The Rogue Valley Briefing

PHOENIX — In a productive session centered on community growth and infrastructure, the Phoenix City Council moved forward on several key initiatives designed to bolster the city’s economic and recreational future. Led by Mayor Terry Baker, the council addressed a significant annexation request and strategic improvements for a local park, signaling a unified approach to local development.

The centerpiece of the meeting was the public hearing for project PH-1, a proposal for the annexation and zone change of approximately 0.63 acres located at the intersection of North 4th Street and Highway 99. Planning Manager Joe Slaughter presented the details of the staff report, explaining that the application sought to transition the property from Jackson County Rural Residential to City of Phoenix Commercial zoning. Slaughter highlighted that the change is consistent with the city’s long-term vision for a vibrant, high-density commercial corridor along the Highway 99 south end.

Following the presentation and a brief opportunity for public testimony, the council expressed strong support for the commercial potential of the site. Councilor Mendez made the motion to approve the annexation and the associated zone change, which was seconded by Councilor Shunk. The council voted unanimously, 6-0, in favor of the project, providing a clear path for new commercial development at the high-traffic location.

Economic vitality remained a recurring theme as the council welcomed Colleen Padilla, Executive Director of SOREDI (Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc.). Padilla provided a detailed update on regional business recruitment and emphasized Phoenix’s strategic role in the broader Jackson County economic ecosystem. Additionally, the council reviewed progress on the City of Phoenix Branding and Marketing Project, which aims to create a cohesive identity for the city as it continues its extensive rebuilding and recovery efforts.

Turning to public spaces, City Manager Eric Swanson and staff presented plans for significant enhancements at Blue Heron Park. The city is currently pursuing a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for approximately $400,000 to fund essential upgrades. Proposed improvements include the construction of permanent restroom facilities and the installation of new site lighting to improve safety and accessibility for evening visitors.

Councilor Heidegger engaged staff on the specifics of the grant’s matching requirements and the anticipated project timeline. Staff confirmed that the park upgrades remain a high priority for the community. Mayor Baker concluded the discussion by noting that these coordinated efforts in both commercial expansion and public infrastructure are vital for the city's ongoing growth.

GRANTS PASS – The Grants Pass City Council met on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, to resolve a long-standing dispute regarding local waste franchise agreements and the banning of a local contractor from the Merlin transfer station.

The meeting opened with an invocation by Angela Mayor and the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President Rob led the proceedings, which began with a roll call. Councilors Eric, Joel, Kendra, and Victoria were present in person, while Councilor Rick joined the meeting online. Councilor Seth recused himself from the evening’s primary public hearing, citing an abundance of caution regarding a potential conflict of interest.

The central focus of the session was a continued public hearing concerning a citizen complaint filed by Connor Kirkpatrick against Republic Services. Mr. Kirkpatrick, who operates a thrift store and a contracting business, had been prohibited from using the Merlin transfer station by Republic Services due to alleged violations of the city’s franchise agreement.

City staff detailed the various exemptions within the franchise agreement, specifically focusing on Exemption 2.89. This clause allows for the transportation of solid waste by persons engaged in cleaning up property for sale or abating nuisances. Staff noted that this specific language is unique to the Republic Services City of Grants Pass agreement and does not appear in the four other regional agreements.

During testimony, Mr. Kirkpatrick expressed satisfaction with the staff report but sought further clarification on "abating a nuisance," specifically regarding his voluntary cleanup of illegally dumped trash on public lands. He also requested that his transactions at the transfer station be handled on a cash-on-delivery (COD) basis rather than a commercial credit account.

Julie Jackson, representing Republic Services, testified that the company had met with Mr. Kirkpatrick on February 10 to resolve the grievance. Jackson announced that Republic Services would lift the ban on Mr. Kirkpatrick and agreed to the broader interpretation of Exemption 2.89. She emphasized that a new "due process procedure" had been drafted in conjunction with legal counsel to handle future violations, including requirements for written warnings and documented logs of violations.

Trent Carpenter of Southern Oregon Sanitation also spoke, confirming that his organization was "buying in" to the new due process framework. Carpenter noted that while his franchise agreement does not contain the "property for sale" exemption, he supported a universal process for banning and reinstating haulers across the city.

