Drinking ban ordinance ‘best we can do right now’
From our weekly issue dated February 25, 2009
An ordinance banning the consumption of alcohol in public places was approved 5-0 by the Cave Junction City Council during its Monday night, Feb. 23 meeting.
Uncertainty remains as to how effective it may be in combating the problem.
Kerby resident John Bowler criticized the ordinance during a public hearing on the issue. Bowler said that the most recent draft won’t do what the council intends, and recommended passage of the original version.
“You’re making it far more complicated than it needs to be,” Bowler said.
Mayor Don Moore said that he recently spoke with Rep. Ron Maurer (R-Grants Pass) and Rep. Dennis Richardson (R-Central Point) about their efforts to pass House Bill 2522. That legislation would repeal the Oregon Revised Statute prohibiting municipalities from passing ordinances against vagrancy, public intoxication and other related offenses.
HB 2522 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, but has yet to undergo a hearing.
Moore added that he plans follow-up with Josephine County Legal Counsel Steve Rich and Sheriff Gil Gilbertson on the matter.
“This (ordinance) is the best I can do right at this moment,” Moore said, but added that, “I’m not letting this go.”
City Recorder Jim Polk expressed a similar sentiment. He said that unless HB 2522 receives favorable consideration, “This is about the best we can do.”
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Councilor Carl Jacobson moved to adopt the ordinance. Fellow Councilor Dan Fiske seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The ordinance will take effect 30 days from Feb. 23.
In other matters, the council:
- Voted 5-0 to allow the Pregnancy Center of the Illinois Valley to use Jubilee Park on April 25 for a Walk-Athon fund-raiser.
- Voted 5-0 to grant a two-week continuance for a public hearing for a Local Improvement District on Redwood Hwy.. The continuance had been requested by the applicant.
- Voted 5-0 to approve a development agreement for the Bellau Woods Estates subdivision.
- Voted 5-0 to approve a recommended 15 percent rate increase for Southern Oregon Sanitation, with which the city has a franchise pact.
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