Jacksonville Review – February 2026 Issue

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 1/6/2026—During Public Comment, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Don Litchfield updated Council on the success of the annual Victorian Christmas event, in which he noted an increase in visitors to town for the Lighted Trolley rides, Tree Lighting Ceremony, visits with Father Christmas, Parade and more.

Britt Festivals’ CEO Abby McKee requested Council approve a shoulder season comedy show to be added to the schedule on 9/30 which was approved.

Council held Public Hearings on two land use issues, including upholding the October 31, 2025 Jacksonville Historical & Architectural Review Commission (HARC) Final Order of Approval for a Certificate of Appropriateness for construction of a new single-family dwelling, attached garage, and detached greenhouse on a vacant lot located at 1 Lewis Street.

Council then held a Public Hearing and voted to rezone for four parcels—Tax Lots 1800, 1900, 2000, and 2100—totaling approximately 2.86 acres from Cottage Industrial/Artisan District to Special Protection (Parks and Open Space). The re-designation to Special Protection is intended to initiate the expansion of City Park facilities and public open space. The lots border Highway 238 near the city Public Works Yard and the steep slope area below the Dog Park.

Council approved an OLCC Liquor License request by Brickline Pizza Company for their new eatery at 150 S Oregon Street.

The sale of Jacksonville Fire Department Engine 19, which had been in service for 34 years, was approved. Due to the city’s purchase of new engines, the older one was no longer needed for City operations and was sold to the Applegate Fire District for $15,000.

City Organization News—The 2026 Organization Chart was approved, per state law requiring the city to provide a chain of command organizational chart. Council also elected Andrea Thompson to serve as Council President, who will serve in the absence of the mayor.

Council approved the following Council/citizen appointments and re-appointments to committees and commissions:

  • Cemetery Committee John Jorgenson
  • 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
  • ECSO Wayne Painter
  • RVCOG Andrea Thompson
  • RVCOG, ECSO Alternate Donna Bowen
  • RVACT, RVMPO Donna Bowen
  • RVACT, RVMPO Alternate Andrea Thompson
  • TAC/Urban Growth Boundaries Andrea Thompson
  • Museum Representative Ken Gregg
  • Jacksonville Municipal Code Revisions Steve Casaleggio
  • Cemetery Committee: Johan Visser, Laura Barlow and Eric Rogers
  • Transient Lodging Tax Committee: Beth Lindsay and Jackie Anderberg
  • Historic & Architectural Review Commission: Ray Wedel and Trish Murdoch
  • Committee for Citizen Involvement: Linda Graham and Jason Reilly

Sidewalk Repair Ordinance Changed—Council approved changes to the existing ordinance governing a property owners’ duty to repair and clear sidewalks abutting their property. The updated ordinance means owners are required to maintain the adjacent sidewalk in good repair and to remove obstructions. The ordinance also states, “If any owner of property, by the owner’s neglect to perform any duty required in this Chapter 12.20, causes injury or damage to any person or property, the owner shall be liable to the person suffering such injury or damage and shall indemnify the City for all damages it has been compelled to pay in such case. Such damages may be collected in a civil action against the property owner.