Meeting on gun rules for self-defense coming
Council OKs ordinance making landlords ultimately responsible for utility bills
From our weekly issue dated May 14, 2008
Sheriff Gil Gilbertson and Councilman Don Moore. (Illinois Valley News photo)
A meeting for Illinois Valley residents to learn about Oregon laws governing the use of guns for self-defense will be arranged by city of Cave Junction Mayor Tony Paulson and Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson.
The sheriff spoke near the end of the CJ City Council’s 90-minute meeting in city hall Monday night, May 12. He said it’s important that citizens know the law so that in defending themselves from law-breakers they avoid breaking the law themselves.
He also said that, “You have to look out for each other because law enforcement is getting thin.”
Click here to learn more about how you can tell us what you think
He noted that although due to a county budget crunch he’ll be losing 15 deputies when the current fiscal year ends on June 30, “We’re good until July 1, 2009; and whatever you (citizens) put on the plate, we’ll deal with it.”
The sheriff’s remarks were in connection with a city ordinance that, if adopted by the council, would require heads of households and businesses to “maintain a firearm, together with ammunition.”
The mayor, who drafted the ordinance, first offered it for consideration April 28. On May 12 he said that he’s made some changes, and that City Attorney Patrick Kelly is reviewing the draft ordinance.
Cave Junction resident Greg Walter stated that “everyone he’s talked to” about the ordinance says, “Are they serious?” He asked about indiscriminate gunfire that he feels could result.
“See, I told you they’d think we’d be out there firing Uzis,” said the mayor.
The sheriff said that a steady revenue source is needed for the county’s justice system with the impending loss of federal O&C monies. He said that Sherman County is doing extremely well with windmill power to raise money, and that perhaps the county should look into it.
Gilbertson said that he still plans to use the basement of city hall as a temporary holding facility. The effort to strengthen law enforcement in the area will require volunteers. Anyone who wants to assist the sheriff’s office should phone him, he said.
Advertisement:
In another matter, the mayor said that a council workshop is needed regarding the Kerby Water District (KWD) project. He said that a KWD leader with District 3 Rep. Ron Maurer (R-Grants Pass) met with him Monday.
“We must deal with this; we’ve got to work it out,” said Paulson, without revealing details. A meeting is to be arranged and announced in Illinois Valley News.
Monday’s meeting also included a 30-minute public hearing regarding a zone change request sought by Taylor’s Sausage Inc. The longtime family business has purchased 0.530 of an acre on Hussey Avenue at Schumacher Street and wants to improve it with a new building for processing animal carcasses, and parking to accommodate overflow from Taylor’s Country Store.
Terry Taylor represented the business and presented the plan. Three persons spoke in favor. George Savord, of adjacent Immanuel United Methodist Church, spoke against the zone change. He cited the city’s ordinance about permitted buildings and uses, concluding that the planned operation is neither compatible nor allowed.
Councilor Margaret Miller pointed out that the request that evening was only to charge the zoning from residential to commercial. Dick Converse, of Rogue Valley Council of Governments, presented extensive data showing that in the city comprehensive plan, the zone change is anticipated.
The council approved the zone change 5-0. Next, there will be a site plan review where concerns about noise and odor expressed by Savord will be examined. Additionally, under Miller’s motion, areas will be examined that include whether a three-way stop and a crosswalk will be needed at the intersection; and if sidewalks need to be expanded.
The council also voted 4-1, with Councilman Don Moore voting “no,” to approve Resolution 707. Among other points, it makes property owners ultimately responsible for water and sewer bills, up to a maximum of $200, if tenants fail to pay.
Moore apparently voted against the motion because he is a landlord. “I’m not happy with the way it’s written,” he said. “A bad tenant is costly and difficult to get rid of; this is another straw on the camel’s back, but I can understand the city’s position though.”
Details of the ordinance are available at city hall.
The council also heard from resident Tom Ninow, who echoed comments by Eben Whiting on April 28 about PC1, the cable TV company that has the franchise to operate in the city.
The basic comment is that PC1 is nonresponsive and not providing the service customers pay for.
Ninow suggested that the city investigate imminent domain proceedings. Paulson called it “a good idea” and said he’d check Oregon Revised Statutes.
