Making Mike Official—Mayor Becker opened the 8/6 meeting with the swearing-in of Mike McClain who was appointed to fill the remainder of Councilor David Jesser’s term. After taking the Oath of Office, administered by City Recorder Angela Watson, Mr. McClain was officially seated.
Bring on Britt—On 8/6, City Administrator Jeff Alvis disclosed that the city is in discussions with Britt Festivals to relocate their Medford-based corporate office to the second floor of New City Hall. At the 8/20 meeting, Britt’s CEO, Donna Briggs, was on-hand to discuss the matter with staff and council. At that time, she outlined the rationale for the move and shared conceptual office drawings to accommodate between 13-16 employees. Council spent considerable time deliberating the merits of accepting the letter of intent but ultimately declined to do so. The majority of the Council voiced its desire that the space be used for “public use,” and agreed to hold study sessions where it would determine a “Mission Statement” for the highest and best use of the space. During the presentation, City Planner Ian Foster reminded Council that the building may not be leased to a “for-profit” business due to its Special Protection zoning. Britt, a non-profit arts organization, would be permitted to lease the space with a conditional use permit. In the proposal, Britt was offering a monthly market rate rent and a $100,000 contribution towards installation of an elevator to the second floor. If the office renovation comes to fruition, the work will be performed by Ausland Construction, the same firm the city hired to renovate the Courthouse. Please read the publisher’s “My View” on the matter on page 3. At press time, the question about Britt’s corporate offices is yet-to-be-determined!
Mayor Becker reported on his recent participation in the Oregon Association of Mayor’s annual event which took place in Medford this year. Please read his column, “Doing More,” on this page for his take on the experience.
Council passed Ordinance #2019-004, approving an update to Chapter One of the Comprehensive Plan. The revised “Citizen Involvement Chapter” is now complete, thanks to the work of a Citizens Advisory Committee which was heralded for doing a tremendous re-write of the chapter. At the 8/20 meeting, the chapter was codified with an official second reading. In related news, Councilor Donna Bowen was appointed as the council liaison to the Committee for Citizen Involvement.
The Chamber of Commerce contract to operate the Visitors Center was renewed for another three years and city staff announced that Linda Bennington had been hired as the City Hall Assistant, replacing Heidi Nelson.
Ad Hoc Committee Formed—Based on concerns from the public for persons with disabilities, staff recommended formation of an Ad Hoc Committee on accessibility that was agreed to by Council. The purpose of the committee will be to advise the Mayor and City Council on best practices for accessibility improvements and increasing awareness on accessibility issues.
Vacancy Sign-—Council discussed a new policy to be used when a City Council or other vacancy happens, to alleviate confusion in the future. After deliberation, staff agreed to rewrite sections of the document and return it for Council approval at a future meeting.