Baker Main Street Economic Development District, LA
Recent Baker Main Street Economic Development District public meeting topics include development projects, roads & infrastructure, planning & zoning, budget & taxes.
Topics found in recent meetings
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Recent meetings
Mon Oct 6, 2025
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
Board to discuss proposed sales tax and Baker Overlay District
The Baker Main Street Economic Development District Board of Directors will meet to review a proposed sales tax within the district boundaries. The board will also continue discussions regarding the Baker Overlay District.
- Proposed sales tax within BMSEDD boundaries presentation by Dante Bidwell
- Baker Overlay District continuation by Villavaso and Associates
economic-developmentsales-taxzoningbaker-la
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, October 6, 2025
4:00 PM
Location: Baker Fire Department Conference Room,
3701 Groom Rd, Baker, LA
Agenda
1. Welcome, Prayer, and Pledge
2. Roll Call
3. Adoption of Minutes from previous meeting
4. Introduction of proposed sales tax within
the boundaries of the BMSEDD
a. Presentation by Dante Bidwell
5. Baker Overlay District
a. Continuation by Villavaso and Associates
6. Public Comment - Limit to 2 minutes per
speaker - (if applicable)
7. Adjournment
Mon Sep 8, 2025
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
Board discusses Baker Overlay District and EDD sales tax
The Board of Directors will continue discussions regarding the Baker Overlay District Project with Villavaso and Associates. Dante Bidwell will also present an introduction to the Economic Development District (EDD) sales tax and subsequent steps.
- Baker Overlay District Project continuation by Villavaso and Associates
- Introduction of EDD sales tax presentation by Dante Bidwell
economic-developmenttaxationzoningbaker-la
✓ Decided: Board approves previous meeting minutes and reviews overlay district project
The board unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes. Members received a project update from Villavaso and Associates regarding the Baker Overlay District and discussed the process for introducing a 2% sales tax for district improvements.
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, September 8, 2025
4:00 PM
Location: Baker Fire Department Conference Room,
3701 Groom Rd, Baker, LA
Agenda
1. Welcome, Prayer, and Pledge
2. Roll Call
3. Adoption of Minutes from previous meeting
4. Baker Overlay District Project
• Continuation by Villavaso and Associates
5. Introduction of EDD sales tax and next steps
• Presentation by Dante Bidwell
6. Public Comment - Limit to 2 minutes per speaker -
(if applicable)
7. Adjournment
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Baker Main Street Economic Development
District Meeting Minutes
Date: Monday, September 8, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Baker City Fire Station
3701 Groom Rd.
Baker, LA, 70714
1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order by Cedric Murphy, President of the District, at approximately
4:05 PM. Dante Bidwell welcomed attendees and explained the meeting was rescheduled due to
the previous week’s holiday. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Willie Williams.
2. Roll Call
Board Members Present
Name Role
Cedric Murphy President
Lisa Bradley Hunt Vice President
Michelle Woods (Virtually) Board Member
Myra Victor Harris Board Member
Willie Williams Treasurer
Kermit Johnson, IV Secretary
,
3. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
• Motion: Treasurer, Willie Williams
• Second: Vice President, Shaelisa Bradley Hunt
• Result: Motion carried unanimously.
4. Baker Overlay District Project – Presentation by
Villavaso and Associates
• Representatives from Villavaso and Associates (Stephen Villavaso, Fred Neal, Jr. and
Andrew Tritch) provided an update on the overlay district project, including the project’s
background, schedule, and the importance of in-person engagement.
• The consultants outlined the next steps, including a draft overlay district plan by
December, and emphasized the need for board input on design, development standards,
and funding mechanisms.
• Discussion included the importance of Main Street’s …
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Mon Aug 11, 2025
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
Baker Main Street Economic Development District holds inaugural meeting
The Board of Directors will hold its first meeting to swear in Myra Victor Harris. The board will also receive a presentation regarding the Baker Overlay District Project.
- Swearing-in ceremony for Myra Victor Harris
- Presentation by Villavaso and Associates on the Baker Overlay District Project
economic-developmentzoningbaker-la
✓ Decided: Myra Victor Harris sworn in to Economic Development District Board
The board swore in a new member and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Consultants from Villavaso and Associates presented an overview of the Baker Overlay District Project, which is currently in the early to mid stages.
