Transient Lodging Tax Committee Minutes
February 15, 2024
Baker County Commission Chambers
Tyler called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.
Members Present: Tyler Brown, Brian Vegter, Alysia Bowers, Mandy Clark, Matthew Koppenhaver, Chelsea Blatchford, and Randy Daughtery
Guests Present: Jared Rivera, Bryan Tweit, Jessica Hobson, Devon Colton, Ariel Reker, John & Rebecca Patterson Desi McGinn, Bruce Nichols, and Shelly Christensen
Approve Agenda: Mandy moved to approve the agenda with changes; to add a grant presentation from Oregon Jr. High Rodeo. Brian seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Approve Minutes: Meeting minutes from January 25th were reviewed. Brian moved to approve the minutes. Matthew seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Grant Request – Brownlee Crappie Shootout 9 – Jared Rivera
Brownlee Crappie Shootout 9 is requesting $800 for the kayak fishing tournament in the Richland area which will be held on May 18th. Grant funding will be used to secure insurance, prize buckle & bracelet, some advertising, and to cover the rising costs of the event shirts. Jared said they are expecting 90-100 participants. All net proceeds from the event will be donated to CASA. Jared said participants are staying longer and coming back to visit the County at other times. Tyler complimented Jared on the detailed information the Committee received after last years’ event. The Committee requested registration fee income, donations, and sponsorship information be added to the budget section of the application in future years. Jared will report his in-kind, sponsorship information when he delivers his grant presentation. Brian moved to grant the requested $800. Mandy seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Grant Presentation – Oregon Jr. High Rodeo - Desi McGinn
Desi reported the Oregon Jr. High Rodeo, which was held September 22nd-24th, had ninety contestants. Contestants had an average of four family members with them, making a total of approximately 400 visitors to the event. Contestants came from Central Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. There were only three or four contestants from Eastern Oregon. Grant funds were used to provide housing for the rodeo secretary, judges, and to purchase awards. Because of the success of this event the Oregon High School Rodeo may be held in Baker County. Net profit from the event was $2,400 which will be used to purchase end-of-the-year awards for the kids. Desi said the marketing help she received from Jessica was good. Matthew noted the “Thank You” ad in the Baker City Herald did not mention Baker County Transient Lodging Tax funds. Desi followed up with the listing she sent the BC Herald which included the TLT funds, indicating there was a print error with the BC Herald. Next years’ event will be held in October.
Penalty Abatement Request – House #202
Shelly will follow up with the lodging establishment and suggest a written request.
Tourism Marketing Update – Jessica Hobson
Jessica presented her February report, which included Facebook likes, social media posts, upcoming events, and meetings that she has attended. Jessica noted the horse drawn wagon rides post is receiving a lot of interest. Jessica is working on the reprinting of a Lewis and Clark Trail brochure and including information on Baker County and NHOTIC. In meeting with Devon Colton and Mandy Clark regarding agri-tourism, a suggestion of crop signage was made along with farm to table meals, farm tours, and experiences. In preparation of Baker City’s 150th celebration Jessica has created a 150th logo and logos for other attractions/cities in Baker County. Jessica will request approval from the Baker County Commissioners next week for the printing of a Travel Baker County Visitors’ Guide. Randy asked how many Go Magazine are left in distributed locations. Jessica will reach out to some distribution locations to get this information for the next meeting. Jessica was asked if the lodging information listed in the guide is up to date. She indicated rather than a lodging listing there will be a QR code to direct visitors to the Travel Baker County website where the information is updated on a regular basis. A discussion ensued regarding lodging establishment registration with the County. Tyler asked Shelly to reach out of ODR Lodging Tax Division for a listing of their registered lodging establishments in Baker County.
Visitor Services Update – Devon Colton
Devon provided her January 2024 report to Committee members, which included visitor data, visitor demographics, and the top two visitor staff projects for the month. Her report also included a graph of Visitor Center for the past year.
On February 12th Baker County Commission Chair, Shane Alderson, met with Devon Colton, Jerry Peacock, Nini Valerio, Jeff Nelson, Tyler Brown, and Shelly Christensen to discuss changes to the proposed 2024-2028 BCU budget. Shelly shared the revised 5-year BCU budget with the Committee. Randy moved to recommend the Commissioners accept the revised budget. Brian seconded the motion. Motion carried. The Commissioners will meet on February 21st to sign the Professional Services Agreement between BCU and Baker County.
Shelly asked the Committee to review a draft Professional Services Agreement with BCU and suggest changes. Changes recommended were remove “Contractor will present performance goals to the TLT Committee quarterly.” from Contractor Obligations (b). change from a quarterly performance review to annual performance review under County Responsibilities (d). Shelly will email the previous Quarterly Performance Review for update by the Committee.
Community Partners Update
Crossroads – Ginger Savage provided a Towards Home February 2024 report. Brian said she is working to get information about the upcoming show to lodging establishments.
Baker City Downtown – Ariel Reker reported forty attendees to the annual meeting on February 7th. She shared a listing of new board members and gave a Pythian Castle update. Ariel shared her excitement at receiving inquiries on vacant buildings in the downtown area. Randy suggested community partners and commissioners have a calm conversation regarding the many marketing positions and possibly streamlining them into one position. Location of the Visitor Center was debated.
Baker County EDC – Bryan Tweit indicated a letter of intent was submitted for a DOE grant for the Event Center. EDC is working on their five-year strategic plan which includes supporting tourism. He suggested an information kiosk at the Court Street Plaza in addition to Campbell Street across from the Heritage Museum. Bryan suggested Jessica start the first steps in creating a design and presenting it to the Baker County Commissioners. Tyler suggested Jessica put together a sub-committee to devise a wayfinding plan.
Financial Reports: Shelly Christensen
Shelly provided the Committee with financial reports for the current fiscal year to date. Fourth quarter 2023 revenue exceeded all other years. Past due notices will be mailed.
Citizen Participation:
Jon & Rebecca Patterson – Jon shared the Sumpter Valley ATV Association is planning their third event in coordination with the Sumpter Flea Market over the Memorial Day weekend. He indicated the event will not be seeking grant funding from TLTC but will utilize Jessica’s services to market the event. He asked if grant funding could be used for wayfinding signage at the Hwy 7 junction to Sumpter. Tyler recommended Jon follow up with ODOT regarding placing signs along Highway 7 and said TLT funds may be available to assist with signage. He recommended the Committee ensure parking is available for trailers at a Visitor Center location.
Staff Comments:
Shelly verified with Kim Mosier, County Counsel, that the TLTC does not need By-Laws because Section 24 of the Ordinance outlines Committee responsibilities. Committee members received a copy of County Counsel’s recommended ordinance changes. A work session meeting was scheduled for March 6th @ 9 am, at Baker City Hall, to review ordinance changes and a draft marketing budget. Randy will check availability of Council Chambers.
Committee Comments:
Brian shared advanced ticket sales were lowest this past month, but day of sales were higher. He suggested big, shiny QR code stickers directing visitors to an events calendar at all lodging establishments and restaurants.
Randy suggested an ordinance change to Committee composition, recategorize one at-large position to a tourist attraction position, such as a museum.
Next Meeting:
Work Session: March 6, 2024 @ 9:00 am Baker City Hall Council Chamber
Regular Meeting: March 21, 2024 @ 9:00 am
Meeting adjourned at 10:49 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted: Shelly Christensen