BCC Approves Agenda Items, Hears Budget Committee Concerns at WBS
The Board of County Commissioners approved all agenda items during Wednesday evening's Weekly Business Session. The meeting opened at 5:30 p.m. with a board order for the Delegation of Signing Authority to the Interim Airports Manager. Following public comment, the commissioners moved in favor of the order 3-0. Also approved unanimously was an Illinois Valley Airport Fuel Farm Contract Award to All Construction Elements. This permits the installation of a fuel farm with an 8,000 gallon tank for the purpose of economic development in Cave Junction. The Authorization of Sale for property at 210 Tacoma Street passed, with the board approving 3-0 the full price offer. Lastly, an extension of the Franchise Agreement with Spectrum Pacific West, LLC for 10 years was approved. During public comment, there was concern for the recent Budget Committee terminations, as well as reported government hires and board spending. Topics brought to the board included ideas for franchise agreement changes and economic development, transparency, and inquiries about Michael Sellers.
...Read more
Interstate 5 Crash Results in One Fatality, Three Injuries, and One Arrest
Oregon State Police responded to a fatal two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 90 in Douglas County Monday at 3 p.m. A white Freightliner commercial motor vehicle hauling a loaded trailer, operated by Brenden Larry Christensen, 61, of San Diego, had stalled on an uphill grade in the outside lane while traveling northbound on I-5 near Canyonville. The Freightliner was then struck by a maroon Honda CRV, operated by Davin Jack Smith, 18, of El Sobrante, causing the Honda and cargo in the commercial motor vehicle to catch fire. The Freightliner had reportedly stalled several times prior to the collision while climbing the grade. Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene. Three passengers in the Honda, Smith's father, sibling, and family friend, were transported to area hospitals with both serious and minor injuries. Christensen was not injured. Impairment is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash, and he was arrested for DUII and manslaughter. The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.
...Read more
Commissioners Move to Terminate Current Budget Committee Members
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners moved 3-0 to terminate the current budget committee members and ask for reapplications with positions for one, two, and three year terms. The board also approved a proposed hiring process for the Interim Emergency Manager Position, currently held by Sheriff Dave Daniel, during their 1:30 p.m. workshop. Applicants will be considered by a panel made up of Sheriff Daniel, Illinois Valley Fire Defense Board Chief John Holmes, Grants Pass Fire Chief Jimmy Sanchez, and Emergency Managers from both Douglas and Jackson Counties, Emily Ring and Delaney Richmond respectively. Human Resources will oversee the panel. The board also approved a Social Media Archiving Subscription used for criminal investigations and records requests. According to the Sheriff, the cost would be roughly $5,000 each month for a year. A motion to approve an Oregon Department of Corrections Intergovernmental Agreement passed 3-0, providing notification to victims if an offender is released or going to be released. Without objection, a Carson Fuel Invoice from Public Works was approved.
...Read more
