Jacksonville Review – March 2025 Issue

City Council Meeting and Study Session 2/18/25

Library Update—Library Director Kari May and Board Member Marta Tarantsey presented a brief overview of the Jacksonville County Library system, including its goals for 2025. The library is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a tax district that is funded via a property tax levy of .60/$1000 assessed value. Of note, 10,000 new library cards have been issued in the past year and branches are now open 40% more hours.

Planning Commission Appointees—The council voted to appoint two members to the 5-member Planning Commission, all of whom serve 4 year-terms, with members appointed on a staggered basis. The council had five applications and selected long-serving member Roger Thom for reappointment, and new member Terry Moore to serve.

Masonic Building Grant—City Planner Ian Foster presented a grant proposal that was unanimously supported on behalf of the Warren Lodge, asking that the city act as co-applicant for the 2025 Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant. The grant, if awarded, would support critical rehabilitation work at the historic Masonic Lodge, a key landmark property. The maximum grant award is $400,000.

Urban Growth Boundary Consultant Request—The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) that is studying considerations of the Urban Growth Boundary is finalizing its report, which is expected to be delivered to the council soon. It will provide an analysis of identified housing and employment land needs. As such, to guide the next phases in the project, the TAC is recommending that the City recruit a consultant to assist Planning Department staff in navigating the process. Planning Director Ian Foster emphasized that due to ever-changing state land use laws, a consultant will play a key role in developing an action plan that will analyze current data and provide community outreach on evaluating a potential UGB expansion. The council unanimously approved a request to search for a consultant but did not authorize any expenditure for services at this time.

3rd Street Pedestrian Plaza Update—Planning Director, Ian Foster, presented the council with an update on the status of the proposed 3rd Street Pedestrian Mall concept. He noted that during a recent public event, residents favored a full-closure concept versus a partial closure model. Staff and council noted that there is $300,000 in Urban Renewal funds available, but cautioned using all resources in case an opportunity arises to assist Britt Festivals with rehab work on the US Hotel or rehabilitation of the Rasmussen Garage property on the corner of N. 3rd and California streets. The area of N. 3rd Street runs north of California Street and includes street frontage for the Beekman Bank, one retail shop, a residential property, the US Hotel, public restrooms, and the fire station. Staff noted that the fire department does not utilize the area under consideration when responding to emergency calls.