City Snapshot – November 2024

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, 10/15/2024:

Police Now Fully Staffed—Chief Dave Towe reported that his department is now fully staffed and that the contract for night patrols with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department was no longer in effect. Councilors commended Towe on working with city staff, council and citizens to rebuild the department after suffering personnel losses […]

By |2024-10-29T12:27:35-07:00October 29th, 2024|City Snapshot|0 Comments

CITY SNAPSHOT

Jacksonville Review – October 2024

ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2024, the City Council held a public hearing regarding a land partition application for the Touvelle House that would create two building lots at the lower SE section of the property where Cemetery Road and N. Oregon Street meet. After hearing from the owner’s land use representative and […]

By |2024-09-26T18:15:57-07:00September 26th, 2024|City Snapshot|Comments Off on CITY SNAPSHOT

CITY SNAPSHOT: WELCOME NEW FIREFIGHTER, KELLEN KERRIGAN

Jacksonville Review – April 2024 – Compiled by Whitman Parker

City Council, March 5—City Recorder Angela Watson opened the meeting by swearing in our newest Firefighter, Kellen Kerrigan. Kellen, 21, is a Rogue Valley native, who boasts deep roots in the area alongside his twin brother and older sister. He graduated from Crater High School in […]

By |2024-03-27T12:35:08-07:00March 27th, 2024|City Snapshot|Comments Off on CITY SNAPSHOT: WELCOME NEW FIREFIGHTER, KELLEN KERRIGAN

FEBRUARY CITY COUNCIL SESSIONS – compiled by Whitman Parker

City Snapshot – March 2024

DURING PUBLIC COMMENT at the February 6 City Council meeting, Belita Palu-ay announced that she had been appointed as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and will be working with Julie Baker who will run the Visitor Information Center. Belita will also continue in her role as Associate Editor […]

By |2024-03-05T11:28:04-08:00March 1st, 2024|City Snapshot, Featured Stories|Comments Off on FEBRUARY CITY COUNCIL SESSIONS – compiled by Whitman Parker

JANUARY CITY COUNCIL SESSIONS – compiled by Whitman Parker

City Snapshot – February 2024

THE RESULTS OF THE CITY’S annual budget audit were presented, (see city website jacksonvilleor.us for a full-length copy) revealing a healthy financial status. As summed up at the meeting, the city received the highest ranking available for fiscal management.

The report also stated, FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

The assets of the City […]

By |2024-02-01T18:18:16-08:00February 1st, 2024|City Snapshot|Comments Off on JANUARY CITY COUNCIL SESSIONS – compiled by Whitman Parker

City Snapshot: City Council Meeting 11/7/23

Jacksonville Review – Dec 2023/Jan 2024

Police Contract Halted—Staff reported that the hoped-for contract with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department to provide deputy coverage for nights/weekends, has been “halted.” Sighting unforeseen financial implications due to JCSO’s negotiations with its union that will result in an estimated 14% increase in costs for PERS and salaries, Jacksonville finds […]

By |2023-11-29T14:21:55-08:00November 29th, 2023|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot: City Council Meeting 11/7/23

City Council Update

Tree Code Updated—The monthly City Council work session on 10/17/23 dealt with changes in the code for the removal of trees in the city. After code changes suggested by a Citizens Advisory Committee and refining by the Planning Commission, Council is set to codify the code on November 7. As such, it will become easier […]

By |2023-10-18T14:29:39-07:00October 18th, 2023|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Council Update

City Snapshot – September 2023

City Council, August 1, 2023—Tony Hess Awarded—Mayor Bowen presented Tony Hess with the 2022 Doug Newman Memorial Award on behalf of the Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The award recognized Tony as having significantly contributed to improving recreational trail opportunities. During his comments, Tony acknowledged the partners and projects […]

By |2023-09-01T14:52:21-07:00September 1st, 2023|City Snapshot, Now|Comments Off on City Snapshot – September 2023

City Snapshot – August 2023

City Council 7/18/23—Council held a brief Urban Renewal Agency meeting and reviewed its 2023 Urban Renewal Plan Amendment, the maximum indebtedness of which has been increased by $2,167,333. In the FY 2023-24 budget, the city may spend up to $600,000 on capital improvements and was presented with a list of possible uses for the money […]

By |2023-07-27T14:38:47-07:00July 27th, 2023|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – August 2023

City Snapshot July 2023 – Police Surcharge to Increase in July

June 2023—At its June 6 meeting, the City Council voted to increase the Police Surcharge from $20 to $35 a month. As per projections, the council agreed to hold the fee at $35 for 5 years. The $15 increase will be used to fund a full-time department or a hybrid model that includes hiring two […]

By |2023-06-29T13:45:09-07:00June 13th, 2023|City Hall Happenings, City Snapshot, Now|Comments Off on City Snapshot July 2023 – Police Surcharge to Increase in July

City Snapshot – June 2023

City Council May 2—During Public Comment, Britt Festivals CEO Abby McKee announced the arts organization was holding a free concert for the community and that it had been working closely with neighbors to mitigate impacts from concertgoers for the 2023 season that kicks off in June.

