convention Center Development30,000
Future Bid Incentive Fund80,000
ATIA Convention 202226,600
AFN Convention 202340,000
Future Familiarization Tours10,000
Special Promotions Contractor10,000
China Contractor 50,000
Video Project
AWG Recycling (restricted)6,893
New Market Development20,000
2021 Budget Reserve Designation TOTAL $273,493
2021 Association Reserve Fund Balance** $500,500
*Calculation based on audited Fund Balance 12/31/19 $2,218,403Estimated fund Balance used to balance 2020 Budget 453,307Estimated Fund Balance 12/31/2020 $1,765,096
$2,989,207
Explore Fairbanks 2021 Budget Reserve Designation
Explore Fairbanks reserves fund resources in order to: (A) maintain operating cash in the general fund to smooth short-term imbalances between revenues and expenditures; (B) accumulate reserves to enable Explore Fairbanks to respond to short-term and long-term needs and opportunities consistent with our strategic priorities; and (C) ensure availability of funds to meet long-term obligations.
The Explore Fairbanks Board of Directors voted on September 30 , 2020 to reserve
**Based on 17% of the 2021 Budget
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 28
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Fairbanks City Bed Tax Revenues $2,750,491$2,364,118$2,518,548$2,476,320$2,504,138$2,632,839$2,720,456$2,869,170$3,209,987$3,145,048$3,380,579$3,430,783$1,473,829EF Bed Tax Funds $1,731,631$1,444,150$1,483,747$1,519,149$1,540,706$1,640,453$1,708,349$1,823,606$2,087,740$2,037,414$2,219,949$2,258,856 $742,217
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
$3,500,000
$4,000,000
City of Fairbanks Hotel/Motel Tax: 13 year average to Explore Fairbanks is 63%
FNSB including the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole
70%
30%
73% 69%
27% 31%
69%
31%
64%
36%
74%
26%
65%
35%
67%
33%
$4,565,715
$3,965,660$4,338,360 $4,291,966
$4,674,111 $4,603,200$4,530,992
$4,762,691
35%
65%
$5,181,876$5,327,009
38%
62%
35%
65%
$5,643,193
36%
64%
$5,755,033
43%
57%
$2,617,464
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 30
FNSB including cities of Fairbanks and North Pole Bed Tax Collections
Notes:
*FNSB figures are subject to change. FNSB records when entered and accrue only at fiscal year-end June 30th the accural process is normally complete by November. FNSB cuts off their posting around the 25th of the month so any funds received after that time are posted to the next month.
**We were on course for another record breaking winter in regards to the 2019/20 winter. Then the industry started to experience the effects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We were seeing record numbers but in March and April of 2020 we dropped by $229,777 from same time in 2019.
FNSB including cities Summer(May-Sept)/Winter (Oct-Apr) Bed Tax
30%
70%
29%31%
71% 69%
32%
62%
38%
66%
26%
74%
34%
64%
37%
63%
36%
68%
$3,999,316
$4,306,709$4,570,016 $4,442,608
$4,727,721 $4,700,039$4,499,114
$4,926,165
$5,336,754
36%
64%
$5,215,027
$5,653,398
35%
65% 66%
34%
$5,582,166
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 31
Projected Revenue
Fairbanks City Bed Tax Fund 951,912North Pole City Bed Tax Fund 16,607FNSB Bed Tax Grant 815,500FAI Marketing Grant 10,000EF Private Source Funding 204,085Fund Balance 991,103 Total 2,989,207
2021 Revenue by Department
Fairbanks City Bed Tax Fund32%
North Pole City Bed Tax Fund1%
FNSB Bed Tax Grant27%
FAI Marketing Grant0%
EF Private Source Funding7%
Fund Balance33%
2021 Explore Fairbanks Revenue Goals
Educational3%
Advertising47%
Cooperative Marketing2%
Miscellaneous Private Source…
Sale of Goods0%
Partnership Development36%
2021 Explore Fairbanks Private Source Funding
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 32
GRAND TOTAL 202,957 185,387 221,421 183,448 230,525 199,699 215,275 139,905 153,200
Explore Fairbanks COVID-19 Remarketing Plan 2021 56
Annual Progress Report through September 30, 2020
57
Explor e Fairbanks Annu al Pr ogr ess Rep ort January 1 – Sep temb er 30, 2020
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic inflicted crushing losses to people and our communities. But, solely in economic terms, the Leisure and Hospitality sector – which is propelled by the tourism industry – has been the hardest hit sector in the nation, Alaska and locally. Tourism’s losses are even more traumatic in the perspective that, prior to the pandemic, while most other economic sectors in Alaska were in a recession, tourism was referred to the as “the shining star.” Tourism’s extraordinary growth made this unprecedented fall-off-the-cliff even harder. According to the Alaska Dept of Labor and Workforce Development, the Leisure and Hospitality (L&H) sector - composed primarily of tourism or tourism-related jobs - experienced a 35% loss in jobs or minus 9,600 jobs - more than any other economic sector in Alaska in 2020. Another casualty whose recovery depends on visitors returning is the Transportation sector which lost 3,600 jobs.
Regarding L&H jobs for the Interior Region, which includes Denali and Fairbanks, in 2019 , L&H had an annual average of 6,000 jobs per month peaking at 8,300 in July. In 2020, L&H had an average of 4,225 jobs per month peaking at 5,500 in July.
Regarding the L&H sector of Fairbanks, 40% of Fairbanks’ total job loss – and the largest proportion - was in L&H at minus 1,200 jobs. The Transportation sector is the second most impacted sector in Fairbanks economy. Fairbanks lost about 300 transportation jobs last year (-12.5 percent).
While the situation has been ever-changing, it is clear that the impact COVID-19 has had on the tourism industry, locally as well as globally, is devastating. That impact includes not just financial loss, but also forcing many businesses to change their operations to abide by COVID-19 safety guidelines, such as mask requirements, social distancing and increased sanitization. These downturns reflect consumers hunkering down to avoid the risk of COVID-19 and the
Annual Progress Report 58
imposition of travel restrictions as well as the longer, unknown period of “confidence shock” in travel. The impact has and will continue to become more evident as we received and analyzed data from a variety of sources, including Hotel/Motel Tax collections, Fairbanks International Airport arrivals/departures, Alcan border crossings and Alaska Railroad arrival/departures. To put the economic devastation in context, Fairbanks and Alaska tourism have witnessed record growth in the past few years. For the Fairbanks region, we had five-years of increases with 2019 heralding the highest numbers to date in both summer and winter. Specifically, regarding winter, the last quarter of 2019 was solid with regional tourism on point to break winter tourism records in the first quarter of 2020. To exemplify, January and February Hotel/Motel Tax collections increased by about 10% over 2019. However, the situation quickly unraveled with cancellations in March, the most popular winter month, when the Fairbanks tourism industry witnessed dramatic declines for on-season winter. By mid-month, many Explore Fairbanks tourism partners had ceased their winter operations. Also beginning in March, local tourism businesses were inundated with cancellations for summer at an alarming rate with no end in sight. The lack of cruises to Alaska has had a devastating impact, given the important role the cruise market plays in our summer visitor season. In 2016 the Alaska Visitor Statistics Program indicated that of Interior Alaska’s 320,000 summer visitors, 41%, or 131,200 were on a cruise land tour. Despite the budget reductions outlined in this report, the Explore Fairbanks’ 2020 COVID-19 Remarketing Plan has been rolled out to local, statewide and national audiences at the appropriate times with nuanced messaging. The winter version is in process and will include Explore Fairbanks Responsibly messaging. While dramatically smaller in number, visitors from Outside are finding their way to Fairbanks and Interior Alaska.
Annual Progress Report 59
Administr ation Department Department Staff President and CEO: Deb Hickok Director of Finance and Administration: Dawn Murphy Executive and Finance Coordinator: Judy Dellinger (through June ; vacant indefinitely) Administrative Coordinator: Chelsea Manasco (into November; vacant indefinitely)
COVID-19 Impact In summary, Explore Fairbanks 2019 budget was $4.0 million with a peak of 25 full- and part-time as well as seasonal staff and was projecting a $4.2 million budget for 2020. In comparison, the organization actually hovered at a $2.9 million budget in 2020 with 12 team members working at reduced pay. Faced with a projected 50% loss in revenue primarily due to loss of Hotel/Motel Tax revenue due to the impact of COVID-19, Explore Fairbanks made organization-wide budget by implementing the following reductions:
• Eliminated five positions; one was brought back for the summer season • Reduced President and CEO salary by 25%, director’s salary by 15% and coordinators
by 10% • Eliminated training, education, and associated travel • Eliminated sales calls, tradeshow participation and associated travel • Eliminated any purchases for equipment that was not deemed critical • Did not rehire an addition three positions lost due to attrition.
Annual Progress Report 60
However, by the end of the year, the organization had cobbled together just over $686,000 in CARES Act stimulus funding from six different government and agency sources.
Operationally, in accordance with the State of Alaska’s COVID-19 11th Social Distancing Health Mandate introduced on March 27, 2020, most Explore Fairbanks employees started telecommuting. By May 4, 2020, most of the team had returned to the office.
The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center was closed to the public on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Reopening on June 15, 2020, the daily hours of operation were reduced to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the typical summer hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. As with many businesses, the building has instituted sanitation and safety measures and protocols designed to protect employees and guests. Beginning June 1, Explore Fairbanks hired a seasonal position to staff the information center at Pioneer Park through Labor Day. After Labor Day weekend, the center was closed on Sundays. Year-to-Date Progress Report • Bed Taxes through December decreased by 54.51%
2020 started with the hopes of being another record-breaking year but then in late February and early March the cancellations started. With travel restrictions, health mandates, port, and border closures by late March it was clear that the tourism industry was facing a rough year. By early summer it became apparent that this was not only going to bring about a recession in the tourism industry but that the tourism industry was facing a depression. The effects of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to mitigate the spread were going to have long-lasting effects that will be felt for several years.
Annual Progress Report 61
• Prior to 2020, The Fairbanks region had five consecutive record-breaking years of hotel/motel tax collections.
The total hotel/motel tax collections (combined total of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, including the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole) have increased year-over-year: o 5.0% increase in 2015 o 9.0% increase in 2016 when collections broke the $5 million mark for the first time
Hotel/Motel Tax Collections 2008-2019
Annual Progress Report 62
o nearly 3.0% increase in 2017 o nearly 6.0% increase in 2018 o 2 .0% increase in 2019 While the lion’s share of hotel/motel tax collections continues to be during the summer period, the growth in collections has been primarily attributable to growth in winter tourism during this period. In 2020 for the Fairbanks North Star Borough, including the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole, Hotel/Motel Tax Collections are at a 57% decrease from 2019 numbers. The 1st quarter 2020 was just under a 1.0% decrease and the 2nd quarter was just over a 72% decrease. While all the numbers for the 3rd quarter are not yet available, anecdotal information is that there are some aurora viewing visitors which are reflected in the initial August numbers.
• Changes in internal operations in response to COVID-19 impact on tourism industry o In mid-March, the State of Alaska issued a ” hunker down” health mandate. In
response, Administration • Developed a Teleworking Policy for staff and procedures, including making sure
staff had the ability to work from home in place.
