[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6568847,"mediaKeyId","3193160-a83a1bd67b6d35a09442fa436b1552f2","parentId",3193160,"title","Council backs ordinance changes to consolidate camping rules, clarify ‘authorized resting sites’ and prepare resolution for sites","audioSeconds",1778,"startMs",4488000,"endMs",6266000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193160-a83a1bd67b6d35a09442fa436b1552f2&start=4488&end=6266","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193160-a83a1bd67b6d35a09442fa436b1552f2/thumbnail_4488000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6568847/Grants-Pass-City/Josephine-County/Oregon/Council-backs-ordinance-changes-to-consolidate-camping-rules-clarify-authorized-resting-sites-and-prepare-resolution-for-sites","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568847-07854be53768cc4c0da88cd4e645097c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191546&Signature=mrUoaBvet9pN~GCTh8Atb3hiVNVHTITAs9hVIAeOiVv3L6KtoFaIe0JxNJIqXumXmBbfmpdR0Lx9NapN7HRMu0AsQb6KlSgwSexV4zZfS8MSJfD7rnd0HdxHbrrDTj2Vps1dbWCQPiGIi17T~AfhH~RwdQTpdYl-3QOoAaP3VPuZTvGl2ZOIXte~li0~LZIft1IAUyqDo0RAksi51EE1ieZ1Wrh9lJgsNf4qutyWux5tu-LHy5OuTDwiETIGa5-vuYdNBIRvAd46leCbZe4VEjsL0-gkbCOAOdtsfuJeijMThuqMyd6LqJLwa8L6KwUBjC0cGhbls8UnculbByI1kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Grants Pass, OR","date","2025-05-05T21:52:07.367Z","article","Stephanie (City Attorney) presented proposed municipal code revisions to consolidate city rules on sleeping, camping and personal property in public spaces. The changes were offered to address court concerns and to align local rules with state time‑place‑manner requirements discussed earlier in litigation.

“Part 3 was to look at some revision to the Grants Pass Municipal Code in order to clarify and address some of the judges' concerns,” Stephanie said, explaining that most camping‑related language in Chapter 5.61 would be moved into Chapter 6.46 and that Chapter 5.61 would be retained only to prohibit sleeping on sidewalks and in doorways.

Key elements of the proposed code revisions

- Consolidation: Move most camping/resting definitions and rules from chapter 5.61 into chapter 6.46 for single‑point clarity.
- Authorized resting sites: New definition enabling council (or, in emergencies, the city manager) to designate finite‑duration resting sites by resolution; any authorization must include a length‑of‑stay limit (for example, 96 hours was the example used during discussion).
- Spatial restrictions: Authorized resting site occupants would be limited to a single 8‑by‑8‑foot spatial footprint with a buffer between footprints (proposal reduced the buffer to three feet based on operational experience).
- Prohibitions and attachments: New language would prohibit attaching or hanging personal items from city property (fences, sanitation facilities, vegetation) and would allow portable structures only within defined buffers subject to approval.
- Notice and removal: After a length‑of‑stay period expires at an authorized site, removal procedures and notice requirements under state statute would apply; property found overnight in parks other than authorized resting sites could be removed immediately.
- Limited exceptions: The proposal tentatively allows temporary waivers (for example, protection for athletes/spectators during events) with managerial approval.

Council input and clarifications

Councilmembers asked whether the ordinance requires the city to have authorized resting sites (it does not) and whether the emergency manager authority would affect the current injunction process (the emergency authority is separate from the court process). Stephanie said the ordinance amendments are intended to address objections raised by Disability Rights Oregon and by the court and that a companion resolution identifying any authorized resting sites would use the same mechanism the council previously used.

Council direction and next steps

Council members indicated support for the ordinance amendments and the companion resolution; Stephanie said the ordinance is on the packet for the next regular meeting (Wednesday night) and would be presented with a resolution that lists the authorized resting sites (the resolution had been added to the packet late but was available at the back of the packet). Council indicated a preference for moving forward quickly; staff said adopting emergency language would allow the ordinance to take effect upon adoption.

Questions the council raised included how the 96‑hour stay interacts with required 72‑hour notice periods under state law and whether personal property storage timelines could be changed (Stephanie noted statutory constraints). The council asked staff to proceed and to provide any requested clarifications before Wednesday night’s meeting.

