News from Jacksonville, Oregon’s City Hall
This is the first in a series of columns that add some detail to the decision by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and Business Association to oppose the proposed Meals Tax. It focuses on the City Council’s decision to implement a surcharge to help pay for police services rather than other funding options.
First, we want […]
This year the Citywide Yard Sale event is Friday-Sunday, September 7-9, 2018. Sale day hours are 7:00am-8:00pm. Setup is allowed on Thursday September 6, from 6:00-10:00pm. Note: there are NO Sales Allowed on Thursday.
Remember, this event is not sponsored by the City of Jacksonville. Due to the nature of the event with lots of […]
The City of Jacksonville recently created a Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI). Our role is to promote and facilitate the participation of our residents in local governance. While you are welcome to attend our meetings (posted in the City Newsletter and on the City’s website), that is not the only way to contact us.
You may […]
Thanks to the efforts of the City Council, residents who earn less than $25,000 may qualify to pay zero for the newly-approved Police Surcharge. At its 6/5 meeting, the City Council voted 6-1 for program designed to assist those on fixed incomes and at lower income levels. The vote came after the Public Safety Committee […]
FREE Police Protection in Jacksonville?
Yes, that’s correct. How? Just don’t eat out.
Starting this week, a petition will be put before the residents of Jacksonville in support of an initiative to place a tax on restaurants to pay for the town’s police protection.
The residents who say they already do not, or will not if the tax […]
We want to ask our neighbors to take their yard trimmings and debris to the “D” Street parking lot adjacent to the Jacksonville Public Works yard, adjacent to the Library and accessed off of “C” Street.
This should be a great […]
Editor’s Note: the following article is for contextual information. On April 17, council voted 6-1 in favor, directing staff draft a new Police Surcharge Ordinance which will be voted upon at the May 1 council meeting. (Councilor Garcia cast the dissenting vote.) Please see the Review website at that time for an update on the […]
At the March 20, 2018, City Council meeting, Jeanena Whitewilson was awarded the 2018 “Person of the Year” award by Mayor Paul Becker. In his remarks, the mayor noted that Jeanena is currently serving as the Vice-Chair of the Jacksonville Community Center, a group she’s been working […]
On March 7, the Historical Architectural Review Commission voted 5-1 to deny a Certificate of Appropriateness for a 3-story townhome building located on a 17-foot-wide parcel abutting the Fire Department at 150 E. C Street. The applicant, Veritas Group, via their representatives, argued that the in-fill project complied with current Jacksonville building codes and that […]
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates and trains volunteers in team organization, light search and rescue, fire safety, first aid, CPR, proper radio protocol, traffic control, and disaster medical operations to better assist professional agencies (fire, police) with the hazards that may result from disasters that impact their area of responsibility.
In 1985, the […]
You’ve likely noticed the newest speed-fighting sign that’s been posted in various high traffic areas. Police Chief David Towe obtained the sign and has been moving it to different locations to study the impact. In an online post showing-off the sign during the first week of February, Towe said, “By now I am sure you’ve […]
We have every reason to be proud of Jacksonville’s police force. We can continue to support the men and women who serve us so well by carefully considering how we fund our police.
Historically, we have funded police services with our general fund, which, in turn comes mainly from property tax revenues. Today, those tax revenues […]
During the City Council meeting on 1/16, staff announced that former Mayor Clara Wendt passed away at home at the age of 90 on January 3, 2018.
In tribute to her years of service, City Administrator Jeff Alvis placed her mayoral photo in her regular seat in Old City Hall.
Mrs. Wendt served on numerous committees and […]
This fall and winter, before lighting your fireplace or wood stove, have it inspected and/or cleaned. Inspections should also include the chimney and flues, due to a possible buildup of dangerous creosote. Please also remember that wood logs and wood of any kind should never be burned in a gas-log fireplace.
Brick chimneys also require inspections […]
When, where, and how much are the common questions asked by administrators, city or county council, and citizens when it comes to determining the resources for Fire Departments. Determining the proper level of resources to deploy for a fire department involves asking the same questions as well as balancing the safety concerns of citizens and […]
This summer’s fires that required evacuations so close to home are a stark reminder of our vulnerability here in Southern Oregon. With fires still smoldering into fall and anticipation of winter weather, this is time to check our plans for evacuation and sheltering in place. Even those of us who are tuned into Disaster Planning […]
By Tony Boom
for the Mail Tribune
October 5, 2017
Turning the busy and sometimes confusing east entrance into downtown Jacksonville into a four-way stop might be given a trial run, an Oregon Department of Transportation official suggests in a memo to other agency staff.
