Attorneys Advised, Board Moved to Proceed with Property Business at Legal Counsel Update
Following an Executive Session, the Board of County Commissioners continued their Legal Counsel Update today with decisions based on session topics. Attorneys were advised by the board to proceed with Josephine County et al cases v. Michael Weber, Mark Stevenson, and Gabbert et al respectively. A motion to proceed with the addendum for the Dimmick property passed 3-0, and a motion to proceed with the lease for 1222 Redwood Avenue was unanimous. Legal Counsel was advised to send a letter stating plainly the board is not part of the Rogue Workforce Partnership. Following a presentation, a decision on an American Medical Response Rate Increase was moved to a Weekly Business Session. ...Read more

BCC Approves Grant Funding via Opioid Settlement Funds for Organizations

The Board of Commissioners approved a grant supporting Continuum Behavioral Health and Recovery Strategies, The Grants Pass Sobering Center, and HIV Alliance through Opioid Settlement funds. During their 1:30 p.m. workshop, the board moved unanimously for over $140,000 in settlement funds be approved for Behavioral Health, over $44,000 for the Sobering Center, and almost $29,000 authorized for HIV Alliance. No cost will be incurred for the county. Information Technology gave an overview of their work with different departments, and provided a final draft of the Strategic Communication plan to the board. All position requisitions and actions from Human Resources were approved, as was the Stonefly Subdivision Plat Map. A motion to approve the Roadless Rule Comment letter be submitted to the federal government passed 3-0, and the meeting adjourned. ...Read more

Council Hears Redevelopment Plan, Sign Presentations, City Manager Salary Motion Passed

Grants Pass City Council held two interviews for the Historical Buildings and Sites Commission, then heard presentations for the Washington Midland Redevelopment Plan and Interstate 5 Sign Code overlay. Council was presented the preferred redevelopment framework and potential steps recommended to implement the plan. The project has moved from concepts to a preferred plan and development strategy. This includes improved streets and utilities on Franklin and Bunnel Avenues, improved pedestrian accessibility, commercial uses, and housing options with a range of townhomes and apartments as rentals or to own. Potential costs could be $1.9 million for the city and public, $190K in Private property and Frontage costs, with a combined investment of $2.09 million. A draft plan will be prepared for final review by council before potential adoption. Next for consideration was the potential I-5 Sign Code overlay following a previous appeal for a 100 foot Dutch Bros. and Les Schwab sign. Current regulation permits one freestanding sign per street frontage up to 25-foot height and 100-square-foot sign area. ...Read more