Josephine County public meetings in 2023
39 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
House Representative District 3 Selection
The Board of County Commissioners met to fill a vacancy in the Legislative Assembly for State Representative District 3. Following interviews with five candidates, the Board voted to appoint Dwayne Yunker to the position.
- Appointed Dwayne Yunker to fill the vacancy of State Representative District 3
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved findings of fact regarding a land use appeal for an oversized accessory structure. A public hearing concerning library district annexations was tabled. The board also approved the consent calendar, including meeting minutes and a Fair Board reappointment.
- Approved Findings of Fact & Decision regarding oversized accessory structure appeal for Hecker Revocable Trust (3-0)
- Tabled public hearing for annexations to the Josephine Community Library District
- Approved Law Enforcement District, Legal Counsel Update, Weekly Business Session, and County Administration Workshop minutes (3-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2023-038 for a reappointment to the Fair Board (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-100 regarding the December 26, 2023 meeting (3-0)
Legal Counsel Update
The Board of County Commissioners voted to pause all applications for annexations and withdrawals from the Josephine Community Library District for 60 days. The Board also discussed the CDBG service provider contract and the process for filing a legislative vacancy.
- Suspended all applications for annexations and/or withdrawals from the Josephine Community Library District for 60-days (3-0)
House Representative District 3 Interviews
The Board of Commissioners conducted interviews for the State Representative District 3 vacancy. No final selection was made during this session. A final selection is scheduled for December 21, 2023.
- Interviewed Dwyane Yunker
- Interviewed Matthew Robinson
- Interviewed Colene Martin
- Interviewed Bill Ertel
- Interviewed Tanya Henderson
Administration Workshop
The Board agreed to a 4% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for non-union employees and elected officials. They approved two 40-hour PTO sellbacks per year starting November 2024 but maintained a 300-hour PTO payout limit at termination or retirement.
- Approved 4% COLA for non-union employees and elected officials
- Approved two 40-hour PTO payouts per year starting November 2024
- Maintained 300-hour PTO payout at termination/retirement for non-union employees
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners continued a public hearing regarding four petitions to withdraw property from the Josephine Community Library District. The decision was made to seek clarity from County Legal Counsel. The Board also approved the consent calendar.
- Continued public hearing on Josephine Community Library District property withdrawals (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar items 4(a) and 4(b), including minutes and Sylvan Heights Subdivision Plat Map (3-0)
Law Enforcement District Meeting/Legal Counsel Update
The Board of Commissioners ratified collective bargaining agreements with the Sheriff's Association and FOPPO. They also approved a ground lease with PacificCorp and authorized the sale of county-owned land to a prior owner. Legal contracts for the Law Enforcement Services District were also signed.
- Approved ground lease with PacificCorp for weather station at 7525 Takilma Road (3-0)
- Ratified Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Sheriff's Association (3-0)
- Ratified Collective Bargaining Agreement with FOPPO (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-094 to sell county-owned lands to prior owner of record (3-0)
- Approved conflict waiver and contract for legal services from Alison K. Smith
- Approved extension of Burgundy Lane Purchase and Sale Agreement through March 2024
- Decided to hold Pipefork property price as trade secrets until March 1, 2024 (3-0)
- Scheduled interviews for Representative Morgan replacement for December 19 and 20, 2023
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved the formation of a new law enforcement service district based on November 2023 election results. They also approved a property withdrawal from the Josephine Community Library District and updated purchasing policies.
- Approved Order No. 2023-083 to establish the Josephine County Law Enforcement Service District (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-084 to withdraw property from the Josephine Community Library District (2-1)
- Approved Order No. 2023-085 revising Policy B-10 regarding Purchasing (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar minutes for Nov 28, Nov 29, and Nov 30 meetings (3-0)
Legal Counsel Update
The Board of County Commissioners approved several construction contracts for the Fairgrounds and a land sale via quitclaim deed. They also delegated contract signing authority for the Prevention and Treatment Program and rescinded a previous order regarding county code requirements.