• Explore Fairbanks already had virtual meeting software in use in the form of GoToMeeting which was used for several board and committee meetings. With the approach of the COVID-19 lockdowns, the Administrative Coordinator worked with the software provider to expand the use of the software to accommodate all of the meetings that the entire Explore Fairbanks team would need to continue operations. Procedures, training, and protocols were created to ensure that every team member could create, hold meetings, and stay connected successfully with partners, stakeholders, and each other.
o Before and during the lockdown the Administrative Coordinator worked to research and obtain the necessary PPE for reopening the offices to staff and the public. With the lack of available supplies in town she reached out to other sources to find safe suitable face masks for the VSPD staff, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and other cleaning materials necessary for office equipment and shared spaces.
o In April, due to closures of ports and borders, travel mandates that included international, national, and statewide travel, and the closure of MTCVC building on March 22nd, Explore Fairbanks implemented personnel changes which included:
• Termination of 5 staff positions
• Removal of seasonal hires • Across-the-board reduction in wages increments of 10%, 15% and 25% depending
on job category
Annual Progress Report 63
o Working with all the departments and with final approval by the Board of Directors on May 13th, Explore Fairbanks revised the 2020 budget as follows: • Reduced Revenue projections by $1,918,988:
o Reduced Hotel/Motel Tax Revenues by $1,808,260 o Reduced other Revenue by $110,738
• Reduced Expenses across all departments, including personnel, by $1,227,788 • Used an additional $691,200 for a total of $1,101,380 from Fund Balance to balance
2020 Amended Budget • Reduced Designated Reserves by $264,462.
o Reopening the Morris Thomson Cultural and Visitors Center building to the public on
June 15th with a schedule of seven days per week but having reduced hours from 8am to 5pm (typically in summer, the building would be open until 9pm). • Due to reduced staffing levels and number of visitors, during the week of
September 7th Explore Fairbanks went to the winter schedule of 8am to 5pm for six days per week from Monday through Saturday; closing on Sundays for the first time since opening the building in 2008.
• Regarding additional staff reductions since April, Explore Fairbanks: Lost two staff members to attrition and those positions will
remained unfilled indefinitely Will lose another staff member to attrition in late October. Heading into 2021, the organization will operate with a total of 13
staff members (12 full-time and one part-time). The 2020 budget originally supported about 26 employees (19 full-time employees and about seven part-time and seasonal).
o Due to the impact the pandemic has caused to the tourism industry revenues, Explore
Fairbanks immediately sought out additional funding to help mitigate the effects and, most importantly, continue to provide quality marketing efforts to help rebuild consumer confidence. Explore Fairbanks has looked for – and continues to seek –
If the organization had not made the personnel changes, we would have had to reduce our direct marketing budget by another $426,014, we would not have had sufficient resources to remarket and respond to the continuously evolving pandemic conditions.
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remarketing support wherever possible. Below is a status report on funding resources and applications:
• Payroll Protection Program does not allow 501(c)6 entities to apply for funds. • SBA Economic Impact Disaster Loan Explore Fairbanks applied and received a
$10,000 grant in May. Reluctant to commit to long-term debt on the organization, Explore Fairbanks declined a loan of up to $150,000.
• EDA Grant in collaboration with Alaska Travel Industry Association, Explore Fairbanks did co-apply but EDA responded with only limited scope for ATIA that did not include statewide DMOs or CVBs.
• AK CARES Grant 501(c)6 organizations became eligible on August 6th but Explore Fairbanks was over the $5,000 limit for EDIL funds. On August 31st when this limit was removed, Explore Fairbanks immediately applied for a $100,000 grant and awaits a response.
• EDA Grant In collaboration with FNSB, Explore Fairbanks has been in the process of working on this possibility since the spring with hopes to secure some funding that would be extended into 2021 and 2022 to help mitigate the on-going impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry.
• City of Fairbanks CARES Funding Between Phase 1 and Phase 2, Explore Fairbanks received a total of $426,950 reimbursement of expenses.
• Fairbanks North Star Borough CARES Funding applied for $15,000 through the Business Interruption Grant on August 11th. The request was approved but awaiting notification and paperwork to complete. o On October 5th Explore Fairbanks submitted a request to the FNSB for the
allocation of up to $573,000 to Explore Fairbanks from the CARES Funds that have not been used.
• North Pole CARES Funding Explore Fairbanks to date is unable to apply for the grant of up to $15,000 as the current process requires a North Pole City Business License. The Mayor and Council are looking at possible changes to the process.
• Alaska Community Foundation Coronavirus Nonprofit Relief Fund Grant applied for $25,300 on October 13 to market to local area emphasizing the importance of following safety protocols.
• 2019 Audit receives a “clean opinion” On June 17th, the Explore Fairbanks Board of
Directors received an “unqualified or clean opinion” on the 2019 audit from independent auditor Kohler, Schmitt and Hutchison. No material weaknesses or deficiencies in our internal controls were detected.
• Initiated and contributed to external communications In tandem with Director of
Visitor Services and Partnership Development Department, contributed to weekly e-news with primary focus on CARES Act funding for business relief, travel mandates, safety and sanitation protocols, tourism research and updates regarding impact of the pandemic,
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etc. In tandem with Director of Tourism, maintained a detailed document on impacts of COVID-19 on the local tourism industry and beyond which is shared with tourism business partners, media and stakeholders.
• Initiated a COVID-19 Remarketing Recovery Plan Working with all departments, especially the Communications Department, the President and CEO initiated a COVID-19 Remarketing Recovery Plan beginning with a nationwide virtual launch of 360-degree assets in April followed by summer roll-outs of Explore Local, in-state and other national campaigns.
• Engages in infrastructure development and public policy arenas Explore Fairbanks was involved in the following issues regarding infrastructure development and public policy. Infrastructure Development: o Coordinated a meeting with Senator Lisa Murkowski’s office to explore the possibility
of the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) military training program to assist in the deconstruction of the Polaris Building and Annex
o Suspended activity on the Convention and Arts Center project due to COVID-related downturn in the tourism industry
o In April, conveyed letters of support of Condor Airlines request to the German government for credit funds under the COVID-19 protection shield
o Participated in the following work groups: Polaris Work Group, Fairbanks meetings for the Alaska Trails Initiative, Denali Park Road work group coordinated by the Alaska Travel Industry Association, and the Lacey Street Stakeholder Group.
Public Policy, Advocacy and Education: The Explore Fairbanks Public Policy Advisory Committee addresses issues impacting the local tourism industry: o In January, the committee agreed to not forward a draft letter on the Denali buffer
zone to the Explore Fairbanks Board of Directors. This consensus was reached after receiving and hearing comments from tourism business partners, representatives from related organizations and the public.
o On June 30th , submitted comments on the Environmental Assessment (EA) on “Winter and Shoulder Season Plan” for Denali National Park and Preserve advocating for plowing the park road all winter, among other items.
o As an outgrowth of the winter tourism tour held in December 2019, in conjunction with winter tourism business partners, developed a white paper which was submitted the to the Fairbanks North Star Borough on June 18th. The “FNSB Fees and Requirements in Relation to Winter Tourism Businesses” provided an analysis of why Chena Lake and Tanana Lakes recreation areas are becoming and will become even more noncompetitive due to commercial fee structure and other requirements.
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o In conjunction with the Fairbanks Chapter of the Alaska Travel Industry Association, Explore Fairbanks coordinated the Visitor Industry Local Government Candidate Forum on September 30th.
• CEO Announces Departure o In a letter dated November 17, 2020, Explore Fairbanks President and CEO Deb Hickok
advised the organization’s Board of Directors of her resignation “to pursue the next chapter of opportunities.” Her last day will May 31, 2021.
• Providing Leadership and Community Support
o The President and CEO serves in a variety of roles:
• Board of Directors of the Washington DC-based United States Travel Association in the second year of a two-year term.
• Board of Directors of the Alaska Travel Industry Association, a statewide tourism organization. She is currently serving her sixth three-year term which terms out in October 2021. She also serves on its Public Policy and Planning Committee as well as the Adventure Green application review committee.
• Hickok advises and participates in numerous community projects and organizations and presents to various community groups throughout the year. Currently she participates on an on-going basis on the FNSB “Tiger Team, Government Relations Committee for the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce; organizing committee for speakers for the weekly Sunrisers Rotary Club meetings.
o The Director of Finance and Administration serves on the following:
• Fairbanks North Star Borough Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee to provide academic pathways and highlight the varied career opportunities within the tourism industry.
• Finance Committee for the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.
• Board of Directors for the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.
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Commu nications Dep artment Department Staff Director of Communications: Amy Geiger Assistant Director of Communications: Kasey Gillam Public Relations Manager: Jerry Evans Internet Marketing Manager: Bill Wright Branding and Production Coordinator: Angie Cerny (part-time) COVID-19 Impact As a result of COVID-19 and the organization wide budget cuts made at Explore Fairbanks, the Communications Department implemented the following reductions:
• Reduced the director’s salary by 15% and other staff members’ salary by 10% • Eliminated all tradeshow and education expenses including associated travel • Reduced number of printed guides being produced • Reduced production costs associated with guides and advertising subsequently taking
more of that responsibility in house • Significantly reduced media tours budget • Reduced media placement budget and paused most advertising while remarketing
plans were made
Year-to-Date Progress Report • COVID-19 Pandemic Results in Major Pivot in Marketing Efforts
o Beginning in March, the Communications Department dramatically altered marketing plans for the remainder of the year.
o Designed and implemented the 2020 COVID-19 Remarketing Plan which called for completely redesigned local, statewide and national marketing campaigns.
o Created COVID-19 landing page on website that was regularly updated with current information.
o Created Open for Business document that was regularly updated on website. o Continue to update COVID-19 page with new statewide travel mandates and
requirements.
• Renewed Emphasis Placed on Virtual Vacations o In April, released two new 360-degree videos and three new 360-degree still images to
encourage taking a virtual vacation to Fairbanks.
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o Press release was sent to over 5,000 travel journalists, bloggers and social media influencers and has since been picked up by over 125 different media outlets including travelandleisure.com, thrillist.com and smithsonianmag.com.
o “The Explorer” e-news featuring new 360-degree videos and stills was sent to almost 35,000 consumers, media, meeting planners, tour agents/travel operators and business partners and was opened almost 3,000 times.
• “Explore Local” campaign designed to encourage Fairbanks-area residents to explore their own backyard o As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a much stronger focus was placed on marketing
to Fairbanks-area residents than has previously been done before. o The “Explore Local” campaign launched May 27th with a blog post that also served as
the campaign’s landing page on the website. Through December, the page has received 6,377 page views with an average time on page of 2:38.
o Press release was sent to 85 statewide media contacts and appeared in many local, statewide and national publications including Alaska Business Monthly, NewsBreak.com and TravelWeekly.com.
o A series of 14 “Explore Local” spotlight videos were created over the course of the summer featuring various tourism-related topics including museums, downtown Fairbanks, the Arctic and the Chena River among others. The videos were uploaded to YouTube and featured on the website in a series of blog posts. Since the release of the videos, they have generated over 6,473 views on YouTube.
o Social media post promoting the launch of the “Explore Local” campaign has reached 28,476 people on Facebook and 2,665 people on Twitter.
o A series of three Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Community Perspectives were coordinated including: Bob Eley – “Getting to know your downtown” Wendy Cloyd – “The golden-hearted visitor industry gives back” Bryant Wright – “’Explore Local’ and experience your Fairbanks backyard”
o Fairbanks Daily News-Miner published an editorial titled “Go on, explore our community: Visitors will be fewer, so let’s make the summer of 2020 our summer”.
o Director of Communications Amy Geiger was interviewed for KUAC-FM, KFAR and KTVF 11 about the Explore Local campaign as well as other topics.
o A locally focused Facebook and Instagram advertising campaign was launched that largely featured the Explore Local spotlight videos. The campaign generated over 418,000 impressions, 3,300 link clicks and 271,000 video plays.
o The long-running “101 Days of Summer” radio promotion was reinvented as “101 Ways to Explore Local.” The campaign was comprised of almost 600 pre-recorded
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spots and countless live on-air announcements. Additional radio commercials aired 1,173 times on nine local radio stations.
o Print ads were run in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and Alaska Post. o Television commercials aired 334 times in August and September. o The Explore Local Scavenger Hunt and Photo Contest was
unveiled on June 15th to coincide with the re-opening of the Morris Thompson Center to the public. Flyer was designed and available at the Morris
Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and the information booth at Pioneer Park.
Press release was sent to 86 statewide media contacts. Approximately 180 copies of the flyer were distributed. The entry page was viewed 407 timed. Fourteen entries were submitted for a total of 34
photos. Facebook and Instagram ads promoting the Scavenger
Hunt generated 163,961 impressions, 107 post reactions and 315 clicks to the Explore Local landing page.
A blog was posted on July 23rd announcing the last week of the contest and generated 81 page views in that week.
