Grants Pass to Conduct Smoke Testing to Determine Sewer Lateral Conditions
The City of Grants Pass will be conducting smoke testing from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow the 22nd along NE A and Wharton streets between 9th and 10th streets. The purpose of the testing is to determine the condition of sewer laterals and identify any illegal residential connections to the system. The following information will be placed on the doors of all residents in the test area: "These tests will assist us in locating breaks and defects in the sewer system. During the test, you may see smoke coming from vent stacks on buildings or from holes in the ground. Don’t be alarmed. The smoke has no odor, is non-toxic, non-staining, does not create a fire hazard, and will dissipate in a few minutes." Before the smoke test is conducted, those in the testing area are being asked to please pour water into their basement floor drains and into any unused sinks. This will seal the drain traps so that smoke will not enter the building through the drain. If smoke should enter your building during the test, it could mean that there are defects in the plumbing that could allow dangerous sewer gas to enter. Note the location of the smoke and call (541) 450-6115 to arrange a meeting with the City's inspector. Open doors and windows to ventilate any smoke that enters the building.
...Read more
Fatal Crash Occurred on Highway 140 in Jackson County
Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle crash on Highway 140, near milepost 4, in Jackson County Saturday afternoon. On October 18 at 2:44 p.m., the preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Freightliner recreational vehicle operated by Richard Fay McCoy, 57, of Central Point, struck a bicyclist, Wesley Mad Olngellel, 37, of Central Point, who was in the eastbound lane of travel. The operator of the bicycle, Olngellel, was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Freightliner was uninjured. The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation. OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
...Read more
City Council Proceeds with Pathways to Stability's Homelessness Application
The Grants Pass City Council will move forward with Pathways to Stability's Addressing Homelessness Grant Program Application. The special workshop began with a presentation on parameters for the Addressing Homelessness Grant Program Application Review. Requirements for the proposed sites included being located within the Urban Growth Boundary, be fully operational within 6 months, have 24/7 managed shelter services with a capacity for 150 people, and meet ADA requirements. Mandatory disqualifiers were Failure to Meet Program Requirements, Unacceptable Location based on code compliance, Missing Application Deadlines, and Improper Communication. After discussion, none of the three applicants were disqualified. Diversion by Design presented their application to the council first, describing their goal to build 150 private, low barrier, micro shelters, each costing $467. With voluntary entry and exit and mandatory adherence to their zero-tolerance safety policy, plus a six step path to independence, the potential site cost would be $1.2 million.
...Read more