- Approved Order No. 2023-088 delegating contract signing authority to Shawn Martinez (3-0)
- Approved contract with Vitus Construction, Inc. for Fairgrounds Arena Phase 3 Renovation (3-0)
- Approved contract with Vitus Construction, Inc. for Fairgrounds restroom renovations (3-0)
- Approved Amendment No. 2 to Intergovernmental Agreement OJD Contract No. 230025 (3-0)
- Approved Limited Power of Attorney for Crown Castle at 370 Bowhill Rd
- Approved Order No. 2023-086 rescinding Board Order No. 2023-064 (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-087 and Quitclaim Deed for Pine Cone Drive, LLC (3-0)
Land Use Hearing
The Board of County Commissioners upheld a Director's decision to allow a detached living space that exceeds standard size limits. The approved structure increases the total accessory square footage on the 5.46-acre parcel to approximately 7,876 square feet, surpassing the 6,000 square foot limit.
- Approved Site Plan Review for oversized accessory structure (3-0)
Administration Workshop
The Board of Commissioners approved $95,000 in economic development requests for Taylor's Country Store and the Small Business Development Center. They also authorized a transit IT contract and two juvenile justice amendments. Additionally, the Board approved three job description changes in Human Resources.
- Approved $50,000 economic development request for Taylor's Country Store Expansion (3-0)
- Approved $45,000 economic development request for Small Business Development Center (3-0)
- Approved Personal Services Contract with BC Electronics LLC for Vehicle IT Support (3-0)
- Approved Amendment to State of Oregon IGA No. 164681 for Basic Residential Services (3-0)
- Approved Amendment No. 2 to Oregon Dept of Education Grant No. 15676 for High-Risk Juvenile Crime Prevention Services (3-0)
- Approved job description change for Parks and Recreation Field Support from A10 to A11
- Approved job description change for Children's Advocacy Center Program Manager from NU13 to NU15
- Approved new job description for Veterans Program Assistant Manager
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved the annexation of three properties into the Josephine Community Library District. They also adopted a new administrative policy regarding proceeds from foreclosed property sales and authorized the sale of certain county-owned lands to prior owners.
- Approved annexation of three properties into Josephine Community Library District (Orders 2023-077, 2023-078, 2023-079) (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-080 adopting Policy F-06 regarding administrative policies for foreclosed property proceeds (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-081 authorizing the sale of county-owned lands not in use to prior owners of record (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar minutes for November 14, 15, and 16, 2023 (3-0)
KAJO/Legal Counsel Update
The Board of County Commissioners approved a rental agreement for county property and terminated an intergovernmental agreement with Jackson County. The Board also agreed to start a fire protection services process and an agreement with the Oregonians in Action Legal Center.
- Approved rental agreement for county property at 1399 Pansy Lane (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-082 terminating the Rogue Valley Workforce Consortium agreement with Jackson County (3-0)
- Agreed to start the Fire Protection Services process
- Agreed to Attorney/Client Agreement with Oregonians in Action Legal Center for Title 19 review
- Directed staff to move forward with Pacific Power weather station at 7525 Takilma Rd
- Directed staff to place Order No. 2023-080 (Tax Foreclosed Real Property policy) on next week's agenda
- Directed staff to place Order No. 2023-081 (Sale of 455 Harris Road for $11,000) on next week's agenda
- Directed staff to place Order No. 2023-083 (Law Enforcement Service District formation) on next week's agenda
Administration Workshop
The Board authorized two forestry contracts for seedling growth and planting. They also agreed to sign a subdivision plat map for The Knolls at Turkey Hollow. A funding request from the Small Business Development Center was tabled.
- Authorized Forestry Director to sign Seedling Growing Service Contract #2024A-124 with Weyerhaeuser NR Company
- Approved Tree Planting Contract 2024PL-1 with Rogue River Forestry, LLC
- Agreed to sign The Knolls at Turkey Hollow Subdivision Plat Map
- Tabled $45,000 Economic Development Funds request from Small Business Development Center
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included previous meeting minutes and the order for the November 20, 2023, meeting. Residents provided public comments regarding a law enforcement district, community litter, and rural county alliances.
- Approved minutes from Legal Counsel Update (Nov 7) and Weekly Business Session (Nov 8) (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-076 for the November 20, 2023, Weekly Business Meeting (3-0)
Legal Counsel Update
The Board of Commissioners agreed to sign documents for the purchase of property at 1389 & 1399 Pansy Lane from Dogooders Properties. This included the acceptance of a Bargain and Sale Deed and a Memorandum of Understanding for the use of personal property at that location.
