New Commissioner Says GP Library Lease Termination Sets Framework to Renegotiate

Commissioner Chris Barnett said the Board's move this week to terminate the Josephine Community Library District's current lease for the Grants Pass branch building has established a framework in which to negotiate a new lease. Barnett -- the Position 2 Commissioner who was appointed as Vice-Chair of the Board on Monday -- said he has no intention of evicting the library. Per the lease agreement, Josephine County is responsible for routine maintenance, repairs and renovation of the exterior portions of the premises including grounds upkeep, landscaping, parking lots, HVAC and environmental systems. The Board of Commissioners voted 3-to-0 on Monday to terminate the lease agreement for the property located behind the Courthouse at 200 NW C Street, citing maintenance costs for the building and other county property. The property has been leased to the library district for $1 per year since January 2018. The building is about 15,000 square feet in size. The lease agreement for the building had an original end date of December 31, 2020, that was later extended through December 31, 2025. The premises include parking areas for library patrons and employees. Barnett and fellow Commissioner Ron Smith were convinced by recently recalled Commissioner John West to revoke the lease as a means to bring JCLD to the table to renegotiate the agreement. ...Read more

Rogue Valley Strike Team among 15 Sent by OR Fire Marshal to Assist Southern California

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized 15 strike teams to California to help protect communities threatened by wildfires burning near Los Angeles. The State Fire Marshal's Office has been monitoring and working with California throughout the event and the agency received a request for assistance late Tuesday evening. Fifteen strike teams made up of 300 firefighters and 75 engines were mobilized Wednesday morning and the agency will continue to monitor and fill more requests as it progresses. The strike teams are from the Rogue Valley and Central Oregon as well as Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill counties. The Rogue Valley Strike Team consists of crews from the Medford and Ashland fire departments, Jackson County Fire District #3 and Illinois Valley Fire District. According to Cal-Fire, firefighters are seeing extreme fire behavior including short- and long-range spotting. Wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour were expected to continue through today, increasing the dangerous situation. Firefighters and air resources continue to work to protect the community and infrastructures while they gain control over fire containment. ...Read more

GP Firefighters Utilized Special Training and Rapid Response to Stop Electric Bus Blaze

Grants Pass firefighters were presented with a unique challenge when a Josephine Community Transit Bus caught fire in the Public Works yard near the Fairgrounds early yesterday. Two Grants Pass Fire & Rescue engine companies and a support truck responded to the large vehicle fire at 125 River Heights Way on Wednesday morning. Electrical vehicle fires -- especially those involving large buses -- present unique hazards due to the high-energy batteries, which can lead to self-oxidizing fires that are extremely difficult to manage. However, firefighters responded rapidly and effectively to prevent further property damage. Crews were able to cool the burning bus to prevent the fire from escalating further by utilizing large amounts of water. The fire was contained to the bus while other vehicles, the yard and surrounding structures were protected from damage. Officials said the successful incident highlights the importance of training, quick action and the right tools for complex emergencies. ...Read more