City Council September 6
A slim Council majority voted against sending a proposed watershed land swap deal to a public “advisory” vote. A proposal under consideration that had been drafted during former City Administrator Paul Wyntergreen’s tenure called for the city to trade 380 acres of its uppermost watershed land for 40 acres of lower watershed land. Reportedly, funds from a deal could be used to repair the aging reservoir and dam in Forest Park, build a community center, and/or pay off existing city debt. By a 4-3 margin, the advisory vote failed when Councilors Duane, Lewis, Jesser, and Mayor Becker voted not to send the issue to a public advisory vote. Councilors Winterburn, Schatz and Hayes voted in favor of a public vote. Although it tabled the matter, Council indicated a desire to work toward an eventual MRA-City land swap agreement.
Parking District fees for the Southern Oregon Historical Society (OHS) totaling $300 were waived for one year after Council determined SOHS was no longer using parking spaces at the US Hotel.
Resolution 1097 was officially adopted, formally changing the start time for City Council meetings to 6:00 pm.
The Parks Committee agreed to assist with re-dedication efforts for the Peter Britt statue on the Britt grounds. The statue was installed on November 1, 2004. In 2005, the statue was vandalized – a bronze recognition plaque at the base of the statue was stolen and never recovered. Jeff Levin, the project coordinator, is leading the effort to replace the plaque with a plastic-encased one similar to those used in all city parks. The Parks Committee will seek assistance from Britt Festivals on the effort.
Planning Commission to Community: “Let the Music Go On”
At a September 14 Public Hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously approved a new Conditional Use Permit for South Stage Cellars. The action enables the popular wine tasting room to hold live outdoor music events in its Wine Garden at 125 S. 3rd Street. Prior to the hearing, SSC was only approved for outdoor amplified music via speakers, not live performances. The new ruling allows live music, described by SSC marketing director Porscha Schiller as “soft music to accompany and not compete with conversation.” During commission discussion, reports that multiple noise complaints had been logged against SSC proved false when it was revealed that only a single, anonymous complaint triggered an investigation by Planning Department staff. At the conclusion of the hearing, the PC unanimously approved the majority of Planning Director Amy Stevenson’s call to monitor and mitigate music sound levels, if needed. The PC was united that live, outdoor music enhances Jacksonville’s cultural and business climate and should be supported.
City Council – September 20
County Commissioner Don Skundrick attended the meeting and brought “greetings from the County Courthouse” with him along with an invitation for council and the public to attend County meetings and voice concerns during public comment periods.
Council unanimously approved a request by Police Chief David Towe to apply for a $7600 Cheney Family Fund grant to install two radios in two newly purchased police cars.
Gary Penning from Rogue Disposal and Recycling was on hand to give his annual Franchise Presentation to outline new and existing service programs and rate structures. RDR handles more than 680 residential accounts in the city of Jacksonville for the second lowest rate in the state. Penning reported that the number of homes participating in voluntary recycling programs is up this year. Later, Ordinance 1080 was unanimously approved, renewing the contract between Jacksonville and RDR.
Chriss Garcia was unanimously appointed to the Planning Commission. The five year Jacksonville resident brings extensive experience to the voluntary post. He is employed as a Senior Analyst and Systems Architect for the City of Ashland and is pursuing a certification from the League of Oregon Cities in Budget and Municipal Process.
Mayor Paul Becker read a proclamation naming October 1-8 to be Oregon Days of Culture and called on Jacksonville residents to celebrate, participate in and support Oregon culture, arts and humanities.
A new five year commercial lease between the City and Saint Andrews Anglican Church was renewed with unanimous approval of Council.
Council agreed to hire an Urban Renewal Consulting firm, Tashman Johnson, LLC to examine Jacksonville’s current plan and explore options including restructuring the current budgeting system, overall long-term project list as well as possibility of canceling the program.