Jacksonville Review – February 2025

City Council Meeting, January 7, 2025

Public Comment—Sue Miler requested that the council reconsider plans to halve the number of pickleball courts at Pheasant Meadows Park from 4 to 2. She based this request upon the significant number of town residents supporting the sport and wishing to utilize a city park. Because the city is planning to resurface the courts in late spring, this makes it a good time to reconsider the court number decision, she argued.

Belita Palu-ay, Co-Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, thanked the council for their support of the Victorian Christmas celebration that featured the new Holiday Lights Trolley Tours. All in all, she reported that the event was a huge success and that the Chamber is grateful for working together.

The Vote is in…Mayor Donna Bowen certified the recent City Council and Mayoral race results and proclaimed that the following candidates had been officially elected: Donna Bowen, Mayor, Andrea Thompson, Councilor, John Jorgenson, Councilor, Steve Casaleggio, Councilor.

New Police Officers Sworn-in—City Recorder, Angela Watson, presided over the swearing in ceremony for new officers Kaden Johnson, Cody Fuhrman, and Kai Garber into the Jacksonville Police Department. Family members were in attendance and, as is customary, pinned badges on the new officers.

Officer Johnson Awarded for Lifesaving Effort—Police Sergeant, Matt Hannum presented an award to Police Officer Kaden Johnson for his lifesaving efforts on October 6, 2024. As Hannum reported, Officer Johnson was dispatched to a medical situation and possible overdose at a residence on Highway 238. Despite being outside his patrol area, Johnson responded to the situation only knowing someone was not breathing. An AED was not available at the time as Mercy Flights personnel and Jacksonville Fire Department personnel were enroute to the location. At the scene, Officer Johnson found a male subject unconscious, not breathing, with no pulse, on the ground as another male subject attempted to render aid. After learning that the subject had likely ingested Fentanyl, Johnson attempted to retrieve Narcan but was unable to find any in his patrol car. Despite the lack of Narcan, Officer Johnson did not give up and began lifesaving CPR for approximately 15 minutes. Soon, the victim began breathing briefly and showed signs of regaining consciousness as medical personnel arrived and took over lifesaving measures, ultimately being able to wake him and take him to the hospital. Several on-scene medical personnel remarked that the victim was alive only due to the actions of Officer Johnson. Seargent Hannum concluded his remarks by noting that Officer Johnson had performed at the highest standards of the Jacksonville Police Department. The capacity crowd at New City Hall applauded and gave Officer Johnson a standing ovation.

Not so Sweet Home—During a Public Hearing, the Council upheld a Planning Department recommendation to withhold a Certificate of Occupancy for a newly built home at 780 S. Oregon Street. Staff conducted an inspection and identified numerous deficiencies related to the driveway and storm drain system. The builder and planning officials agreed there was a path forward and are working to correct issues to enable the homeowner to move in.

Organizational Chart—The council approved the 2025 Organizational Chart, which provides an annual accounting of the chain-of-command and organization of all City employee positions.

Council and Urban Renewal News—Councilor Andy Hellenthal was elected Council President and will fill-in if and when the mayor is unavailable or incapacitated. Councilor Casaleggio and Andrea Thompson were elected as Urban Renewal President and VP, respectfully.

Committee/Commission Liaison Appointments—Mayor Bowen made the following appointments: Cemetery Committee: John Jorgensen, Committee for Citizen Involvement: Andrea Thompson, Historic and Architectural Review Commission: Andy Hellenthal, OSHA Committee: Steve Casaleggio, Parks and Visitors Services Committee: Talon Reed, Planning Commission: Steve Casaleggio, Transient Lodging Tax Committee: Ken Gregg.

The following residents were re-appointed or appointed to these committees: Parks Committee: Jane-Ellen Tibbals, Budget Committee: Laurie McKenzie-Carter, Linda Graham, Committee for Citizen Involvement: Teresa Smith.

Featured image: l-r: Police Officer Kaden Johnson with Police Sergeant Matt Hannum, January 7, 2025.