• Statewide remarketing campaign encouraged Alaska residents to take a road trip to Fairbanks o As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a stronger focus was placed on marketing to
Alaska residents than has previously been done before. o The statewide campaign launched June 9th with a blog post
that also served as the campaign’s landing page on the website. Through December, the page has received 22,307 views with an average time on page of 3:51.
o Press release was sent to 90 statewide media contacts and was picked up by the Anchorage Daily News.
o Several of the spotlight videos created for the “Explore Local” campaign were reworked with an “Explore Fairbanks” ending to fit the statewide market and were used on social media, in blogs and in advertising.
o Social media post promoting the launch of the statewide campaign has reached 60,647 people on Facebook and 936 people on Twitter.
o Hosted a media tour for Erin Kirkland from AKontheGo, the only website dedicated to Alaska family travel.
o Anchorage Daily News posted a story titled “Make staying in Alaska this summer an endless adventure with deals on guided trips, lodging and RV rentals.” It featured Explore Fairbanks-provided information including the Open for Business list and Alaskans Discount information.
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o A statewide-focused Facebook and Instagram advertising campaign was launched that largely featured the spotlight videos. The campaign generated over 524,000 impressions, 3,750 link clicks and 254,000 video plays.
o Google Pay Per Click and Display ads were created targeted to Alaskans. The Display campaign generated 21,618 clicks to the website with a click through rate of 1.08% and a cost per click of $0.10 while the Pay Per Click campaign has generated 14,224 clicks, a click through rate of 1.47% and a cost per click of $0.16.
o Radio commercials aired over 1,000 times on five Anchorage-area stations. o The spotlight videos were used as television commercials that aired almost 2,300
times. o Placed a listing on Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Show Up for Alaska landing
page featuring our Open for Business list. o Participated in a sponsored content co-op with the Alaska Travel Industry Association
and Anchorage Daily News titled “Destination Fairbanks: Expect the Unexpected” that published on July 21st.
• Aurora Season and wide-open spaces dominate national remarketing campaign so far o Communications Department worked with President and
CEO to create the new COVID-conscious marketing messaging of “Imagine Yourself Here. Explore Fairbanks Responsibly.” Messaging is being worked into all methods of marketing including but not limited to press releases, blog posts, social media, presentations and advertising.
o The national remarketing campaign launched July 9th with a blog post titled “Where Caribou Outnumber People” on the website. The page has received 1,893 views with an average time on page of 2:56.
o Press release “Explore Fairbanks Regions Where Caribou Outnumber People” was sent to over 8,500 media contacts and has been picked up by over 70 different media outlets.
o Two versions of a press release announcing the arrival of Aurora Season were sent to over 8,500 total media contacts and picked up by over 105 media outlets including Travel Weekly.
o Edited and released five new real time and time lapse videos featuring footage captured by local aurora chaser Andy Witteman.
o Social media post promoting the start of the campaign has reached 153,132 people on Facebook and 525 people on Twitter.
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o Facebook post announcing the new Winter Guide release generated almost 9,000 impressions.
o Launched YouTube ads featuring new Aurora Season videos. Through the end of December, the ads generated over 590,000 impressions and 105,000 views.
o Google Display ads campaign was created to go alongside our long-running Pay Per Click campaign. Through the end of December, the new campaign generated over 8.5 million impressions and 100,000 clicks website.
o Ran digital ad campaign with Travel Spike from September 15-December 31. The campaign generated over 3.1 million impressions and almost 33,000 clicks to the website.
o Launched a digital ad campaign with Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Audience Extension Program. Through the end of December, it has generated 2,866,487 impressions and 2,939 clicks for a click through rate of .10%.
o Ran digital campaign on Sunset.com in November and December. The campaign generated 138,601 impressions and 179 clicks on banner ads. It also included ads in an enewsletter sent to 128,181 individuals that generated 86 clicks.
o Launched Sojern digital campaign on December 1 which will continue through the end of April 2021. In December, it generated 1,045,671 impressions and 874 clicks to the website for a 0.08% click through rate.
o “The Explorer” e-news was sent on August 20th featuring information about Aurora Season, Open for Business list, new video gallery page and updated travel protocols. It went to 37,710 consumers, media, travel agents/tour operators, meeting planners and business partners and had an open rate of 37.4%.
• In December Explore Fairbanks received the Alaska Community Foundation Grant Explore Fairbanks efforts using the Alaska Community Foundation grant were both collaborative and innovative. Explore Fairbanks President and CEO, local Public Information Officers, the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services, Mammoth Marketing and multiple local business partners came together to produce four COVID-19 safety videos. Featuring messages to “Explore Fairbanks Responsibly” along with other COVID-19 safety messages. Explore Fairbanks disseminated these messages and videos through various marketing methods including radio, television, social media and print ads. The ads associated with the ACF grant ran December 10-30. The impact of the various ads and promotions are as follows:
o Statewide and local Facebook and Instagram ads featuring the COVID-19 safety video generated 41,770 impressions and 40,748 video plays
o Statewide and local YouTube ads generated 13,722 impressions o Print ads in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and Alaska Post o Statewide and local radio ads ran 652 times on multiple stations o Statewide and local television ads ran 1,455 times on multiple stations
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While the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent remarketing has dominated 2020, other vital work happened early in 2020 and continued concurrently while executing remarketing programs: • Designed and Produced Key Collateral and Promotional Materials
o Produced the Explore Fairbanks 2019 Annual Report. o Revised and produced 40,000 copies of the 2020-21 Fairbanks Winter Guide which
maintains branding, highlights the aurora and puts direct emphasis on how to Explore Fairbanks responsibly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
o Produced the 2021 Fairbanks Visitors Guide. The 68-page annual publication is available online and with a print circulation of 150,000, of which 56,000 were direct mailed to consumers. The 2021 guide was updated with new photos and content including information on how to Explore Fairbanks responsibly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
o Produced the Meeting Planner Guide on behalf of the Meetings and Conventions Department. The 36-page guide features local meeting facilities and services, as well as planning tips, checklists and guidelines for hosting a meeting safely in the time of COVID-19. The latest guide is available online and 500 copies were printed for distribution upon request.
o Created ad for March First Friday event at the MTCVC for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
o Created “Keep Calm and Explore On” Facebook profile frame. o Designed sign for Read on the Fly bookshelf at airport. o Created double-sided flyer featuring partner military discounts. o Created one-page flyer for Golden Heart Greeters Volunteers. o Designed stamp/logo for Fairbanks Aurora and Midnight Sun (FAMS) online
destination training program. o Designed and produced many promotional and organizational materials such as:
folders, programs, report covers, ads, flyers, digital and print invitations, table runners, profile sheets, and envelopes.
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• Hosted 12 Media Tours with 22 Participants
Some of the highlights include: o Fran Golden – Fran was accompanied by journalist husband, David Molyneaux. She
was working on What's New type of stories for Frommers.com, researching a new book Unique Eats and Eateries of Alaska and writing a story on northern lights tourism for Bloomberg.
o Eben Diskin – A staff writer for Matador Network, Eben came in February while working on a feature story on a winter driving itinerary to experience winter in Alaska. He came back in August to write a story about traveling the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to the Arctic.
o Valerie Stimac & Marissa Pederson – Valerie and Marissa worked on multiple articles for online, print and their heavy social media presence including deliverables on Valerie & Valise.
o Robert Annis – In addition to a Lonely Planet service piece, Robert was also working on an article for Outside. He pitched them a story on photographers gambling big on nature, hoping the conditions are perfect.
o Charly and Josh Savely – In conjunction with ATIA, hosted social media influencers Charly Savely (247K Instagram followers) and Josh Savely (7K followers). Charly is in love with Alaska and agreed to come up on a last-minute trip so that she could capture Alaska’s winter and encourage summer travel.
o Nate Luebbe, Autumn Schrock and Austin Smith – Came to Fairbanks to work on their Near Space Aurora Imaging Project. They partnered with a camera technology company to engineer a state-of-the-art stabilization system that's never been used in a balloon before and Sony loaned them an un-released camera with pioneering low light capabilities, allowing them to capture the cleanest aurora footage ever filmed.
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• Explore Fairbanks Issued 17 Press Releases to 37,742 Media Contacts
In addition to those executed for the remarketing plan, some of the highlights include: o Announcing Explore Fairbanks 2020 Board of Directors. o Promotion of the 2020 Interior Tourism Conference and Job Fair. o Condor announcing their 2021 schedule and resumption of flights from Fairbanks. o Announcing the 2020 Explore Fairbanks annual awards winners.
• Public Relations Actions and Initiatives o Answered 363 media inquiries requesting photos, regional information, fact checking,
potential filming questions and more. o Conducted 32 media interviews, a 60% increase over 2019. o In March, hosted three representatives from the North American Travel Journalists
Association on a site visit in anticipation of hosting their Annual Conference and Marketplace in Fairbanks in 2021. NATJA postponed their 2020 location of Puerto Rico to 2021 because of COVID-19 and are anticipating bringing the 2022 Conference to Fairbanks.
o To add to our growing band of images to use on the website, for social media and in our collateral pieces, Explore Fairbanks continues to actively seek out visiting and local photographers.
o Due to an influx of bloggers and social media influencers, Explore Fairbanks continues to vet numerous potential traveling media.
o Promoted story ideas to multiple journalists, often researching, securing photos and interviewees to enhance the content.
• Advertising Placements and Promotions o Year-to-date inquiries for Visitors Guides are down 6% from
the same period in 2019. The largest decreases come from Travel 50 & Beyond ceasing publication due to COVID-19, Sunset Magazine pausing publication due to COVID-19 and National Geographic Traveler ceasing publication at the end of 2019.
o Continued to advertise the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center as an information resource to local residents and visitors through the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, iHeartMedia and various Alaskan guidebooks.
o Ran co-op ad in the February and March 2020 issues of Alaska Beyond Magazine.
o Coordinated co-op ad in the 2020 Milepost featuring The Folk School, UA Museum of the North and Tanana Chiefs Conference Cultural Programs.
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o Ran co-op ad in Anchorage Daily News’ annual Visitors Guide featuring partners Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service, UA Museum of the North and The Folk School.
o Produced a half-page ad to run in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner recognizing 2019 Golden Heart Meeting Ambassadors.
o Concluded Travel Spike advertising campaign that started on October 15, 2019 and ran through January 15, 2020. The campaign totaled over 2.8 million impressions, generated over 31,000 clicks and had a click through rate of .37%.
o Hosted two Fly Away Friday events promoting Condor Airlines flights to Frankfurt, Germany. Cancelled the last two events as a result of COVID-19.
o Started inbound airline development radio promotions in Chicago, Dallas and Denver. Due to COVID-19, the ads were changed to a generic Fairbanks commercial just a few days in and the campaigns ultimately ended after three weeks instead of eight.
• Online Messaging Essential to Marketing o The www.explorefairbanks.com website has hosted
490, 289 new visitors to date, a 15% increase over 2019. Total page views to date are 1,232,385, a 6% decrease from 2019.
o Number of returning visitors to date to www.explorefairbanks.com is 90,612, a 8% decrease from 2019.
o Continued to work on the website including updating content, refreshing blogs, meta-tagging pages, cross-linking to additional content and other maintenance as necessary.
o Created Explore Fairbanks Partnership Facebook group. o Assisted Tourism Department in setting up their Fairbanks Aurora and Midnight Sun
(FAMS) online destination training program including assistance setting up Zoom webinars, creating and updating information page on the website and sending out e-newsletters.
o Created video gallery page on website to house all video content in one place. o Created landing page on website for sharing information with Armed Forces
personnel. o Created family-friendly information page on website. o Central to our recovery campaign and promoting them through social media
channels. Through the end of December, 117,174 page visits to blog pages are up 161% over 2019.
o Continued JackRabbit booking solution integration on the website which allows visitors to search for accommodations, activities, attractions and tours with availability during a specified time period. Through the end of December, 13,459 searches were run (a decrease of 23% from 2019) and generated 5,927 referrals to partner websites (a decrease of 18% from 2019).
