Illinois Valley News

A speed limit recommendation was among a smorgasbord of matters dealt with by the Cave Junction City Council during its 40-minute meeting on Monday evening, June 14, at city hall.

Mayor Don Moore provided a brief update on the condition of Councilor Carl Jacobson, who was absent.

Jacobson has been hospitalized, Moore said, and was in an intensive care unit. He has since been moved to a hospital private room. Friends are asking for prayers.

“Hopefully, his medical condition is going to improve,“ Moore said.

No comments were received during a public hearing on the city“s $3.4 million fiscal 2009-10 supplemental budget before the resolution to adopt passed 4-0.

The supplemental budget comprises a $1.1 million administrative general fund, $557,116 water fund, $579,116 sewer fund, $30,796 park fund, $112,100 street maintenance fund, and $30,238 pool fund.

Also, a $177,022 law enforcement fund, $335,173 water and sewer expansion improvement fund, $183,684 guarantee bond payment fund, $10,000 liability insurance fund, $55,316 vehicle and equipment replacement fund and a $183,684 debt service fund, $96,409 street fund.

Also passed 4-0 by the council were resolutions declaring the city“s election to receive state revenues; and one authorizing the mayor to recommend denial of a 2010-11 liquor license renewal application if businesses receive an unfavorable comment from the Josephine County Sheriff“s Office or fail to pay the required processing fee.

Another OK“d resolution identifies the positions of elective offices to be filled in the Nov. 2 general election. Those are the two-year mayor position and council positions 1 and 3, both of which have four-year terms.

Any city resident interested in filing for those positions can do so as of July 8, and the deadline is Aug. 23.
Councilors also voted

4-0 to ratify a three-year contract with the union representing many of the city“s employees. Under terms of the new agreement, which will expire in 2013, employees other than stand-by duty persons, who are called out in response to a public works necessity, shall receive minimum pay of two hours worked.

Employees asked to attend a scheduled meeting outside normal work hours shall also receive a minimum of two hours worked. And they must be provided notice of that assignment at least three work days prior.

City Recorder Jim Polk asked for permission to codify a new procedure regarding sick leave donation. He said that current policies don“t address emergency situations.

Polk said that he modeled the proposed procedure after that of three other cities. It would allow employees to donate sick leave to each other under five quite specific conditions.

Such a policy would enable employees to prevent a loss of income, and allow the donations with council approval on a case-by-case basis. Polk said that he would prepare a resolution for the council to consider.

Councilors were informed by the Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT) that a speed zone investigation has been completed for Old Stage Road from Laurel Road to E. River Street.

ODOT is recommending that the speed limit on that stretch of road be dropped from 55 to 35 mph.

Two properties that were deemed a nuisance by the council months ago now are heading to the auction block.

Polk informed councilors that the property located at 310 Caves Hwy. that belonged to a now-defunct cable company is ready to be auctioned by the sheriff“s office, along with a property at 126 Caves Hwy. that was declared a nuisance in 2007.

Councilors also were asked to help the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) determine its top priorities for the 2011 legislative session. LOC has identified 28 issues, and is asking elected officials throughout the state pick the four most important to them.

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