The council also heard from resident Ra Brown during public comment, who raised concerns regarding high dumping fees for items such as mattresses and couches.

While no formal legislative vote was required following the consensus that the complaint was moot, the council directed that the determination and the clarified interpretations of the franchise exemptions be provided to all parties in writing.

Medford City Council Reviews Infrastructure and Economic Strategy

The Medford City Council convened on March 4, 2026, for a meeting focused on municipal operations, economic development, and ongoing community debate regarding downtown infrastructure.

Operational Highlights and Awards Deputy City Manager Debbie Grady opened the session by recognizing Court Supervisor Cassie Near, who was honored with a Tyler Excellence Award for her work in modernizing municipal court operations, including a transition to paperless workflows.

The council also received an update on the James Redend Courthouse. The city, represented by City Manager Promile, submitted a letter of interest to the Government Services Administration (GSA) to explore potential acquisition of the property through public benefit conveyance. Staff, including Planning Director Michelle King, are currently evaluating the building for repair needs, seismic considerations, and potential public uses.

Economic Development Blair Sundell, the new executive director of So Ready, delivered his first quarterly report to the council. Sundell emphasized a shift toward "action-oriented" economic development, moving away from process-heavy cycles. He identified the "One Rogue Valley" economic strategy as a primary focus and discussed plans to better utilize federal programs, such as Opportunity Zones, New Market Tax Credits, and CPACE. Councilor Kevin Stein expressed strong support for this actionable approach, encouraging Sundell to bring specific policy proposals and funding mechanisms before the council.

Main Street Infrastructure Debate The meeting’s public comment period focused heavily on the "Main Street Bike Lanes" and the potential reconfiguration of the street. City staff noted that they received written comments from 34 individuals; 19 supported "Option Three," while 15 requested that the council revisit its previous decision to restore Main Street to its prior configuration.

During public testimony, several downtown business owners and residents—including Emily and Andy Whitlock—argued against the current plan to revert to the previous traffic configuration. They cited concerns over business survival during construction, the validity of the surveys used to justify the change, and the potential waste of a $410,000 grant. Other speakers, such as David Browder of the Cisco Bicycle Club and resident Josh Moffett, urged the council to prioritize safety and long-term planning over short-term political pressure.

The council has a joint study session with the Planning Commission scheduled for the following Wednesday, and the final meeting regarding the establishment of the Economic Improvement District (EID) is set for March 18. An April 8 study session will further address opportunity zones and include a discussion on Main Street alternatives.

GRANTS PASS — City officials and budget committee members gathered on March 2, 2026, for a comprehensive workshop to outline the city’s financial roadmap and address critical staffing compensation issues. The session, led by City Manager Aaron, Finance Director JC, and staff member Stephanie, served as the formal orientation for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget process.

Budget Strategy and Capital Projects City Manager Aaron opened the meeting by detailing the structure of the Budget Committee, which consists of eight elected city councilors and eight appointed citizen members. Aaron emphasized that the budget is a legal document that provides the authority to spend public dollars, noting that Grants Pass operates on a one-year fiscal cycle with projections for a second year.

Finance Director JC provided a deep dive into the city's capital budget and accounting methods. He specifically highlighted several ongoing and future infrastructure priorities, including the Spalding Industrial Park wastewater infrastructure upgrade (Project SE6200) and the long-term planning for the city's water treatment plant. JC explained the city’s use of specific coding for tracking these projects, such as “TR” for transportation and “WA” for water.

JC also addressed the city’s current fiscal position, noting that the general fund is projected to spend approximately $4 million more than it receives in revenues for the 2026 fiscal year. He detailed the city’s property tax structure, which includes a permanent rate of just over $4.00 and a local option levy of $1.79.

Non-Bargaining Compensation Adjustments The workshop also focused on a presentation by Stephanie regarding the non-bargaining compensation and classification adjustment. Stephanie reported that a market analysis conducted by Dr. McGrath in 2024 found that Grants Pass non-bargaining positions were, on average, 12.6% below all market comparators.

The data further revealed that city positions were 7.3% below Rogue Valley comparators and 14.5% below Union comparators. Stephanie warned of "internal compression," where subordinates may earn nearly as much as their supervisors, and the legal risks associated with pay equity law. She noted that jurisdictions such as Klamath Falls and Roseburg are used as southern Oregon comparators for these assessments.