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• Social Media Connections o Facebook “likes” are currently at 306,060, a 16% increase over
December 2019, and continue to grow with quality content and Facebook advertising.
o Twitter followers are at 6,940, a 3% increase over December 2019.
o Instagram followers are at 23,890, a 31% increase over December 2019, and continues to grow steadily through solely organic means via quality content and engagement.
o Instagram likes hovers around 6% which is a very strong level of engagement. o Continue to work monthly with EastWest Marketing Group to maintain and populate
Weibo and WeChat social media channels in China. o Continued e-news titled “The Explorer” that is sent to consumers, partners, media,
travel agents/tour operators and meeting planners. Originally designed to be sent quarterly, it has been sent more frequently in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the end of December, five e-news have been released for a total of over 147,800 sent with an average open rate of 16.3%. In June, a transition was made to using the Mailchimp platform.
o Hosted Travel Alaska’s Facebook Live event, focusing on North Pole and Santa Claus House. The video was share over 400 times and was viewed by a national and international audience over 23,000 times.
• Active Participation in Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center (MTCVC)
o Integrated MTCVC visits to travel writers’ itineraries. o Ran ads promoting events and First Fridays
occurring at MTCVC in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and on iHeartMedia.
o Promoted MTCVC as the “first stop” for visitors in Fairbanks with photos and copy in guidebooks as well as advertising placements.
o Promoted MTCVC through ongoing social media posts including Facebook live videos.
• Providing Leadership and Community Support o Gave multiple updates to City Council, Borough Assembly, North Pole City Council and
other local groups. o Weekly 1-½ minute call-ins to KIAK radio on related tourism topics.
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o The Director of Communications joined ATIA’s Marketing Committee, participated in multiple meetings and reviewed potential marketing content.
o Assistant Director of Communications serving on ATIA’s Website RFP Review Committee.
o The Online Marketing Manager was appointed to the Simpleview website user group to engage with new website tools and initiatives and to advise as necessary. 2020 was the first of a two-year assignment.
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M eetings and Conventions Dep artment Department Staff Director of Tourism and Conventions Sales: Scott McCrea (beginning in September) Tourism Senior Sales Manager: Ed Malen (beginning in November) Director of Meetings and Conventions: Helen Renfrew (through August; vacant indefinitely ) Special Projects Manager: Sean Ottoson (position eliminated in April) Sales and Services Associate: Iwalani Lauver (through October; vacant indefinitely) COVID-19 Impact As a result of COVID-19 and the organization wide budget cuts made at Explore Fairbanks, the department implemented the following reductions:
• Eliminated the Special Projects Manager position. • Reduced the director’s salary by 15% and the sales and service associate’s salary by
10%. • Did not rehire director’s position after departure in September, duties absorbed by
Director of Tourism. • Did not rehire Sales and Services Associate position in November; duties absorbed by
Tourism Senior Sales Manager. • Eliminated all travel and trade show participation, familiarization tours and site
The estimated lost economic impact of cancelled or postponed meetings and conventions for 2020 that Explore Fairbanks (EF) has been directly engaged in is $12.2 million. In the absence of those events, now and in the near future, the department is pivoting to explore virtual platforms as a way to educate and train local and state meeting planners with an emphasis on how to hold an event in the time of COVID-19. Year-to-Date Progress Report • In-State Sales Missions
Due to COVID-19, the department was able to participate in only one sales mission in February in which five organizations/eight individuals were visited.
• Meetings, Conventions and Conferences The Meetings and Conventions Department issued 16 sales leads to business partners for upcoming meetings and conventions and assisted with six service requests. The
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department played a key role in bringing the below five meetings to Fairbanks or provided hands-on assistance to help make them successful.
• Alaska Peony Growers Association. • ASAA State DII Hockey Championships. • USA Curling 2020 USCA Senior National Championships. • ComiCon Alaska. • Educators Rising 2020 State Conference.
Convention Sales Detail Summary through September 30: Estimated Direct Attendee # of Groups Attendees Rooms Spending (EDAS) Sales Leads: 16 3,483 4,973 $1,964,880 Bureau Generated Bookings: 7 442 1,294 $374,760 Lost Opportunities: 14 2,901 4,721 $1,625,361 Cancelled Events due to COVID: 32 5,446 20,333 $12,204,799 Completed Events: 2 1,580 2,070 $649,500
• Site Inspections/Familiarization (FAM) Tours o North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) site inspections and FAMS.
• Golden Heart Gala on February 5 Honors Golden Heart Greeter Volunteers and Meeting Ambassadors In 2019, Golden Heart Greeter volunteers collectively donated 5,234 hours of volunteer service at various community events, the primary events occurring in October when Fairbanks hosted the First Alaskans Institute Elders & Youth Conference followed by the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN). The 2019 Golden Heart Greeter Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Sue McHenry, who has been a volunteer greeter since 2005.
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The more than 600 meetings brought to the Fairbanks community in 2019 by Explore Fairbanks and their partners had a combined estimated direct attendee spending of more than $12.8 million. In 2019, the 17 meetings and events that came to Fairbanks because of the efforts of Golden Heart Meeting Ambassadors contributed more than $6.7 million in estimated direct attendee spending to the area. The 2019 Golden Heart Meeting Ambassadors of the Year was awarded to the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (NWAAAE) Annual Meeting. Melissa Osborn, Jeremy Worrall, and Matt McClurg (on behalf of Angie Spear) accepted the award. NWAAAE had 187 total attendees; 175 of those people came to Fairbanks from out of town with an estimated direct attendee spending (EDAS) of $168,000. The Mayor’s Award was presented to Victor Joseph, Steve Ginnis, Sharon McConnell, and Tanya Kaquatosh for their work on the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Annual Convention and the events surrounding that meeting. The AFN Annual Convention has an estimated economic impact of $5 million.
• Polaris Working Group The Meetings and Conventions Department continues to participate in meetings and provide administrative support of the Polaris Work Group. In conjunction with the President and CEO, the department coordinated a meeting with Senator Lisa Murkowski’s office to explore the possibility of the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) military training program to play a role in the deconstruction of the building. The Director of Meetings and Conventions worked closely with the City of Fairbanks to assist with grant work pertaining to the building as well and facilitated involvement in the project from other community entities to include the Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST) group, which has been coordinating the efforts to revitalize Lacey Street.
• Military Support The Special Projects Manger participated in the following military support programs:
• Attended two Pioneer Start programs at Eielson AFB. • Attended and presented at three deployment workshops on Fort Wainwright. • Attended and presented EF information at the Fort Wainwright Spouse to Spouse
welcome event. • Attended and presented EF information to 90 incoming personnel at Eielson Air Force
Base. • In conjunction with Visitor Information Services, served as a step-on guide for two
military city tours. • Providing Leadership and Community Support
The Director of Meetings and Conventions, and now the Director of Tourism and Convention Sales, serves on the board of directors of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of
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Commerce, serves on the GFCC Military Affairs Committee, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Fairbanks. Additionally, the Director of Tourism and Convention Sales serves on the GFCC Transportation Committee and is an adjunct faculty for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College Applied Business Program.
Annual Progress Report 82
Tourism Department Department Staff Director of Tourism and Convention Sales: Scott McCrea Tourism Senior Sales Manager: Ed Malen Tourism Sales Associate: Tyler Chiles (shared with Visitor Services and Partnership Development;
position eliminated in April) Contractors European Contractor: Elke Brosin China Contractor: EastWest Marketing (contract greatly reduced beginning in July) COVID-19 Impact Prior to mid-March the Tourism Department was conducting business as usual through attending in-person trade shows and consumer shows, conducting sales calls, and hosting familiarization tours. As a result of COVID-19 and the organization wide budget cuts made at Explore Fairbanks, the department implemented the following reductions:
• Eliminated the Tourism Sales Manager position. • Reducing salary for Director of Tourism by 15% and Tourism Senior Sales Manager by
10%. • Eliminated all in-person trade shows, consumer sales and sales missions, domestically
as well as internationally, for the remainder of the year (all of these shows were either cancelled or postponed until 2021).
• Greatly reduced the scope of work for China-based contractor East West Marketing to focus only on social media outreach.
• Greatly reduced the scope of work for European Contractor Elke Brosin as well as a 10% reduction in the contractor’s monthly administrative fee.
• With the Director of Meetings and Conventions and the Sales and Services positions vacated, the responsibilities of the meetings and conventions department were transferred over to the tourism department.
In the wake of those reductions, the department pivoted towards implementing virtual platforms to continue valuable outreach to domestic travel trade, including the launch of an online destination training webinar and participating in virtual trade shows as outlined in the activities below. • Familiarization (FAM) Tours
From January to September 2020 the department hosted seven international and domestic FAMs that were attended by a total of 22 attendees. Explore Fairbanks partners provided $34,962 of in-kind support towards the FAMs. The department hosted these group and individuals:
Annual Progress Report 83
o American Society of Travel Advisors FAM from January 26–31. The group consisted of four Travel agents and one photographer from San Francisco who were visiting Fairbanks and Anchorage looking for “luxury” products. The group’s activities included aurora viewing, Arctic Circle, dog mushing, Chena Hot Springs, city tour, ice fishing, and snow machining. After leaving Fairbanks the group traveled on to Anchorage for three days.
o 2020 European Winter FAM from February 8–15. Four tour operators and one representative from Condor were escorted by Explore Fairbanks’ European Contractor and Tourism Department to various locations throughout the Interior to include the Arctic Circle and Denali National Park. The operators all had existing summer products and were highly interested and motivated after the FAM to produce new winter products for the region.
o FAM for six participants from three different U.S. based travel agencies from March 10-13. The participants came to Fairbanks for a FAM prior to the NTA Contact conference in Anchorage, however, the conference ended up being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
o Hosted Greg Varner from Making Memories Tours based in Missouri from March 13-15. He came to Fairbanks for a FAM prior to the aforementioned NTA Contact conference that was supposed to be held in Anchorage.
o FAM for two guides from Anchorage-based Alaska Travel Connections on July 9. The two participants were in Fairbanks to do site inspections for a new winter product they are looking to potentially launch in 2021.
o Details By Bill FAM from August 31 to September 6. Bill Johnson (owner) traveled to Fairbanks (while observing the new travel restrictions) to develop a new tour program to Alaska. Bill traveled to Denali and explored the surrounding areas of Fairbanks. He was very impressed with the new procedures that were put in place in the wake of the global pandemic.
o Hosted a FAM in early September for Ray Mason with Cruiseplanners out of Florida. Ray and his partner traveled through Alaska’s railbelt to learn about products and tours for pre- and post-Cross Gulf of Alaska cruise land tour programs for 2021.
• European Contractor International Trade Shows/Sales Missions
Explore Fairbanks’ European-based contractor Elke Brosin attended and participated in a total of four in-person international trade shows and sales missions and one trade show telephonically that resulted in appointments and contacts made and exposure with tour operators and travel agents. Highlights included participation in:
Annual Progress Report 84
o Condor / Explore Fairbanks Event in Vienna on January 23. Condor Austria had personally invited a small group of selected travel trade partners to attend this exclusive event which was also supported by Visit USA Austria. The focus was on trade partners who are new to the destination and with potential to develop product in their respective companies. Brosin met with a total of nine attendees. Explore Fairbanks was presented through a 30-minute presentation and was the main topic of conversation over dinner.
• Mid Atlantic Trade show on behalf of Explore Fairbanks as an exhibitor in Reykjavik, Iceland, where she conducted a total of 16 meetings, most of which had been prescheduled via the trade show calendar system. This trade show will from now on take place every other year with the next event scheduled for January 2022.
• Visit USA Trade Seminar in Zurich Switzerland on February 5 on behalf of Explore Fairbanks as an exhibitor where she shared a booth with Condor. A total of 335 travel agents and nine journalists as well as 92 people representing 50 companies as exhibitors attended the seminar.
o In conjunction with the Visit USA event in Zurich, Brosin also conducted sales calls in Switzerland together with Visit Anchorage and the Alaska Railroad visiting the offices of Travelhouse, Kuoni, TUI Suisse and Condor.
• Discover America Denmark Trade Workshop from March 1-2 as an exhibitor. A total of 200 travel trade and media representatives attended the show.
