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Josephine County proclaims National Police Week; residents voice objections on separate topics
Summary
Chair Ron Smith read a proclamation recognizing National Police Week (May 10–16, 2026). During public comment, Stephen Fitch opposed a Walk of Life proclamation and Judy Aherns opposed school-based health clinics; commissioners also provided fire-season and community-event announcements.
Chair Ron Smith read a proclamation into the record declaring May 10–16, 2026, as National Police Week during the Josephine County Board of Commissioners’ weekly business session.
The meeting included a public-comment period in which two residents registered concerns on unrelated topics. Stephen Fitch of Josephine County "spoke in opposition to the proclamation of Walk of Life," according to the minutes. Judy Aherns of Josephine County "spoke in opposition to health clinics in School District." The minutes record these statements as public comment; the transcript does not show a response from the board or a motion tied to either comment.
Commissioner Gary Richardson provided information to the public about fire-season preparation and county staffing (FTEs). Commissioner Colene Martin announced upcoming events at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, including the Gem and Mineral Show and the Grants Pass Garden Club plant sale, and encouraged public participation.
The minutes include a notation of ORS 192.640(1) that explains public-meeting notice requirements; the board’s recorded minutes follow that statutory framework. The minutes do not include further action tied to the Walk of Life or school-clinic comments. The board approved the consent calendar during the session and adjourned at 9:24 a.m.
Note on transcript inconsistency: the meeting minutes indicate the public hearing was opened at 9:03 a.m. and later show the public hearing closed at 9:02 a.m.; this appears to be a clerical timing inconsistency in the posted minutes and is reported here as shown in the record.