- Approved Bargain and Sale Deed for property purchase of 1389 & 1399 Pansy Lane
- Approved MOU with Dogooders Properties, LLC for use of personal property at 1389 & 1399 Pansy Lane
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved Order No. 2023-075 to confirm a property sale and authorize the distribution of proceeds. The Board also approved the consent calendar including previous meeting minutes and a legal counsel update.
- Approved Order No. 2023-075 regarding Sheriff's Property Sale of November 1, 2023 (2-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar including minutes from Oct 31, Nov 1, and Nov 2 (2-0)
Legal Counsel Update
The Board of County Commissioners appointed a new County Assessor and terminated a partnership with the Rogue Valley Workforce Consortium and Rogue Workforce Partnership. The Board also agreed to engage common counsel for a legal matter and declined the sale of the Pipefork property.
- Appointed Chris Parton as County Assessor (3-0)
- Terminated partnership with Rogue Valley Workforce Consortium and Rogue Workforce Partnership (3-0)
- Approved consent to engage common counsel for Gabbert et al v. Counties (3-0)
- Declined the potential sale of county real property known as Pipefork
- Directed staff to place the $207,501 sale of 1120 SW Bridge Street under Administrative Actions for the next session
Administration Workshop
The Board approved two funding requests and one contract amendment. A proposed ordinance to allow rural accessory dwelling units was delayed due to a lack of fire safety standards.
- Approved $50,000 Economic Development Request for Rogue Truck Body (3-0)
- Approved Amendment No. 1 to Contract for Personal Services for a Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) Coordinator (3-0)
- Tabled Ordinance No. 2023-006 regarding rural accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for further discussion
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included several sets of meeting minutes and a resolution for a committee appointment. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved minutes from October 18, October 24, October 25, and October 26, 2023 (3-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2023-037 appointing a member to the Josephine County Mining Advisory Committee (3-0)
Legal Counsel Update
The Board of County Commissioners approved two grant agreement amendments with Options for Southern Oregon for mental health and clinical monitoring services. The Board agreed to review a proposed mining ordinance and directed Human Resources to review applications for County Assessor.
- Approved Amendment No. 1 for Mental Health Services grant agreement (3-0)
- Approved Amendment No. 2 for PSRB Agreement grant agreement (3-0)
- Tabled mining ordinance for further review
- Directed HR to review County Assessor applications by November 15, 2023
Administration Workshop
The Board approved a rental agreement and property tax exemption for a transitional housing program at 1112 NE D Street. The Board also authorized contract amendments for the Assessor's Office and Community Corrections, and granted signing authority for a Juvenile Justice employment agreement.
- Approved rental agreement and property tax exemption for 1112 NE D Street (2-1)
- Authorized County Assessor to sign Amendment No. 1 to IGA# 90-44000-00020617
- Approved revised IGA No. 6356 with Oregon Department of Corrections
- Authorized signing of IGA No. 181537 with Oregon Health Authority for Supported Employment
- Approved Grant Agreement with Options for Southern Oregon for Centers of Excellence
- Tabled Small Business Development Center Economic Development Request
- Directed staff to place Resolution No. 2023-037 (Mining Advisory Committee appointment) on next week's Consent Calendar
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved the suspension of applications for mineral exploration permits and mining leases to focus Forestry Program resources on timber sales. They also established a new policy for removing homeless individuals from public property and approved four library district annexations.
- Approved Order No. 2023-069 suspending mineral exploration permits and mining leases (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-070 establishing Policy E-06 for removal of homeless individuals from public property (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-071 for Josephine Community Library District annexation (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-072 for Josephine Community Library District annexation (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-073 for Josephine Community Library District annexation (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-074 for Josephine Community Library District annexation (3-0)
Legal Counsel Update (part 1)/KAJO
The Board of County Commissioners approved the re-purchase of property at 455 Harris Road and a six-month land sale contract for property at 91 Redlands Drive. The Board also received updates regarding the Dimmick Campus and a legal memo on Tyler v. Hennepin County.