• Brosin was scheduled to attend ITB Berlin from March 4-6 but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In lieu of the face to face meetings, Brosin conducted telephone meetings with 24 tour operators/travel agents and one media representative.
• McCrea and Brosin participated in a Visit USA Netherlands hosted destination training webinar on October 6. More than 50 travel agents and tour operators participated in the training.
• Brosin participated in the Aviareps Benelux Around the World virtual trade show October 28-30. Explore Fairbanks was one of 28 suppliers who participated in the trade show and the only North American supplier. During the show she met with 20 tour operators and travel agents.
• Brosin participated in the Netherlands-based USA-Canada Experience virtual sales meeting on October 30 in which she conducted a 15-minute training session on Fairbanks that was attended by 122 travel agents and tour operators.
• EastWest Marketing Trade Show/Sales Calls • January: Conducted sales calls and meetings in China with Baicheng.com, Fancy Tour,
Caissa Tour, and Utour; and in Taiwan with Fantasy Travel and Best Way Travel. The
Annual Progress Report 85
primary focus of the meetings in China was to get information from the operators on how the coronavirus was affecting their bookings to Alaska. East West also participated in a trade event in Taipei for the 2020 DAC kick-off party.
o February: Conducted 23 calls with China-based tour operators and agencies to gather information on the outbound market. East West also conducted an online training for Champion Holiday with around 60 participants joining in. In Taiwan, East West participated in an Alaska PAK meeting with Grand Travel, Inc., Fantasy Tours, Giant Tour and APA Tours to discuss potential group itineraries for September 2020 through March 2021.
• March: Conducted sales calls via phone, WeChat and social media platforms with 10 different operators and agencies in China.
• April: Conducted outreach with different types of trade partners to gain an update of the each companies’ situation and their further plans. Conversations took place through phone and WeChat, with outreach to include wholesaler and tour operators, FIT/tailor made operators and online travel agencies.
• May: Conducted sales calls in China with GZL International Travel Service, Shanghai Shangdong International Travel Service, Shanghai LINK and China Comfort International Travel; and in Taiwan with Artisan Tour and EverFun Travel.
• June-December: Focused on social media postings on WeChat and Weibo and provided Explore Fairbanks with market updates.
• Domestic Travel Trade and Consumer Shows - The
department participated in five in-person domestic travel trade, airline, and consumer shows and one virtual trade show that resulted in appointments, contacts and exposure with 136 tour operators and travel agents. Highlights include: • Chiles attended the 2020 American Bus Association
(ABA) Marketplace in Omaha, Nebraska from January 10-14 where he met with 26 tour operators and travel agents.
• McCrea attended the Routes America airline conference in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 4- 6 along with representatives from the Fairbanks International Airport where they had business-to-business meetings with eight different airlines.
• McCrea attended the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show February 8-9. The show was attended by 27,981 consumers and 2,498 travel trade participants.
• Chiles attended the Denver Travel and Adventure show February 22-23. The show was attended by 16,182 consumers and 1,372 travel trade participants.
• McCrea attended the Holland America Alaska Cruise and Travel Show in Vancouver, B.C. on March 7. A total of 1300 people attended the show to include numerous travel
Annual Progress Report 86
agents who stopped by the Explore Fairbanks booth. McCrea also gave a 20-minute presentation during the show to about 50 participants.
• Malen and McCrea attended the 2020 GoWest Summit that was held virtually from August 31–September 3. A total of 52 meetings were scheduled, each lasting up to 30 minutes. 50 meetings were held during the week with the remaining meetings being held after the event by using Explore Fairbanks’ online meeting application(s).
• Malen attended the 2020 NTA Tour & Travel Exchange on November 17 & 18. The event was held virtually using vTREX online platform. Representatives from 22 different companies were either met virtually through the platform or by way of email communications due to a time zone error/miscommunication.
o In conjunction with NTA, McCrea participated in an Alaska road show presentation to NTA delegates in conjunction with Visit Anchorage and Mat-Su CVB.
• Travel Trade Destination Training Webinars
In April, the department launched the Fairbanks Aurora and Midnight Sun (FAMS) online destination training program to continue outreach with travel trade in the absence of trade shows and sales missions. The one-hour webinar covers the highlights of what Fairbanks has to offer as a year-round destination. The department also launched a series of supplemental training webinars to go more in-depth on the main topics covered in the FAMS webinar. Explore Fairbanks industry partners were invited to participate by presenting during the supplemental training programs. Through December, the department has conducted a total of 15 general trainings with 247 total domestic and international participants. A total of six supplemental training programs were held with 12 Explore Fairbanks industry partners and attended by 72 domestic and international participants.
• AAA, Travel Agent, and Tour Operator Contacts The Tourism Department had a total of 761 separate travel trade contacts via email or phone through December:
o 189 contacts with AAAs. o 190 contacts with domestic and international travel agents. o 382 contacts with domestic and international tour operators.
Annual Progress Report 87
• Airport Numbers The Tourism Department tracks Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) enplaning and deplaning passengers. Passenger numbers include travel by Fairbanks residents and business travelers; therefore, the numbers are not totally reflective of only visitation. FAI saw a decrease of -59% in both enplanements and deplanements year-to-date through December. January and February numbers were both positive over 2019, an indication of the predicted growth for 2020. Among the flights/carriers that were cancelled for 2020 are:
• Condor’s weekly summer flights from Frankfurt. • American Airlines’ summer flights from Dallas Fort-Worth and Chicago. • United Airlines’ summer flights from Denver and Chicago. • Delta Airline’s summer service from Minneapolis as well as its second daily flight
from Seattle. The following numbers include only the main terminal; East Ramp totals were excluded.
• Cruise Alaska’s cruise industry was non-existent for summer 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the various bans imposed on the industry. 2020 was estimated to be a record-year of cruise visitors to Alaska at 1.4 million, with an estimated 160,000 that were expected to come to Fairbanks via Cross Gulf of Alaska cruise land tour programs.
6% 3%
-45%
-92%-86%
-79% -74%-71% -63% -60% -60% -59%
5,000
25,000
45,000
65,000
85,000
105,000
125,000
Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
FAI Total Passengers 2019 to 2020YTD Net Gain/Loss -59%
2019 2020
Annual Progress Report 88
• Highway Traffic With the U.S./Canada border closed to non-essential travel, highway traffic was severely reduced by -78% compared to the same period in 2019.
• Alaska Railroad The Alaska Railroad was offering its winter Aurora Train service between Fairbanks and Anchorage through early March before cancelling the service for the remainder of the season. The railroad’s passenger service did not resume until July, and then reduced to twice a week service in August due to low ridership in July. The railroad resumed its weekly Aurora Train in mid-September.
Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Alcan Border Crossings 2019 to 2020YTD Net Gain/Loss -78%
2019 2020
Annual Progress Report 89
• Providing Leadership and Community Support The Director of Tourism and Convention Sales serves on the board of directors of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce (GFCC) and the GFCC Military Affairs Committee as well as the Transportation Committee. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Fairbanks and is an adjunct faculty for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College Applied Business Program. In conjunction with the President and CEO, the director has conducted presentations to various community groups on the impact of COVID-19 on the local tourism industry and presented a lecture for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Summer Sessions on the topic.
-16%
-19%-37%
-100% -100% -100%
-81%-92%
-97% -46% -85% -86%0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
AKRR totals 2019 to 2020YTD Net Gain/Loss -85%
2019 2020
Annual Progress Report 90
Visitor Ser vices and Partner ship Development Dep artment
Visitor Services Staff Director of Visitor Services and Partnership Development: Charity Gadapee Manager of Visitor Services and Partnership Development: Alanna McBrayer Visitor Information Specialists Full-time: Bob Eley Visitor Information Specialists Seasonal – Pioneer Park: Julia Parzick Visitor Information Volunteers Seasonal – Pioneer Park: Susan McMahon Golden Heart Greeter Volunteers: 28 year-round COVID-19 Impact As a result of the onset of a global pandemic and the resulting organization-wide budget cuts, Visitor Services and Partnership Development implemented the following:
• Closed the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center starting March 23rd and remained closed to the public until June 15th, 2020 at which time the Center was re-opened with a new layout to encourage social distancing and reduce bottlenecks in traffic flow
• Eliminated one full-time and two part-time year-round Visitor Information Specialist positions. Four summer seasonal positions were left vacant
• Reduced salary for Director of Visitor Services and Partnership Development by 15% and staff at allowable reductions to not exceed Alaska Department of Labor laws.
• Pioneer Park information kiosk was opened later than usual on June 1st with reduced operation from 12am-6pm daily
• Eliminated all in-state consumer trade shows as the shows were cancelled until 2021 • Suspended most of the Golden Heart Greeter volunteer program
Explore Fairbanks Visitor Services staff greeted and provided customer service to 35,875 visitors at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in 2020. This is a decrease of 78% in visitation from 2019. o Staffed the information kiosk at Pioneer Park throughout the summer with reduced
hours and with help from the Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Student Conservation Association intern. Stocked and maintained brochure centers at Fairbanks International Airport and Alaska Railroad Depot.
Annual Progress Report 91
o The Fairbanks Golden Heart Greeter program was suspended after March for the most part. However, ten Greeters donated 53 hours of service through September with the bulk of volunteering happening at Pioneer Park.
o Hosted the Golden Heart Gala in February to recognize the volunteer efforts of the Golden Heart Greeter Volunteers and Golden Heart Meeting Ambassadors. Sue McHenry was recognized as Golden Heart Greeter of the Year.
o Assisted with hosting March’s First Friday at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center with fellow building partner Alaska Public Lands Information Center. Coordinated the newspaper advertising and tallied attendees.
o Distributed Visitors Guides, Winter Guides, and Fairbanks maps at three Pioneer Start/Newcomer’s Orientation Information Fairs at Eielson Air Force Base attended by 170 newcomers. Provided a directory of 72 Explore Fairbanks partners offering military discounts. The pandemic restricted access to military installations, which reduced in-person contacts but still was able to provide trip planning materials as requested by the information fair organizers.
o Launched the Fort Wainwright Newcomer’s City Tour in March orienting in-processing soldiers to downtown, the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, and surrounding community. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the tours were suspended after two tours but resumed on July 10th. This is a partnership with the U.S. Army Garrison Alaska Fort Wainwright, Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce and University of Alaska Fairbanks Military and Veteran Services. Staff from both the chamber and Explore Fairbanks provide step-on guides to narrate the tour. In its first year, 542 soldiers, spouses and children have taken part in the tour. Thirty-four businesses donated coupons and/or promotional items for welcome bags distributed to in-processing soldiers. Below is media coverage of these off-post tours:
- November 2020 - Fort Wainwright leadership presented certificates of appreciation to community organizations who help operate community orientations http://www.newsminer.com/news/kris_capps/fort-wainwright-
- August 2020 - On base weekly newspaper The Alaska Post distributed to more than 16,000 soldiers, families and DOD civilian employees on-line https://www.dvidshub.net/news/375196/fort-wainwright-partners-with-community-off-post-welcome-tours-new-soldiers#.XymcXjraS2o.facebook
- August 2020 – The above article also appeared in part on the Official Website of the United States Army, https://www.army.mil The Army website’s web traffic is ranked #1,334 in the US and #5,234 globally. https://www.army.mil/article/237820/fort_wainwright_partners_with_community_on_off_post_welcome_tours_for_new_soldiers
o Distributed Visitors Guides, Winter Guides and Fairbanks area maps to Fairbanks hotels
and downtown businesses several times throughout the year.
Partnership Development Staff (Shared with Visitor Services) Director of Visitor Services and Partnership Development: Charity Gadapee Manager of Visitor Services and Partnership Development: Alanna McBrayer Tourism Sales Associate: Tyler Chiles (shared with Tourism; position eliminated in April) COVID-19 Impact The pandemic halted most in-person partner networking and community events from mid-March forward:
• Explore Fairbanks cancelled the Fairbanks Visitor Industry Walk for Charity that had been scheduled for May 8th
• As the department reduced in-person partner networking events for the foreseeable future, more webinars were hosted to communicate with partners and stakeholders about the status of travel and tourism throughout the state
• Organization-wide budget cuts resulted in the elimination of the Tourism Sales Associate; a position shared with Partnership Development to assist in prospecting for new partners.
