GP City Council Postpones Decisions on Caveman Pool, ARPA and URA Task Force

The Grants Pass City Council decided to put off decisions on Caveman Pool, the creation of an Urban Renewal Agency Task Force and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding during its bi-weekly workshop session on Monday. Grants Pass Parks Superintendent Josh Hopkins opened the workshop with a presentation on building a new Caveman Pool, including a cost overview and next options. The City Council has received the options from Robertson Sherwood Architects (RSA), which had a representative attend the workshop by phone. Hopkins said the estimated cost to rebuild the pool in its current location near Grants Pass High School is more than $10.2 million, but RSA recommends a budget of nearly $13.6 million including recreational amenities and a built-in markup due to rising construction costs. Members of the Grants Pass Family YMCA were also in attendance and they have proposed a partnership with the city to build a new facility including a swimming pool on the south side of the Rogue River. Right now, the City of Grants Pass has earmarked a total of $6.3 million for the pool including funding options of ARPA, the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) and a potential general obligation bond. The City Council also decided to hold off on evaluating and reallocating the $9.3 million in ARPA funding until after a decision is made on the pool. ...Read more

Today is Deadline to Register to Vote or Change Party Affiliation for May Primary

Today is the deadline to register to vote in the May primary election. It's also the deadline to register with a political party ahead of the closed primaries. Voters can register or update their registrations online at "oregonvotes.gov" until 11:59 p.m. tonight. The Republican and Democratic parties have chosen to hold closed primaries, which means only registered members of those parties will be available to vote in the primaries. All voters -- regardless of party affiliation -- will receive ballots with nonpartisan contests and ballot measures. Minor parties hold their own nominating process and their candidates will appear on the November General Election ballot. Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade said they've worked together to build the most convenient and secure voting system in the country and that starts with registering to vote. She said registration takes only a few minutes. Election Day is May 21st. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. or postmarked on that day to be counted. They are scheduled to be sent out to voters on Wednesday. ...Read more

City of Grants Pass Recruiting Workers for Numerous Seasonal Job Opportunities

Gain valuable experience this summer as a seasonal employee of the City of Grants Pass. If you enjoy working outside and experiencing new challenges, there are several openings for seasonal employment. Positions are available in various departments. Wage for seasonal employees is $14.20 an hour. For a qualified driver of at least age 18, the wage is $15.45 an hour. An age restriction of 18 applies to flaggers and driving city vehicles. Job openings are available in the Parks, Water Distribution, Water Filtration and Finance Departments. Jobs include grounds maintenance, painting, replacement of residential water meters, remote water pumping stations and office tasks including but not limited to filing, organizing, assembling budget books, data entry and cash handling. Recruitment will remain open until May 31st unless positions are filled before this date. For more information, visit "humanresources@grantspassoregon.gov" or you can call (541)-450-6050. ...Read more