- Approved re-purchase of County Real Property at 455 Harris Road (3-0)
- Approved Land Sale Contract for County Real Property at 91 Redlands Drive for a term of six months (3-0)
City/County Update
The Board of Commissioners and City of Grants Pass officials discussed the status of the Dollar Mountain appraisal and the Dimmick property development. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded during the session.
- Discussed potential sale of Dollar Mountain to City of Grants Pass pending yellow book appraisal
- Confirmed Dimmick property is available for buyers/investors after previous deal fell through
- Discussed workforce and affordable housing grant availability
- Discussed homeless shelter options and the impact of current lawsuits on city ordinances
- Requested monthly Narcan administration data from city police and fire departments
- Discussed reforming or repealing Measure 110
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included previous meeting minutes and a plat map. No other substantive actions were taken during the session.
- Approved minutes from October 10, 11, and 12, 2023 (2-0)
- Approved The Pinnacle at Meadows Phase 2 Plat Map (2-0)
Administration Workshop
The Board approved payments for O&C Act litigation and several public health and transit invoices. Appointments were made to the Board of Property Tax Appeals and the Urban Area Planning Commission. A plat map for The Pinnacle At Meadows Phase 2 was tabled.
- Approved Limited Power of Attorney for land-use permits at Grants Pass Airport (2-0)
- Approved Swiftly software/hardware purchase and vehicle cleaning contract with Dennis Howard (2-0)
- Approved $29,186.18 Southern Oregon Sanitation invoice for property cleanup
- Approved $14,504.82 SANOFI Pasteur invoice for flu vaccines
- Approved $11,161.85 HS Billable Vaccines invoice for flu vaccines
- Approved O&C Litigation payment for Supreme Court appeal
- Approved Resolution No. 2023-034 for Board of Property Tax Appeals appointments (2-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2023-036 for Urban Area Planning Commission appointment (2-0)
Weekly Business Session
The Board adopted Ordinance No. 2023-005 to update rural land development codes for farm and forest zones to comply with state law. Additionally, the Board approved two landowner petitions to annex properties into the Josephine Community Library District.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 2023-005 amending Rural Land Development Code (2-1)
- Approved Order No. 2023-066 for library district annexation (3-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-067 for library district annexation (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar minutes for October 3 and October 4, 2023 (3-0)
Legal Counsel Update
The Board of County Commissioners suspended the acceptance of applications for mineral exploration permits and mining leases for one year. The Board also discussed opioid settlement funds, fire protection standards, and the removal of encampments on county property.
- Suspended acceptance of mineral exploration permits and mining leases for one year
- Instructed Legal Counsel to bring back a policy regarding Gabbert et al v. Josephine County
- Directed Real Property Manager to follow up on 2017 MOU with City of Cave Junction
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of two properties on Pansy Lane for $1 million using property reserve funds. They also adopted an ordinance expanding public intoxication laws to include substances other than alcohol. Several administrative items and employee service recognitions were processed.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 2023-004 to include non-alcohol intoxicating substances (2-0)
- Approved $1M purchase of 1389 and 1399 Pansy Lane from Dogooders Properties, LLC (2-0)
- Approved Legal Counsel Update (Sept 26) and Weekly Business Session minutes (Sept 27) (2-0)
- Approved Order No. 2023-068 revising Executive Session News Media Attendance Policy (2-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2023-035 establishing the Road Service District Fund (2-0)
- Tabled First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Love Abounds Asset Management, LLC and Oregon Futbol Academy
Legal Counsel Update
The Board of Commissioners agreed to extend the closing date for the Burgundy Lane property purchase and sale agreement in Cave Junction. Other items included a discussion on a fire protection ordinance and a state grant for homeless programs.
- Approved extension of Burgundy Lane purchase and sale agreement close date to on/or before December 31, 2023
- Tabled executive session regarding county real property at 455 Harris Dr.
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 2023-005 to update rural land development codes for farm and forest zones. The ordinance implements changes mandated by the Oregon Legislature. A second reading and adoption are scheduled for October 11, 2023.
- Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 2023-005 (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar items 5(a) and 5(b) (3-0)
- Approved Order No 2023-060 regarding the establishment and use of the SOAP Fund (70) (3-0)
Legal Counsel Update/KAJO
The Board of Commissioners authorized the auction of four county real properties and approved payment for a property cleanup. Two items regarding news media policy and a road service district fund were referred to a future agenda. The Board also discussed options for fire coverage in unprotected county areas.
