Tourism-Commission-Meeting-Agenda-Packet-9-29-2026.pdf

*Notice is given that a majority of the Common Council may attend this meeting to gather information about an Agenda item over which they have decision making responsibility. This may constitute a meeting of the Council per State ex rel. Badke v. Greendale Village Board, even though the Common Council will not take formal action at this meeting. Notice is also given that upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through appropriate aids and services. For additional information, please contact the Franklin City Clerk’s office at (414) 425-7500 AGENDA TOURISM COMMISSION Franklin City Hall, Hearing Room 9229 W. Loomis Road, Franklin, Wisconsin September 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Board Members Lance Schaefer (Chair) Barbara Wesener Jeff Kuderski (Vice Chair) Mark Wylie (Secretary/Treasurer) Bill Elliott I. Call to Order and Roll Call. A. Pledge of Allegiance II. Citizen Comment Period III. Draft Minutes Approval – July 15, 2026, Meeting IV. Reports A. Engage Franklin (EF), Mark Wylie, Cari Greving V. New Business – A. Method to track hotel stays for Croatian Soccer Club and Polonia Soccer Club B. 2027 Budget C. Franklin Youth Tournament Club (FYTC) sponsorship request VI. Unfinished Business A. Wehr Nature Center Grant-Program-Application B. Croatian Soccer Club, Grant Application update, Artificial Turf Field - Matt Saric C. Polonia Sport Club, Grant Application update, Artificial Turf Field D. Grant Application limits and new guidelines E. Investment vision for retained funds, 1. Open discussion with Engage Franklin 2. Closed Session discussion with Engage Franklin regarding its business activities The Tourism Commission may enter closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. & 19.85 (1) (e), to deliberate the investing of public funds in relation to business activities of Engage Franklin, a Destination Marketing Organization, for competitive or bargaining reasons, and to reenter open session at the same place thereafter to act on such matters discussed therein as it deems appropriate. *Notice is given that a majority of the Common Council may attend this meeting to gather information about an Agenda item over which they have decision making responsibility. This may constitute a meeting of the Council per State ex rel. Badke v. Greendale Village Board, even though the Common Council will not take formal action at this meeting. Notice is also given that upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through appropriate aids and services. For additional information, please contact the Franklin City Clerk’s office at (414) 425-7500 VII. Invoices: Engage Franklin share of Hotel Taxes: August - $31,413.53; VIII. Next meeting VIII. Adjournment MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE TOURISM COMMISSION Council Chambers, 9229 W. Loomis Road, Franklin, Wisconsin July 15, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. Members Present Others Present Lance Schaefer (Chair) X Jeff Kuderski (Vice Chair) X Carrie Greving, Executive Director, Engage Franklin Mark Wylie (Secretary / Treasurer) X John Regetz, Economic Development Director, City of Franklin Barbara Wesener X Bill Elliott I. Call to Order and Roll Call - The meeting of the Franklin Tourism Commission (TC) was called to order by Chairman Lance Schaefer at 6:00 p.m. A. Pledge of Allegiance II. Citizen Comment Period - The floor was opened for citizen comments at 6:01 p.m. Mr. John Bergner, Civic Celebration Chair, came to thank Engage Franklin for their contribution. Citizen Comment Period closed at 6:03 p.m. III. Draft Minutes Approval, June 17, 2026, Meeting – Mark Wylie mentioned he was in attendance and Bill Elliot was not. Motion by Wylie, second by Wesener, to approve minutes as amended. Motion carried. IV. Reports: Engage Franklin (EF) - Cari Greving reported the EF Board will meet just before TC meetings. The EF Board decided to offer a $7,500 sponsorship to Snowvana and match a Travel WI GEM Grant which will include EF in national marketing. They also selected Nei Turner Marketing to develop the Visitor’s Guide. EF is reviewing 3 submitted digital marketing proposals, and is considering pursuing a Jr. Golf Association tourney at Tuckaway Shores with a stay-cost-reduction-package. The Radio 97.1 marketing campaign started on 7/1 and will be the website as well. The webpage calendar is up and the word needs to be spread. V. New Business: Wehr Nature Center Grant-Program-Application – Meissa Hoppe presented a $1,000 funding request for the 2026 Cider Sunday fundraising event for facility improvements. The grant decision will be made at the August 19 meeting under Unfinished Business. VI. Unfinished Business A. Polonia Sport Club, Grant Application addition update, Artificial Turf Field – representative was detained, no action taken. B. Engage Franklin, marketing budget funding proposal – Greving presented the Snowvana sponsorship and Visitor Guide funding request. Motion by Kuderski, second by Wesener, to approve $25,000 funding for the EF Visitor Guide 2027, and $7500 for Snowvana event sponsorship. Motion carried. C. Grant