• Issuance of weekly e-news with primary focus on CARES Act funding for business relief, travel mandates, safety and sanitation protocols, tourism research and updates regarding impact of the pandemic, etc.
• Summer and winter surveys of tourism businesses to update open/close status as well as safety and sanitation implemented prepared for distribution on explorefairbanks.com, blogs, visitor information center, military tours, etc.
Listed below are some of the events that took place in 2020: o Planned and implemented the
Explore Fairbanks Annual Banquet as a socially distanced, bring-your-own-everything picnic in June at Aurora Pointe. The Golden Heart Award was presented to Marti Steury, past Executive Director of Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. The Aurora Award was presented to Rod Pangborn, Rod’s Alaska Guide Service. The Jim and Mary Binkley Award was presented to Aurora Pointe. The Raven Award was presented to World Eskimo Indian Olympics. Inducted Buzzy Chiu into the Tourism Hall of Fame. Staff recognized for service were: Alanna McBrayer (5 years) and Dawn Murphy and Helen Renfrew (10 years each).
o Organized and coordinated the Annual Interior Tourism Conference in Fairbanks in January. In attendance were 24 local organizations with multiple representatives from most of these businesses. The conference featured keynote speaker Michael Bork teaching attendees how to harness the positive energy and stress-busting power of laughter.
o In conjunction with the Annual Interior Tourism Conference, organized and coordinated the Tourism Works for Fairbanks Job Fair featuring 16 employers.
• Webinars Hosting online webinars allowed more of Explore Fairbanks’ partners to participate effectively from anywhere in the world. In hosting online webinars, ease of recording presentations made the content more accessible to partners via the partner extranet on the following topics:
o New Summer Products 2020 o Social Media in the age of COVID-19 with Brian Matson o Small Business Administration Loan Program o Update to Industry Partners & Stakeholders Part I and Part II o Visitor Industry Local Government Candidate Forum co-sponsored with the Alaska
Travel Industry Association Fairbanks Chapter o Winter Rocks! winter products 2020-2021 update o Annual Meeting and Board Candidate Introductions
• Providing Leadership and Community Support The Director participated in the Alaska Travel Industry Association-led committee working in conjunction with community partners, health and medical experts, to reach agreement
Annual Progress Report 94
on a core set of COVID-19 health and safety protocols the industry may adapt to their businesses.
LiabilitiesCurrent LiabilitiesAccounts Payable $59,082 $106,776Payroll Liabilities $65,923 $103,787Deferred Income $0 $84,935Unearned Revenues $58,412 $159,428Line of Credit $0 $0Due to Account $0 $0Total Current Liabilities $183,417 $454,926
Net AssetsInvestments in Property & Equipment $65,086 $65,086Board Designated for Subsequent Years $1,711,009 $1,243,483Board Designated Working Capital Reserve $500,500 $744,849Undesignated $0 $0Net Assets with Donor Restrictions $6,893 $6,893Net Change in Net Assets $23,321 $223,177Total Net Assets $2,306,810 $2,283,488
Total Liabilities and Net Assets $2,490,227 $2,738,415
TO: Leah Berman Williams, Presiding Officer Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly THROUGH: Bryce Ward, Borough Mayor FROM: Cory T. Beal, Chief Procurement Officer General Services Department DATE: March 18, 2021 SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER FOR CONTRACT ISSUED AS A RESULT OF RFP NO. 18022 Transit Administration and Maintenance Facility CONTRACTOR: Design Alaska CO AMT: $196,420.00 The Department of Public Works recommends Assembly Finance Committee approval of a Change Order to this contract in the amount of $196,420.00. The resulting total contract amount, after approval of this change order, will be $2,604,021.00. Additional design services are required to change the project site from the existing facility site to the new project site at Tract A-2 in Grace Park Subdivision.
In accordance with 16.30.095, “every borough contract, contract modification, or change order is subject to the prior approval of the borough assembly or finance committee of the borough assembly, when the amount exceeds $100,000.”
Your approval is requested. Attached is the documentation packet provided by the Department of Public Works.
TO: Cory Beal, Chief Procurement Officer Department of General Services THROUGH: David Bredlie, Director Department of Public Works FROM: David Vanairsdale, Engineer Department of Public Works, Design and Construction DATE: March 5, 2021 PROJECT: Project Name: Transit Administration and Maintenance Facility Project No.: 16-TRGPRJ-1 SUBJECT: Recommendation to Approve Professional Services Agreement
Amendment to Design Alaska contract issued as a result of RFP No. 18022
Action Requested: The Department of Public Works recommends Assembly approval of a Professional Service Agreement Amendment to Design Alaska, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $196,420.00, for a total contract amount of $2,604,021.00. Project Description: Additional design services required to change the project site from the existing facility, to the new project site, Tract A-2 Grace Park Subdivision. Project History: Site of current Transit Facility cannot be utilized for new facility due to poor soils identified during design. A new parcel was purchased with suitable soils and adequate space for the new facility. Additional design services are required to adapt the current preliminary design to the new site and add building systems necessary to operate and maintain compressed natural gas fueled transit vehicles. Project Funding: Ordinance 2016-20-1L Facilities Maintenance Reserve
Ordinance 2016-20-1R FTA_DOT Grant AK-2017-015-00 . Attachment: Fund Verification c: Jonathan Shambare, Design & Construction Manager, Department of Public Works
Fairbanks North Star Borough General Services
907 Terminal Street • PO Box 71267 • Fairbanks, Alaska 99707-1267 907/459-1297 • FAX 459-1100
Attachments
MEMORANDUM
TO: Leah Berman Williams, Finance Committee Chair
Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly
THROUGH: Bryce Ward, Borough Mayor
FROM: Cory T. Beal, Chief Procurement Officer
General Services Department
DATE: March 18, 2021
SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE AWARD
2021 Zamboni Ice Resurfacer
Sourcewell Cooperative Contract
CONTRACTOR: Zamboni Company Inc.
CONTRACT AMOUNT: $111,564.95
The Department of Transportation recommends Assembly Finance Committee approval of a
contract with Zamboni Company Inc in the amount of $111,564.95 to purchase a 2021 Zamboni
Ice Resurfacer.
This contract will purchase a replacement Zamboni for the Parks & Recreation Department.
Funding for this project has been made available by Ordinance No. 2020-20.
As allowed under FNSB Code 16.08.040, Cooperative Purchasing, the Borough will be utilizing
the Sourcewell cooperative for this purchase.
Please place this recommendation to award on the Assembly Finance Committee agenda for the
meeting to be held March 18, 2021. Attached is the documentation package provided by the
Department of Transportation.
for BW
Fairbanks North Star Borough General Services
907 Terminal Street PO Box 71267 • Fairbanks, Alaska 99707-1267
(907) 459-1293 • FAX 459-1100
MEMORANDUM
TO: Leah Berman Williams, Finance Committee Chair Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly THROUGH: Bryce Ward, Borough Mayor FROM: Cory T. Beal, Chief Procurement Officer General Services Department DATE: March 18, 2021 SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE AWARD IFB No. 21039 Solid Waste Facility C & D Cell 5 Phase 1 Clearing & Grubbing CONTRACTOR: Gillmore Construction Inc CONTRACT AMOUNT: $189,642.00 The Department of Department of Public Works recommends Assembly Finance Committee approval of Base Bid and Alternate A as submitted by Gillmore Construction Inc in the amount of $189,642.00. The bid consists of:
• Clearing and grubbing C & D Cell 5 Phase 1 • Alternate A Clearing and grubbing future cell 6
Funding for this project has been made available by Ordinance No. 2018-20-2I and 2020-20-1L. The competitive process was conducted in compliance with Title 16. Gillmore Construction Inc’s bid is the lowest responsible, responsive bid. Please place this recommendation to award on the Assembly Finance Committee agenda for the meeting to be held March 18, 2021. Bids were opened at 2:00 p.m., March 1, 2021, for the subject project. The results are shown on the attached bid tabulation. The appeal period will expire on March 10, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Attached is the documentation packet provided by the Department of Public Works. Attachments: Department of Public Works Recommendation to Award Fund Verification Bid Tabulation
TO
FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH Department of Public Works907 Terminal Street * PO Box 7'1267 *' Fairbanks, Alaska 99707 * P 9071459- 1345 * F 907/459-1330
MEMORANDUM
Cory Beal, Chief Procurement OfficerDepartment of General Services
\.-David Bredlie, DirectoN(. ,, .lzDave Halverson, Architd#ngineer,/{flDepartment of Public Works
Chad Hosier, Project Manager f ,(.Department of Public Works
l\larch 4, 2021
THROUGH:
FROM:
DATE:
PROJECT: Project Name: Construction and Demolition (C&D) Cell 5 Phase 1 -Clearing & GrubbingIFB No.: 21039Project No.: 19-SWLPRJ-2
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Award for the Finance Committee Meeting ofl\larch 18,2021
Action Requested: The Department of Public Works recommendsaward of the Base Bid and Alternate A, to Gillmore Construction, lncDBA G Company, for a total contract amount of $ 189,642.00
Project Description:
Alternate(s):
Funding:
Clearing and grubbing C&D Cell 5 Debris Disposal Area
Alternate A (Accepted) Clearing and grubbing future Cell 6
FAIRBANKS NORTH ST907 Terminal Street * POAox71267 /t Fairbanks, Alaska 99707 * P 907/459-1345 li F 907/459-1330
MEMORANDUM
TO: Bob Jordan, ManagerSolid Waste Division
FROM: Chad Hosier, eroject Manager C.4Department of Public Works
DATE: March2,2021
PROJECT: Construction and Demolition (C&D) Cell 5 Phase 1 - Clearing & GrubbingProject No.: 19-SWLPRJ-2IFB No.: 2'1039
SUBJECT: USER RECOIVIMENDATION TO AWARD
Construction bids for the above referenced projecl were opened at 2:00 PM on March1 , 2021. A copy of the Bid Tabulation & Review, recorded by the FNSB GeneralServices Department, is altached for your review.
lf you concur with our recommendation, please sign below and return as soon aspossible.
The Department of Public Works recommends a contract award of the Base Bid andAlternate A to the apparent low bidder, Gillmore Construction, lnc. DBA G Company,for a total bid amounl of $1 89,642.00.
3/q/.o.,
FAIRBAN KS NORTH STAR BO OUGH Deoartment of Public Works907 T€rminal Street * PO Aox71267 * Fairbanks, Alaska 99707 * p 907 t459-i 345 * F 907/459-1330
MEMORANDUM
Ted Hawley, P.E.HDR Engineering, lnc.
FROM: Chad Hosier, PrqeclManager t./LDepartment of Public Works
DATE: March2,2021
TO:
Construction bids for the above referenced project were opened at 2:00 PM on March'1,2021. A copy of the Bid Tabulation & Review, recorded by the FNSB GeneralServices Department, is attached for your review.
SUBJECT: CONSULTANT RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD
The Department of Public Works recommends a contract award of the Base Bid andAlternate A, to the apparent low bidder, Gillmore Constructiori, lnc. DBA G Company,for a total bid amount of $189,642.00.
lf you concur with our recommendation, please sign below and retum as soon aspossible.
CH:an
Attachment
Ted Hawley, P.E.
PROJECT: Construction and Demolition (C&D) Cell 5 Phase 1 - Clearing & GrubbingProject No.: 19-SWLPRJ-2IFB No.: 21039
wlPubrrc wo*s\pRoJEcrs\r9\r gswLpRJo2 D6bds Drsp*ar AEa\BIDDING\IFB No. 2 r 039-phase r clearing &Grubbing\Admin Review\RTAs\CN_CONS_RTA.docx (March 1s)
i.'t. ^t/ Vate
Fairbanks North Star Borough General Services
907 Terminal Street • PO Box 71267 • Fairbanks, Alaska 99707-1267 907/459-1297 • FAX 459-1100
Page 1 of 1
NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD
SUBJECT: SWF C & D Cell 5 Phase 1 Clearing & Grubbing
DATE OF NOTICE: March 5, 2021
BID NUMBER: 21039 OPENING DATE: 3/1/2021
CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER: Cory T. Beal
PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST: David C. Bates
It is the intent of the Fairbanks North Star Borough to award a contract to the low responsive, responsible bidder, in accordance with the specifications and requirements described in the IFB. Award may be made no sooner than five (5) days from the date of this notice. This serves solely as notice of the Borough’s intent to award a contract and should not be construed as a notice to proceed with delivery of goods or services.
