GPCC Approves Settlement of Court Injunction Allowing Homeless to Reside in Parks

The Grants Pass City Council last night approved the negotiated settlement and mutual release agreement to resolve the Disability Rights of Oregon versus City of Grants Pass lawsuit. Once filed in US District Court, the settlement will lift the injunction that currently allows homeless people to reside in city parks. The City's portion of attorney fees is $60,000. Once all the paperwork is done, the City will once again be able to enforce the "no camping" rules in all city parks. The City Council approved the 2025 through 2029 5-Year Consolidated Plan and the 2025 Annual Action Plan. Approving the plan makes the city eligible to receive Community Development Block Grants funds. Funding for the 2025 program year is $351,555, with 20% of it allotted for administration and 15% for public services. At least 70% will benefit low-income residents. The Weatherization and Rehabilitation Program receives the most of these funds. Other recipients include St. Vincent De Paul, the Maslow Project, Hearts with a Mission, the Boys and Girls Club, United Community Action Network and several other organizations. The Council also approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Western Testing, LLC. Following the cancellation of the BRIC grant program by FEMA, this will allow a simplification of the intake design for the new water treatment plant. Tests by an independent agency are required. ...Read more

GP Agency Approves Grants for Center for Creative Learning & Spalding Infrastructure
The Grants Pass City Council -- acting as the Urban Renewal Agency -- approved a resolution awarding a building rehabilitation and restoration grant to the Oregon Center for Creative Learning. The action authorizes the payment of a matching grant in the amount of up to 25% of the total qualifying private project costs not to exceed $50,000 for a fire suppression system for the building at 110 SW 4th Street. The Oregon Center for Creative Learning acquired the former Dutch Bros headquarters to support the expansion of their services into Grants Pass, offering creative play, quality learning and family activities at the new Ivy Preschool regardless of socioeconomic level. A second grant was then approved authorizing a matching grant of up to 25% of the total qualifying costs not to exceed $94,522 for a property at 2249 NE Spalding Avenue to support the expansion of the wholesale distribution company, Magazine Exchange. The project will initially serve a nearly 50,000 square-foot facility and will have the capacity to develop two other industrial facilities. The total award is $144,522 to enhance public infrastructure. ...Read more

Chamber Invites Community to Celebrate Young Entrepreneurs on "Lemonade Day"
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate youth entrepreneurship at its sweetest on Saturday afternoon during "Lemonade Day." The highly anticipated annual event -- which runs from noon to 3 p.m. -- features more than 65 lemonade stands operated by nearly 250 local kids, all launching their own small businesses for a day filled with creativity, confidence and community support. Over the past several weeks, these young entrepreneurs have been hard at work developing business plans, creating marketing strategies, designing stand concepts and testing recipes. With the support of local mentors, families and volunteers, these kids are now ready to open for business and bring their visions to life. As you visit these stands, the Chamber encourages you to vote for the People's Choice Award by texting the KLDR "Leader Line" that will be posted at each stand. ...Read more