Application limits and new guidelines – representative detained, no action taken D. Investment vision for retained funds, 1. Open discussion with Engage Franklin 2. Closed Session discussion with Engage Franklin regarding its business activities – no action taken The Tourism Commission may enter closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. & 19.85 (1) (e), to deliberate the investing of public funds in relation to business activities of Engage Franklin, a Destination Marketing Organization, for competitive or bargaining reasons, and to reenter open session at the same place thereafter to act on such matters discussed therein as it deems appropr iate. VII. Invoices: Engage Franklin share of June Hotel Taxes – none received in June VIII. Next meeting – August 19 IX. Adjournment – Motion by Wesener, second by Kuderski, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. 08/14/2026 BUDGET REPORT FOR CITY OF FRANKLIN Calculations as of 12/31/2026 ACCOUNT CLAS 2027 DEPT 2026 2026 2026 2025 2025 AND REQUEST PROJECTED ACTIVITY AMENDED ACTIVITY AMENDED GL NUMBER DESCRIPTION BUDGET ACTIVITY THRU 12/31/26 BUDGET BUDGET 17-0651-5212 LEGAL SERVICES 5,000.00 5,000.00 7,500.00 17-0651-5299 SUNDRY CONTRACTORS 361,515.00 313,500.00 133,658.79 313,500.00 340,334.90 268,065.00 17-0651-5311 POSTAGE 100.00 100.00 100.00 150.00 17-0651-5425 TOURISM EVENTS 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 500.00 5,000.00 17-0651-5426 CONFERENCES & SCHOOLS 2,000.00 2,000.00 605.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 17-0651-5432 MILEAGE & TECHNOLOGY 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 17-0651-5440 MARKETING SERVICES 70,000.00 70,000.00 32,500.00 100,000.00 11.78 15,000.00 17-0651-5441 ADVERTISING 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 17-0651-5735 TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM 35,000.00 35,000.00 17-0651-5838 STREETSCAPE-SIGNAGE, BILBRDS 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 35,565.00 15,000.00 TOTALS 481,615.00 393,600.00 166,763.79 428,600.00 376,411.68 349,715.00 August 18, 2026 To Whom It May Concern, The Franklin Youth Tournament Club (FYTC) is one of the most affordable travel baseball and softball organizations in Southeastern Wisconsin. For more than 10 years, our teams have provided opportunities for athletes from communities throughout the region to compete both locally and out of state. Our mission is to make competitive baseball and softball accessible to families who may not be able to afford the high costs often associated with academy-based travel programs. Over the years, FYTC has proudly supported hundreds of athletes by providing quality coaching, competitive opportunities, and a positive team environment at an affordable cost. To further support our athletes and other local organizations facing similar challenges, FYTC is developing a year- round baseball and softball training facility. The facility will be approximately 11,250 square feet and will include: • Two batting cages (55x12x12) • One full-size batting cage (70x14x12) that can also convert to two • A half-field training area (6,000 sq feet of turf) We anticipate serving 30 teams and more than 1,000 athletes annually through practices, training sessions, clinics, and team development programs. We are seeking community partners who may be interested in helping equip this facility through grants, sponsorships, partnerships, or direct donations. In recognition of your support, we would proudly display your company or organization’s name within the facility through signage, naming opportunities, or recognition of donated areas. Current Sponsorship/Donation Opportunities Sponsorships will be recognized by advertising for three years in the facility, little league and Franklin Crew/Flame websites. 1. Sponsorship Small Batting Cage Donation-Turf, nets and screen (55x12x12): a. 2 cages available, $4000 per cage 2. Sponsorship- Full-Size Batting Cage Donation- Turf, nets and screen (70x14x12): a. 1 cage available Total: $5,000 3. Sponsorship- Field Net/Turf/Equipment/Install (6,000 sq ft): a. Project cost: $45,000 Donations starting at $4000 4. Donation Family/Private- Increments of $1.00. We would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how your organization can help make this facility a reality for the youth athletes of Southeastern Wisconsin. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Franklin Youth Tournament Club (FYTC) Shaun Marefka – President, FYTC \ Chris Budnik- Baseball Director, FYTC Michelle Carini - Treasurer, FYTC \ Jennifer Call - Secretary, FYTC Deval Sino- Softball Director, FYTC Thank you for your interest in working with the Franklin Tourism Commission. Mission Statement: The Tourism Commission mission is to promote the City of Franklin, Wisconsin as the premiere destination in Southeastern Wisconsin for fun, business, and entertainment & recreation. Our Core Values: • MARKET: We engage in marketing activities designed to increase tourism awareness. • BRAND: We brand Franklin as a place that has a high quality of life for both residents and visitors. • WELCOME: We support visitors and businesses. • DEVELOP: We partake in