City Council Favors Moving Forward with Caveman Pool Reconstruction
Grants Pass City Council voted to move forward with the Caveman Pool reconstruction project through utilization of sole sourcing outside of a competitive bid process. The 11:45 a.m. workshop began with a presentation on the project, with WMS Aquatics proposal covering stabilization of the pool vessel and mechanical room deficiencies. The stabilization remodel option is expected to extend the pool's life beyond 10 years. The proposal is expected to cost almost $1.5 million, if going with sole source, and does not include any additional user features or amenities. Staff was directed by Council to move forward with the project. Next on the agenda was a presentation on Downtown's electric charging stations. Placed back in 2022, one of the four chargers has failed, and replacement parts no longer fit due to a change in design by the supplier. No funds have been set aside to replace the chargers. Possible funding sources include the General Fund, Lands and Buildings Funds, or additional grant resources. The subject was tabled.
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Agreeable Overnight Conditions Aid I-5 Mop-Up before Critical Weather Returns
Cool overnight temperatures helped firefighters make significant headway on 96.2 acre I-5 MM 57 NB Fire mop-up operations before the return of critical fire weather today. A Level 2: BE SET Evacuation Warning is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, and JCU-422-B. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Order for Zone JCU-422-C is also in effect. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews utilized conditions to double mop-up depth along the perimeter, increasing to approximately 100 feet. Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1 has officially assumed command of the incident and will continue directing suppression efforts moving forward. Today's priorities remain focused on keeping the fire within the established containment lines while continuing mop-up operations and mitigating hazardous snags in the steep terrain. A reconnaissance flight is planned to identify any remaining areas of concern, and aircraft are available to support firefighters if needed.
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East Evans Creek Fire 90% Contained, Red Flag Warning in Effect at 2 p.m.
Fire crews on the East Evans Creek Fire made further progress yesterday as mop-up expanded, suppression repair advanced, and hose and equipment removal took place on the now 90% contained blaze. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the fire remains at 15,580 acres. An infrared-equipped UAS conducted thermal reconnaissance over the fire area, locating remaining hotspots along the north left side of the fire. Ground crews are systematically gridding those areas and extinguishing the remaining heat. With the Red Flag Warning in effect at 2 p.m., weather conditions that can contribute to rapid fire growth will be present. The forecast includes temperatures in the mid-90s to around 100 degrees, afternoon winds with gusts up to 25 mph, and very low relative humidity between 12% and 19%.
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