Representatives of “Stop the Speeders” were on-hand to inform Council […]

By |2023-05-22T13:51:35-07:00May 22nd, 2023|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – June 2023

City Snapshot – May 2023

Courts in a Pickle—At the April work session, staff reported on the condition of the Pheasant Meadows tennis/pickleball courts, saying that because of swamp-like conditions, water has undermined the condition of the courts for years, resulting in large cracks and unsettled surfaces. Staff will revisit the topic after bids to resurface with a rubberized sport […]

By |2023-04-28T19:24:20-07:00April 28th, 2023|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – May 2023

City Snapshot – April 2023

Council Work Session 2/21/23More Housing?—The main event at the work session was a proposal from Freel & Associates on expanding Jacksonville’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) into a 30-acre parcel of land known as JK-1. The parcel runs alongside the northwest side of Highway 238 near Royal Mobile Estates and runs west, connecting to North Oregon […]

By |2023-03-31T15:43:33-07:00March 31st, 2023|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – April 2023

City Snapshot – March 2023

City Council President Mike McClain presided over the February 7 meeting with Mayor Donna Bowen attending via Zoom. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for Dirk Siedlecki who had passed away the week before.

During Public Comment, two residents asked that the Council work with the police to help slow traffic down on 5th […]

By |2023-03-31T16:47:49-07:00February 28th, 2023|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – March 2023

City Snapshot – February 2023

City Council Meeting 1-3-23—Councilors Ken Gregg, Andy Hellenthal and Talon Reed were  sworn into office by City Recorder Angela Watson. Soon after, council elected Mike McClain as Council President to serve in the absence of Mayor Donna Bowen.

Council approved Police Chief David Towe’s request to hire Jessica Woodward as a new police officer. She is […]

By |2023-01-31T10:43:41-08:00January 31st, 2023|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – February 2023

City Snapshot – December 2022 January 2023

City Council Work Session 10/18/22—Council heard two presentations during the session:

  • Mike Thornton updated councilors on developing a downtown pedestrian plaza…an idea that had not been discussed publicly for a few years since the Covid-19 pandemic. Now back on the agenda, if completed, the city would close-off traffic on 3rd Street from the Beekman Bank […]
By |2022-11-28T15:59:44-08:00November 28th, 2022|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – December 2022 January 2023

City Snapshot – November 2022

City Council Meeting 10/4/22—Prior to the official start of the meeting, City Recorder Angela Watson swore-in Andy Hellenthal, who was selected to fill the remaining term of Councilor Jim Lewis. Hellenthal, a current candidate for City Council, will fill Lewis’ seat until the 2023 council is sworn-in in early January.

Mayor Bowen introduced Jullie Flenner, the […]

By |2022-10-27T17:28:55-07:00October 27th, 2022|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – November 2022

Jacksonville Town Halls on Update to City’s Development Code – by Ian Foster, Planning Director, City of Jacksonville

Please Join Us for a Series of Town Halls!

Over the past couple of years, your Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) tasked with reviewing and updating the City’s Development Code has been hard at work carefully reviewing and revising the draft document. The project is a city initiative to clarify and improve regulations for development within the […]

By |2022-09-29T15:20:27-07:00September 29th, 2022|City Hall Happenings, City Snapshot, Event News, Now, Town Hall Calendar|Comments Off on Jacksonville Town Halls on Update to City’s Development Code – by Ian Foster, Planning Director, City of Jacksonville

City Snapshot – October 2022

City Council Meeting 9/6/2022-—Council welcomed its newest Police Officer, Scott Marical, at a swearing-in ceremony that kicked-off the meeting. Police Chief Dave Towe noted that hiring Officer Marical was very fortunate for the city, due in part to Scott’s many years of prior service and the shortage of officers available in the valley.

