[{"_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",6474551,"mediaKeyId","5784705-ad9912d5133fd4870f606442eeae9383","parentId",5784705,"title","Council approves contract award for Safe Routes to School Phase 2 at Lincoln Elementary; contract low bid $474,000","audioSeconds",1064,"startMs",3735000,"endMs",4799000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784705-ad9912d5133fd4870f606442eeae9383&start=3735&end=4799","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784705-ad9912d5133fd4870f606442eeae9383/thumbnail_3735000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6474551/Grants-Pass-City/Josephine-County/Oregon/Council-approves-contract-award-for-Safe-Routes-to-School-Phase-2-at-Lincoln-Elementary-contract-low-bid-474000","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474551-1f45065834db38c2d39b768258542e67/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193844&Signature=ireM90dXg1WG-pkJ26D-FQkpClD1zo-3BazKzhtB7~3p2i7rIIWt9jWOBpCSTfnfQdhxsxu~6Jo5e5JsYkK1PICmMFXY14iww0FvUjJu1oUgFbnNY5Eat~-NhWWy5mOeKVvczwGOYgqCMivzstzQxKLISyY5M3-znvcjxMcOPfTbMImayo~lq3BKb27E8A4GRFShjOg3xIjAd8U4kBc~hQHVHrnZBEDFSQtRCgbfEVrziX~23vmDUmMebMq9ZuJMWEn~tfZGFMWMmdrn2mw5dK-bfK42W4a5oUgHkNRq9sZplEUnMCqKUfFAfvn9ANY0b8LsfvmuUlGdJ142fPtGbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Grants Pass, OR","date","2025-09-18T14:43:00Z","article","The Grants Pass City Council approved, as part of the consent agenda on Sept. 17, a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a construction contract for the Safe Routes to School Phase 2 project at Lincoln Elementary School (project TR6410). The council adopted the consent agenda by roll call and the resolution was included in that package.

Wade, a city staff member overseeing the project, summarized the history: the city received a state Safe Routes to School construction grant (award date in 2020) that originally supported pedestrian improvements around Lincoln Elementary. Phase 1 work completed frontage improvements, raised pedestrian crossings and ADA infrastructure. Phase 2 includes sidewalk infill on Riddle and Heffley streets, ADA ramp upgrades on Ninth Street and Memorial Drive and other items identified in the original grant application. \"Phase 2 has to be done by 12/31/2025,\" Wade said, explaining the grant timeline and the city's obligation to complete the work or risk breaching the grant agreement.

The city received five responsive bids on Aug. 28, 2025; the lowest responsive bidder was Freedom Builders LLC at $474,000. Staff told council the capital project account TR6410 has adequate funding (including approximately $770,000 remaining for construction and change orders) to award the contract and cover internal engineering costs. Wade also explained a portion of the work addressed an undersized water line that needed replacement as part of the curb/gutter/sidewalk work; the water-line cost was shared between the water fund and the project where appropriate.

Council discussion confirmed the project was competitively awarded originally in 2020 and that escalating construction costs after the COVID-19 pandemic consumed more grant funds than anticipated during phase 1, leaving the city to cover the remaining phase 2 costs with local project funds. Councilor Indra and others asked whether the city had alternatives; staff said returning grant funds or declining to complete the scope could risk repayment obligations and reduced competitiveness in future grant applications.

The consent agenda (moved by Councilor Victoria and seconded by Councilor Kathleen) passed on a 7-0 roll-call vote, which included the authorization for the city manager to sign the Phase 2 contract. Staff will proceed with contract execution and construction scheduling to meet the state deadline.

