[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6047879,"mediaKeyId","3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7","parentId",3514295,"title","Medford Water Commission says FEMA BRIC grant canceled; city will scale back near-term water capital plan","audioSeconds",149,"startMs",651000,"endMs",800000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7&start=651&end=800","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7/thumbnail_651000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6047879/Medford/Jackson-County/Oregon/Medford-Water-Commission-says-FEMA-BRIC-grant-canceled-city-will-scale-back-near-term-water-capital-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047879-bda62ad5c3496703753b03a081c59663/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197358&Signature=kDlMj5Q9SAT86p-QnmmBZ8m3BTceOM-jn-aP4vuaiGGI-kttXgjFxB~AW14XucJJQT9RdqOKFo0HisOJSdchW2MS9LQgrhLa0UYueml~jZMBsuxhN5Wtdyyp3THRjZZJyxI0eZPraZ8ZYzBkAlDXoS-yRrfuNaB6if0VjEgNQWCOlbgKBSW9KOCzwxnxFhPaMfwPk~c-iJgS3nUO-AufKtyCh0ICy4MoBDsg3H9WSinh2xCSWycdDEd23DN9t~z7EeRogHzPEcbiNHwbWrpfQzEtHi3ABFpbOp8vdHCSrjbkJ1fky1tuE-mJernIraPqrHFcdAd5p~efK~4HfqYGIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Medford, OR","date","2025-04-16T00:00:00Z","article","Medford Water Commission General Manager Brad Taylor told the Medford City Council on Wednesday that a federal BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) grant award to the commission has been canceled, forcing the water utility to scale back near-term capital work and stretch project timelines.

Taylor said the BRIC award had been for $34,800,000 toward approximately $60,000,000 of projects aimed at strengthening transmission, pumping and storage between the Duff Water Treatment Plant on the Rogue River and the Capitol Hill Reservoir. “These projects serve future growth of the water system and they also strengthen our core infrastructure,” Taylor told council. “Even though this BRIC grant has been canceled, we are still moving forward on these projects, but the timelines to complete these projects will be extended.”

Staff said the city’s one-year capital plan will be reduced by roughly 30% — from about $43,500,000 to $30,500,000 — and the 10-year capital plan will shrink about 18% from $226,200,000 to $186,100,000. Taylor said the commission plans to reconvene in September to reassess the 10-year financial plan and consider other funding strategies to address the reductions and project delays.

Taylor listed the projects affected: two large-diameter transmission mains, a pumping expansion at the Martin Pump Station (which moves water between two pressure zones), another transmission main near the Conrad Pump Station on Crater Lake Avenue, and work at the Capitol Hill Reservoir. He said the reservoir project remains a priority and staff have reshuffled projects to keep it moving, though with some delay.

Councilors asked whether the federal program was canceled nationally. Taylor and another staff member said FEMA suspended the BRIC program nationally, not just Medford’s grant. “The BRIC program as a whole was shut down… it’s affecting grants nationwide,” a staff member said.

What happens next: The Medford Water Commission will revisit its 10-year financial plan in September and evaluate alternate funding and scheduling. The loss of BRIC funding reduces near-term capital spending and will extend delivery timelines on several system-capacity projects.

(Reporting based on Medford Water Commission presentation to city council at the April 16 meeting.)","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Medford City Council Meeting April 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Medford Water Commission General Manager Brad Taylor told the city council that a federal BRIC grant intended to fund transmission, pumping and storage projects has been canceled, forcing the utility to cut its one-year capital plan and extend project timelines.","taxTitle","Medford, Jackson County, Oregon","taxId",2888,"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},6047884,"Council approves Sladen Constructors for Medford wastewater plant upgrade preconstruction services; $302.8 million project estimate",925,1945000,2870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7&start=1945&end=2870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7/thumbnail_1945000.jpg","/articles/6047884/Medford/Jackson-County/Oregon/Council-approves-Sladen-Constructors-for-Medford-wastewater-plant-upgrade-preconstruction-services-3028-million-project-estimate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047884-94fab8715b9ba44d7100d4062daf94a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197358&Signature=oFxFRulHJLnFC1XbBBSwNQQAVyNab4aEPc05W4q1uP9Jl87P7fuAXxfdpXkPbBBM1Y6383lMfXLYJNgV7NDQjDHBimrHKJZwIFgFw1vOFyggbyeSoi1xgvL4OtCiKemHI8kweqIMgPoF-JDgZPGPPLDPdNpn6-dlAGQFBwEvACKVPEPBPz~B6jStPKboZl~8jd2CGJTbrYwIMd4NYYPVHvL-I6Ew6UKh~GqtBeU-FGskimEHkp1c4-TvGmvKv6TOEcrIUUB0zbYNHOY0PdsV-7uA1PFNcTNaJCJAi2XEZWTtJkMMX2vKr8ghsITr53gmm6dkFli0oQ2f0WPTd5Q7pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Medford City Council on Wednesday approved a construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) contract with Sladen Constructors Inc. to lead preconstruction work and later serve as construction manager for the city’s regional water reclamation facility upgrade.