The City and […]

By |2022-09-29T15:10:36-07:00September 29th, 2022|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – October 2022

City Snapshot – September 2022

City Council Meeting, August 2, Staff Update—Police Chief Dave Towe introduced Crystal Lewis as the department’s new Clerk. She replaces Kathy Tiller who went to work in the Jackson County court system as an assistant for Judge Joe Charter. Lewis has 27 years of experience including positions as a records clerk, communications & dispatch officer. […]

By |2022-08-31T09:13:22-07:00August 31st, 2022|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – September 2022

Mayor Bowen Responds to Visitor Information Center “Defunding” Charge

August 15, 2022— Jacksonville Mayor Donna Bowen sent the following statement out today regarding funding cuts to the Chamber of Commerce. It reads as follows:

What Went Into The Jacksonville City Council’s Decision To Change The Amount Of Funding We Give For The Visitors Information Center?

After looking at the amount of money paid to the Visitors Information […]

City Snapshot – August 2022

City Council Meeting, July 5

Slow it Down in Town!—During Public Comment, homeowners on East California Street were on-hand to tell Council that traffic volume and speed has increased significantly in their area. Accounts of wildlife being killed and injured by speeders was discussed. Residents noted that although the “Your Speed Is” signs have been effective, […]

By |2022-07-28T11:58:32-07:00July 28th, 2022|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – August 2022

City Snapshot – July 2022

City Council 6/7/22—During Public Comment, accessibility advocate, Kim Evans voiced her opinion that the city did not seem motivated to make changes to its current policy regarding access to buildings for the disabled and that answers are needed. In recent years, there have been calls for the city to mandate installation of ADA-approved ramps to […]

By |2022-07-01T17:44:18-07:00July 1st, 2022|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – July 2022

City Snapshot – June 2022

City Council Meeting, May 3, 2022—During public comment, Stacey Powers read a statement wherein she suggested that the civil rights of the disabled are being violated by the city and by business owners who ignore their obligations to comply with ADA requirements and that the city is using its historic registry status as an excuse […]

By |2022-05-27T17:54:59-07:00May 27th, 2022|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – June 2022

City Snapshot – May 2022

City Council April 5, 2022—City Administrator Jeff Alvis reported that a Memorandum of Understanding between the Jacksonville Woodlands Association and the Forest Park Volunteers to link the groups is moving forward…see article by Parks Committee member Kandee McClain on page 28.

Mr. Alvis then informed Council that a draft Intergovernmental Agreement between Jacksonville and surrounding cities […]

By |2022-05-02T11:21:23-07:00May 2nd, 2022|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – May 2022

City Snapshot – April 2022

The focus of the March 15 City Council Study Session was revisiting a possible expansion of Jacksonville’s Urban Growth Boundary. After several years of no discussion, the UGB is back on the council’s radar due to the filing of a UGB expansion application and the possibility of another application being filed. To date, the developer […]

By |2022-03-31T16:18:08-07:00March 31st, 2022|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – April 2022

Go Bags – by Councilor Mike McClain

Wildfire Preparedness Update – July 2021

The Jacksonville City Council has identified emergency preparedness for wildfire as a key focus this year. The Council is working on several steps including revision of the Emergency Operations Plan, a review of the Britt Evacuation Plan and the development of a set of emergency protocols including exit routes, warning […]

By |2021-07-01T17:15:50-07:00July 1st, 2021|City Hall Happenings, City Snapshot, Now|Comments Off on Go Bags – by Councilor Mike McClain

City Snapshot – July 2021

At the June 1 City Council meeting, the 2021-2022 fiscal year city budget was adopted. The following summation was excerpted from the Budget Message provided by staff to council prior to budget deliberations.

We have had some budgetary impacts from the COVID-19 Pandemic; however, the City’s fiscal prudence of previous years has prepared us for impacts […]

By |2021-07-01T17:17:12-07:00July 1st, 2021|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – July 2021

Fireworks BANNED in Jacksonville

Due to extreme wildfire risks, fireworks are now banned on private and public property in Jacksonville.

Please see the below resolution passed on 6/29 by the City Council.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-007

A RESOLUTION DECLARING CRITICAL FIRE DANGER AND PROHIBITING ANY FIREWORKS DURING 2021 JULY FOURTH HOLIDAY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE

WHEREAS, the City Council of the […]

By |2021-06-30T09:48:42-07:00June 29th, 2021|City Hall Happenings, City Snapshot, Now|Comments Off on Fireworks BANNED in Jacksonville

City Snapshot – April 2021

City Council Meeting, March 2—Michael Cavallaro, the Executive Director of the Rogue Valley Council of Governments, presented his annual year-end review, a copy of which may be found on the city website.