Upcoming Timeline and Votes While the workshop was an informational session and no formal votes were taken (0-0), officials outlined a strict schedule for upcoming action. The City Council is set to provide policy direction on March 16, with the first formal Budget Committee meeting scheduled for April 28. At that meeting, members will elect a chair and vice chair and receive the official budget message. Subsequent meetings are slated for April 30 and May 5.

ASHLAND — The Ashland City Council met on March 3, 2026, to address a heavy-hearted community and review progress on a major housing and service site located at 2200 Ashland Street.

Mayor Tanya Graham opened the session by calling for a moment of silence to honor two young women killed and three others injured in a recent "tragic accident" that has devastated the local community. Following this, Councilor Henen offered a land acknowledgment, and Councilor Charelle led the Pledge of Allegiance.

In administrative business, the council moved to approve the minutes from the February 2nd and February 3rd meetings. Councilor Dale made the motion, which passed in a unanimous 6-0 vote. Roll call confirmed support from Councilors Dale, Bloom, Kaplan, Dukane, Hansen, and Charelle.

The meeting's primary focus was a presentation by Noah Worheiser, Chair of the 2200 Ad Hoc Committee. Worheiser provided an update on the development of the 2200 Ashland Street site, which is currently being utilized as a severe weather shelter. The committee is exploring several housing models for the site, including tiny home villages, multi-unit efficiency apartments, and multi-story configurations.

Worheiser noted that the site’s zoning allows for buildings up to five stories or 60 feet. The goal is to serve populations including those requiring permanent supported housing and households at or below 60% to 80% of the area median income.

A central component of the plan is the "Coordinating Agency Model," where the city would issue a master lease to a single entity to manage operations. Worheiser also introduced a "Good Neighbor Agreement" framework, which establishes behavior expectations across three geographic zones surrounding the property. Councilor Bloom suggested that this agreement be further refined during an upcoming public open house.

The council engaged in a spirited discussion regarding interim uses for the site. Councilor Charelle expressed interest in "pallet shelters," noting that they could be deployed quickly compared to permanent construction. However, Worheiser clarified that while pallet shelters were discussed, they are not currently a committee recommendation. Councilor Bloom reminded the council that the previous ad hoc committee had specifically moved away from certain interim uses to honor prior commitments to the neighborhood.

Mayor Graham and the committee announced a community town hall scheduled for April 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the 22

MEDFORD, OR – The Jackson County Board of Commissioners met Wednesday morning, March 4, 2026, at the Jackson County Courthouse Auditorium to authorize the transfer of road jurisdictions to the City of Ashland and move forward with a significant industrial rezoning project in the northern part of the county.

Road Jurisdiction Transfers to Ashland The Board held a public hearing regarding Order Number 66-26, which concerns the transfer of jurisdiction of portions of East Main Street and Clay Street to the City of Ashland. According to county staff member Mr. Jordan, the city initiated the transfer via Resolution 2026-01 on January 20, 2026. Jordan noted that the transfer was considered "necessary, expedient, or in the best interest of the county."

Following a brief overview of hearing rules by Mr. Filbert, and noting that no members of the public signed up to speak, the Board moved to a vote. Commissioner Rick Dyer moved to approve the order, which was seconded by Commissioner Colleen Roberts. The motion passed unanimously with a 3-0 vote, as Chair Randy Sparosino, Commissioner Dyer, and Commissioner Roberts all voted in favor.

Light Industrial Rezoning at Rogue River Drive The commissioners also conducted the first reading of Ordinance 2026-1. This ordinance considers a minor comprehensive plan map and zoning map amendment for a 16.59-acre parcel located at 2000 Rogue River Drive. The application, filed by Paige Stevens and Brad Angel, seeks to rezone a 5.7-acre portion of the property from Rural Residential 5 (RR-5) to Light Industrial (LI).

Mr. Jordan explained that the light industrial designation is intended to expand the use of the property and "increase industrial business opportunities to the northern portion of Jackson County." Chair Sparosino moved to approve the first reading and schedule a second reading and public hearing for March 18, 2026. Commissioner Dyer seconded the motion, and the Board approved the measure with a unanimous 3-0 vote.