Public Works Director John Byle told council the work follows a new NPDES permit from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality that requires the White City wastewater treatment plant to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus discharges. “The current cost estimate is $302,800,000,” Byle said; he described the largest cost items as four new secondary clarifiers, expansion of aeration/biological nutrient removal facilities and conversion to tertiary treatment.

Byle and other staff explained why the city chose the CMGC delivery method instead of traditional design–bid–build. CMGC brings a contractor on early so they can advise on constructability and help reduce risk of no-bid outcomes and large change orders; staff said Sladen had local craft capacity and submitted the lowest contractor fee. Under the planned schedule, final design is expected to be complete in June; DEQ’s permit requires construction be complete by September 2028, a deadline staff described as challenging.

The approved contract has two parts: preconstruction services (a not-to-exceed fee just under $3 million) and a later guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment that the council will have to approve before the construction phase begins. Byle said Sladen’s contractor fee for the eventual build portion is 6.75% of the cost of work in their proposal; another proposer had offered 10%.

Councilors asked about timing and environmental benefit. Byle said DEQ ordered the upgrades to remove nitrogen and phosphorus that fuel algae growth and deplete river oxygen. “We were also a lawsuit was brought against the city because they felt that the permit or a lawsuit was brought against DEQ because environmental groups thought the permit wasn't strict enough… The administrative law judge said, DEQ knows what they're doing,” Byle said, summarizing the permit disputes and the obligation to comply.

Council moved and passed the ordinance to award the CMGC contract by a 6-0 recorded vote. Jessica Ayers moved to approve Council Bill 2025-208; Garrett West seconded. The roll call recorded yes votes from Jessica Ayers, Garrett West, Kevin Keating, Kevin Stein, John Quinn and Zach Smith.

Key contract details and timeline

- Project cost estimate (staff): $302,800,000.
- CMGC preconstruction services: not-to-exceed “just under $3,000,000.”
- Contractor fee (Sladen): 6.75% of cost of work (profit component quoted by proposers).
- Final design target: June 2025 (staff estimate).
- Construction completion required by DEQ permit: September 2028; staff said an extension beyond 2028 is possible but uncertain.

What comes next: Sladen will work through preconstruction with the design team, propose a GMP when design reaches about 90%, and return to council for a GMP amendment and construction authorization. Staff said the city is also finalizing financing and expects to complete a WIFIA loan arrangement.

(Reporting based on staff presentation and council roll call at the April 16 meeting.)","The Medford City Council on April 16 approved a contract with Sladen Constructors for preconstruction and future construction management of a federally required $302.8 million upgrade to the White City wastewater treatment plant.",{"_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},6047889,"Medford council approves ODOT agreement to allow city to deliver federally funded projects",393,1507000,1900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7&start=1507&end=1900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7/thumbnail_1507000.jpg","/articles/6047889/Medford/Jackson-County/Oregon/Medford-council-approves-ODOT-agreement-to-allow-city-to-deliver-federally-funded-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047889-3f89bff92fbd26f33bcca847e51aa628/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197358&Signature=SPFVJAsZCQ-90bUtfRLFSXQcUGQHqbsk1aItODOPBLAAOFZCRsGaMZzjk09kwD~DyOyuupIv~pL-iD4DOxMKJOvMkgRjcqq5hIT3nZSEA7fq8Pn6NkAgNuJpnd0ufaLV6yReUj8310pmczH8oHfFmxSeaHNXayvUBCvJ9beiTwnwmfYZP96k50XyaakHPNb13G~F1o1nF-hUJ4ADtUUsyUKVeCEr3Z487vhQx2B5H88kp2P-tlCDzKUEVDQ6zHMONggBzTP3~-HT7FGXsA6PtkVQIOStzpy2FwUvvay5TrkvaKn2iMCViJ0a4PlEejtKOHIOf62QHY4dhkFoy-eTNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Medford City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved an agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation that will let the city obtain full certification to deliver projects funded with federal aid.