Jacksonville Presbyterian Church submitted a small event packet for an outdoor Easter service with amplification on Sunday, April 4, 2021. It came before Council […]

By |2021-04-05T17:19:57-07:00April 5th, 2021|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – April 2021

City Snapshot – February 2021

Before the official start of the first meeting of the new year, Mayor Donna Bowen, Councilor Steve Casaleggio, Councilor Mike McClain and Councilor Andrea Thompson were sworn into office by City Recorder Angela Watson.

After taking the gavel, Mayor Donna Bowen called the meeting to order, which was held virtually on Zoom for the public. The […]

By |2021-01-29T17:11:18-08:00January 29th, 2021|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – February 2021

City Snapshot – November 2020

City Council, October 6—Council held a public hearing on an Approval of the Findings of Fact and the Exemption to Competitive Bidding Process for the seismic upgrade and updating of the fire house. The positive outcome of the hearing now enables the to city to bypass certain competitive bidding procedures and allows it to act […]

By |2020-10-30T18:19:22-07:00October 30th, 2020|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – November 2020

City Snapshot – August 2020

City Council Elections Approaching—As a reminder, the City Council adopted a temporary ordinance aimed at maintaining social distancing and reducing the spread of the corona virus disease. Ordinance 2020-02 enables City Council and Mayoral candidates in the upcoming General Election to skip the process of obtaining 20 signatures from registered voters to be placed on […]

By |2020-08-02T13:14:19-07:00August 2nd, 2020|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – August 2020

City Snapshot – July 2020

City Council Meeting 6/2/20—In staff reports, City Administrator Jeff Alvis provided an update on several city projects: 1) the Bybee Drive overlay/ paving project was completed ahead of schedule and under-budget. 2) The city received word that a $1.4 million “seismic” grant had been approved to upgrade the current Fire Hall and that a report […]

By |2020-06-29T10:44:08-07:00June 29th, 2020|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – July 2020

City of Jacksonville Budget Message 2020-2021

The following is the unedited, annual Budget Message prepared by staff that was presented to the Budget Committee.

May 1, 2020

BUDGET MESSAGE

2020-2021

Welcome to the Budget Committee meetings for the fiscal year 2020-2021. It is our privilege to present the proposed budget for the next fiscal year.

We understand there are potential budgetary impacts from the COVID-19 Pandemic. […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:41-07:00June 29th, 2020|City Hall Happenings, City Snapshot|Comments Off on City of Jacksonville Budget Message 2020-2021

Covid 19 Changes Jacksonville City Council Election Process

In its effort to protect public health in the age of the corona virus, the City Council adopted a temporary ordinance aimed at maintaining social distancing and reducing the spread of the disease. Ordinance 2020-02 will now enable City Council and Mayoral candidates in the upcoming General Election to skip the process of obtaining 20 […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:42-07:00May 20th, 2020|City Hall Happenings, City Snapshot, Now|Comments Off on Covid 19 Changes Jacksonville City Council Election Process

City Snapshot – April 2020

At the March 3 meeting, the City Council appointed 5 applicants to a Citizens Advisory Committee that will work on updating Jacksonville’s Development Code. The members who were appointed are Don Reordan, Mike Thornton, Scott Selbe, Beverly Smith, and Diane Helmer. The committee is expected to begin work soon on the code update.

Pending approval by […]

By |2020-03-25T15:44:55-07:00March 25th, 2020|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – April 2020

City Snapshot – March 2020

City Council, February 4, 2020—Council held a study session on its regional water rights strategy led by City Administrator Jeff Alvis with assistance from Ed Olson from Varius Engineering (former Medford Water Commission Manager). Mr. Alvis discussed the history of Jacksonville’s water supply and related water rights, the current status of water rights, a proposed […]

By |2020-03-02T18:20:22-08:00March 2nd, 2020|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – March 2020

Rob Buerk Named Mayor’s Person of the Year

City Snapshot – February 2020

City Council Meeting, December 3, 2019Mayor Becker announced his Person of The Year selection for 2019 was Rob Buerk. Noting that Rob’s “Footprint is all over the City,” the mayor listed many of Rob’s achievements and volunteer positions including having served on the Buildings and Lands Committee, the Boosters Club and […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:49-07:00January 30th, 2020|City Hall Happenings, City Snapshot, Now|Comments Off on Rob Buerk Named Mayor’s Person of the Year

City Snapshot – December 2019/January 2020

City Council, November 5—Mayor Becker opened the meeting by thanking City Councilor Ken Gregg and Donna Bowen for their work in curating and installing a new photo display in Old City Hall. The new permanent photographic exhibit includes dozens of historic photos of Jacksonville’s pioneering citizens, buildings and scenes.