Votes at a glance: Resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a contract for Safe Routes to School Phase 2, TR6410 (lowest responsive bid: Freedom Builders LLC $474,000) \u0000 Passed as part of consent agenda 7-0.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Grants Pass City Council Workshop September 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","As part of the consent agenda the council authorized the city manager to enter a contract for Safe Routes to School Phase 2 (TR6410) to complete sidewalk and ADA improvements around Lincoln Elementary; lowest responsive bid was $474,000 and the state grant requires project completion by Dec. 31, 2025.","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},6474556,"Council awards $15,000 in fall 2025 tourism grants; Porch Fest recommended additional tracking funds",1506,1460000,2966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784705-ad9912d5133fd4870f606442eeae9383&start=1460&end=2966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784705-ad9912d5133fd4870f606442eeae9383/thumbnail_1460000.jpg","/articles/6474556/Grants-Pass-City/Josephine-County/Oregon/Council-awards-15000-in-fall-2025-tourism-grants-Porch-Fest-recommended-additional-tracking-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474556-ed11f9cdc699eb07681631f508b4448e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193844&Signature=FMi0UiW3u02TWCNfBkhoeuOuYyeJTngiKxMEXdAVX5TK8oPHnYJY12hPHKos9puIVlJugbpqV5IcwRaPnCeHES3oi4UgqR~HVrE688Mvq0RXhgjjVaywm4SdiK9emtQFn5xBun3MuyXnaudRAUuUpEmVgDmyFj~NKsTYqe99B57Kwm-iQq8DJn2nJiuv7PlRhyI5S5MHFUMD7DG9lHC94IHW-LXDTtesvQ4oaWBJrlS3P12Q8xLBpx3aU~p5XA70zcq2LQGxKC9khjk9W6l6GjAU3LcBJTREab0P4c0iNkf~ykF2zHTETK-3FPxBKXjtOtQQdd5ry62QxutN-wtJyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grants Pass City Council on Sept. 17 approved lodging-tax funded awards for the fall 2025 cycle of the tourism promotion grant program, distributing $15,000 to three applicants and leaving $20,000 of the FY26 allocation for the next cycle.

Dana Pierce, economic development division, told council the program was created by a 2023 council resolution and provides $2,500 to $5,000 reimbursement grants to businesses and nonprofits with lodging-tax-eligible expenses that attract visitors from more than 50 miles away or lead to overnight stays. \"This resolution will award lodging tax funds to three grant applicants for tourism promotion,\" Dana said, explaining the program rules and the subcommittee recommendations.

The grant review subcommittee recommended full funding for Latitude Wine Tours ($5,000) to promote a seasonal \"Sip and Stay\" digital marketing campaign; full funding for Grants Pass Downs dba HRA LLC ($5,000) for marketing the horseracing event; and an increased recommendation for Rogue Gateway Rotary Foundation to $5,000 (the foundation requested $3,500) to support Porch Fest and to add data-collection and tracking tools. Two applicants\u0000Cafe Nada Bar and Cynthia's Home Sweet Home\u0000were not recommended because review determined proposed expenses were not lodging-tax eligible or the marketing strategy needed refinement.

Councilors asked how the city determines whether an event draws visitors from 50 miles away. Dana and a staff member explained the statute requires lodging tax-funded promotion to target audiences residing 50 or more miles away or that lead to overnight stays; the subcommittee also prioritized applications that demonstrated regional draw and provided proposals for measurable outreach. Brad, a staff member, reminded council that the Oregon Revised Statutes prescribe tourism-promotion eligibility and that the key test is whether money is spent on promotion mechanisms that reach audiences beyond 50 miles.

Concerns about duplication surfaced during deliberations. Councilor Indra questioned whether paying for tracking tools duplicates work Visit Grants Pass already performs; Dana said Visit Grants Pass provides technical assistance to applicants but that the grant program is intended to help smaller or volunteer-run events market beyond their usual local reach.

Councilor Joel moved to adopt the recommended awards to Latitude Wine Tours (HRA LLC), Grants Pass Downs dba HRA LLC, and Rogue Gateway Rotary Foundation; Councilor Rick seconded. Roll-call votes were recorded in favor by Rick, Kathleen, Rob, Victoria, Eric, Joel and Indra. The motion passed unanimously.

Award summary (fall 2025 cycle): Latitude Wine Tours \u0000 $5,000; Grants Pass Downs (dba HRA LLC) \u0000 $5,000; Rogue Gateway Rotary Foundation (Porch Fest) \u0000 $5,000 (subcommittee increased recommended amount to add tracking tools). Total requested: $20,700. Total recommended/awarded: $15,000. Funds are distributed as reimbursements upon submission of eligible receipts. The FY26 tourism promotion budget includes $35,000; $20,000 will remain for the next cycle.