City Attorney Eric Minton presented the ordinance, saying the agreement with ODOT will let the city perform all phases of federally funded projects rather than contracting them out or asking ODOT to manage them. “This will allow us to proceed with certification,” Minton said during council discussion.

The city was previously certified for design only, Minton and City Engineer Alex George said, but ODOT changed its rules to require full certification for agencies that want to deliver federal-aid projects. George said the certification process required training and demonstration of staff skills, and that much of the training has already been completed. “This agreement doesn’t have any project associated with it. It’s only grantee us the approval to do certified projects,” George said, adding that individual federally funded projects will still come back to council for approval with required matching funds and project agreements.

Council members pressed for clarity on cost savings and training. George said delivering projects in-house typically reduces schedule and budget risk because the city can control scope and keep projects from being bid in uncertain markets. He confirmed there will be financial impacts when specific federal projects and their matching requirements are approved.

The council vote was 6-0 in favor. Councilor Kevin Keating moved approval; Zach Smith seconded. The roll call recorded aye votes from Kevin Keating, Zach Smith, John Quinn, Garrett West, Kevin Stein and Jessica Ayers.

Why it matters: Certification allows Medford to self-perform federally funded road and infrastructure work, a change city staff said should shorten timelines and give the city more control over costs and contractor selection. Staff also said only a handful of local agencies outside the Portland-Salem-Eugene corridor are certified, so the change positions Medford differently within Oregon.

What happens next: Staff will pursue final certification with ODOT. When federal funds are secured for a project, council will still be presented with individual project agreements, estimated costs and match requirements before work begins.

Votes at a glance: Council Bill 2025-27 — Ordinance authorizing a Local Agency Certification Program agreement with ODOT; outcome: approved, 6-0.

(Reporting based on city staff presentation and council roll call at the April 16 meeting.)","The Medford City Council voted 6-0 to authorize an agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation that lets the city become fully certified to deliver federally funded projects in-house, a change officials said will give Medford more control over scope, schedule and budget for large public works work.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6047869,"Council annexes nearly 1.12-acre lot for Rogue Valley Affordable Homes project",465,2935000,3400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7&start=2935&end=3400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7/thumbnail_2935000.jpg","/articles/6047869/Medford/Jackson-County/Oregon/Council-annexes-nearly-112-acre-lot-for-Rogue-Valley-Affordable-Homes-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047869-98d79fb134898a8072713964d1220340/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197358&Signature=EulsMTaAujXx3OjilKjxaeS8WIZu~qG6Y1u3pnYNBdJhKaOMGuiuz4bT6QdJKNIHYF6Aq8g92Xb-QgjkNA~orsWjogVkNEDLp1ROrc8Q~Ym~CjCz4cPLEzZDmEkGYGv9-wFWUcMySTbGIh-VjpqpprGWq3UTLlr9B6vk2DiG3fIJx7y4qOzoyPawZ0au219av-b528q6afwSdzYD6V7D74bEhz3tRmUv4DhV2wR6WdX8~JclNzRgLF5A7MEzfUlw5FmYxTcpccriQEX6cpLBFX77TDx471xmNt~Mo0N66FnbgdqyNrawtLFQ5vr~DzYDKDmaNVXPYpDzwm6HkKhD1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Medford City Council on April 16 approved an ordinance annexing a property at 318 Lozier Lane into the city. The property is just under 1 acre (0.99 net acres, 1.12 gross acres) and will be placed in the SFR-00 holding zone upon annexation; staff noted the applicant, Rogue Valley Affordable Homes (represented at the meeting), has a concurrent zone-change application to SFR-10 that the Planning Commission conditionally approved and that would take effect after annexation.

