Illinois Valley News

A plan to boost law enforcement in city limits was announced by Mayor Don Moore during the Cave Junction City Council meeting in city hall Monday evening, April 12.

Moore said that there likely will be enough money in the city“s 2010-11 fiscal year budget to hire a part-time deputy at 20 hours per week. That deputy would assist Deputy George Gasperson, currently assigned to Cave Junction 40 hours per week through a Josephine County Sheriff“s Office pact.

If the budget item is approved, Moore said, the new deputy would be on city streets at the July 1 start of the next fiscal year.

Moore said that having Gasperson on duty, combined with the ordinance the council passed last year banning public drinking in city limits, has made a positive difference for residents.

“It has paid off having the deputy here,“ Moore said. “We are making headway.“

Councilors also voted unanimously to declare a pair of nuisances and to begin the abatement process.

A complaint was filed with the city Jan. 13 about “three dogs running loose aggressively“ at a residence on S. Sawyer Ave. According to city documents, letters were sent to the property owner and the tenant requesting compliance with municipal codes regulating pet behavior.

On Feb. 9, another complaint was filed by the same neighbor, alleging that a tan pit bull was jumping the fence into his yard “and eating all the food for my animals.“ The neighbor stated that the dog “growls when challenged“ and “began to reappear after the first complaint.“

In response, the city sent a final notice to the tenant and property owner. That letter, dated Feb. 16, stated that the issue was being forwarded to Josephine County Animal Control and the sheriff.

City documents state that on March 25, the neighbor came to city hall and complained again about the dog.

Moore said that the city has spent a lot of time and money dealing with the matter. Councilor Dan Fiske moved to declare a nuisance, and Councilor Margaret Miller seconded. The motion passed 4-0, as Councilor Trish Arias was absent.

Polk said that an abatement notice will be sent, and that if compliance still is not achieved, the matter will be referred to City Attorney Patrick Kelly to begin the process seeking a court judgment.

A carport at a residence near the 300 block of Mountain Valley Way also was declared a nuisance 4-0 by the mayor and council.

A letter was sent to the property owners on Dec. 2, stating that the carport was within the required setbacks for the residence without a zoning clearance permit. That is in violation of the city“s municipal code.

According to the letter, the property owners were given 10 days to either remove the structure or file an “after the fact“ minor zoning clearance permit.

City Recorder Jim Polk said that the property owners came to city hall to try to resolve the issue, but added that he could not approve the permit because of the setbacks.

Moore said that the problem is that the carport is too close to a fence, which makes it difficult for firefighters to obtain the clearance they would need to fight a blaze.

The property owners were mailed an abatement notice via certified mail. It was dated Jan. 4. However, the notice never was accepted, and was returned to the city.

A contractor probably erected the structure without a license or zoning clearance, Moore said. Polk said that he could have a sheriff“s deputy serve the property owners with the abatement notice.

Moore said that would be cheaper than immediately referring the matter to Kelly. He added that the property owners “might get the message“ after being served by a deputy.

In other matters, the council voted 4-0 to approve:

• A recommendation that Oregon Liquor Control Commission issue a liquor license to Robert McAnally to operate a new bar at Sportsman Tavern.
• A resolution consenting to the city“s inclusion in a countywide Enterprise Zone.
• A request from Illinois Valley Lions Club to use amplified sound, and sell alcohol at Jubilee Park Sept. 4, 5 and 6 during the 39th annual Labor Day Festival.
• Tabling a park-use request from Cross Quest to use amplified sound and allowing cars to be parked on the grass for a June 5 event, pending further information from applicant Bryan Thompson.
• Proclaiming April 11 through 17 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
• Proclaiming May 16 through 22 American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Days.

The council“s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 26.

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