Transient Lodging Tax Committee Minutes
July 19, 2018
Baker County Courthouse
Chelsea called the meeting to order at 10:05 am.
Members Present: Loran Joseph, Chelsea Judy, Tori Brown, Lea Gettle and Kathy Reedy
Guest Present: Timothy Bishop, Lori Woods, Fred Warner, Ginger Savage, Kat Davis, Laura Prado, Mandy Clark, Carly Annable, Bill Harvey and Shelly Christensen
Approve Minutes:
The June 21, 2018 meeting minutes were reviewed. Loran moved that the minutes be accepted and Kathy seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Approve Agenda:
Loran moved that the agenda be approved and Lea seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Grant Request:
Pine Fest – Kat Davis
Kat presented a grant request in the amount of $4,500 in order to bring in top notch/popular bands to the festival. This is the 6th year for Pine Fest and the event is at 50% sustainability. In 2016 Pine Fest was awarded the Best Festival of the Year. Lea moved to approve the $4,500 request and Loran seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Carl Wendt Memorial Bronc Riding – Mandy Clark
Mandy presented a grant request in the amount of $3,000. Grant funds would be used to purchase buckles, advertising and stock fees. This event takes place during the Baker County Fair and is free admission. Loran moved to approve the $3,000 request and Lea seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Visitors Services Update: Shelly Cutler - None
Marketing Update: Timothy
Numbers remain solid for visitors even with several lodging partners off line/under construction. During the motorcycle rally this year they had 200+ campers at the high school. This will have a negative impact on lodging tax dollars.
Sumpter vendor numbers were minimal on Saturday at the flea market. 4th of July in Halfway was a huge success. The Hells Canyon Jr. Rodeo had an over 200% increase in attendance. Volunteers were not well prepared and experienced growing pains.
Globetrotter Travel Guide/Japan was in town during the motorcycle rally. This is the first time Eastern Oregon has been included in their Oregon section.
Spotlight NW Group Tour Gathering/Trade Show in Pendleton August 26-28. Timothy would like to send three delegates from our area. He is considering Geiser Grand, Copper Belt Winery and Crossroads Arts. Registration for the three delegates is $1,560 (20% discount). Each delegate will pay for their own travel and lodging costs. There are funds in the budget under package traveling to cover these registrations. The committee agreed to provide three registrations for this event.
Financial Reports:
Shelly reported that the second quarter lodging tax reports and payments are coming in timely.
Citizen’s Participation:
None
Strategic Planning Update:
Strategic Planning Meeting directly following the meeting to go over the draft plan from PARC with Laura. Results will be shared at our next TLT meeting in August.
Staff Comments:
Bill discussed the remodel on a major lodging establishment and the impact it is having. He shared the construction on the Grocery Outlet is coming along pretty good and should be opening in the late fall. Mandy indicated that the Geiser will be adding online bookings beginning May 2019 in the new addition.
Committee Comments:
There was some discussion about a letter received from Debbie Bainter. At this point we are waiting for her to complete a public records request to clarify what fiscal year meeting minutes and budget information she is requesting.
Chelsea and Kathy’s terms expire 8/1/18. Chelsea would like to pass on her role as Chair but would like to remain on the Committee. Kathy wasn’t sure she is eligible to continue serving based on the ordinance restrictions. The Committee will make recommendations to the Commissioners to fill the vacancies. Bill thanked Chelsea and Kathy for their years of service. The August meeting date was changed from the 3rd Thursday to the 2nd Thursday in order to present a recommendation to the Commissions for the vacancies by their next meeting date of August 15th.
Next meeting:
August 9, 2018 @ 10:00 am
Meeting Adjourned 10:54
Respectfully Submitted:
Shelly Christensen