Ending

Council agreed by general consensus to move the ordinance and companion resolution forward to the regular council meeting for consideration. Several councilmembers requested additional clarifications in advance of the formal vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Grants Pass City Council Workshop May 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Grants Pass City Attorney presented consolidated municipal code changes to move camping and resting‑site rules into Chapter 6.46, define authorized resting sites and set operational rules; council indicated support to bring the ordinance and companion resolution to the next regular meeting.","taxTitle","Grants Pass City, Josephine County, Oregon","taxId",48732,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568852,"Council directs staff to pursue lot‑line adjustment, R2 rezoning and market sale for Baker Park‑adjacent building",1746,2626000,4372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193160-a83a1bd67b6d35a09442fa436b1552f2&start=2626&end=4372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193160-a83a1bd67b6d35a09442fa436b1552f2/thumbnail_2626000.jpg","/articles/6568852/Grants-Pass-City/Josephine-County/Oregon/Council-directs-staff-to-pursue-lotline-adjustment-R2-rezoning-and-market-sale-for-Baker-Parkadjacent-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568852-b45fbd66602ef5541f48139994672111/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191546&Signature=CwoZLief~tanjkR1gJ-buj4HBgaAigbnIJVGqRG-1J0vXk2z114UhcoQaISpCVjFgoSXOWn1bLM1YzOzk1i1UJY1RqhmczC9wWbMwOPB2JiQRTLMdUPl593bXnxcGA-0jG33TEHd5mDFC28w0gTfMPV5DS2Tdg4s3v~mBe5fpLE7769KPy6ZNdS9HAo3NzmfEyA2uRe1pS1LsXSzUtW-ubNnPlBfxBI2TYai~o-tTxevZBF~CSqUE7Bst4~DqyYVywF~GAjNFvgZbdRXsM2YyNNrQtVfnF~v2OrKEXNCeX1uSXXVUXKO7K4lFoZKfo61Gb6FoMWJa7GVqDe~jBSHNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented background and options for a vacant city‑owned building at 780 East Park Street — referred to in the meeting as the “RAID building” — a 0.33‑acre parcel that sits adjacent to Baker Park and Grants Pass Parkway.

Brad (city planning staff) and other staff described the parcel’s history (acquired by the city in 1965 as part of Baker Park; the adjacent 760 East Park Street parcel is the main park property), current zoning (R1‑12 for the parcel; R2 zoning lies nearby), existing utilities on site, and building condition. The building was last used for drug enforcement operations and was vacated about seven months earlier, staff said. The structure is pre‑1990, in usable condition but with a sag on a portion of the roof; it has a basement and would require demolition fill if removed.

“From a staff perspective ... we don’t see any of our departments seeing an immediate need for utilization of this building,” staff said. Utilities are disconnected and the site is idle.

Why it matters: The parcel sits on a high‑visibility stretch of the Parkway, near Baker Park boat launch and existing recreational facilities. Council members raised questions about highest‑and‑best use, compatibility with the park, potential for middle housing, and the value uplift from combining an adjacent city strip of land into the sale parcel.

Staff options presented

- Sell for private residential or middle‑housing development (duplex, triplex, townhomes) under R1‑12 or via middle‑housing land division; partitioning could allow up to four sellable lots under middle‑housing provisions.
- Rezone to R2 (or consider R3 in some nearby areas) before sale to allow different densities; staff noted commercial zoning would be a spot zone and so was not a staff recommendation.
- Demolish and return to open space or construct a parking lot for park overflow; demolition estimates included basement fill costs and demolition (rough estimate provided).

Costs and funds

Staff outlined potential transaction and preparation costs: a property line adjustment (estimated at about $68,000), appraisal and transaction fees, and the approximate property market value per assessor records (about $166,000 for the 0.33‑acre parcel). The city’s surplus property account (LB 6388) was described as the typical fund to receive proceeds; staff noted that the account held approximately $874,000 before a drawdown approved at the prior meeting but not yet processed.

Council discussion and action

Council members discussed enlarging the parcel by extending the R2 line to the Parkway and confirmed they had no immediate municipal need for the building. Councilmember Rick moved that staff pursue a lot‑line adjustment (subject to ROW or ODOT limitations), take necessary steps to address setbacks and easements, rezone to R2, and list the parcel on the open market. Councilmember Eric seconded the motion. By show of hands/council consensus the motion passed and staff were directed to return with implementation steps.

Action details

- Motion (as proposed by Councilmember Rick): pursue a lot‑line adjustment for the parcel, pursue an R2 zone change as appropriate and prepare the property for market sale.
- Mover: Councilmember Rick. Second: Councilmember Eric. Outcome: approved by council direction (show of hands). Staff noted the lot‑line adjustment would better position the parcel for private development and would address setback and easement encumbrances before marketing.

Next steps and constraints

Staff will analyze right‑of‑way issues with ODOT, finalize a property appraisal, prepare necessary easement or lot‑line documents, and return to council with a timeline and costs. Proceeds from any sale would be treated per the LB 6388 surplus property guidelines unless council later revises those use restrictions.

