The County and two cities, Yachats and Lincoln City approved for re-opening of short term rentals (STR) and Vacation Rentals and hotels and motels along with RV Parks and Campgrounds on June 1st. Lincoln County Commissioners met with city mayors and councilors today to further discuss opening of Lincoln County.
The city of Toledo will be discussing the matter tomorrow in concurrence with the county and other jurisdictions and will make a decision based on that discussion. Newport approved the ordinance but with an opening date of May 23. Depoe Bay will be discussing when they would like to open at their meeting next week. Siletz did not have a quorum to vote and will discuss at their meeting tonight. Waldport already decided on a May 22nd opening. The Siletz tribe announced they will be opening the casino and their lodging facilities on May 21st.
Commission Chair Kaety Jacobson read the letter from the Governor approving Lincoln County to re-open on May 15th to phase one and all commissioners voted to approve the opening of phase one businesses tomorrow. Individuals are discouraged from traveling for anything other than essential business. Distance travel is being discouraged. Phase one lasts for 21 days till June 4th. Commissioner Hall felt that June 1 was a good date to stick with and see how the opening tomorrow goes.
Commissioner Hunt said the county is facing many economic consequences as a result of the shutdown, but there are also health consequences. "Until there is more scientific data I would like to see a more slow opening. My guiding principal continues to be that the loss of a love one is more devastating than an economic loss." He said he supports a June 1 opening of campgrounds hotels and motels and a later opening for VRD's and Air B&B's. Commissioner Jacobson said she would be in favor of opening all on June 1.
Toledo Councilor Betty Kamikawa said "we need clear guidance and a definite date that will give the hotels and motels a chance to plan and prepare for their re-opening." Lincoln City Councilor Rick Mark said "people are going to come to the coast no matter what." Some councilors wanted opening prior to memorial day weekend.
Approval of the June 1st opening would mean some adopted service changes. When it came to discussing licensing most said there should not be a 6-person limit on how many can stay in a STR and VRD's and allow what is lawful for the license of the establishment. They also did not like the only 2 person per bed as that is difficult to enforce. It was also discussed to have at least a 24 hour turnover between guests to ensure proper cleaning, while in phase 1. Changes to the original ordinance were made and approved to open June 1 by the County, Yachats and Lincoln City.