City Council Meeting – October 4:
City Planner Amy Stevenson presented a 3-D digital reconstruction of the downtown historic core that was done approximately five years ago by Epic Scan. Stevenson’s department intends to use the scans for presentation purposes for the city website and other purposes. In a related matter, Stevenson reported that two graduate students from the University of Oregon Masters in Historic Preservation office have completed an inventory of Jacksonville’s historic buildings. Funded through the State Office of Historic Preservation, the results of the study of 800 properties will be made available in November. The purpose of the study was to identify properties as “contributing” and as “non-contributing” to Jacksonville’s National Landmark status. Currently, Jacksonville’s historic designation lacks a clearly defined “period of significance,” another matter to be addressed by the Planning Department.
City Administrator Jeff Alvis announced that David Thompson had tendered his resignation from the Planning Commission, which now leaves two vacancies.
City Council Meeting – October 18:
Three Transient Lodging Tax Grants (Bed Tax) grant requests totalling $6,216 received unanimous approval: $2,000 Jacksonville Heritage Society grant to assist in roof repair for the 1868 St. Joseph’s Catholic Rectory, $1,216 to fund a portion of the Jacksonville Oregon Business Association’s (JOBA) next website phase development and $3,000 to partially fund a $10,000 JOBA “visit Jacksonville” advertising campaign in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival playbill.
The Council unanimously approved a request by the Chamber of Commerce to locate a community Christmas tree on the corner of California and 3rd Street, next to the Beekman Bank. The tree will be displayed in the fenced area of the historic water well – a construction team was given the go-ahead to construct a platform over the well that will serve as a tree stage.
Acceptance of a $10,000 Cheney Foundation grant received unanimous approval. The grant, solicited by Fire Chief Devin Hull, will be used to purchase new fireman turnouts (Kevlar-lined pants & coats) and other safety clothing. Hull noted that the new turnouts cost approximately $1,700 and have an expected lifespan of 7-10 years. Receipt of the grant money will result in $3,200 of budgeted city funds to be rolled over to the next fiscal budget. Additionally, Hull noted that a donation of $5,000 to his department from Volunteer Engine Company #1 will go toward the cost of the safety suits.