In a 4-2 vote, the Port Orchard City Council approved the mayor’s appointments to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee at the July 23 meeting.

Mayor Tim Matthes recommended three representatives each from the organizations and businesses — that are involved in activities — to serve on the LTAC from a membership matrix list present to the council.

Matthes selected the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, Sidney Museum and Art Gallery and the Saints Car Club for organizations, and Comfort Inn, Cedar Cove Inn and Mrs. Howe’s Bed and Breakfast to represent businesses.

After examining the matrix list, Councilman Jerry Childs asked why the Cedar Cove Association has not been selected to be on the LTAC.

In 2009, the CCA staged Cedar Cove Days and in 2010 it was awarded the Tourism Promoter of the Year by the Kitsap Peninsula Visitors and Convention Bureau for Cedar Cove Days.

According to its website, CCA is a non-profit organization that puts on events to benefit the Port Orchard community.

The association has donated money to such groups as the South Kitsap High School marching band, Sidney Museum and Art Gallery and Port Orchard Library. They also help form the Port Orchard Main Street Association.

Childs made a motion to add Cedar Cove Association to the matrix list, then amended the motion for the CCA to replace the chamber, who the mayor recommended.

Before the motion was seconded, City Attorney Greg Jacoby said state law allows three representatives from each group.

“The chamber has been on five times, the Saints Car Club twice and Sidney Museum three times,” Childs said.

City Clerk Brandy Rinearson said the LTAC must have at least two representatives from both the organizations and businesses.

“We could have five or six, both sides have to be even,” Rinearson said.

Childs’ motion brought reaction from other councilmembers.

Councilman Rob Pataansuu asked if Childs and Councilwoman Cindy Lucarelli, CCA executive director, serve on the CCA board.

“It won’t be us,” Lucarelli said. “A lot of people here who serve on various committees are members of the chamber, POBSA and different ones.”

Pataansuu said it would be different if the mayor was appointing them to the LTAC, rather one of the council members who is a member of the board appointing their own organization.

Councilman Fred Chang said he feels the organizations selected should be those who are more involved in activities. He recommended removing the Saints Car Club, but would like to see the chamber or POBSA represented.

“I could not support the Cedar Cove Association replacing the Chamber of Commerce,” Chang noted.

Matthes agreed with Chang and said the chamber represents more than 300 businesses in South Kitsap and the POBSA has more than 60 members.

“Both organizations represent a large group,” the mayor said.

Councilwoman Carolyn Powers said the CCA hasn’t done anything since Cedar Cove Days.

“You maybe doing lots of things, but I don’t know what you’re doing out there in the community,” Powers said.

Councilman John Clauson said because the chamber and POBSA are large, it shouldn’t guarantee them a spot on the LTAC.

Childs’ motion failed 4-2.

Lucarelli and Childs voted against the mayor’s recommendation.

In other action, the Council approved:

• An ordinance amending the city’s Municipal Code concerning flood damage prevention. The vote was unanimous.

• Temporary lease of city property to Bill’s Great Dog Stand for vending in a grassy area in front of the foot ferry terminal. The vote was 5-1 with Powers casting the lone opposing vote.