- Sworn in Myra Victor Harris as a board member
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
Board of Directors – Inaugural Meeting
Monday, August 11, 2025
4:00 PM
Location: Baker Fire Department Conference Room,
3701 Groom Rd, Baker, LA
Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Welcome, Prayer, and Pledge
3. Swearing-In Ceremony - Myra Victor Harris
4. Roll Call
5. Adoption of Minutes from previous meeting
6. Presentation by Villavaso and Associates –
Baker Overlay District Project
7. Public Comment - Limit to 2 minutes per speaker -
(if applicable)
8. Adjournment
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Baker Main Street Economic Development
District Meeting Minutes
Date: Monday, August 11, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Baker City Fire Station
3701 Groom Rd.
Baker, LA, 70714
1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm.
2. Swearing-In Ceremony
Myra Victor Harris was sworn in as a member of the Baker Main Street Economic Development
District Board. Judge Kirk Williams performed the swearing-in.
3. Roll Call
Board Members Present
Name Role
Cedric Murphy President
Lisa Bradley Hunt Vice President
Michelle Woods Board Member
Myra Victor Harris Board Member
Absent
Willie Williams, Treasurer
Kermit Johnson, IV, Secretary
4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
• Motion: Vice President, Shaelisa Bradley Hunt
• Second: Michel Woods
• Result: Motion carried unanimously.
5. Presentation – Baker Overlay District Project with
Villavaso and Associates
Introduction of Speakers: Dante Bidwell, Lead Consultant
Presentation: Stephen Villavaso and Fred Neal, Jr.
• Overview of overlay districts, including project background, goals, and process were
discussed, including:
o Review of existing plans and data collection (land use, zoning, permits,
environmental data).
o Community engagement and public meetings.
• The overlay district will provide additional land use and design standards for targeted
corridors.
• The project is in early to mid stages, with a draft plan and recommendations e …
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Tue Jul 8, 2025
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
New Baker Main Street board holds inaugural meeting, hears retail presentation
The Baker Main Street Economic Development District board is holding its inaugural meeting. The agenda includes a presentation by Retail Strategies and discussion of next steps and action items for the district.
- Presentation by Retail Strategies
- Discussion of BMSEDD next steps and action items
economic-developmentretailboard-meeting
✓ Decided: Board approves previous meeting minutes and reviews retail attraction strategies
The Board approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Retail Strategies presented a project to attract national chains and retail to increase tax revenue and jobs. The Board discussed potential revenue generation through a 2% occupancy tax or TIF, noting a strategic plan must be developed first.
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
Board of Directors – Inaugural Meeting
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
4:00 PM
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86451209523?pwd=
ogamt8L1vz2w4SFLWbLbPgzOujkSOD.1
Location: Baker Fire Department Conference Room,
3701 Groom Rd, Baker, LA
Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Welcome, Prayer, and Pledge
3. Roll Call
4. Adoption of Minutes from previous meeting
5. Presentation by Retail Strategies
6. Discussion of BMSEDD next steps and action
items
7. Public Comment - Limit to 2 minutes per speaker
(if applicable)
8. Adjournment
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Baker Main Street Economic Development
District Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Baker City Fire Station
3701 Groom Rd.
Baker, LA, 70714
1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm.
2. Roll Call
Board Members Present
Name Role
Cedric Murphy President
Lisa Bradley Hunt Vice President
Michelle Woods Board Member
Kermit Johnson IV Secretary
Absent
Willie Williams, Treasurer
Guests and Affiliates in Attendance
Name
Dante Bidwell, Consultant
Darnell Waites, Mayor
Myra Victor Harris, Appointee (School Board)
3. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
• Motion: Michel Woods moved to approve the minutes with any necessary amendments.
• Second: President Cedric Murphy
• Result: Motion carried unanimously.
5. Retail Strategies Presentation
Introduction of Speakers: Dante Bidwell, Lead Consultant
Presentation: Jonathan Ross and Adam Shackleford, Retail Strategies
• Overview of project to attract additional retail to Baker, increasing tax revenue and
introducing new jobs into the local economy.
• Q&A session held with Board members and attendees, emphasizing supporting small
businesses while recruiting national chains, and Retail Strategies team sharing examples
of recent successes in other cities.
6. Discussion of BMSEDD next steps and action items
Presentation: Dante Bidwell
• Discussion regarding revenue generation for BMSEDD, including intr …
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Mon Jun 2, 2025
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
✓ Decided: Baker Main Street Economic Development District adopts bylaws
The board unanimously approved the previous meeting minutes and adopted the organization's bylaws. Members reviewed a retail development analysis from Retail Strategies and discussed strategies to attract national chains and support local entrepreneurs.