During staff reports, Planner Ian Foster updated […]

By |2019-12-02T09:36:52-08:00December 2nd, 2019|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – December 2019/January 2020

City Snapshot – November 2019

Lodging Tax Grants Going to Good Use—At its October 1 meeting, the City Council unanimously approved a recommendation from the Transient Lodging Tax Committee for grant awards to non-profit organizations. The committee had $44,563.31 in available funds and awarded $28,167 as follows:

  • Jacksonville Boosters Club, Inc.
    The Jacksonville Boosters 2020 Home and Garden Tour – $1,350.00
  • […]

By |2019-10-29T16:52:19-07:00October 29th, 2019|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – November 2019

City Snapshot – October 2019

City Council 9/3/19—Administrator Jeff Alvis informed Council that the City had received two bids for the construction of the New City Hall Interior Elevator and other building alterations. The scope of work will include installation of a 2-stop commercial elevator with a machine room in the basement, alterations to the existing first floor restrooms and […]

By |2019-09-27T11:50:54-07:00September 27th, 2019|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – October 2019

City Snapshot – September 2019

Making Mike Official—Mayor Becker opened the 8/6 meeting with the swearing-in of Mike McClain who was appointed to fill the remainder of Councilor David Jesser’s term. After taking the Oath of Office, administered by City Recorder Angela Watson, Mr. McClain was officially seated.

Bring on Britt—On 8/6, City Administrator Jeff Alvis disclosed that the […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:57-07:00August 29th, 2019|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – September 2019

City Snapshot – August 2019

July 2 & 16 City Council Meetings

At the 7/2 meeting, Mayor Paul Becker opened the meeting by thanking the community for their outpouring of support following his recent heart attack. Please read his commentary on the matter in his August 2019 “A Few Minutes with the Mayor” column. The Mayor […]

By |2019-07-29T17:00:29-07:00July 29th, 2019|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – August 2019

McClain Named to City Council

The City Council has selected Mike McClain to fill a vacancy on the City Council following the resignation of David Jesser. McClain has been actively involved in Jacksonville civic matters for several years and is the current Chair of the Budget Committee.  He will be sworn into office at the next meeting and […]

By |2019-07-17T11:42:39-07:00July 17th, 2019|City Hall Happenings, City Snapshot, Now|Comments Off on McClain Named to City Council

City Snapshot – June 2019

City Council Meeting 5/7/19—Mayor Becker opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Terri Gieg, a longtime member of the Jacksonville community who passed away in early May. Terri will be remembered fondly for creating the annual Victorian Christmas celebration and for decades of service with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. (Please see page 15 for information […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:02-07:00May 29th, 2019|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – June 2019

City Snapshot – April 2019

City Council, February 19—Prior to the regular meeting, council met in Executive Session to discuss the details of a new Union contract between the city and its employees. That contract was later approved.

In regular session, Mayor Paul Becker presented his annual “Citizen of the Year Award” to Whitman Parker. In his remarks, the mayor commended […]

By |2019-03-27T14:19:02-07:00March 27th, 2019|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – April 2019

City Snapshot – March 2019

At its brief February 5 meeting, the City Council discussed and approved the hiring of Max Woody as the new Public Works Operations Manager. As noted by Administrator Alvis, the post is a Department Head position for the Public Works Department, a post Mr. Alvis has held in conjunction with his role as City Administrator. […]

By |2019-02-28T16:29:05-08:00February 28th, 2019|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – March 2019

City Snapshot – February 2019

City Council 1/8/19—The first action of the New Year for the City Council was welcoming and swearing-in Donna Bowen who won a seat in the November General Election! Bowen, who served as Chair of the Historical Architectural Review Commission and on the Budget Committee, brings a wide-array of professional and personal experience to the post. […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:09-07:00February 1st, 2019|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – February 2019

City Snapshot – December 2018 January 2019

November General Election Results—Once again, Jacksonville voters turned out in higher numbers than the Jackson County average and elected incumbent City Councilors Ken Gregg and Jim Lewis to new, 4-year terms. Donna Bowen, a first-time council candidate, was also elected to a 4-year seat. Bowen comes to the post after serving the city as the […]

By |2018-11-28T17:38:56-08:00November 28th, 2018|City Snapshot|Comments Off on City Snapshot – December 2018 January 2019
Go to Top