Employee Recognition and Consent Calendar The meeting began with the recognition of Lee Sandondo from the Health and Human Services Department as the March 2026 Employee of the Month. Sandondo, who has served the mental health division for nearly 15 years, was praised by program managers Rob Thomas and Tati Allen for her flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Additionally, the Board unanimously approved the consent calendar (3-0 vote), which included meeting minutes from February 10, 11, and 12, 2026.

The Board will reconvene for the second reading of the Rogue River Drive rezoning on March 18 at 1:30 p.m.

ASHLAND – The Ashland City Council met for a study session on March 2, 2026, to discuss the city’s long-standing international sister-city relationship and the management of urban deer populations.

Amigo Club Highlights 60-Year Milestone Jay Tapp, president of the Amigo Club of Ashland, presented an update on the city’s 60-year partnership with Guanajuato. Tap highlighted the success of the Amigo Club Opportunity Fund, a new initiative designed to support educational and cultural exchanges. The fund has already provided scholarships to students such as Sebastian, a pre-med student at Southern Oregon University (SOU), and Karen Lopez Villain Noeva, an MBA student.

Tap also detailed several cultural projects, including the permanent installation of the Heart of Wanowata Guanajuato sculpture by artist Gilberto Salazar. Additionally, the club is working on a Cervantes-oriented plaque project featuring the quote: "In order to attain the impossible one must attempt the absurd."

During the presentation, Tapp discussed a potential new collaboration with the Ashland Independent Film Festival to host a "Best of Guanajuato" international film week. Mayor Tanya Graham and Councelor Dukane expressed strong interest in expanding the Community Ambassador Program into a year-long leadership and mentorship initiative for local youth.

While the session was a study session and no formal votes were cast (0-0), Councilors Dale, Katherine, Hansen, and Dukane all voiced their continued support for the delegation’s upcoming June 2026 trip to participate in the annual Pressa festivities.

ODFW Reports on Urban Deer Conflicts The second half of the meeting featured Matthew Vargas, a Rogue District Wildlife Biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Vargas provided a technical overview of human-wildlife conflicts in Ashland, noting that 2022 represented the highest year for conflict reports on record.

Vargas categorized deer-related calls into three areas: "Sick, Injured, Dead" (SID), damage/nuisance, and human safety. According to ODFW data, human safety complaints—such as does charging pedestrians or pets—peak significantly during the fawning season in June and July.

"Those does are going to be most protective that first four to six weeks of the fawn’s life," Vargas explained, noting a sharp decline in calls after July 15. Vargas praised Ashland’s unique online reporting system, stating he was unaware of any other city in Oregon utilizing a similar tool to track urban wildlife trends.

The council took no formal action on deer management during the session, pending further data and discussion.

Medford Planning Commission Holds February 26 Session

The Medford Planning Commission convened on February 26, 2026, to address a busy agenda of residential and economic planning matters. Chairing the meeting, the commission conducted a series of votes regarding ongoing development projects across the county.

Loger Loop Subdivision The commission considered agenda item 50.1 (LDS-25-392), a request for tentative plat approval for the Loger Loop subdivision, a six-lot residential project on approximately 0.99 acres. The applicant, Rogue Valley Affordable Homes Incorporated, requested a continuance for the project. Following a motion by the chair, the commission voted unanimously (9-0) to continue the item to the March 26, 2026, meeting.

Medford Comprehensive Plan Update Agenda item 50.2 (CP-25-222), a legislative amendment to the economic element of the Medford Comprehensive Plan, was also addressed. Planner Carla Paladino presented the request on behalf of the city of Medford to incorporate updated economic opportunity analysis. The commission voted unanimously (9-0) to continue the application to the April 9, 2026, meeting.

Berkeley Hill Subdivision The commission reviewed item 50.3 (LDS-25-057 and ZC-25-058), a request for a 72-lot residential subdivision featuring single-family, duplex, triplex, and cottage-style units. Located south of East McAndrews Road and west of Spring Brook Road, the project covers 15.07 acres. Commissioner Marcy Pierce recused herself from the discussion due to a conflict of interest. Staff from the planning department noted the project would include property line adjustments and internal street extensions. Following the presentation by planner Stefan Rolandfeld and public works official Doug Burroughs, the commission voted 8-0 to adopt staff findings and approve the subdivision, including a maximum five-year development timeline.