- Authorized sale of four county real properties by Sheriff's Sale (Order No. 2023-065)
- Approved $15,051 JP Auto & Metal Recycling invoice for cleanup of 106 E. O'Brien St.
- Directed staff to place News Media Attendance Policy (Order No. 2023-xxx) on next week's Consent Calendar
- Directed staff to place Road Service District Fund resolution (Resolution No. 2023-xxx) on next week's Consent Calendar
Administration Workshop/Townhall
The Board authorized several contracts for drug court services and grant agreements. They also approved a seismic retrofit for the dispatch building and a conceptual design study for a new or renovated animal shelter.
- Agreed to send a letter to legislators and the Governor supporting the repeal of Ballot Measure 110
- Agreed to publish the Assessor position in the newspaper for filling
- Appointed Todd Zeutzius as Deputy County Surveyor (temporary)
- Authorized signing of drug court contracts with Options for Southern Oregon, Inc. and Rick Jones
- Authorized signing of a State of Oregon grant agreement for the Drug Court
- Approved the 2023-25 Community Corrections Allotment Plan
- Agreed to hire a Safety/Risk Manager/ADA Coordinator and a temporary employee
- Approved contracts for the dispatch building seismic retrofit and an animal shelter needs assessment
Weekly Business Session
The Board approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 2023-004 to update public intoxication laws to include stimulants and paraphernalia. A second reading and adoption are scheduled for October 4, 2023. The Board also approved the consent calendar and presented medals of valor.
- Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 2023-004 regarding public intoxication (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar Agenda Item 6(a) (3-0)
- Tabled Purchase and Sale Agreement for property at 1389 & 1399 Pansy Lane
- Presented Medals of Valor to Travis Snyder, Gerald Bayard, Craig Ricker, Tanner Sherow, and Chris Watson
Legal Counsel Update
The Board of County Commissioners approved hiring Merit Commercial Real Estate to sell the Flying Lark property located at 1401 Pansy Lane. Other items, including a resolution regarding Ballot Measure 110 and a real property sale order, were tabled or moved to future meetings.
- Approved hiring Merit Commercial Real Estate to sell Flying Lark property at 1401 Pansy Lane for $14.9 million (3-0)
- Tabled resolution in support of repealing Ballot Measure 110
- Moved Order No. 2023-xxx regarding sale of County Real Property by Sheriff's Sale to next Tuesday's update
Administration Workshop
The Board approved a one-year contract for a full-time deputy to patrol BLM managed lands. They also granted the DEQ access to a property in Selma and agreed to revise the county purchasing policy regarding employee meals and hotels during mandatory training.
- Approved $145,000 law enforcement services contract with BLM (3-0)
- Approved access agreement with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for 113 Forest Creek Road
- Tabled contract with LBL Architects for animal shelter needs assessment
- Agreed to revise Policy B-10 purchasing policy regarding meal/hotel payments for mandatory training
- Agreed to include employment law specialist Kyle Abraham in FOPPO negotiations
Weekly Business Session
The Board of County Commissioners approved the formation of a road service district to manage federal accounting for road maintenance funds. They also approved transit agreements with the City of Grants Pass and Rogue Community College, and finalized a subdivision appeal decision.
- Approved Order No. 2023-063 to form the Josephine County Road Service District (3-0)
- Approved Interagency Agreement with City of Grants Pass for 2023-2025 Public Transit Division Discretionary Grant Award (3-0)
- Approved $30K annual agreement with Rogue Community College for Student/Staff Pass Program (3-0)
- Approved Findings of Fact and Decision regarding a subdivision appeal and gravel road maintenance plan (3-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2023-033 for a reappointment to the Collaborative Economic Development Committee (3-0)
- Approved minutes from September 5 and September 6, 2023 (3-0)
- Proclaimed September 17-23, 2023 as U.S. Constitution Week
Legal Counsel Update
The Board of County Commissioners approved a temporary suspension of a specific county code requirement regarding wildfire and emergency safety standards. This action affects land use applications for properties located outside of a fire protection district.
- Approved Order 2023-064 to temporarily suspend Josephine County Code Chapter 19.76.060 for 180 days (2-0)