Swim pool to become skatepark?
From our weekly issue dated October 29, 2008
Plans are in the making to begin filling in part of the Cave Junction Swimming Pool, closed since mid-2006.
Mayor Tony Paulson said Monday night, Oct. 27, during a council meeting in city hall, that “within the next month we will jack-hammer the deep end.” He added that gravel would be used as fill.
There is the possibility that the facility could eventually become a skateboard park, Paulson hinted. The pool, formerly owned by Josephine County, was given to the city some years ago.
There was a concentrated effort by the CJ Pool Committee earlier this year to raise matching funds to repair, renovate and reopen the pool, built in 1975. However, funds were not forthcoming, and the effort was abandoned.
The site had been closed due to safety concerns related to equipment, including that needed to monitor and maintain the facility. Paulson said that he has spoken to experts in skateboard park development. He said that some excellent ideas were received, but that such companies are expensive.
In another matter, the mayor and Councilman Don Moore outlined a plan to remedy a kitchen hood and fan situation at the Jubilee Park pavilion. It appeared that the kitchen might have to be closed because of inadequate venting and outdated gear.
Paulson had notified eight Illinois Valley organizations about that possibility. Moore worked with Fire Marshal Jerry Schaeffer of Illinois Valley Fire District, and a solution has been reached.
Some 21 persons from organizations that could be affected attended the council meeting because of their concerns regarding usage of the kitchen. Many from the Cave Junction Lions Club attended, and there was representation from Illinois Valley Lions Club, Cave Junction Cares, and IVHS Alumni Association, among others.
It was noted that donations and pledges are coming from persons including Jim Frick, broker at Century 21 Harris & Taylor, I.V. Lions, and Joe Malcolm’s Kar Kare. During the meeting a $200 pledge was received from Joel Perkins of Outback Septic Service; and the alumni association indicated it could help too.
“It looks like we’re well on our way,” said Moore, who estimated total cost of equipment at less than $2,000. He and others apparently will install the new equipment voluntarily, after Moore obtains what he hopes will be some bargains during a Nov. 15 auction.
Moore said that Schaeffer agreed to allow CJ Cares to hold its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at the pavilion using the current hood and fan. But after that, the newer equipment must be installed.
The council also voted 5-0 on motions to adopt a program to prevent identify theft related to utility connections and billing; and to adopt Resolution 721, “Identity Theft Prevention Program.”
The program is required by federal law, and must be in place by Nov. 1 for cities that operate utilities with water and sewer service. Monday’s meeting lasted only 18 minutes, but still missed by six minutes the shortest meeting that City Recorder Jim Polk can recall in his 16 years with the city.
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Council, County Board Meet Before Session
Prior to the meeting, the council and mayor met for an hour in the nearby Josephine County Bldg. for the monthly visit of the Board of County Commissioners.
One citizen in the form of Jim Frick attended the public gathering. A wide range of topics were included in general discussion, including the state of the economy.
Frick noted that housing sales are down throughout the county, with a large inventory on hand.
Dave Toler and Dwight Ellis, chairman and vice chairman of the county board, spoke about the Nov. 4 election and the proposed law enforcement districts. (Story on page 1).
The possibilities of Home Depot opening a store in Grants Pass, and Fields Home Center opening in Cave Junction were touched on. It also was noted that MasterBrands in Grants Pass laid off 104 employees on Friday, Oct. 24.
After nearly an hour of conversation, the meeting was adjourned. Frick thanked Toler and Ellis for their efforts for the county.
