Grants Pass public meetings in 2024

Parks Advisory Committee

The Parks Advisory Committee discussed and settled on five strategic goals to review at the next meeting, including community garden, sustainability, inter-committee collaboration, Dollar Mountain trail system, and Beacon Hill Park Reserve development. No formal decisions were made on these goals. The committee also approved the November minutes and heard project updates.

• Approved November 14, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Identified five strategic goals for further review (no formal vote)

Urban Area Planning Commission

The commission approved the Harbeck Meadows Subdivision tentative plan at 2020 Allen Creek Road, including two variances: a five-foot front setback reduction for lot 1 and a base lot standard variance for lot 28. The approval is subject to conditions, including recording a property line adjustment and signing a developer agreement. The commission also approved the November 13, 2024 minutes and accepted findings of fact for the Forest Reserve Subdivision.

• Approved Harbeck Meadows Subdivision tentative plan with variances (7-0)
• Approved variance for front setback reduction to 5 feet on lot 1 (7-0)
• Approved variance for base lot standards on lot 28 (7-0)
• Accepted findings of fact for Forest Reserve Subdivision (7-0)
• Approved November 13, 2024 meeting minutes (7-0)

Committee on Public Art

The Committee on Public Art recommended Crystal and Colene to fill two vacant seats on the committee, based on a vote among members. They also approved the October 22, 2024 minutes with a correction, and discussed but tabled finalizing 2025 goals until next month. No other formal decisions were made.

• Recommended Crystal and Colene to City Council for two vacant committee seats
• Approved October 22, 2024 minutes with correction (6-0, Basker abstained, Jordan absent)
• Tabled finalization of 2025 goals until next meeting

Bikeways / Walkways Committee

The provided document contains no meeting minutes or decisions. It is only a sign-in page for the CivicPlus portal, with no record of any actions taken by the Bikeways/Walkways Committee.

Urban Tree Advisory Committee

The Urban Tree Advisory Committee approved the minutes from October 14, 2024, with a vote of 5-0-1 (Chair Tripp abstained, Member Kieffer absent). The committee reviewed a new 9-page draft of the Forest Management Plan, created by Councilor King using AI from a previous 30-page draft, and will bring edits back. They also discussed strategic planning goals, including tree inventory completion and planting prioritization, to be finalized in January. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved October 14, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Reviewed draft Forest Management Plan; edits to be brought back
• Discussed strategic planning goals; finalization deferred to January meeting

City Council Meetings

The Grants Pass City Council approved two grant agreements with Mobile Integrative Navigation Team for navigation centers and shelters at 220 and 210 Redwood Highway, with amendments including funding from contingency and changes to service timelines and capacity. The council also adopted resolutions for a CDBG annual report, FEMA compliance, fee schedule adjustments, and various consent agenda items, and appointed Rebecca Cavanaugh to the Parks Advisory Committee.

• Adopted Resolution 24-7502 accepting CDBG Program Year 2023 Annual Report (8-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 24-5918 annexing 1907 Fruitdale Drive (8-0)
• Adopted Resolution 24-7503 for navigation center at 220 Redwood Hwy, amended (5-3)
• Adopted Resolution 24-7504 for navigation center at 210 Redwood Hwy, amended (5-3)
• Adopted Resolution 24-7505 for FEMA Pre-Implementation Compliance Measure (8-0)
• Adopted Resolution 24-7506 amending Comprehensive Fee Schedule (8-0)
• Appointed Rebecca Cavanaugh to Parks Advisory Committee (7-0, DeLaGrange absent)
• Adopted URA Resolution 24-7512 for Five-Year Implementation Strategy (6-2)

Urban Tree Advisory Committee

The Urban Tree Advisory Committee met on October 14, 2024, and approved the minutes from August 12, 2024, with a unanimous vote. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting focused on updates regarding committee appointments, the Forest Management Plan, and the 6th Street tree planting. The committee also canceled the November meeting due to Veterans Day.

• Approved minutes of August 12, 2024 (6-0)
• Canceled November meeting due to Veterans Day

Solid Waste Agency

The Josephine County/City of Grants Pass Solid Waste Agency approved three funding requests totaling $28,380: $7,800 for asbestos abatement at 712 NE 7th Street, $8,600 for the Wolf Creek Railroad Avenue cleanup, and $11,980 for the Illinois Valley Tire Take-Back event. All motions passed 6-0. The board also approved the July 15, 2024 minutes and heard public comment from a resident requesting financial aid for trash removal, which was not granted but the application process was explained.

• Approved $7,800 asbestos abatement funding for City of Grants Pass at 712 NE 7th Street (6-0)
• Approved $8,600 for Wolf Creek Railroad Avenue cleanup (6-0)
• Approved $11,980 for Illinois Valley Tire Take-Back event (6-0)
• Approved minutes from July 15, 2024 (6-0)

Historical Buildings and Sites Commission

The Bikeways and Walkways Committee approved the August 13, 2024 minutes as written. Members received updates on local projects, including the Fairview Avenue overlays, Cullison Lane, Dollar Mountain Trail, and the Fruitdale Bridge pedestrian/bike access. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting focused on reports and future agenda items.