Mountaintop Village Revision The final item, 50.4 (PUB-25-292), involved a revision to the Mountaintop Village area of the Vista Point Planned Unit Development (PUD). The proposal seeks to increase the unit count from 132 townhouses to 199 dwelling units. Planning staff, including Kelly Aken and Keegan Benson, noted the record was closed following a three-week open period. During the meeting, Commissioner Marcy Pierce abstained from the proceedings, and another commissioner recused themselves due to a professional conflict with the applicant, Pacific Rental Properties LLC. The hearing focused on traffic impact concerns and PUD design standards.

The meeting concluded after these items were addressed by the seated commission members.

Medford City Council Discusses Potential Minor League Baseball Stadium

The Medford City Council held a study session on February 25, 2026, to discuss a proposal for a new ballpark project, referred to as the Creekside Quarter Project. Interim City Manager John Vile introduced the session, noting that the discussion regarding the future of the project was “long overdue.”

The presentation featured representatives from the Elmore Sports Group, Minor League Baseball (MiLB), and the San Francisco Giants organization. DG Elmore, owner of the Eugene Emeralds, proposed the development of a multi-use facility, estimating that a new ballpark could be built for approximately $60 million. Elmore emphasized that the proposed venue would function as a “civic location” capable of hosting weddings, concerts, and community events in addition to baseball.

Peter Woodfork, senior vice president of minor league operations and development, attended the session alongside Andy Billig, owner of the Spokane Indians. Woodfork highlighted the potential for the stadium to serve as a community anchor, noting that while the project is complex, it offers significant transformation potential for Medford. Casey Brett, senior vice president of business development at Major League Baseball, provided further insight into the “three-legged partnership” required for the project’s success, involving public officials, local operators, and Major League Baseball.

The discussion also included Randy Winn, vice president of player development for the San Francisco Giants. Winn provided a perspective on player development, noting that the Giants already have a presence in Medford through the Junior Giant program. He outlined the specific needs of an affiliated team, including access to safe housing for 40 staff members and players, as well as nutritional requirements. Winn noted that the organization spends between $600,000 and $700,000 annually on player housing and staff stipends, alongside an additional $100,000 for team meals.

The meeting focused on the potential for Medford to host a Northwest League affiliate team, with proponents arguing that the facility would serve as a driver for local economic growth and urban revitalization.

The council members participated in a question-and-answer period regarding the project's logistics and potential impact on the community. Interim City Manager Vile noted that following the initial presentations, he would provide a follow-up presentation to help council members contemplate the next steps for the project. No formal votes were taken during the study session.

Ashland Planning Commission Reviews State Legislation and Local Subdivision Plans

The Ashland Planning Commission held a special meeting on February 24, 2026, where members addressed local project approvals and received an extensive briefing on state-mandated land-use changes. With six of seven commissioners present, the body maintained a quorum throughout the session.

Project Approval at North Main Street The commission took final action regarding the subdivision project located at 431 North Main Street (PA-T2-2025-000065). Following discussions at the February 10 meeting, the commission held a vote to approve the findings for the four-lot PSO (Performance Standards Option) subdivision. The project includes outlines and final plans, conditional use permits (CUPs) to extend the MF (Multifamily) designation within a historic district for lots one, two, and three, a tree removal permit for a significant tree, and an exception to street standards.

During the deliberations, Chair Verer and Commissioner Maher discussed the specific language regarding “without prejudice.” It was determined that the phrase was appropriately applied to lot four of the application. The commission moved to approve the findings as presented and amended, passing with a unanimous 5-0 vote (with one vacancy and one absence).

Legislative Updates and Housing Policy The bulk of the meeting was dedicated to a study session on new housing-related legislation, including Senate Bill 974 and House Bill 2138. Staff members Brandon and Derek presented information from the Oregon Housing Accountability and Production Office and the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD).