The trial period would help determine the impacts and benefits of stop signs at […]
One of the most common inquiries we receive in the Planning Department is whether short-term vacation rentals are permitted within the City of Jacksonville. Because this is one of our more frequent questions, we thought it would be a good opportunity to clarify and define the rules.
Definitions—A Vacation […]
The evening of March 4, 2017 was bittersweet for city residents and the Jacksonville Police Department during an open house retirement celebration to honor Sergeant Dan Moore. Dan served the city for 22 years, coming to the job after serving more than 20 years in the Air Force. Dan was hired by Chief David Towe, […]
Due to concerns voiced by many members of the community, the multi-year process of updating Jacksonville’s municipal code section has been temporarily called-off. In a statement to the Jacksonville Review dated February 13, 2017, Jacksonville City Attorney Sydnee Dryer wrote:
On February 1, 2017 the Jacksonville Planning Commission voted to continue the public hearings indefinitely on […]
At the February 7, 2017, City Council meeting, Mayor Paul Becker honored city resident Linda Kestner as the 2016 Person of the Year. Linda donates her time to numerous city and regional organizations including, Jackson County Master Recyclers, Jacksonville’s Citizen Emergency Response Team, Jacksonville Boosters Club, Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery, Historic Jacksonville Inc., Jacksonville […]
After 22 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Jacksonville, Sgt Dan Moore has retired.
Please help us celebrate his dedication and service by attending his open house style retirement party. Snacks will be provided. Beer, Wine, Coffee and Soda will be available.
When: Saturday, March 4, 2017, 6PM – 9PM. At 7PM, there will be […]
More than 1700 Jacksonville voters, representing a whopping 77% turnout, cast their ballots for candidates and measures. As of 11/9/16 at 2:00 pm, the unofficial election results are:
October 28, 2016–The Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders (OAMR) recently installed Jacksonville City Recorder Kimberlyn Collins, as 2016-2018 OAMR Treasurer. Ms. Collins received the oath of office at the association’s annual conference banquet held at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites in Ashland, Oregon, on September 23, 2016.
Ms. Collins became a member of OAMR in […]
I was privileged to act as secretary in drafting the proposed, new Jacksonville charter. As the time for voters to cast ballots approaches, I must respond to some misconceptions about the new charter.
Don’t Need a New Charter! Some critics dismiss the new charter as unnecessary.
Yes, We Do. The current charter dates from 1953, contains numerous […]
After the recent approval of a $4 increase in the monthly fire protection surcharge, the Public Safety Committee investigated how this increase would affect the residents who were participating in the fire protection surcharge discount program. This program was created to ease the financial burden on citizens living at or below the poverty level. For […]
From Whitman Parker, Publisher Jacksonville Review and Southern Oregon Wine Scene
The case for re-electing Paul Becker is simple: For six years, Paul Becker has been an excellent mayor, demonstrating a keen ability to listen to residents, work with staff and collaborate with committees, commissions as well as civic and business groups. He strives to reach […]
Steve Casaleggio – Candidate for City Council
To introduce: I’m Steve Casaleggio, candidate for City Councilor. My wife Susan and I made our commitment to Jacksonville by building our home here in 2005. We […]
Mayor Paul Becker – Incumbent
To begin, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the citizens of Jacksonville, for allowing me to serve as your Mayor this past term. It has been an honor and […]
In the November General Election, Jacksonville voters will elect three City Councilors and a Mayor. Three candidates have filed to run for City Council. Just minutes before press time, the Review confirmed that Councilor Jocie Wall will be challenging Mayor Paul Becker for the mayor’s seat. Since the filing deadline is on August 30, (well […]
After serving as Jacksonville City Offices for 26 years, the Miller House is now privately owned. The house closed escrow on July 28 for $410,000, according to Jackson County Public Records. The Review caught up with the new owner and learned that after sprucing it up, painting and making other improvements, it will be leased […]
Set-Up: Thursday, September 8th, 6:00-10:00pm (No Sales Allowed)
Yard Sale Days: 7:00am-8:00pm
As the 2016 City-Wide Yard Sale weekend nears it is important to remember that this event is not sponsored by the City of Jacksonville and there are public safety issues associated with this event. When our town becomes full of bargain hunters and treasure seekers […]
The Jacksonville dam and reservoir was built in 1911, one mile west of town along Jackson Creek. It was built to provide a source of drinking water to the town via a wooden transmission line emanating from the city reservoir. In 1926, the wooden pipeline was replaced by a six-inch steel […]
On Friday, June 10, 2016, from noon-3:00pm, Jacksonville officials will participate in the statewide Cascadia Emergency drill – you may notice 3 teams from the Jacksonville Community Emergency Response Team out and about in your neighborhood conducting simulated assessment drills.