Votes at a glance: Resolution awarding fall 2025 tourism promotion grant funds \u0000 Passed 7-0 by roll call.","The Grants Pass City Council approved fall 2025 tourism promotion grant awards totaling $15,000 from lodging tax funds to three applicants; the Rogue Gateway Rotary Foundation (Porch Fest) was recommended for $5,000 with additional funding for data-tracking tools.",{"_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},6474561,"Grants Pass council approves 4% pay boost for firefighters; action takes effect Jan. 1, 2026",880,574000,1454000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784705-ad9912d5133fd4870f606442eeae9383&start=574&end=1454","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784705-ad9912d5133fd4870f606442eeae9383/thumbnail_574000.jpg","/articles/6474561/Grants-Pass-City/Josephine-County/Oregon/Grants-Pass-council-approves-4-pay-boost-for-firefighters-action-takes-effect-Jan-1-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474561-30d31d997f91deab5d7bf8945626914e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193844&Signature=j1rrFEYw71Lcztt2~mafucLovD8DWRz~M382q6ikGBg1rMjmh4o15RnN-lilGY39vNrk7kqdCrmz5eBhzsdVBBf1ffSlJw0EQ3s99y~emC-gkPSLMAJFEk2idPZHYtr~lTG6FtgXIJ2ZXd~TXqrYnY7k4E7Sixdi81wN1Vu~tPUznvNbp9OKyNEDRDwox77EMich0kznEPUl9--W4eiAa0BwKc3RdNTUVH-LphKfo56xXOiUQy0Yaprs7PtVVDwK1T8q1lQRExsIMFFWU5GDXylOq-scisKJF2UJlsZx~tSB1QX16NOciLDC6CGGH5e67PJ1TbX~Bbongs6qB6Tmvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grants Pass City Council on Sept. 17 approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a salary-only agreement with the International Association of Firefighters, Local 3564 that raises each step of the firefighters' salary schedule by 4 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

City staff presented the agreement to the council as a wage-only opener negotiated under council parameters. \"There really is one main thing because it was only salary only,\" said Aaron, a city staff member, explaining the proposal and the estimated fiscal effects. Councilors were told the six-month cost to the current fiscal year is $107,251; the annualized impact is roughly $216,000. The salary adjustment covers the city's current staffing levels and the contract does not include the six additional positions that are not yet on the books.

The item drew discussion about long-term budget effects. Councilor Joel said the combination of annual step increases and recurring cost-of-living changes could compound over time and materially increase the city's payroll obligations. \"If the step increase adds, let's say, on the average 5 percent, let's say inflation on the average is 5 percent, that's 10 percent a year that wages increase... if you compound at 10 percent over seven years, your salary doubles,\" Joel said. Councilors Joel, Indra and Eric all said they would vote for the adjustment while noting fiscal sustainability concerns.

Councilor Clint moved to approve the resolution; Councilor Kathleen seconded. The council voted by roll call: Rick, Kathleen, Rob, Victoria, Eric, Joel and Indra voted yes. The motion passed unanimously.

The resolution authorizes the city manager to finalize and sign the agreement with the IAFF local; the effective date in the contract language is Jan. 1, 2026. Staff provided the council with the packet salary schedules used to calculate the step adjustments and the city's estimate of positions affected (28 positions were cited in the staff presentation). The council did not change the proposed language on compensation; the action is limited in the contract to salary schedule adjustment only.

Councilors and staff repeatedly framed the vote as approving a negotiated, salary-only settlement within council policy parameters and not as opening other terms of the labor contract. Several members urged continued attention to long-term personnel budget planning.

Votes at a glance: Resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a salary adjustment with the International Association of Firefighters, Local 3564 — Passed 7-0 by roll call.

The council moved on to other agenda items once the resolution passed.","The Grants Pass City Council voted unanimously Sept. 17 to authorize a salary-only contract adjustment with the International Association of Firefighters Local 3564 that increases each step on the department's pay schedule by 4 percent; six-month fiscal impact is $107,251.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves contract award for Safe Routes to School Phase 2 at Lincoln Elementary; contract low bid $474,000

Council awards $15,000 in fall 2025 tourism grants; Porch Fest recommended additional tracking funds

Grants Pass council approves 4% pay boost for firefighters; action takes effect Jan. 1, 2026