The presentation highlighted a statewide shift toward administrative, time-certain reviews for housing projects, moving away from hearing-based processes. Senate Bill 974 introduces a 120-day “shot clock” for engineering plan reviews and requires administrative decisions without hearings for certain residential applications. House Bill 2138 focuses on middle housing, including allowances for middle housing land divisions and provisions for single room occupancy (SRO) developments.

Commissioners expressed concern regarding the loss of local discretionary review, particularly regarding the aesthetic standards of large developments and the potential for a surge in appeals. Staff noted that while the city must implement these state mandates, local rule-making is expected to be an ongoing process through 2028. The commission deferred the election of a new chair and vice-chair until a future meeting when the full commission can be in attendance.

Jackson County Commissioners Honor Local Leader, Approve Key Infrastructure Agreements

MEDFORD — The Jackson County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on February 25, 2026, where officials recognized a standout community volunteer and authorized several management and service agreements to bolster local facilities.

The session, led by Commissioners Randy Sparosino, Rick Dyer, and Colleen Roberts, began with the presentation of the February 2026 Community Service Award to Steve Enis. Mr. Enis was honored for his volunteer work with Rogue Retreat. Nominated by Sam Engel, executive director of the organization, Enis was recognized for his pivotal role in saving the Redwood Inn project, which had stalled due to pandemic-related setbacks. According to the board, Enis utilized his professional expertise as an architect and project manager to secure funding and repair essential contractor relationships. His work reportedly facilitated the creation of the medical respite team and contributed to other major capital projects, including the expansion of Rogue Retreat Crossings and improvements at the Kelly Shelter.

Following the presentation, the board moved into the consent calendar, which was approved unanimously. This included the appointment of Judge Pro Tem John A. Hamilton for the Jackson County Justice Court (Order 61-26) and the initiation of vacation proceedings for a public right-of-way known as Starlane (Order 62-26).

Commissioners then turned their attention to two primary discussion items. First, the board unanimously approved Order 63-26, a license agreement with Hunter Communications and Technologies LLC. This agreement grants the company access to county-owned conduit and vaults at 10 South Oakdale Avenue in Medford to install fiber optic cables. This infrastructure will provide services to the Children’s Museum located at 413 West Main Street. The agreement spans five years with automatic renewals and generates $100 in annual revenue for the county, with a 3% annual increase.

Finally, the board unanimously approved Order 64-26, an agreement with Drift Evolution LLC regarding the go-kart facility at the Jackson County Sports Park. The contract authorizes the company to continue managing and maintaining the facility through December 31, 2035. Under the terms, Drift Evolution LLC will provide $5,000 in annual revenue to the county and is required to complete $100,000 in facility improvements during the contract term.

With all agenda items addressed, the board adjourned the meeting. Recorded proceedings remain available for public viewing on the Jackson County government website via the RVTV portal.

Ashland City Hall Faces Pivotal Moment: Urgent Repairs and Long-Term Planning

Ashland City Hall is at a critical juncture, facing significant challenges that require urgent attention and strategic decisions. The building's condition necessitates substantial repairs, while ongoing legal complexities and the need for long-term planning have brought the city to a turning point.

The Big Picture

The story highlights that the current state of Ashland City Hall is no longer sustainable. Urgent repairs are required, suggesting potential disruptions or increased costs for city services and operations. The mention of "legal complexities" hints at potential financial liabilities or procedural hurdles that residents may need to be aware of. The need for "long-term planning decisions" indicates that the city is grappling with how to address these issues in a way that benefits the community for years to come.

Key Details

• Urgent Repairs: The building requires immediate attention, pointing to potential structural or functional issues.
• Legal Complexities: Existing legal entanglements could influence the decision-making process and potentially impact city finances.
• Long-Term Planning: Ashland is at a stage where strategic decisions about the future of City Hall are paramount.

### Why This Matters

This story is important to Rogue Valley residents, particularly those in Ashland, because the state of City Hall directly impacts the provision of essential city services. Urgent repairs could lead to temporary service disruptions, relocation of city departments, or increased costs borne by taxpayers to fund these necessary improvements. Legal complexities might also translate to financial impacts or delays in crucial city projects. The long-term planning decisions will shape how public resources are allocated and how effectively the city can serve its residents in the future. The efficiency and stability of City Hall are fundamental to good governance and the overall well-being of the community.

