COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON                       August 15, 2024                    

COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM

COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS

BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the August 15, 2024, Special Commission Session. Present were Commissioner Shane M. Alderson, Commissioner Christina Witham, and Commissioner Bruce A. Nichols.

1.      Call to Order/Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance

Commissioner Alderson called the meeting to order and led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.

2.       Agenda Changes/Additions to the Agenda

a.       Downtown Baker City Marketing RFP Discussion

b.      Nuisance Ordinance Enforcement

3.       Citizen’s Participation

a.       None    

4.       Review/Approval of Minutes

a.       None

5.       Scheduled Business

a.       Transient Lodging Tax Committee Grant Application Review and Approval.  

The Commissioners met with members of the Transient Lodging Tax Committee to discuss the proposed grant application and other TLT discussion items.  Committee members present include Matthew Koppenhaver, Randy Daugherty, Chelsea Blatchford and Tyler Brown.

The Grant Application was drafted by Mr. Koppenhaver and then sent to the TLT Committee for review.  It is now before the Commissioners for consideration.  Mr. Brown voiced his concerns about having a formal application process that could be compromised should another recession occur in the future.  He believes marketing should remain at the forefront of their spending.  Commissioner Alderson agreed that marketing should remain a priority, but he would like to see an application process so that it becomes standardized for all applicants.  Mr. Brown would like to see the Mayor’s from other cities involved.  He believes the local government officials have a good idea of what is needed for their communities and he would like to see applicants receive support from their local government.    

There was a brief discussion about how TLT funds can be used including marketing and tourism-related facilities.  Commissioner Witham voiced her concerns about Baker City’s request for funding for a restroom at the Geiser Pollman Park and how that would qualify for a tourism-related facility.      

Mr. Daugherty clarified that the City’s request for funding to improve the bathroom does qualify.  He also addressed Commissioner Witham’s comments about the bathroom being closed during Miner’s Jubilee.  He stated that the Chamber did not want the responsibility of having the bathrooms open during the event.  Ms. Michelle Kaseberg added that during the Shriner’s events at the Park, the Baker County Cattlewomen were responsible for maintaining the bathroom.  Mr. Brown stated that ADA accessibility is also important to address. 

It was noted that the City Council at their most recent meeting, voted to discontinue the IGA with the County for TLT services and directed the City Manager to draft a letter to the County; however, the County has not yet received the letter. 

The group reviewed the grant application and discussed changes.  Changes include calling it a project application rather than grant application; a match of 10% rather than 50% and removal of the language that allows for land purchase.  Mr. Brown stressed the importance of having a simple process for funding that is reviewed each budget year.    

Commissioner Witham moved to approve the TLT Project Application as amended.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

b.      Downtown Baker City Marketing RFP: Mr. Brown reported that the TLT has been working on the RFP for a long time and it has been approved in the budget.  The Strategic Plan has identified that an additional full-time person was needed to help with the marketing.  The Plan also discusses the need for outreach, which he believes that need is met through Travel Baker County, which works with most events except the events in Baker City, such as the parades.  He believes that this RFP will help support the current marketing efforts and cover areas where that additional support is needed. 

Commissioner Witham wondered about using TLT funds for a non-tourism related facility.  Commissioner Alderson stated that he spoke with ORLA and that the whole downtown could not keep that designation, but that a single, stand-alone facility needs to have a useful life of ten years.  Mr. Brown stated that this fulfills the tourism and marketing aspect of TLT funds and that it should not be assumed that any certain entity will be doing it, which is why they are going out with an RFP.  The RFP will be reviewed for approval at the next Commission Session. 

c.       Nuisance Ordinance Enforcement Discussion

Commissioner Alderson reported that the current community service deputy is taking over the deflection program and will no longer perform ordinance enforcement services.  The Commissioners agreed that it’s important to have someone in place and would like to have a work session with the Sheriff to discuss further.

6.      Documents to be Signed

a.       None

7.      Ratification of Documents

a.       None

8.      Other Business

a.       None

9.      Adjournment

The August 15, 2024, Commission Session adjourned at 9:00 a.m.



Commissioner Witham moved to adjourn the August 15, 2024 Commission Session. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted,

Heidi Martin

Executive Assistant