City Council April 5, 2022—City Administrator Jeff Alvis reported that a Memorandum of Understanding between the Jacksonville Woodlands Association and the Forest Park Volunteers to link the groups is moving forward…see article by Parks Committee member Kandee McClain on page 28.
Mr. Alvis then informed Council that a draft Intergovernmental Agreement between Jacksonville and surrounding cities for future water rights will be formally discussed at the May 3 Council meeting. Additionally, he reported that the new fire hall is progressing well and is “semi-on-budget.”
Mr. Clean—Mayor Bowen and Public Works Department/Cemetery Sexton Rick Shields presented volunteer-citizen Jim Finses with an “Honorary Citizen” award for his efforts in cleaning up trash in the city and for helping care for the Catholic Section of the Cemetery. Rick Shields noted that Jim has collected more than 300 bags of trash and that the cemetery section has never looked better. Mayor Bowen read the following:
A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JIM FINSES INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
Whereas, the Public Works Department would like to recognize Jim Finses for his
efforts within the City of Jacksonville; and
Whereas, he became a resident of the City of Jacksonville after the wildfires in the City of Phoenix; and
Whereas, he goes on daily walks and collects the debris and has gathered over 300 bags; and
Whereas, additionally, Jim volunteers as a City of Jacksonville Cemetery groundskeeper for the Catholic Section of the cemetery; and
Whereas, The City and Public Works department greatly appreciates the dedication and devotion that Mr. Finses contributes to keeping the City clean; and
Whereas, these actions will help keep the City of Jacksonville beautiful and charming; and
Whereas, his efforts benefit the whole community.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF JACKSONVILLE, OREGON that Jim Finses shall henceforth be considered an honorary citizen of the City of Jacksonville, Oregon.
A New Cog in the Wheel—Ann Marie Alfrey – the new Executive Director of the Rogue Valley Council of Governments presented and in-depth report that is available on the city website.
City Budget Season in Full-Swing—Council appointed Administrator Alvis as its Budget Officer and announced the first Budget Committee Meeting on April 28. A public hearing on the 2022-23 FY budget has been scheduled for May 5 at 4:00pm in New City Hall, at which time the budget is expected to be forwarded to council for adoption in June. On a related matter, Council filled two vacant seats on the Budget Committee with the appointment of Paul Veenhof and Susan Taylor.
UGB Follow-Up—Council unanimously agreed to move forward with conducting research only on the future of Jacksonville’s Urban Growth Boundary. Mayor Bowen was clear that by studying the matter further and holding public meetings did not constitute a plan to actually increase the UGB for residential and/or economic purposes. The mayor referenced a study session led by the Planning Department on March 15, 2022, that evaluated the availability of housing and employment lands within the City. At this time, the council voted unanimously to move ahead with discussions only regarding the scope of work for a UGB amendment.
Granted—Council approved a recommendation from the Transient Lodging Expenditure Committee and awarded Art Presence $3,800 to overhaul its website.