activities designed to bring additional revenue streams to the commission and city. Please keep in mind that by state statute, Tourism Commission funds must be used for tourism promotion and development that is likely to generate paid overnight stays at local hotels. ● ● ● If you would like to request funds or assistance from the Tourism Commission, we invite you to present at one of our monthly meetings, as our agenda allows. Please keep in mind the above mission and core values when making your request, and be prepared to provide answers to the following questions: • Requesting Organization & Contact Info • Event/Project Description & Timing • Impact on Lodging. How does your request translate to overnight tourism for the City? (i.e. how will this request get us “heads in beds”?) • Event/Project Budget. Please include the full budget for your event or project as well as the amount you are requesting from the Tourism Commission. If necessary, prioritize your needs clearly so we know where you need the most support. • Use of Funding Support. Please describe in detail how the funds from the Tourism Commission will be specifically utilized. You may choose to present a written document or presentation, or you may talk to each of these points, but please make sure all the above questions will be answered when making your request. 1 Application Number: Tourism Commission Use Only CITY OF FRANKLIN TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION Amount Requested: Section 1: Applicant Information / Description of Organization Applicant Address City State ZIP Code Authorized Representative Title Telephone Number Contact Person Title Telephone Number E-Mail Address Fax Number Background of organization Mission and Objectives of organization Target Markets of organization Date TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM - GRANT APPLICATION 2 Section 2: Project Information Project Title Detailed Project Description Expected Outcomes What are the project’s attendance goals Please identify how this project/program will specifically be able to generate paid overnight stays in hotels within the City of Franklin, WI. What are the Specific Geographic and Market Targets for the Project? TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM - GRANT APPLICATION 3 Section 2: Project Information (Continued) Timeline For Implementation Staffing Requirements Section 3: Financial Information Plans For Sustaining the Project’s Funding Upon the Expiration of the Grant List Project Funding Sources, Amounts and Budget Percentage Explain in Detail How the Tourism Commission Funds will be used in the Project. 01-0000-4022 70% 75% Month Total room tax dollars collected 70% goes to Tourism 75% goes to Engage Franklin Paid Paid Amount Paid Date Check No. Overpaid 12/31/2023 101,640.23$ 101,640.23$ 76,230.17$  $76,230.17 5/2/2024 197665 10/3/2024 86,426.65$ 86,426.65$ 64,819.99$  $64,819.99 10/31/2024 199872 10/31/2024 58,514.84$ 58,514.84$ 43,886.13$  $43,886.13 11/28/2024 200254 11/30/2024 138,848.79$ 138,848.79$ 104,136.59$  $104,136.59 1/2/2025 200610 2/18/2025 January 2025 52,056.30$ 36,439.41$ 27,329.56$  $39,042.23 2/27/2025 201826 $11,712.67 4/17/2025 February 2025 52,688.36$ 36,881.85$ 27,661.39$  $15,948.72 5/7/2025 202667 5/15/2025 April 2025 41,798.37$ 29,258.86$ 21,944.14$  $21,944.14 5/28/2025 202855 6/12/2025 May 2025 86,891.18$ 60,823.83$ 45,617.87$  $45,617.87 6/25/2025 203220 8/14/2025 June 2025 -$ -$ -$ 8/14/2025 July 2025 165,425.92$ 115,798.14$ 86,848.61$  $86,848.61 8/27/2025 204011 9/10/2025 August 2025 4,549.52$ 3,184.66$ 2,388.50$  $2,388.50 10/2/2025 204323 11/12/2025 September 2025 -$ -$ -$ 11/12/2025 October 2025 19,332.46$ 13,532.72$ 10,149.54$  $10,149.54 12/4/2025 205123 12/11/2025 November 2025 225,514.83$ 157,860.38$ 118,395.29$  $118,395.29 1/8/2026 205531 1/1/2026 December 2025 -$ -$ -$ 2/1/2026 January 2026 63,991.73$ 44,794.21$ 33,595.66$  $33,595.66 4/2/2026 206456 3/1/2026 February 2026 37,456.02$ 26,219.21$ 19,664.41$  $19,664.41 4/22/2026 206766 4/1/2026 March 2026 30,449.62$ 21,314.73$ 15,986.05$  $15,986.05 4/22/2026 206766 5/1/2026 April 2026 89,310.08$ 62,517.06$ 46,887.79$  $46,887.79 6/3/2026 207195 6/1/2026 May 2026 33,380.72$ 23,366.50$ 17,524.88$  7/1/2026 June 2026 -$ -$ -$ 8/1/2026 July 2026 59,835.30$ 41,884.71$ 31,413.53$ Engage Franklin Funding 2023 Funding - 75% of all Tourism dollars Agreement Date: October 1, 2023 L:\41803 VOL1 Finance\Tourism\Engage Franklin\Engage Franklin Funding Spreadsheet PAYMENT VOUCHER City of Franklin 9229 W. Loomis Rd. Franklin, WI 53132 Date: August 10, 2026 Pay To: Engage Franklin 7044 S. Ballpark Drive Franklin, WI 53132 CelebrateFranklin.com Account Description Amount Percent Owed Amount Owed 17-0651-5299 75% Agreement per Franklin Tourism Commission & Engage Franklin Tourism Entity Agreement effective October 1, 2023 $41,884.71 75% $31,413.53 JULY 2026 REVENUE TOTAL $31,413.53 Finance Department Prepared By: Danielle Brown Signature: _______________________________ Date: August 10, 2026 Tourism Commission Approval Approved By: _____________________________ Signature: ________________________________ Date: ____________________________________