Jermaine Adams

The State of the City Address for 2026 outlines the City of Baker's accomplishments and future strategic direction under Mayor Darnell Waites. Key priorities and achievements include sustained high public safety, significant infrastructure upgrades in utilities and roads, and robust community development initiatives like park enhancements and a new youth baseball field. The plan also focuses on expanding social services, workforce and veteran development, re-entry programs for ex-offenders, and attracting economic development through commercial and residential growth, all underpinned by strong financial audits and community partnerships.

The City Council agenda for February 10, 2026, includes a report from the CATS Chief Executive Officer regarding LYNX. New Business features consideration of action regarding ad valorem tax for the Baker Fire Department Union salaries and benefits, and the adoption of several ordinances covering Sales & Use Tax, Insurance License Tax, Occupational License Tax, Chain Store License Tax, Alcoholic Beverage Tax, and amendments to Civic Center and Municipal Building lease/rent fees. Administrative matters include votes to demolish properties at 1905 Alabama Street and 1008 Epperson Street. The document also presents agendas for simultaneous meetings of the Board of Commissioners for Norman E. "Pete" Heine Memorial Gardens and the Baker Consolidated Utilities Commission.

The meeting commenced with standard formalities. Key discussions included a presentation by Retail Strategies regarding a project aimed at attracting additional retail businesses to Baker to boost tax revenue and create local jobs, emphasizing a balance between supporting small businesses and recruiting national chains. Subsequent discussion focused on the next steps for the BMSEDD, specifically revenue generation strategies such as introducing a 2% occupancy tax and/or Tax Increment Financing (TIF), with initial steps prioritizing the development of a strategic plan for the use of EDD revenue before establishing the tax or TIF mechanisms.

The meeting commenced with a swearing-in ceremony for a new Board member. The primary discussion involved a presentation by Villavaso and Associates regarding the Baker Overlay District Project. The presentation covered an overview of overlay districts, project background, goals, and the process, which includes reviewing existing data and community engagement. The overlay district aims to establish specific land use and design standards for targeted corridors. Discussion among Board members focused on types of overlay districts, prioritization, property owner engagement strategies, and establishing a unique identity for Baker distinct from its neighbors. A public comment was received expressing support for the overlay project.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance, followed by the reading of the public comment and meeting statement policy. Key actions included the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Discussions focused on resolutions to designate authority for the Baker Boulevard and Bentley Drive improvements project, and the proclamation of April 2025 as Fair Housing Month. Additionally, the council adopted a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Alcohol Awareness Month. New business involved scheduling a work session to discuss updating the current sign ordinance, slated for May 6th. Council members also provided public announcements regarding community events, including a 5K run and a benefit softball event. Finally, there was a brief discussion regarding the proper procedure for reporting street light outages.