BCC Approves Grant Funding via Opioid Settlement Funds for Organizations
The Board of Commissioners approved a grant supporting Continuum Behavioral Health and Recovery Strategies, The Grants Pass Sobering Center, and HIV Alliance through Opioid Settlement funds. During their 1:30 p.m. workshop, the board moved unanimously for over $140,000 in settlement funds be approved for Behavioral Health, over $44,000 for the Sobering Center, and almost $29,000 authorized for HIV Alliance. No cost will be incurred for the county. Information Technology gave an overview of their work with different departments, and provided a final draft of the Strategic Communication plan to the board. All position requisitions and actions from Human Resources were approved, as was the Stonefly Subdivision Plat Map. A motion to approve the Roadless Rule Comment letter be submitted to the federal government passed 3-0, and the meeting adjourned.
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Council Hears Redevelopment Plan, Sign Presentations, City Manager Salary Motion Passed
Grants Pass City Council held two interviews for the Historical Buildings and Sites Commission, then heard presentations for the Washington Midland Redevelopment Plan and Interstate 5 Sign Code overlay. Council was presented the preferred redevelopment framework and potential steps recommended to implement the plan. The project has moved from concepts to a preferred plan and development strategy. This includes improved streets and utilities on Franklin and Bunnel Avenues, improved pedestrian accessibility, commercial uses, and housing options with a range of townhomes and apartments as rentals or to own. Potential costs could be $1.9 million for the city and public, $190K in Private property and Frontage costs, with a combined investment of $2.09 million. A draft plan will be prepared for final review by council before potential adoption. Next for consideration was the potential I-5 Sign Code overlay following a previous appeal for a 100 foot Dutch Bros. and Les Schwab sign. Current regulation permits one freestanding sign per street frontage up to 25-foot height and 100-square-foot sign area.
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JoCo Sheriff's Deputies Respond to Two Crashes, Both Fatal
Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office responded to two fatal crashes early in the weekend. Friday at 8:18 p.m., a vehicle vs pedestrian crash was reported near the 2600 block of Merlin Road. A Geo Metro car was traveling east on Merlin Road when the vehicle hit a male pedestrian. The driver of the Geo Metro stayed on scene. The pedestrian was identified as Scott Starke, 88, who was transported to an area hospital and later succumbed to his injuries. Next of kin has been notified. This case is still an active investigation and pending results of evidence, charges will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office. No further information in this case will be released at this time. Saturday afternoon at 12:15 p.m., deputies, American Medical Response, and fire personnel responded to Monument Drive near Mary Harris Way for a report of an ATV crash. Once on scene, a male, Barry Fell, 58, was found with serious injuries after crashing an ATV. He was transported by AMR to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Next of kin have been notified. No further information will be released.
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