Transient Lodging Tax Committee Minutes
September 21, 2023
Baker County Commission Chambers
Brian called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.
Members Present: Brian Vegter, Mandy Clark, Alysia Bowers, and Matthew Koppenhaver
Guests Present: Devon Colton, Bryan Tweit, Jessica Hobson, Ariel Reker, Koby Myer and Shelly Christensen
Approve Agenda: Mandy moved to approve the agenda. Matthew seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Approve Minutes: Meeting minutes from August 17th were reviewed. Matthew moved to approve minutes. Mandy seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Tourism Marketing Update – Jessica Hobson
Jessica presented her September report, which included Facebook likes, social media posts, upcoming events and meetings that she has attended. She asked for Committee input on her idea of selling Travel Baker County merchandise and setting up a kiosk on the northeast corner of Campbell and East Streets.
Grant Requests:
Baker County YMCA Pickleball Tournament – Koby Myer
Baker County YMCA is requesting $3,500 for their two-day pickleball tournament to be held January 2024 at BHS. Grant funds will be used for advertising on radio, various pickleball websites, and social media platforms. Funds will also be used to purchase equipment. Koby indicated pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. He would like to make Baker City the true Eastern Oregon hub for pickleball. Mandy moved to award $3,500. Alysia seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Visitor Services Update – Devon Colton
Devon presented her August 2023 report to Committee members, which included visitor data, visitor demographics and the top three visitor staff projects for the month. She announced the Center applied for an $85,000 grant from Travel Oregon for ADA upgrades to the parking lot and building. She shared with the Committee that she will be working remotely while visiting other Chamber offices in the County.
Baker City Downtown: Ariel Reker
Ariel updated the Committee on Baker City Downtown projects. These included the completion of the Mason building upper story windows, demolition on Pythian Castle, mural at Orpheum Theater renovation site, the Oregon Cultural Foundation tour, Taste of Baker preparations, Downtown ADA problems, and plans for the Festival of Trees.
EDC Update: Bryan Tweit
Bryan reported Baker County’s current unemployment rate is less than 1%. He updated the Committee on construction progress of Loves, Maverik, Taco Bell, the new gas station located near Albertsons, and the new event center. Bryan also addressed housing and daycare issues in Baker County.
Hells Canyon Update: Becky Kaaen
None
Crossroads Art Center – Ginger Savage
None
Financial Reports: Shelly Christensen
Shelly provided the Committee with financial reports for fiscal year 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Work Session Follow-up/Discussion
· Blockbuster Criteria
o Longevity – Event has a 20+ year history
o Impact – Multi-night event
o Demographics – Over 50% of participants and attendees come from locations over one hour away
Mandy moved to approve these criteria for the Blockbuster Event grant funding program, Matthew seconded the motion. Motion carried.
· Annual Report/Press Release – Jessica and Devon are gathering information to present to the Committee.
· Flow Chart of Director Roles – Jessica and Devon are working on a Venn diagram to include in the annual report.
· Lodging Tax Rate – tabled until Baker County Counsel provides the definition of a “Tourism Related Facility” to the Committee at the October meeting.
Citizen Participation: None
Staff Comments:
Shelly provided the Committee with copies of orders appointing Matthew Koppenhaver and Beverly Calder and a signed amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement between Baker County and the City of Halfway.
Committee Comments:
Mandy announced her recent resignation from The Geiser Grand.
Next Meeting:
October 19, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Mandy moved to adjourn the meeting, Matthew seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted: Shelly Christensen