• Approved August 13, 2024 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Decided to remove Leaders Field Trip from agenda until spring
• Discussed setting up information booth at Saturday Market and Ride the Rogue event

Urban Area Planning Commission

The Urban Area Planning Commission met on September 11, 2024, and approved the August 28 minutes with a correction. The commission voted unanimously to continue two public hearings—the Shepard Commercial Building major site plan review and the Harbeck Cottages tentative subdivision plan—to September 25, 2024. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved August 28, 2024 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Continued Shepard Commercial Building hearing to Sept. 25, 2024 (unanimous)
• Continued Harbeck Cottages subdivision hearing to Sept. 25, 2024 (unanimous)

Bikeways / Walkways Committee

The minutes for the Grants Pass Bikeways/Walkways Committee meeting on September 10, 2024, contain only a sign-in page for the CivicPlus portal, with no recorded agenda, discussion, or actions. No substantive decisions were made or documented.

Urban Tree Advisory Committee

The Urban Tree Advisory Committee approved the August 12, 2024 minutes unanimously. They discussed the 6th Street Tree Planting Project, with four landowners agreeing, and the Urban Forest Management Plan, which is being compiled for final editing. The Inflation Reduction Act application is set for submission in early October. No formal decisions were made on these items beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved August 12, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council Meetings

The Council adopted two ordinances (24-5912 and 24-5913) changing the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Maps for 398 and 440 NE Agness Avenue from Industrial to General Commercial, both unanimously. It also adopted Ordinance 24-5914 amending park codes and declaring an emergency, and upheld an appeal on sewer system development charges for Greenfield RV Resort, directing staff to update the methodology. All other items were routine approvals of minutes and a resolution for engineering services.

• Adopted Ordinance 24-5912 amending Comprehensive Plan Map for 398/440 NE Agness Ave to General Commercial (8-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 24-5913 amending Zoning Map for 398/440 NE Agness Ave to General Commercial (8-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 24-5914 amending park codes and declaring an emergency (8-0)
• Upheld appeal on Sewer System Development Charges for Greenfield RV Resort, directing staff to update methodology (6-2)
• Adopted Resolution 24-7483 authorizing Task Order No. 47 with Carollo Engineers for clarifier rehabilitation (8-0)
• Approved Hurst Agness Avenue Findings of Fact (8-0)
• Approved minutes of August 21, 2024 City Council meeting (8-0)
• Acknowledged minutes from six committee meetings (8-0 each)

Urban Renewal Agency

The Urban Renewal Agency is holding a work session to discuss a five-year implementation strategy for the Urban Renewal Area. Board members will review past projects and discuss potential future projects, including housing and streetscape improvements. A consultant will use this input to prepare a draft Five-Year Action Plan.

• Discussion of potential project list including housing and streetscape/lighting
• Review of catalytic projects such as RTC Development and Caveman Pool
• Review of completed and uncompleted projects with previous expenditures

Parks Advisory Committee

The committee is meeting to receive an update on the Caveman Pool and review committee positions. The agenda also includes a review of the Time, Place, and Manner Workshop.

• Caveman Pool update
• Review of committee positions
• Time, Place, and Manner Workshop Review

Historical Buildings and Sites Commission

The commission discussed the estimated $235,000 repair cost for the historic Caretakers Cottage in Riverside Park. Members also approved a new RFQ process and subcommittee for the Beaver Alley mural project.

• $235,000 estimated repair cost for Caretakers Cottage
• Approved RFQ process and subcommittee for Beaver Alley mural project
• Proposed mural at 5th and G streets
• Discussion on increasing penalties for vandalism to historic sites

Historical Buildings and Sites Commission

The Historical Buildings & Sites Commission will discuss several local landmarks and potential policy changes. Topics include the Caretakers Cottage in Riverside Park and the Beaver Alley mural. The commission may also consider a motion regarding increased penalties for vandalism to historic sites.

• Discussion on the historic Caretakers Cottage in Riverside Park
• Discussion on the Beaver Alley public art Mural
• Possible motion regarding increased penalties for vandalism to historic sites and resources
• Discussion of amendments to HBSC guidelines and Development Code Section 13.4
• Discussion of a Historic Railroad marker/attraction

Urban Area Planning Commission

The commission will review findings of fact for the Hurst/Agness Ave RV Park regarding Comprehensive Plan and Zone Map amendments. A continued public hearing is scheduled for the Shepard Commercial Building major site plan review.

• Hurst/Agness Ave RV Park Comprehensive Plan/Zone Map Amendments
• Shepard Commercial Building Major Site Plan Architectural Discretionary Review
• Approval of June 26, 2024 meeting minutes

Urban Area Planning Commission

The commission reviewed a request to rezone industrial land at 398 and 440 NE Agness to general commercial for a proposed 68-space RV park. Staff recommended denial of the amendment, stating it does not meet state economic development goals or city land use policies.