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Adopted bylaws as presented (unanimous)
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Main Street Board (Economic Development
District)
Meeting Minutes
Date: June 2, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Baker Fire Department
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. and commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call
Board Members Present
Name Role
Cedric Murphy President
Shaelisa Bradley Hunt Vice President
Willie Williams Treasurer
Kermit Johnson IV Secretary
Absent
• Michel Woods
Guests and Affiliates in Attendance
Name Role
Dante Bidwell Lead Consultant
Darnell Waites Mayor, City of Baker
Madison Harris Intern
3. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
• Motion: Willie Williams moved to approve the minutes with any necessary amendments.
• Second: Vice President Shaelisa Hunt
• Result: Motion carried unanimously.
4. Review and Adoption of Bylaws
• Discussion led by Willie Williams, who supported the adoption of the bylaws and
emphasized the board’s flexibility to amend them as needed.
• Members were encouraged to raise any future concerns or proposed changes through
formal discussion.
Motion to adopt the bylaws as presented was carried unanimously.
5. Retail Strategies Economic Development Presentation
Presenter: Dante Bidwell, Lead Consultant
Overview
Retail Strategies, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, presented a detailed analysis and
strategy for retail development in the City of Baker.
Key Points Discussed
• Baker trade area has approximately $700 million in …
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Mon May 5, 2025
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
New Baker Main Street board holds first meeting, elects officers
The Baker Main Street Economic Development District Board of Directors holds its inaugural meeting to swear in members, elect officers, and discuss bylaws. The board will also set future meeting dates and take public comment.
- Swearing-in ceremony for all appointed board members
- Election of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer
- Discussion and adoption of bylaws
- Confirmation of next meeting date(s)
economic-developmentboard-meetingbakerbylawspublic-comment
✓ Decided: Baker Main Street EDD elects officers and sets meeting schedule
The board held its inaugural meeting and elected its leadership. The board approved a monthly meeting schedule and introduced bylaws for a future vote.
- Elected Cedric Murphy as President
- Elected Shaelisa Bradley-Hunt as Vice-President
- Elected Kermit Johnson, IV as Secretary
- Elected Willie Williams, Jr. as Treasurer
- Approved introduction of bylaws to be voted on June 2, 2025
- Approved monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month
- Approved moving the July meeting to Tuesday, July 8, 2025
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
Board of Directors – Inaugural Meeting
Monday, May 5, 2025
4:00 PM
Location: Baker Fire Department Conference Room, 3701
Groom Rd, Baker, LA
Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Welcome, Prayer, and Pledge
3. Swearing-In Ceremony - Oath of office administered
to all appointed board members
4. Roll Call - Attendance formally recorded
5. Overview of the Economic Development District
6. Election of Officers
Board elects:
• President
• Vice-President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
7. Discussion and Adoption of Bylaws
8. Meeting Calendar - Confirm next meeting date(s)
9. Public Comment (if applicable) - Limit to 2 minutes per
speaker
10. Adjournment
Meeting concludes.
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Baker Main Street Economic Development District
Board of Directors – Inaugural Meeting Minutes
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Baker Fire Department Conference Room, 3701 Groom Rd, Baker, LA
Recorder: Dante Bidwell
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 4:02pm by Dante Bidwell.
2. Welcome, Prayer, and Pledge
• Dante Bidwell offered a welcome and opening remarks.
• Councilman Cedric Murphy led the board in a prayer.
• The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees.
3. Swearing-In Ceremony
• The oath of office was administered to all appointed board members by Kenneth
Fabre, Baker City Attorney.
• Each member affirmed their commitment to the responsibilities of the board.
o Shaelisa Bradley-Hunt
o Cedric Murphy
o Willie Williams, Jr.
o Michel Woods
o Kermit Johnson, IV .
4. Roll Call
Present:
o Shaelisa Bradley-Hunt
o Cedric Murphy
o Michel Woods
o Kermit Johnson, IV
o Willie Williams, Jr.
Absent:
• The appointee of the member of the Louisiana State Senate whose district
encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district
• The appointee of the City of Baker School Board
5. Overview of the Economic Development District
• Dante Bidwell provided an overview of the district’s mission, framework, and
strategic purpose.
o Key points included the vision of a vibrant and thriving Baker, with continuous
investment and community engagement.
6. Election of Officers
The board conducted t …
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Meeting archives
- 2025 (6 meetings)