CJ municipal code changes contemplated
Making violations ‘infractions’ could mean more business for city court, fines
From our weekly issue dated September 10, 2008
Mayor Tony Paulson (Photo Illinois Valley News file)
To increase the clout of its contract lawman, the Cave Junction City Council is considering amendments to its municipal code so that violators can be cited into the city’s Municipal Court.
Fines would not exceed $500, according to a draft presented the council Monday night, Sept. 8 in city hall. Councilman Don Moore was not present under an excused absence.
Under the suggested revisions, a wide range of areas would be included. Basically, the idea is to redesignate as infractions what now are termed misdemeanors, said Mayor Tony Paulson.
If the changes are approved, violators in various areas -- including curfew, begging, having alcoholic beverages in the city park, and blocking sidewalks -- could be cited into the city’s Municipal Court. There they would face Jack Davis, a Grants Pass attorney who serves as the city judge.
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The council voted 4-0 Monday night that the draft revisions will be considered during a public hearing in city hall on Oct. 13.
Among the numerous areas being considered for revision into infractions: trespassing, fireworks use, pedestrian interference, and disorderly conduct. Various involved sections of the city code can be viewed by visiting ivcalendar.com.
One area involves the city park. Included are the aspects of speeding, having fires, harming plants and structures, having pets off-leash, soliciting without prior city permission, and having glass containers.
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Other code areas include rights-of-way, water and sewer service, ground water protection, and surface water protection. Design standards and improvements, and improvement procedures comprise another section.
Also during the meeting, Deputy George Gasperson, the city contract officer from Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, addressed the council with a report of his activities during August.
He listed 16 traffic stops and eight citations, as well as 20 warnings, including four for trespassing. He compiled 12 reports regarding situations including theft, criminal trespass, menacing, fraud, burglary, disorderly conduct and harassment. Also manufacture, distribution and possession of marijuana; forgery, minor in possession of alcohol; and furnishing false information to a police officer.
Gasperson said that he conducted 10 field interviews, nine Community Oriented Policing visits, and eight area checks. There were two alarms, 19 investigations, four welfare checks, and four vehicle checks.
City Recorder Jim Polk reported that the CJ Municipal Court during August received $1,457 in fines, and that $500 worth of impound fees were collected.
Since July 1, the court has collected $3,987 in fines. There were 13 persons on the August docket with 15 violations. Five were found guilty by default; nine pleaded “guilty” or “no contest”; and one citation was dismissed.
Polk also advised the council of certifications for the Nov. 4 election: Moore for the mayor’s seat being vacated by Paulson; Carl Jacobson Jr. for seat 4 now held by Moore; and incumbents Margaret Miller and Trish Arias for their seats 2 and 3.