Ending

Council agreed the site’s best near‑term use was to enable private development (with R2 consideration) unless a future municipal need arises. No demolition or immediate municipal repurposing was authorized at the workshop.","Council instructed staff to seek a lot‑line adjustment to enlarge a 0.33‑acre parcel adjacent to Baker Park, pursue an R2 rezoning option, and place the former RADE (drug enforcement) building property on the open market if no municipal use is needed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568857,"Visit Grants Pass reports steady tourism gains, outlines marketing plan and TLT breakdown",2311,267000,2578000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193160-a83a1bd67b6d35a09442fa436b1552f2&start=267&end=2578","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193160-a83a1bd67b6d35a09442fa436b1552f2/thumbnail_267000.jpg","/articles/6568857/Grants-Pass-City/Josephine-County/Oregon/Visit-Grants-Pass-reports-steady-tourism-gains-outlines-marketing-plan-and-TLT-breakdown","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568857-9d2ef44daaa24b2643c7189e77eb194c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191546&Signature=FJ5pEUDSmv1OlqXQiibL22fzyWc9CVRUTJ-zz09Hr0FzMFQBVE5HjTimfCA9iXahB2eJQQBZOhLo16P2DqBQxhQpf1UR96kL4FZqBXdt4UYwQB4naVawogZBfv7ZL2IY7HWpQOqn6sNFiC9RSYVqCfLGfO1YMZMw1jylhMsvYZW~r-orvH6Sfq9oX3Jp~FyVL5KQUzefss87uk3TlmChIjsQfOOSnOq8Qjc7klwJ7tNby4VNc4K4FbEQBlVWGTbfFlxO1lYap7FpOyUkT3EkSBCPwgotFXw6Krm1f~hlI1Jx4L1bNqMd1mN3YO6Vk0HsXuerg68ydTzssodxJyQRxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dan Buck, who represents the local Destination Marketing Organization Visit Grants Pass, told the Grants Pass City Council at a workshop presentation that the DMO’s work aims to drive local economic activity while protecting livability.

“Number one, we work for the community to message, market Grants Pass,” Buck said. “Economic development ... is the closest thing that’s nearest and dearest to my heart.”

The presentation included three outside representatives from DVA Advertising & PR in Bend: Dustin Fletcher (account manager), Christian Polk (digital director) and a data specialist who described how the DMO measures advertising impact. DVA outlined an integrated program of search and social advertising, earned and paid media, SEO and familiarization (FAM) trips for travel writers to attract visitors from drive markets beyond a 50‑mile radius.

Why it matters: Visit Grants Pass said tourism supports jobs and retail in Josephine County and helps sustain downtown businesses through shoulder seasons. The DMO framed its role as bringing “the right people” to town — visitors who will support local businesses without undermining livability.

Key numbers and methods

- The presentation cited 2023 visitor spending for Josephine County of about $172,000,000 and employment “over 2,000,” with a note that 2024 Dean Runyon industry numbers would be available later in the month.
- The panel described a total local Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) of 12 percent on overnight stays inside city limits. Buck said the state portion is 1.5 percent and that the remainder is made up of locally imposed percentages that have accrued over time.
- DVA described using STR (Smith Travel Research) lodging reports, credit‑card and mobile device data (via a partner described as Datafy) and Dean Runyon estimates to attribute advertising to hotel nights and visitor spending. Christian Polk said those partnerships let the DMO estimate trips, visitor days and average length of stay tied to ad exposure.
- The DMO presented several campaign return metrics it tracks; one graph cited an estimated $40,680,000 in campaign economic impact tied to a $39,000 investment and an aggregate claimed return per advertising dollar. (The DMO presentation slides and data partners were cited as sources for these figures; 2024 figures were not available at the time of the workshop.)

Programs and local coordination

Buck described recent accomplishments including the formal launch of Main Street Grants Pass, funded initially with a $50,000 grant written by a predecessor staffer, and a recent Grants Pass branding unification project intended to align local messaging. The DMO and DVA said earned media placements and influencer/FAM trips are important parts of their strategy.

DVA emphasized content‑forward work (articles and itineraries on visitgrantspass.com), paid digital retargeting to convert interest into bookings, and collaborations with local asset creators (video, photography and social media content). Fletcher and Polk named local staff and contractors who support the program, including Griffin Storm (marketing manager, Visit Grants Pass) and Kate Battles (organic social manager).

Council questions and follow up

Council members asked about data back to pre‑COVID years, how businesses are selected for promotional materials, the share of cash vs. card spending in restaurants and the DMO’s emphasis on off‑season promotion.

Buck said the DMO can provide Dean Runyon reports back to roughly 2013 for historical comparisons and agreed to provide comparisons with peer communities in Southern Oregon. On business selection, he said the DMO uses judgment about what will attract out‑of‑area visitors and that Main Street Grants Pass focuses on internal community promotion.

Outcomes and next steps

No formal council action was required on the presentation. Council members requested that staff circulate the 2024 Dean Runyon report when available and asked for follow‑up data comparing Grants Pass to neighboring markets.

Ending

Buck stressed the DMO’s dual goals: supporting local economic vitality and protecting livability. He told council members he would send the 2024 numbers when Dean Runyon’s report is released later in the month.","Visit Grants Pass and its marketing contractor presented 2023 visitor spending estimates, a 2024 marketing plan and a breakdown of Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) collections, and answered council questions about data sources, Main Street Grants Pass and how businesses are chosen for promotions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council backs ordinance changes to consolidate camping rules, clarify ‘authorized resting sites’ and prepare resolution for sites

Council directs staff to pursue lot‑line adjustment, R2 rezoning and market sale for Baker Park‑adjacent building

Visit Grants Pass reports steady tourism gains, outlines marketing plan and TLT breakdown