GPCC Approves Opening Prayer at Business Sessions
The Grants Pass City Council passed a resolution adopting a policy and procedure regarding the opening invocation before Council meetings. The U.S. Supreme Court holds the cities may include an invocation. The city recorder would establish a list of local congregations that would designate a person to deliver the invocation. The resolution passed on a 6 to 2 vote with Indra Nicholas and Rob Pell dissenting. The Council approved an ordinance to amend 5 articles of the city's development code, incorporating provisions for Middle Housing Land Divisions. The proposed amendments incorporate the state regulations into the City's development code. The ordinance provides the Community Development Department with clear procedures for approving applications. Councilors approved the finding of facts and revised conditions of approval overturning the Urban Area Planning Commission's denial of Eden Glen PUD and approved revised plans for the residential development. Then a 401(a) retirement plan benefit for city employees was approved for elective and contractual payroll deductions. Employees already have the Oregon Public Employees Retirement Savings System. The plan will be administered by the City's benefit vendors with oversight by Human Resources. There is no cost implication for the City. Council passed a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Allenwood Homes L.L.C. to construct a mixed income residential development at 175 and 225 Allenwood Drive with the City conveying the real property to the developer. Allenwood Homes would pay the City $450,000 for the 5.7 acre parcel. Council passed a resolution reinstating the appointment of Parks Advisory Committee. The resolution ratified decisions made during the October 5th City Council Special Meeting. ...Read more

Continued Mop-Up Brings West Fork Evans Creek Fire To 55% Containment

Containment on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire increased to 55% Tuesday evening as firefighters continue extensive mop-up operations across the 283-acre fire. In the final update on the blaze, the Oregon Department of Forestry says that, with established firelines continuing to hold, crews are now targeting mop-up depths of 200 to 250 feet into the burned area. Overnight staffing was further scaled back. Resources included four Type 6 engines and one task force leader, while a strong day shift presence will continue to support extensive mop-up operations today. Some interior smoke may still be visible from time to time as heavy fuels, including downed trees and stumps, continue burning within the fire's perimeter. No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the fire started. Additional details will be shared as they become available. ...Read more

Fall Prescribed Burning Planned Across Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

All five Ranger Districts on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are planning prescribed fire projects for this fall. According to the U.S. Forest Service, officials estimate this work may continue into winter, as conditions allow. Highly qualified prescribed fire specialists use prescribed fires to help reduce excess vegetation, improve wildlife habitat, enhance watershed health, and restore fire-adapted ecosystems. Prescribed understory and pile burning is planned in the following areas, and additional locations may be added later. Areas include the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District, Applegate Valley, Ashland Watershed, Wild Rivers Ranger District, Gold Beach and Powers Ranger Districts, as well as the High Cascades Ranger District. No closures are expected with this planned prescribed fire activity. However, visitors should remain alert and watch for firefighters working in these areas. Smoke may impact visibility along roadways. While smoke may be visible, the Forest Service works closely with air quality specialists and closely monitors smoke during prescribed fires. ...Read more