NOTE: = AWARD TO BIDDER Y = RESPONSIVE BIDDER N = NON-RESPONSIVE BIDDER
• = BID NOT EVALUATED BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOWER RESPONSIVE BID ∅ = BID EXCEEDED AVAILABLE FUNDS
BIDS OVER $ 100,000 WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE ASSEMBLY FOR APPROVAL
ITEM PRICE AWARD COMMENTS RESPONSIVE Y / N BIDDER
Base Bid + Alt $88,200.00 Withdrawn N Alaska Drilling & Dirt Works
Base Bid + Alt $189,642.00 Low Responsive Bidder Y Gillmore Construction
Inc
Base Bid + Alt $199,000.00 • Great Northwest Inc
Base Bid + Alt $240,872.00 • S & T LLC
Base Bid + Alt $339,000.00 • Timberline Excavation
Base Bid + Alt $389,750.00 • HC Contractors
Base Bid + Alt $424,996.96 • Hawks Enterprises
This is the FNSB Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA) Base Bid and Additive Alternate A of IFB #21039 to Gillmore Construction Inc. The appeal period for this NOIA will expire on March 10, 2021 at 5:00 pm.
Fairbanks North Star BoroughPurchasing Division
Bid TabulationIFB NO.: 21039
DATE 3/U202rPROJECT SWF C& D Cetl5 Phase I Clearing&Grubbing
The above tabulation is for informationaI purposes only and is not the official record.
The low bid is the apparent low. Allbidswill receive administrative review foraccuracy
and to determine if the low bid is responsive and responsible.
Bids opened in Bidnet by David Bates
FUND VERIFICATION
to 6c cotnptctcf, fu oighatiag dcpatawnt
DEPARTMENT / DIVISION Public Works / Design & Construction tFB / RFP NO.: 21039
PURPOSE / PROJECT I'IAME: Conshuction and Demolition (C&D) Debris Disposal Area
DESCRIPTION . Clearing and grubbing C&D Cell 5 Debris Disposal Area. Altemate I is tor clearing and
grubbing future cell 6.
Est. Cost: $175,000,00
RDgbffi#bli #t3s.gilffifilttfdu
Account No:
Accounl No:
Contingency: $45,000.00
2. q.2D2/Daie
Totat co6t $22o,ooo.oo
J.agr€ement.
*uaur tI .,i f Ye. l
I 0E!SDDE72027 / 1 9-SWS2 Amount $220,000.00
Amount:
Amount:
1619;. $220,000.00rlfth6
source oftunds above wlll beHl, hs lource olfunds b a Gmnt OR
Chrd Hosl.r. Manager
2'8- ?*zrDate
Davld Bldla, Olrrdor nblc t rh.tr
0?,09D021Dete
to 6c cnqttt l q rrdn&ng
Date:
Ordhanc€Numb€.
2020-20-tL20tg - 20 -2r
AccowrlngVedflcatlm
t*Granl or
Matdr ?ti rYcaI
to 5e aryLtqt b Accou*ittg
On lhe date signed above by Accounting, ,und sourcss 6ho,vn aborro are sufficisnt to pay the costs of the requeslodac{ion and may legally be u8ed for this purpGo.
Local blddsr pr€ferencB (FNSB 16.16.050) b prohibited.#Localbldder prsfsrgnce (FNSB 16.16.050) ls allowBd.
-=,-
trtrtrDD
Fundlng Source
Funding Source
Funding Source
Funding Source
Fundlng Source
U.S. DOT . FTA
U.S. DOT- all other
F€deral Common Rule
Oth€r (Note the agenoy)
N/A
z,JAccou or Grants Accou Date
'n NglE: lf local bldd€r prsforsnce ls allorryed, 6 change ln funding sourcs, whlch impac.ts this dstomination, is notpermissibl€ afrar th€ opening date and tima of an lnvitation for bld (lFB).
Attached for your consideration is an ordinance that if adopted would rename, redefine and establish in FNSB code the Facilities Maintenance Reserve (FMR) as the Capital Improvement Program Maintenance Reserve (CIPMR). If adopted as presented, this ordinance would:
• Dissolve the FMR and its lapsing provisions• Establish the CIPMR with lapsing provisions• Add a definition of "fund" to FNSBC 7.04.010 and 7.12.010• Update FNSBC 7 .04 to add a new section governing establishment of reserve accounts• Increasing the annual contribution to capital projects from 9% to 10% of areawide tax
revenue.• Recompute the February 2021 transfers for the FY2019-20 net general fund lapse as if
the provisions of this proposed ordinance were in effect at the time of the auditcommittee's acceptance of the FY2019-20 audit and financial reports.
I urge your adoption of this ordinance.
Attachments: Ordinance
/jw
Physical: 907 Terminal St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 * Website: fnsb.gov * Mailing: PO Box 71267, Fairbanks, AK 99707
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By:
Introduced:
Bryce J. Ward, Mayor Aaron Lojewski Marna Sanford
03/11/2021
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FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH
ORDINANCE NO. 2021 - 14
AN ORDINANCE RENAMING AND REDEFINING THE FACILffiES MAINTENANCE RESERVE ESTABLISHED IN ORDINANCE NO. 99-016 TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM AND MAINTENANCE RESERVE BY AMENDING FNSBC TITLE 7 TO ADD DEFINffiONS OF FUND AND RESERVE ACCOUNT, ADDING NEW SECTIONS TO
ESTABLISH RESERVE ACCOUNTS INCLUDING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND MAINTENANCE RESERVE ACCOUNT, PROVIDING FOR A GENERAL FUND
TRANSFER TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND MAINTENANCE RESERVE, REQUIRING A CONTRIBUTION TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND
MAINTENANCE RESERVE IN THE MAYOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET, AND MAKING OTHER RELATED CHANGES; AND, RECOMPUTING AND ADJUSTING THE FEBRUARY 2021
TRANSFERS OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 "NET GENERAL FUND LAPSE"
WHEREAS, The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) was redefined by the
Assembly with Ordinance No. 2019-35; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 99-016 established the Facilities Maintenance
Reserve Fund (FMR); and
WHEREAS, Over time, the use of the FMR has changed to now be the
primary mechanism to fund the CIP which includes such things as major maintenance,
renovation or rehabilitation, expansion, demolition, and new construction; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this ordinance to rename the FMR, to establish
it in Fairbanks North Star Borough (Borough) Code, and to change its purpose so that it
can be used for all types of major facility needs related to the capital improvement
program, including new construction projects; and
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Fairbanks North Star Borough. Alaska ORDINANCE NO. 2021-
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WHEREAS, The primary funding mechanism of the CIP is the FMR; and
39 WHEREAS, The Borough Assembly created a mandatory funding
40 mechanism for the FMR with Ordinance No. 2018-46 by requiring the mayor to propose
41 a budget with seven percent of current areawide tax revenue being contributed to the
42 FMR; and
43
44 WHEREAS, The Assembly increased the FMR contribution requirement
45 amount from seven percent to nine percent of current areawide taxes with Ordinance
46 No. 2019-48; and
47
48 WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2005-72 first provided for prescribed, yet
49 sporadic, contributions from the general fund to the FMR, amended by Ordinance
50 No. 2012-01 and now codified at FNSBC 7.04.120(A); and
51
52 WHEREAS, FNSBC 7.04.120(A) provides for a transfer from the general fund
53 to the FMR from a portion of the Code-defined "net general fund lapse," if any; and
54
55 WHEREAS, Annual budgeting for major facility needs is a more advisable
56 mechanism to fund these needs rather than relying on a general fund lapse; and
57
58 WHEREAS, If at the close of the fiscal year, funds remain unspent, investing
59 them into a sustainable capital improvement program can be considered prudent; and
60
61 WHEREAS, Excess funds above the requirements of the CIP could be used
62 to lower taxes, cover revenue shortfalls, or stabilize Borough finances; and
63
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Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska ORDINANCE NO. 2021-Page 2 of 8
64 WHEREAS, The code-defined "net general fund lapse" is calculated using a
65 budgetary basis which does not correspond to the GAAP-basis change in the general
66 fund's unassigned fund balance; and
67
68 WHEREAS, Consequently, it is sensible to remove the use of a budgetary
69 lapse and to instead use only the change in GAAP-basis unassigned fund balance to
70 determine any transfer to the capital improvement program and maintenance reserve
71 based on the results of the prior fiscal year.
72
73 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Assembly of the Fairbanks
74 North Star Borough:
75
76 Section 1. Sections 3 through 8 of this ordinance are of a general and
77 permanent nature and shall be codified. Sections 1, 2, 9, and 10 of this ordinance are
78 not of a general and permanent nature and shall not be codified.
79
80 Section 2. The facilities maintenance reserve fund as established by
81 Ordinance No. 99-016 is dissolved, and the facilities maintenance reserve fund is
82 reestablished as the capital improvement program and maintenance reserve (CIPMR) as
83 set forth in this ordinance.
84
85 Section 3. FNSBC 7.04.010, Definitions, is amended as follows [the Clerk
86 shall add or amend the definitions in alphabetical order]:
87 "Fund" means a [SEPARATE ACCOUNTING ENTITY ESTABLISHED FOR A SPECIFIC
88 PURPOSE] fiscal and accounting entity with a self-balancing set of accounts that is used
89 to record cash and other financial resources, together with all related liabilities and
90 residual equities or balances, and changes therein, that are segregated for the purpose
91 of carrying on specific activities or attaining certain objectives in accordance with special
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Fairbanks North Star Borough. Alaska ORDINANCE NO. 2021-Page 3 of 8
92 regulations, restrictions, or limitations in accordance with governmental accounting
93 standards.
94 "Reserve" or "reserve account1' is an enduring account, and includes accounts used to
95 accumulate appropriated funds to meet particular future costs or financial obligations,
96 most notably for various capital needs: or to accumulate specific revenues for a particular
97 related function or functions.
98
99 Section 4. FNSBC 7.12.010, Definitions, is amended as follows [the Clerk
100 shall add or amend the definitions in alphabetical order]:
101 "Fund" means a [SEPARATE ACCOUNTING ENTITY ESTABLISHED FOR A SPECIFIC
102 PURPOSE] fiscal and accounting entity with a self-balancing set of accounts that is used
103 to record cash and other financial resources, together with all related liabilities and
104 residual equities or balances, and changes therein, that are segregated for the purpose
105 of carrying on specific activities or attaining certain objectives in accordance with special
106 regulations, restrictions, or limitations in accordance with governmental accounting
107 standards.
108
109 Section 5. Chapter 7.04 FNSBC, Fiscal Management, is amended by adding
110 a new section 7.04.075 as follows:
111 7.04.075 Reserve accounts established.
112 A. The assembly or mayor may establish reserve accounts.
Growden Area Accessibility Improvements Project, Parks and Recreation Project
Coordinator Funds
Attached for your approval is an Ordinance amending the FY 2020-21 budget by appropriating
$22,239 in grant funding awarded by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities (AKDOT&PF) to the Fairbanks North Star Borough (Borough) Parks and Recreation
department, Parks Maintenance division.
The Growden Area Accessibility Improvements Project was awarded an Alaska Transportation
Alternatives Program grant in 2019 and the project is being managed by AKDOT&PF. The
Borough's Department of Parks and Recreation's role on this project includes design support,
furnishing of wayfinding sign panels, design and furnishing interpretive panels, providing
support during construction for the project, and ensuring the project is coordinated with the
needed Borough departments for oversight and review. One of the Borough Parks Project
Coordinator positions is partially project funded. AKDOT&PF is providing the $22,239 to allow for
this position to provide the necessary project support.
I request your consideration, and urge your approval of this Ordinance.
