BCC Tabled Consideration of GP Library Lease Agreement Until Next Thursday
Led by Board Chair Andreas Blech, the Josephine County Commissioners have tabled consideration of a lease agreement for the Grants Pass branch library until next week. During a public hearing held after the weekly business session on Thursday, Board Vice-Chair Chris Barnett outlined the agreement which calls for an extension of the $1 per year lease for five years, with the Josephine Community Library District assuming financial responsibility for building and grounds maintenance plus paying 1/6th of the cost of replacing the roof at the building on NW C Street. JCLD Director Kate Lasky and the district's attorney Mark Bartholomew both championed the agreement, stating that it showed "a shared commitment for the welfare of the community" and urged the Board to approve it immediately. Numerous library supporters also encouraged to Commissioners to act now during public comment. However, library critics including recalled Commissioner John West and former Grants Pass Budget Committee member Mike Pelfrey spoke in opposition to the agreement. Commissioner Blech appeared to be listening to them. At what should have been the end of the hearing, Blech asked for a motion to table consideration of the lease agreement until next Thursday because of the late hour and an appointment he said he had at 1 p.m.. He stated that the Board faced lengthy deliberations to consider the pact, even though it was described as a "win-win" by Barnett, Lasky, Bartholomew and many others. ...Read more

Board Approved Jurisdictional Transfer of 4 County Roads to City of Grants Pass
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners completed the first half of its weekly business session yesterday by approving an order that transfers the jurisdiction of approximately 1.5 miles of county roads to the City of Grants Pass. The Board voted 3-0 to approve the jurisdictional transfer of parts of Highland Avenue, 10th Street, Willow Lane and Denton Trail to Grants Pass. The City has agreed to maintain these roads in the future, absolving Josephine County of their maintenance and repair. In other business, the Commissioners unanimously approved the sale of a small piece of county-owned property on Garden Valley Way in Grants Pass for $1,890 via quitclaim deed to a private party. Josephine County Transit Director Scott Chancey made two presentations to the Board. He first presented the Transit Coordination Plan, which is a federal and state requirement. He hopes to gain formal approval from the Commissioners on the 38-page document that outlines the agency's priorities in October. Chancey also presented planned transit service reductions for the district due to a staffing shortage. He said JCT will be dropping one run between Grants Pass and Cave Junction, one run between Grants Pass and Medford, and reducing evening service hours on all remaining routes from 9 p.m. to 7 p.m.. ...Read more

Discover the Possibilities at 3 RCC Campus Open House Events This Month
Rogue Community College invites the public to explore its campuses and programs at three free open house events this month. The events are designed to help future students and their families explore what RCC has to offer. Events will be held at all three RCC campuses. The first is next Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Riverside Campus in Medford and the second is Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Table Rock Campus in White City. The third open house is scheduled for August 26th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Redwood Campus in Grants Pass. The Redwood Campus event will also celebrate the grand opening of RCC's newly-remodeled E Building, which will offer allied health classes. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m.. Each open house is designed as a flexible drop-in experience with something for everyone -- future students, families, working adults and even retirees. Participants who pre-register at "roguecc.edu/openhouse" will be eligible to receive a gift at check-in. ...Read more