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 for non-compliance.
Council passed Resolution No. R2022-003, A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement for a Coordinated Water Rights Management and Water Sharing Plan and Authorizing City Administrator to Execute Same. This joint water rights sharing strategy assures the city will continue to have short and long-term water supplies as part of an agreement with other Rogue Valley cities. Administrator Alvis and water consultant, Adam Sussman, worked for two years on the plan, insuring long-term water rights will be in place along with water use conservation plans. The Medford Water Commission will be administering the regional plan. Councilor Mike McClain likened the plan to the city’s mutual aid agreement for fire response services with local fire districts and applauded Administrator Alvis for his multi-year effort to secure Jacksonville’s water rights.
Historic Jacksonville Facility Use Permit Annual Report: Carolyn Kingsnorth of Historic Jacksonville Inc. was on hand to present the yearly report to council regarding its management agreement for the Beekman Bank and Beekman House. As part of the agreement, HJI shares 10% of its revenue earned from programming. Despite the challenges of Covid, she reported outdoor tours were successful as was the reopening of the bank…which will reopen Memorial Day Weekend. HJI used a significant portion of its tour fee proceeds to fund a new HVAC system in the bank and for replastering several rooms in the Beekman House. Plans are in-place for a new slate of Victorian Christmas tours. Councilor Andrea Thompson noted that in addition to having cherished buildings in town, we have citizens like Carolyn leading organizations that provide rich history-themed programs.
Brunner Building Lease: Members of the Board of Jacksonville Seniors asked the city to renew its $900 yearly lease for a three-year term, citing the need in the community for a thrift shop in difficult economic times. Proceeds from thrift shop sales benefit the Jacksonville Community Center, ACCESS and Food & Friends. Administrator Alvis noted that the city had proposed a one-year lease citing repair issues with the building and the possibility the building could be the site of a future museum. Councilors Andrea Thompson and Mike McClain spoke in favor of supporting the thrift store and a three-year lease noting its positive impact on the community. After Councilor Scott Selbe suggested that due to future costs of renovating the building, an increase in rent should be considered, Council voted to approve a new 3-year lease at $900/year.
Event Permit – July Fourth Mayor’s Picnic event was approved.
Memorandum of Understanding for Jacksonville with the Jacksonville Woodlands Association – Forest Park. Administrator Alvis called the agreement “a really good thing for the city…it’ll benefit the city financially and allow the Forest Park to accept donations.” Tony Hess, one of the founders of the Forest Park and longtime Jacksonville Woodlands board member wholly supported the agreement, saying it essentially puts in writing how the Forest Park has been managed for years. As the two trail systems come together, Tony Hess thanked Administrator Alvis and past councils for years of support. He noted that between the two parks, more than 50,000 people use the trails every year. The agreement was unanimously approved.
Resolution No. R2022-002 A Resolution Accepting the Appointments of the Budget Committee for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Cycle was approved naming Budget Officer Jeff Alvis, City Council members, Donna Bowen, Jim Lewis, Mike McClain, Scott Selbe, Ken Gregg, Andrea Thompson, Steve Casaleggio, and Budget Committee members, Larry Smith, Brad Bennington, Susan Taylor, Mark Thomas, Paul Veenhof, Eric Rogers, Ryan Hess.
Council President Jim Lewis presided over the Urban Renewal portion of the meeting during which time Administrator Alvis discussed renewing the city’s contract with Elaine Howard Consulting, which the council approved.