JACKSON COUNTY, OR — The Jackson County Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Courthouse Auditorium in Medford to authorize several key service contracts and intergovernmental agreements. Commissioners Randy Sparosino, Rick Dyer, and Colleen Roberts presided over the session, which resulted in the unanimous approval of all agenda items via 3-0 votes.

The meeting opened with public testimony from Clarence Carr of Thomas Road. Carr addressed the board regarding his natural rights under the Oregon Constitution, raising concerns about the separation of church and state and disputing the legal authority of the Jackson County Sheriff within Medford city limits. Carr alleged "unjust enrichment" involving $4,000 in fines and requested that the board settle his administrative case files. Following his comments, the board moved to the consent calendar, unanimously approving the minutes from the January 27 work session, the January 28 regular meeting, and the January 29 staff meeting.

A primary focus of the meeting was Order 60-26, an intergovernmental agreement (IGA #443000-000054289) between Jackson County and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Mr. Jordan, representing county staff, explained that the agreement provides $17,114,84 in revenue for community mental health, addiction, and gambling prevention services. Jordan noted that the contract was the result of extensive negotiations by a multi-county coalition to address previously "onerous requirements" from the state. The agreement covers a 1.5-year term from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The board approved the order with a 3-0 vote following a motion by Commissioner Sparosino.

The board also addressed the needs of vulnerable residents by unanimously passing Order 58-26. This $185,000 contract with Killian and O’hallerin Incorporated provides professional guardians for individuals appointed by the courts. Mr. Jordan clarified that while the county manages the contract, the funding is provided by the OHA.

Additionally, the commissioners approved Order 59-26, a master services agreement with Motivo Consulting Incorporated, doing business as Motivo Health. This contract, estimated at $20,000 annually, provides clinical supervision for Jackson County employees working toward professional mental health licenses. Jordan noted that this service was previously handled by a different contractor.

The meeting adjourned after the final 3-0 vote, with Commissioner Dyer, Commissioner Roberts, and Commissioner Sparosino all signaling their approval for the mental health initiatives. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for the following Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

GRANTS PASS — The Grants Pass City Council moved forward with significant infrastructure investments and filled several key volunteer positions during its February 18, 2026, meeting. The session was marked by the approval of a multi-million dollar amendment for the city’s water system and the conclusion of a competitive selection process for the Budget Committee.

Water Treatment Plant Expansion The Council voted unanimously (8-0) to approve Resolution Amendment 13 with Slayton Constructors Inc. regarding the Replacement Water Treatment Plant (Project WA6207). The amendment authorizes $9,185,938 for raw water pump station modifications.

Jason, a city representative, delivered a detailed presentation explaining that the amendment covers vertical turbine pump selection, electrical gear, and "desilt" systems designed to prevent sediment buildup. This latest agreement brings the total contract price with Slayton Constructors to $124,834,067 and adds 28 days to the project timeline.

During the presentation, Councilor Rick questioned if changing the main feed line route from J Street to the state right-of-way produced savings. Jason confirmed the move was a "big cost-saver" and less disruptive to local businesses, despite the removal of more trees than anticipated. Councilor Indra clarified that the $9 million was already a "placeholder" in the existing budget and would not result in additional rate increases for residents.

The motion to approve was made by Councilor Rick and seconded by Councilor Kathleen. Councilors Rob, Indra, Victoria, Seth, Eric, and Joel also voted in favor.

Budget Committee Appointments The Council also conducted final interviews for four open seats on the city’s Budget Committee. Candidates Corey Wy, Heidi Napier, and Kurt Eidhammer shared their backgrounds and visions for the city’s finances.

Wy, a network engineer for Asante and former e-waste business owner, emphasized his local roots. Napier, a retired veterinarian of 40 years, highlighted her experience managing small business finances. Eidhammer, a Grants Pass High School graduate with a background in supply chain management, noted that "no budget means no government" and advocated for data-driven analytics.

Following the interviews, the Council tallied preferences for the new applicants and three individuals interviewed previously: Tom Bradir, Nancy Lissier, and Nicholas Stark.