• Staff recommendation to deny rezoning for Hurst/Agness Ave RV Park
• Approval of findings of fact for Public Works utility code text amendment
• Approval of findings of fact for Historical Building and Sites Commission text amendment
• Approval of findings of fact for Harbeck Cottages annexation and property line adjustment

Community Forum

The City of Grants Pass will hold a listening session regarding time, place, and manner regulations for resting in public spaces. City staff will present an overview of the legal landscape and future actions. The Council will not make policy decisions or respond to public comments during this meeting.

• Listening session on resting in public spaces regulations
• Staff presentation on legal landscape and future action
• Public comment period with 90-second limits per person

Land Use Hearings

The Grants Pass City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a proposal to vacate the common property line between two tax lots. This action would combine 725 NE 8th St. and 710 NE Dean Dr. into one lot within the R-3 residential district.

• Proposal to combine tax lots 1500 and 2000
• Request to vacate property line at 725 NE 8th St. and 710 NE Dean Dr.

Land Use Hearings

The Grants Pass City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposal to vacate the property line between tax lots 8300 and 8400, combining them into one parcel in the General Commercial zoning district. The properties are located at 690 Rogue River Hwy. and 1418 Maple Ln. Residents may submit oral or written testimony during the March 20 meeting.

• Public hearing on vacating a common property line between tax lots 8300 and 8400
• Proposal to combine two parcels into one lot in the General Commercial zoning district
• Properties located at 690 Rogue River Hwy. and 1418 Maple Ln. (Project 101-00168-24)

Land Use Hearings

The Urban Area Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Major Site Plan Review for Jantzer RV Park. The proposal includes developing 87 spaces and a 2,946 square foot common building on 6.83 acres.

• Major Site Plan Review for Jantzer RV Park
• Development of 87 spaces and a 2,946 square foot common building
• Project located at 2000 SW Bridge St. and Lincoln Rd.

Land Use Hearings

The Grants Pass City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a proposal to vacate the common property line between tax lots 8300 and 8400. This action would combine the two parcels into a single lot within the General Commercial zoning district.

• Lot consolidation for 690 Rogue River Hwy. and 1418 Maple Ln.

Land Use Hearings

The City of Grants Pass is considering a new ordinance to adopt the Middle Housing Code. This proposal would limit or prohibit developing detached single dwelling units within the R-4 zoning district. The change may affect approximately 149 acres of existing properties in the city's R-4 zones.

• Adoption of Middle Housing Code (HB 2001)
• Proposed prohibition of detached single dwelling units in R-4 zoning district
• Impact on approximately 149 acres of existing R-4 properties

Land Use Hearings

The Urban Area Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider changing the zoning of properties at 398 and 440 NE Agness Ave. The proposal seeks to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map and Zone Map from Industrial to General Commercial. Following the hearing, the Commission will provide a recommendation to the City Council.

• Rezoning request for 398 and 440 NE Agness Ave from Industrial to General Commercial
• Project number 402-00112-23

Land Use Hearings

The Grants Pass City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a proposal for Type A Supportive Housing. The project involves the development of an emergency lodging and support services facility at 688 and 690 Rogue River Hwy. and 1418 Maple Ln.

• Special Use Permit for Type A Supportive Housing
• Proposed emergency lodging and support services facility at 688/690 Rogue River Hwy. and 1418 Maple Ln.

Land Use Hearings

The Urban Area Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a request to amend the Comprehensive Plan and Zone Map. The proposal seeks to change the zoning district from General Commercial to Business Park for specific properties.

• Zoning amendment for 670 and 680 Rogue River Hwy
• Change of designation from General Commercial to Business Park
• Project Number 402-00113-23

Land Use Hearings

The Historical Buildings & Sites Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a proposal for a public art mural. The mural is intended for installation on the side of a building located at 217 SE 6th St. The commission may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the request based on City of Grants Pass Development Code criteria.

• Public hearing for a proposed public art mural at 217 SE 6th St. (Project Number: 303-00127-24)

Land Use Hearings

The Grants Pass City Council will hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to Development Code Article 22. The proposal concerns multi-unit development and manufactured homes on individual lots. The Urban Area Planning Commission has recommended approval of this proposal.

• Amendment to Development Code Article 22 (Residential Development Standards)
• Proposal regarding multi-unit development and manufactured homes on individual lots

Land Use Hearings

The Urban Area Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider amendments to several Development Code articles. The proposal aims to implement the Middle Housing Code Update to permit certain types of multi-dwelling housing within residential zoning districts.

• Amendment to Development Code Articles 2, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, 25, and 30
• Implementation of the Middle Housing Code Update

Land Use Hearings

The Urban Area Planning Commission will hold a quasi-judicial public hearing to consider a major modification to an approved site plan review. The applicant proposes phasing the project into two construction phases and removing existing residential structures from the development area.

• Major Modification to Site Plan Review application 201-00410-21 at 420 NE Greenfield Rd.