Attachment
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By: Introduced:
Bryce J. Ward, Mayor 03/11/2021
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FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH
ORDINANCE NO. 2020 - 20 - 1Q
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2020-21 BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING $22,239 IN FEDERAL PASS-THROUGH GRANT FUNDING TO THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND FOR THE GROWDEN AREA ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSE
OF PROVIDING PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECT SUPPORT, DESIGNING AND FURNISHING INTERPRETIVE PANELS, AND PROVIDING DESIGN SUPPORT FOR
WAYFINDING SIGNS
WHEREAS, The Federal Highways Administration (FHWA), through the
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF), has selected the
Growden Area Accessibility Improvements Project for the Alaska Transportation
Alternatives Program (ATAP) award; and
WHEREAS, The Fairbanks North Star Borough (Borough) Assembly adopted
ordinance No. 2019-20-lB, which appropriated funds for the Growden Area Accessibility
Improvements Project; and
WHEREAS, This project is currently under agreement between the Borough
and AKDOT&PF; and
WHEREAS, AKDOT&PF will manage and design the project with FHWA funds
and previously appropriated matching funds from the Borough; and
WHEREAS, The Borough Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks &
Recreation) will provide support to the AKDOT&PF design and construction team and
ensure the project receives necessary Borough coordination and review; and
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Fairbanks North Star Borough. Alaska ORDINANCE NO. 2020-20-
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34 WHEREAS, Parks & Recreation's role on this project includes design support
35 of wayfinding sign panels, designing and furnishing interpretive panels, and providing
36 support during the project's construction.
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38 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Assembly of the Fairbanks
39 North Star Borough:
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41 Section 1. Classification. This ordinance is not of a general and permanent
42 nature and shall not be codified.
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44 Section 2. Acceptance of Federal Pass-Through Grant Funding. The
45 Borough accepts the award of $22,239 in federal pass-through grant funding from FHWA,
46 passed through AKDOT&PF, to support project coordination and facilitate the design and
47 procurement of park signage on the Growden Area Accessibility Improvements project.
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49 Section 3. Capital Projects Fund Appropriation. The FY 2020-21 budget is
50 hereby amended by appropriati,ng $22,239 to the Capital Projects Fund budgetary
51 guideline entitled "Growden Area Accessibility Improvements-Project Support and Park
52 Signage" and increasing estimated revenue from federal pass-through grants by a like
53 amount.
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55 Section 4. Indirect Fee Waiver. In accordance with the signed
56 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), indirect is waived for this appropriation.
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58 Section 5. Eligible Expenditure Period. Expenditures incurred within the
59 effective dates of the signed MOA between AKDOT&PF and the Borough are eligible for
60 reimbursement.
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62 Section 6. Provision for Appropriation Estimate. This appropriation is for
63 an estimated amount. The actual amount will be appropriated contingent, and based,
64 upon the signed MOA between ADOT&PF and the Borough. Any material difference, as
65 determined by the Chief Financial Officer, will be communicated to the Assembly.
66
67 Section 7. Contingency. This appropriation is contingent upon the receipt
68 of a signed MOA with AKDOT&PF.
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70 Section 8. Effective Date. This ordinance is effective at 5:00 p.m. on the
71 first Borough business day following its adoption.
72 73 ADOPTED THE __ DAY OF ____ 2021. 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 ATTEST: 81 82 83 April Trickey, CMC 84 Borough Clerk
Mindy O'Neall Presiding Officer
APPROVED:
Jill S. Borough Attorney
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Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska ORDINANCE NO. 2020-20-Page 3 of 3
I. Request
FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH FISCAL NOTE
Ordinance No: 2020-20-1Q Date Introduced: February 25, 2021
Abbreviated Title: Appropriating $22,239 in Federal Pass-Through Grant Funding for Project Support and Park Signage for the Growden Area Accessibility Improvements Project
II. Financial Detail
Department/Division Affected: Parks and Recreation/Parks Maintenance
Capital Projects EXPENDITURE Fund
FY 20/21 Awaiting Budget 22,239 Indirect Total 22,239
SOURCE OF FUNDING Federal Grant Revenue 22,239
Contribution from Fund Balance Total 22,239
Specify Funding Sources: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highways Administration; State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF)
OTHER FUNDING PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED Ord No. 2019-20-1 B 87,862
Ill. Project Purpose:
Provide funds to the department of Parks & Recreation for project support and park sign age for the AKDOT&PF Growden Area Project
IV. Analysis of Future Liabilities and Funding Sources:
Ongoing maintenance of the signage
V. Fund Certification: I certify that funding sources are available as detailed in II above.
Fairbanks North Star Borough Fiscal Lneck Date Version 1
Impact Statement (FIS) (FNssc 3.20.010 c.) Version 2 Version 3Version 4
Originator's Name: Laura Minski Department: Parks and RecreationTo Be Introduced/Sponsored By: Mayor WardAbbreviated Ordinance Title: Growden Area Accessibility Improvements Project FNSB Funds
Department(s )/Division(s) Affected: Parks and Recreation / Parks Maintenance
Proposed Introduction Date: February 25, 2021 Ordinance No.: 2020-20-1Q
Does this ordinance authorize:1) a new or expansion of services which entails additional costs beyond that approved in the current
adopted budget? Yes No ✓ *
-- --
2) a project that is capital in nature and increases operational costs of the Borough in the current orany future fiscal year? Yes __ No_✓_ *
FISCAL IMPACT PRO FORMA SUMMARY- BEST ESTIMATE Remainder of 1st Full FY of 2nd Full FY of 3rd Full FY of 4th Full FY ofCurrent FY Operations Operations Operations Operations
may be required---------------------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------
3. Cost of operations and maintenance
4. Future costs to complete capital assets
5. Estimated revenue impact '
6. Estimated non-Borough funds that may
be received:
a. to fund the ordinance
b. to fund future phases
c. to fund future operations and
maintenance costs
7. Anticipated annual tax subsidy
Is backup attached? Yes No
Contact Person's Name, for FIS questions:.;,.
Laura Minski Extension: 1099
Director(s) Signature(s): J..... .£.-......_J_ /@.,&, /J Date: l/u/-a-1 Mayor's Office or Assem�ly Member �gnaturl / MMA t} _ /,,,f) � Date: f /zz/ lfJ2/
Chief Financial Officer Signature: [)_e�� JI</�� Date: (V C//:J.I
To prepare a Fiscal Impact Statement (FIS): Complete the top section of the FIS. Answer the two questions, Yes or No.
Process/Instructions
* If the answer to either question on page 1 is Yes, complete the Pro Forma Summary and provide the FIS contact person's information and the Director's signature. - To avoid uncertainty, fill in every solid box; if an answer is zero or none, enter O or None. - Attach backup detail to support your estimates, as necessary.
* If the answer to both questions is No, provide the FIS contact person's information and if Administration initiated Director's signature. Continue to next block.
Ordinance from a department: Department submits FIS to Mayor's Office for signature and for concurrence to be the ordinance sponsor. Mayor's Office dates and signs FIS Version 1. After Mayor's Office OK, department drafts ordinance and prepares a Finance Checklist for the appropriating
ordinance. Department submits an FIS Version 1 signed by the Mayor's Office, to Finance along with the draft ordinance and
Finance Checklist for the appropriating ordinance.
Ordinance from the Mayor: Mayor's Office works with affected department(s) to prepare the FIS. Mayor's Office dates and signs FIS Version 1. If the Law department will be drafting the ordinance, the Mayor's Office will submit the signed FIS Version 1 to Law
along with the request for Law to draft the ordinance. - Law drafts the ordinance. - Law requests department(s) to revise FIS if needed, to match the ordinance. - Mayor's Office concurs with, and dates and signs the new FIS version.
Otherwise, the Mayor's Office drafts the ordinance and prepares a Finance Checklist for the appropriating ordinance. Mayor's Office submits latest FIS version to Finance along with the draft ordinance and Finance Checklist.
Ordinance from an Assembly Member: If Assembly Member/Clerk's Office/Law requires assistance in preparing the FIS, a request shall be submitted to the
Mayor's Office for scheduling/coordination with affected department(s) to assist in preparing the FIS. Department(s) work with Assembly Member/Clerk's Office/Law to prepare the FIS. Assembly Member/Clerk's Office dates and signs FIS Version 1. If the Law department will be drafting the ordinance, the Assembly Member/Clerk's Office will submit the signed FIS
Version 1 to Law along with the request for Law to draft the ordinance. - Law drafts the ordinance. - Law requests department(s) to revise FIS if needed, to match the ordinance. - Assembly Member/Clerk's Office concurs with , and dates and signs the new FIS version.
Otherwise, the Assembly Member drafts the ordinance. Assembly Member/Clerk's Office/Law submits latest FIS version to Finance along with the draft ordinance.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reviews FIS: CFO reviews FIS version submitted to Finance with ordinance. CFO consults with affected department(s) and/or ordinance sponsor, and requests FIS revisions if needed. CFO dates and signs FIS and routes it to Law, along with the draft ordinance and Finance Checklist, if any.
Physical: 907 Terminal St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Website: fnsb.gov Mailing: PO Box 71267, Fairbanks, AK 99707
MEMORANDUM TO: Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly THROUGH: Leah Berman Williams, Chair, Finance Committee FROM: Adena Benn, CMC, Deputy Clerk DATE: March 22, 2021 SUBJECT: ACTION OF THE MARCH 18, 2021 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Convened at 5:30 p.m./Adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
Members Present Matt Cooper (Arr. 5:45 P.M.) Aaron Lojewski Liz Lyke Jimi Cash Tammie Wilson Mindy O’Neall Frank Tomaszewski Marna Sanford Leah Berman Williams Members Excused None MEMORANDA/REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS Explore Fairbanks annual budget presentation by Deb Hickok, President, to include a question and answer period. -Presentation given by Explore Fairbanks President Deb Hickok CONTRACTS/BID AWARDS Change Order: For Contract Issued as a Result of RFP No. 18022 Transit Administration and Maintenance Facility -Approved (9-0) the Change Order to Design Alaska in the amount of $196,420.00, for a total contract amount of $2,604,021.00.
CONTRACTS/BID AWARDS – continued Contract Award: Sourcewell Cooperative Contract 2021 Zamboni Ice Resurfacer -Approved (7-2) the contract with Zamboni Company, Inc in the amount of $111,564.95 to purchase a 2021 Zamboni Ice Resurfacer. IFB Award: IFB Number 21039 Solid Waste Facility C & D Cell 5 Phase 1 Clearing & Grubbing -Approved (9-0) the Base Bid and Alternate A as submitted by Gillmore Construction, Inc in the amount of $189,642.00. ADVANCED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ORDINANCE NO. 2021-14. An Ordinance Renaming And Redefining The Facilities Maintenance Reserve Established In Ordinance No. 99-016 To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve By Amending FNSBC Title 7 To Add Definitions Of Fund And Reserve Account, Adding New Sections To Establish Reserve Accounts Including The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve Account, Providing For A General Fund Transfer To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve, Requiring A Contribution To The Capital Improvement Program And Maintenance Reserve In The Mayor's Proposed Budget, And Making Other Related Changes; And, Recomputing And Adjusting The February 2021 Transfers Of The Fiscal Year 2019-20 "Net General Fund Lapse." (Sponsors: Mayor Ward and Assemblymembers Lojewski and Sanford) -Item for discussion only / Mayor Ward and Assemblymember Lojewski provided a staff report. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-20-1Q. An Ordinance Amending The FY 2020-21 Budget By Appropriating $22,239 In Federal Pass-Through Grant Funding To The Capital Projects Fund For The Growden Area Accessibility Improvements Project For The Purpose Of Providing Parks And Recreation Project Support, Designing And Furnishing Interpretive Panels, And Providing Design Support For Wayfinding Signs. (Sponsor: Mayor Ward) -Item for discussion only / Laura Minski, Parks Project Coordinator, provided a staff report. OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS/DISCUSSION ITEMS Monthly Budget and Fund Balance Reports -None MAYOR/ASSEMBLY COMMENTS NONE