The final tally of preferences from the eight councilors was:

• Kurt Eidhammer: 8 votes
• Nicholas Stark: 6 votes
• Tom Bradir: 5 votes
• Nancy Lissier: 5 votes
• Heidi Napier: 4 votes
• Corey Wy: 3 votes

Based on the high preferences, the Council moved to appoint Eidhammer, Stark, Bradir, and Lissier to the committee.

Ashland, OR – The Ashland School Board convened on February 12, 2026, with all five board directors present. Following a land acknowledgment delivered by Alice, the board swiftly moved to business. The meeting agenda was unanimously approved after a motion and second. Similarly, the extensive consent agenda, which included approval of previous minutes, personnel and enrollment reports, reapproval of the ASD flexible spending plan, numerous policy updates, and the finalization of the immunization sports participation concussion policy, was also moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Principal Steve Rutzoff then delivered a detailed presentation on Ashland Middle School (AMS) highlights, offering insights into a school navigating significant enrollment shifts. Rutzoff revealed a dramatic decline in enrollment since 21 years prior, from mid-700s to 463 students this year, with projections indicating a further drop to 401 in three years. He noted that 22% of AMS students have IEPs or 504 plans, and 8% are talented and gifted.

Restructuring efforts implemented for the current year included removing a homeroom from 6th-grade teams, reducing one of three 7th/8th grade teams, and increasing reading and math intervention supports. Ensemble offerings were also reduced, notably closing the Leadership program and cutting sections in band, orchestra, PE, and WHAM. Core FTE reductions impacted math, science, Spanish, language arts, and social studies teachers. Rutzoff described the school's team structure, featuring the Cascades and Siskiyou 6th-grade teams, and the Alpine, Mountain, and Summit 7th/8th grade teams, highlighting the specialized Mountain team serving around 30 struggling students.

Academic data from Smarter Balanced scores indicated AMS consistently outperformed the state. Language arts saw AMS's gain over the state increase from 16% pre-pandemic to 22% last year, attributed by Rutzoff to teacher stability. Math performance, however, faced challenges due to teacher turnover.

A primary focus was student attendance, which had fallen from 80% pre-pandemic to 68% last year, but has since improved to 72%. The AMS School Improvement Plan targets further increases to 72% attendance, alongside specific grade-level goals for language arts and math. Strategies include a full-time reading specialist, a 0.3 math specialist, weekly attendance team meetings, and various student engagement initiatives like attendance raffles and an Olympic attendance contest.

Rutzoff concluded with celebrations, pointing to the success of the Mountain team in improving attendance and academic growth for its students. School-wide significant behaviors were noted as dramatically reduced. The three-year-old cell phone policy has fostered increased student-to-student engagement. Participation in sports and extracurricular activities, supported by a no-cut policy, involves 72% of AMS students, with the Math Counts team recently winning regionals. Board members Jordan and Rebecca posed questions, and Dr. Hatrick emphasized the role of parent outreach.

The Big Picture

City Hall has been vacated by staff due to significant safety concerns identified through inspections. Employees are currently working remotely while a temporary workspace is being secured.

Key Details

• Action: City Hall staff have been evacuated.
• Reason: Significant safety concerns identified during inspections.
• Current Operations: Employees are working remotely.
• Next Steps: Temporary space is being secured for operations.

Why This Matters

This development directly impacts residents who may need to access City Hall services. The relocation of city staff and the need to secure temporary space suggest potential disruptions to in-person services and accessibility for those who typically visit City Hall. Residents will need to be aware of where and how to access city government functions during this transition period.

The Big Picture

Residents of the Rogue Valley are being invited to participate in shaping the future of City Hall. The latest edition of "City e-News: Issue No. 14" encourages community members to learn about the history, costs, building conditions, and legal constraints surrounding City Hall before completing a survey to share their vision.

Key Details

• Topic: City Hall's history, costs, building conditions, and legal constraints.
• Action Requested: Residents are asked to take a survey to share their vision for the future.
• Source: "City e-News: Issue No. 14"

Why This Matters

This story is important to Rogue Valley residents because it directly involves their input on the future of a significant civic building. Understanding the current state of City Hall, including its financial aspects and physical condition, is crucial for informed decision-making. The survey allows residents to have a direct say in how public resources are allocated and how civic infrastructure evolves, potentially impacting services, accessibility, and the overall community environment.