On April 24, 2023, a group of 50+ citizens attended a meeting organized by “Citizens for a Safer Jacksonville” to discuss ideas on slowing traffic speeds within the city limits. Attendees included committee founder, Cindy Rassmusen and several board members, City Administrator Jeff Alvis, Police Chief David Towe, Mayor Donna Bowen and City Councilors Ken Gregg, Talon Reed and Andrea Thompson. Mayor Bowen made it clear that the councilors were present to listen and learn and would not discuss the matter during the meeting. Mr. Alvis also stated that the much-debated topic of the California & 5th Street intersection was off the table as it was under the purview of the Oregon Department of Transportation since both are part of a state highway. Local resident, Bob Budesa, served as the moderator during the presentation, public comment and Q&A.

Editor’s Note: Citizens for a Safer Jacksonville (Stop the Speeders) held an incredibly well-organized public meeting wherein citizens, elected officials and staff worked together to address a safety situation that impacts everyone in town. From inception, the group has been polite, respectful and has worked WITH the city, and is to be commended for doing so.

Key takeaways included:

  • Chief Towe reiterated that hiring new police officers was increasingly difficult due to entry-level salaries being far below other municipalities.
  • Chief Towe reported that his department has tracked traffic flow on certain streets and counts are up. Interestingly, writing tickets is not as profitable as thought as a DUI that costs an offender $500 nets the city $32. Similarly, speeding tickets don’t necessarily cover the cost of writing them.
  • 2 new, permanent, “Your Speed Is” signs are on-order and 6 mobile signs are being used with interchangeable brackets.
  • The city is exploring the idea of using volunteers to move the mobile speed signs around town and is being discussed with the city’s liability insurance company.
  • Installation of calming speed humps and pinch points was discussed; however, neighborhood approval may be needed before installation could happen.
  • Improved signage at crosswalks is needed, particularly on 5th Street near Pioneer Village.
  • Chief Towe noted that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will use motorcycle patrol units to monitor traffic speeds and that tickets will be issued.
  • Enforcement of local noise ordinances was addressed by citizens tired of loud cars with reduced mufflers racing through town, especially in the late evening and early morning hours. It was noted that several drivers of “small sports cars” appear to be the offenders.
  • The police surcharge (the only funding mechanism available) was discussed—since the meeting, the City Council did vote to raise it from $15 to $35 monthly to enable the city to hire new police officers and/or contract with the JCSO for night patrol officers. (Please see article here).

Citizens for a Safer Jacksonville is expected to formulate a working plan to address the concerns addressed above and will be holding another meeting that is TBD…please stay tuned.