Another Hotel in Aliso Viejo?

Should Aliso Viejo build a second hotel?

The question was raised at the end of Wednesday's city council meeting by Councilmember William Phillips.

“We’re doing very well in our hotel,” Phillips said, during the councilmember comments portion at the end of the May 18 meeting. “We should look pretty hard at a possible second hotel in our community.”

The city’s only hotel, Marriot Renaissance at 50 Enterprise Road, is expected to bring in $575,000 in transient occupancy tax revenue in the current fiscal year, according Gina Tharani, director of financial services and city treasurer.

In the upcoming fiscal year, Tharani said she projects the hotel will bring the city $587,650 in revenue. 

Phillips said he attended a conference on Orange County tourism and learned that “the hotel market is coming back in the county.”

"I think there’s a real need for a second one,” Phillips said after the meeting.

Not only is the current hotel bringing at least half a million dollars in revenue to the city, Phillips said, but it’s also a hub for local activity.

A second hotel would be “another asset for the community,” Phillips added.

What do you think? Leave your comments at the end of the story.

Budget news

The City Council received a report on the city’s draft budget for 2011-2012.

City Manager Mark Pulone said staff expects to see a one percent overall growth in the general fund balance.

That’s a $368,925 net positive cash flow "assuming no further takeaways from the state” according to the city staff report. Overall, the general fund balance is $22.7 million.

“It's not remarkable growth but we'll take anything at this point,” Pulone said. "We do try to be conservative both on the revenue side and the expenditure side.”

The council expects to adopt a budget June 15. Make sure you check Patch in June for the full breakdown when a budget is approved.

Other business

• The city council voted to encourage healthy eating among residents by partnering with the Orange County Nutrition and Physical Activity Collaborative.
• Officials honored the Aliso Niguel Rollerhockey Team, for clinching the Interscholastic Hockey Foundation Fall JVA Championship and the 2011 All Star Team for Niguel Aliso National Junior Basketball for its record of 11-2.
• The Aliso Niguel High School Dance Team led the flag salute.

• The city will hold a free document shredding event from 8:30 to 11 30 a.m. at City Hall this Saturday.

The next city council meeting takes place June 1 at 7 p.m. at 12 Journey Road in Aliso Viejo.

Click here to read a copy of agenda.