City Council June 5
Evelyn Kinsella from RVCOG – Rogue Valley Council of Governments, gave her annual report on the Food & Friends senior nutrition program in Jacksonville. Kinsella thanked the Council and the community for supporting the program, noting that in her 11 years with RVCOG, the city has “been there for the seniors.” In 2011, the nutrition program served 7128 meals via its in-town dining hall and home-delivery program. 62% of home meals are delivered to seniors over age 80, while 6 recipients are 90+. Of Jacksonville recipients, 78% are considered “high risk,” significantly higher than county-wide averages. Kinsella ended by thanking the 43 J’ Ville volunteers who logged more than 7000 hours in 2011 delivering meals and checking-in on our most vulnerable and needy residents.
Safety Pays:
Scott Sherbourne of Western States Insurance, the city’s liability insurance provider, gave a risk assessment presentation to Council, noting city-wide efforts by all departments to reduce liability exposure has resulted in cost savings. City risk management action initiated includes: blood pathogen safety classes, mowing hazard training, defensive driving and ladder/climbing safety courses, monthly safety review meetings, dam restoration efforts, installation of back-up cameras on city vehicles, ergonomic work station upgrades and more. These and other good practices have resulted in a $41,000 insurance rebate.
Council directed City Recorder Jan Garcia to continue working toward updating a city policy on business licenses. Since holding a study session in late May, council has been grappling with re-writing the confusing and contradictory city ordinance related to who does and who does not need a business license.
A Public Hearing adopting the 2012-2013 City budget and Urban Renewal budget was held. The 9 funds in the City’s budget total $6.8 million, a slight increase over last year. The less-than 2% increase was attributable to a less-than-requested salary increase of the staff union contract, cost-cutting measures, tight internal controls and excellent oversight by the Budget Committee and Council.
Fire Chief Devin Hull reported great success for the May 5 citywide disaster drill. He noted the wild land fire disaster scenario involved city staff, emergency responders, CERT, citizens and volunteers, all of whom worked together to better prepare and respond in case of a real emergency.
City Council June 19
In a 25 minute meeting, Council approved an agreement with the Jackson County Sheriff’s office to implement an upgrade to the city’s Records Management System. Council also approved a contract with GSI Water Solutions, Inc. to develop scope of work for an updated Water Management and Conservation Plan. Lastly, Council formalized a new policy to show the IRS how the city deals with certain bond-related issues.