The City Council and staff will also be doing “Table-Top” drills in various city offices, including […]
Plans to increase the number of Jacksonville neighborhoods whose residents have chosen to work with each other to create safer environments for all, during fire season, by establishing defensible space around their homes are coming to fruition.
Recently, the neighborhoods of “Gold Terrace” and “Vineyard View” were recently recognized as nationally-certified Firewise communities. Chief Devin Hull […]
A town hall meeting will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 to discuss the livelihood of our Fire and Police Departments. This is the chance for the public to speak regarding their views and needs for City Services.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016 – The City Council passed one of the first Ordinances of the New Year tonight, declaring a ban on Medical and Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries, Processing Sites and other related restrictions within the city limits. The Council also voted to refer the matter to the voters by placing the issue on the November 8, […]
Here are some basic guidelines to follow during the busy weekend. These guidelines are supported by the Jacksonville Municipal Code and the Oregon Revised Statutes.
Ausland Group is just a few days away from completing the seismic upgrades on the historic Jacksonville Courthouse.
At its April 7, 2015 City Council meeting, Jacksonville Mayor Paul Becker will honor Clara Wendt and Larry Smith for their many years of public service. The meeting starts at 6 pm at Old City Hall and the public is invited (as always) to attend and show their support. The brief presentation will be the […]
At its March 3, 2015 meeting, the City Council took historic action when it voted to approve three key contracts for Phase I in the renovation of the historic courthouse into city offices. The Review is pleased to announce that firms chosen are local firms! Kistler, Small & White Architects was awarded the contract for […]
At 2 pm on Thursday, February 26, Mayor Paul Becker and others gathered at City Hall to open and review 4 contractor bids for the seismic upgrade portion of the historic courthouse renovation. Bids were made by Batzer Construction ($298,600), Taylor Site Development ($357,900), The Ausland Group ($221,150), and Vitus Construction ($308,992).
After announcing the bids, […]
The old U. S. Hotel may, indeed, have condition problems, as identified in the front page article by Tony Boom on the old brick lady and her structural issues as alleged by concerned citizen Larry Smith in the Wednesday, January 14 issue of the Medford Tribune. They are not likely unique to the hotel, however.
By Tony Boom
for the Mail Tribune
Posted Jan. 13, 2015 @ 5:51 pm
Updated Jan 13, 2015 at 9:56 PM
A local history buff says the iconic Jacksonville building is in trouble, but others disagree
JACKSONVILLE — Mortar slowly washing away from bricks at the U.S. Hotel has history buff Larry Smith worried about the future of one of […]
By Tony Boom
for the Mail Tribune
Posted Jan. 7, 2015 @ 5:36 pm
After nearly two hours of testimony, deliberation and debate on definitions for structures, driveways, shoulders, foundations and roadways, the City Council ruled Tuesday that Britt Festivals’ new parking lot on First Street is in compliance with city development codes.
Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals […]
See plans for Phase 1 of the General Construction Plan for seismic upgrades and more of the $1.1 million Jacksonville Courthouse project to convert the historic building into city offices.
From Mail Tribune by Tony Boom
JACKSONVILLE — The City Council unanimously approved plans Tuesday for the first phase of restoration of the 1883 courthouse building for use as City Hall. But approval from agencies must be obtained before any of an estimated $440,000 is spent for construction plans and work.
A go-ahead vote followed presentation of […]
If the city has not already submitted the application for the Joint Fill and Removal Permit, it will be submitted soon using the engineer’s 30% design. When the city received the engineers’ 30% design and a cost estimate of $767,100 plus a $191,778 contingency, it immediately spurred a series of discussions between city staff, RVCOG, […]
