by Wayne Lee – Reporter/Photographer
The Eagle Point City Council met May 12 to hold a public hearing and deal with a handful of official resolutions. The public hearing dealt with the property at the southeast corner of Old Hwy. 62 and South Royal Rd. The property, originally owned by Ed Dahack, was designated as C-2 (heavy commercial) on the Hwy. 62 side and C-1 (light commercial) on the remaining property.
Since that time the owner has hired a planning advisor, and the request is to rezone the lots on that corner for one single large house. The land has already been cleared, and not one person spoke for or against the change, so it was approved by a 5-0 vote.
Next up was a resolution proclaiming May 15 as “National Peace Officers Memorial Day” and May 10-16 as National Police Week in the city of Eagle Point. If you happened to see a police officer wearing a black band across his badge, this is why.
Next up was a resolution proclaiming May 17-23 as “National Public Works Week” in Eagle Point. When you see those guys in the bright green vests working for you, be sure to give them room to do what they do.
The next resolution was the city’s annual donation to the Fourth of July celebration. Jay O’Neil, representing the local Chamber of Commerce which is running the annual event, noted the cost of the fireworks and other items has risen $2,000, but they are hoping to raise enough sponsorships to defray the increase rather than ask the city for additional funds. The resolution to donate $17,000 (the same amount as 2025) carried 5-0.
Next up was an update on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Stormwater Management Plan which is required soon. The good news is there are grant funds available to cover the cost. The bad news is that the cost is much higher than expected. The city initially applied for and received a grant of $97,920. As soon as the next grant process opened, they requested and received the maximum grant of $100,000. The city is working on another $79,990 to help finish the project without dipping into city money.
In other business, City Planning Director Mike Upston noted Jackson County was supportive of the Urban Growth Boundary expansion but added they wanted Eagle Point to take over responsibility of all of Alta Vista Rd. as well as Bingham Brown Rd. and the city is balking at that added responsibility.
The meeting ended with a warning that the county will be refreshing the street stripes in the downtown area on June 24 and 25. There will be street closures due to wet paint.
