Talent — The Talent City Council on Nov. 20 approved steps to expand the reach of an Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) tree-recovery project, directing staff to pursue intergovernmental agreements and amendments to the grant scope and to evaluate median work on Highway 99.

Staff presented three recommended actions: (1) obtain engineering and traffic-safety cost estimates to modify Highway 99 center medians consistent with the Urban Forestry Committee’s plan; (2) pursue agreements with Jackson County and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to plant additional OWEB-funded trees on a 1,350-foot strip south of Lynn Newbury Park and coordinate with the FEMA project manager overseeing nearby hazard-mitigation work; and (3) pursue amendments to the OWEB agreement to expand the project scope as needed, coordinating with Medford Water Commission on water service for trees planted outside the city limits.

Committee member Jason Clark, who appeared before the council, urged protecting gateway trees, relocating interior trees to long-term public sites, and finding six additional planting sites (including a senior living center) so the city can use all available grant-funded trees. Clark suggested planting species suited to limited soil volumes in existing medians rather than immediately investing in deeper, widened tree wells that would require significant permitting and construction.

Councilors reflected broad support for moving quickly to use available OWEB trees, but they also raised staffing, permitting and funding concerns. Staff and ODOT-related permitting requirements were discussed at length; Gary (city manager) and Public Works staff said work in state right of way will require ODOT encroachment permits, possible IGAs and engineering costs that are not currently funded. Council asked staff to pursue due diligence and return with cost estimates, permit requirements and capacity assessments.

Actions approved included a motion to pursue agreements with Jackson County and ODOT to place additional OWEB trees along the described strip (amended to add contacting the Medford Water Commission for irrigation options) and a separate motion to seek amendments to the OWEB agreement. Both motions passed unanimously. Staff said they will return with legal agreements, cost estimates and recommendations about median planting versus well‑expansion.

Council emphasized the urgency of making grant-eligible plantings before the OWEB grant period ends, while also ensuring proper permitting and sustainable irrigation arrangements for new trees.