City Council March 6
Michael Cavallero was on-hand to present his yearly RVCOG update (Rogue Valley Council of Governments) and report. The full report is available at City Hall.
An Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) license renewal was unanimously approved by Council for the Britt Music Festival.
Council unanimously supported the city application for a Jackson County Regional Water Conservation Grant and involvement in a multi-city program aimed at conserving water and planning for future demand. Council appointed Councilor Jim Lewis as the Policy Committee member along with City Administrator Alvis as the Technical Committee member. The volunteer positions effectively create an “in-kind” donation, offsetting cash contributions to the county-wide program. As explained by Joe Strahl of the Regional Water Commission, Jacksonville, Central Point, Eagle Point, Talent, Phoenix and Medford are planning for increased water rights due to expected population growth in 10-15 years. The main purpose of the grant program focuses on conservation methods rather than structural means of increasing water supply. With skyrocketing costs for obtaining new water rights and building new infrastructure, all Jackson County communities will benefit from the program, he said.
Council approved a request by City Planner/Historic Preservation Officer Amy Stevenson to apply for a matching Certified Local Government grant funds associated with a planned re-write of Jacksonville’s Municipal Code Title 18 revision – the governing documents for the entire Historic District.
Council congratulated City Recorder Jan Garcia who was awarded a Municipal Clerks Education Foundation scholarship for $400 for continuing education purposes.
City Council March 20
Council Vote Opens 150 Parking Spaces in Historic Core
The Council voted unanimously to approve a recommendation from the Parking Commission to eliminate seasonal “No Parking” zones on several streets south of California Street – primarily South Oregon Street, South 3rd and South 4th Street. The move removes restrictions enacted more than ten years ago and opens up more than 150 parking spaces, all located within the city right of way. The existing parking signs which had limited parking to residents-only from June 15-September 30 will be removed by the city Public Works Department before the start of the Britt Season on June 9. The estimated 15 residents who live in the seasonal parking area without driveway parking available may apply for a permit for designated off-street parking at City Hall. In a related matter, the Council unanimously approved limiting parking on a section of “G” Street near the Bigham Knoll campus to the east side only.