The Grants Pass City Council last night approved the dispersal of tourism grants and reallocated American Rescue Plan Act funds to facilitate a warming shelter.
Five applicants will be awarded transient lodging tax funds following submission for the fall application cycle of the City's Sustainable Tourism Grant program. The program aims to encourage tourism from outside a 50-mile radius from the city.
The Council's resolution authorizes the award of $5,000 each to the Grants Pass Rotary Club Foundation and Grants Pass Downs. The Grants Pass High School Band Boosters and the Grants Pass Museum of Art will each receive $3,750. Rogue Valley Classic Cruisers will be awarded $3,500.
Councilors also approved the reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the amount of $67,500 from public infrastructure to affordable housing and unhoused services on a 4-3 vote.
The movement of funds was in response to an announcement from the United Community Action Network (UCAN) that there is no money to operate a warming shelter. UCAN stated that it is willing to offer operational support. The group "Partners Assisting the Homeless" is also available to assist with volunteers. The funds will ensure the availability of a warming shelter in Grants Pass this winter.
The City Council also filled seven openings on the Sustainability & Energy Action Committee. David Koehler was appointed as the Energy Efficiency Specialist, Dustin Blue was appointed as the Solar/Energy Technology Specialist, Horace Stodola was appointed as a representative with solid waste or recycling experience, Matthew Rosen was appointed as a data analyst and Shannon Hoist was appointed as the student representative. Tom Bradbeer and Dorothy Swain were appointed as at-large members.
Councilors reconsidered a previous decision on how to conduct a citizen survey to determine the public's preferences in funding public safety. The survey will be conducted electronically in order to expedite the decision-making process.