Planning staff explained the property’s comprehensive plan designation is Urban Residential and that the site is within the city’s urban growth boundary. Staff said the property owner consented to annexation and that the parcel is vacant.

Bob Neithammer, representing applicant St. Vincent de Paul Rogue Valley Affordable Homes Incorporated, told council the intention is to develop affordable housing on the site. Council approved the ordinance by a 6-0 vote; Councilor Kevin Stein moved approval and Garrett West seconded. Roll call recorded yes votes from Kevin Stein, Garrett West, Zach Smith, John Quinn, Kevin Keating and Jessica Ayers.

What happens next: If the concurrent rezoning to SFR-10 is finalized as conditioned by the Planning Commission, the property can be subdivided and developed consistent with SFR-10 rules (roughly 10 dwelling units per acre). The planning staff recommended approval based on code criteria for annexations.

(Reporting based on staff presentation, applicant remarks and council roll call at the April 16 meeting.)","The Medford City Council voted 6-0 to annex a 0.99-net-acre (1.12 gross-acre) property at 318 Lozier Lane into the city and to place it temporarily in the SFR-00 holding zone; the applicant has a concurrent rezoning application to SFR-10 that will take effect upon annexation.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6047874,"Medford to add single public entrance, metal detector and bag checks at city hall starting April 21",106,89000,195000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7&start=89&end=195","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3514295-87ff676bad4ea5aa568f449dbf929bc7/thumbnail_89000.jpg","/articles/6047874/Medford/Jackson-County/Oregon/Medford-to-add-single-public-entrance-metal-detector-and-bag-checks-at-city-hall-starting-April-21","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047874-cf2ebe5f011e106a9e678fa4bddf6ab1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197358&Signature=A89RGD80XVUKt4GKV8J4TjgTHXf07rfuo-0jnq5I9wq~MVhTmy3TnVjprj5dpM19MhiYAGq4eiZYo4YT0qYUUPsahsrePlDjoO56fZgL8VuFsOAMSWlFx08fTFUqTcIiHzYrEoMD1E8eOCHT6AQffCZg-UEuNfNt9hQ0MmSw5rdhQjBuqmzu-XuJvy5UFP1yJL7wQ~qnzCwn3wQGD3qxi213t0S8s3N5zbG5jZCQptqwjhPBt4wi11~o2bYPZ8tObEj52nZdNcst6ffDepSifGJoWh-~JNoIC1iQ-IhrygWKzpwVq4fsl99RK45q7edGJM94yOlxPx2SWaISU6JtyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Medford city staff announced Wednesday that the city will introduce enhanced security at City Hall starting Monday, April 21, including designating a single public entrance at the southeast corner of the building and screening visitors.

A staff presenter told council the southeast entrance—off the parking lot between the annex and City Hall and closest to the police department—will be the city’s designated public entry. Visitors will walk through a metal detector; those with bags can choose to have the bag checked, return it to their vehicle, or use an indoor bag check station. The city has contracted a private security firm to provide coverage during regular business hours and for after-hours meetings such as council sessions.

The presenter said the three remaining entrances will be restricted to staff and cardholders. The presenter described the change as a response to “a few issues and concerns the last several months” but did not provide further incident details during the council meeting.

Timing and operations: Staff said the new protocol begins Monday, April 21, and that the security entrance will be on the southeast side of the building near the police department. Councilors asked which door would be used; staff confirmed the location and described bag-check options. The city also notes the measure applies to in-person visitors and to after-hours public meetings.

(Reporting based on staff remarks to the Medford City Council on April 16.)","City officials told council they will designate a single public entrance at the southeast corner of the building, install a metal detector and offer bag checks for visitors during business hours and after-hours meetings starting Monday, April 21.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Medford Water Commission says FEMA BRIC grant canceled; city will scale back near-term water capital plan

Council approves Sladen Constructors for Medford wastewater plant upgrade preconstruction services; $302.8 million project estimate

Medford council approves ODOT agreement to allow city to deliver federally funded projects

Council annexes nearly 1.12-acre lot for Rogue Valley Affordable Homes project

Medford to add single public entrance, metal detector and bag checks at city hall starting April 21