Jacksonville council unanimously approves two liquor licenses, rescinds lodging-tax rule and OKs chamber deal

The Jacksonville City Council on June 2 unanimously approved a slate of routine and policy items, including two Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission applications, a resolution rescinding prior guidance on lodging-tax proceeds and a two-year management and promotion agreement with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting, called to order by Mayor Donna Bowen at 6:00 p.m., opened with approval of the May 19, 2026 minutes and the bills list. During consideration of the bills list, Councilor Lori Thompson asked about a down payment recorded in the Police Department general fund; Finance Director Bray answered that question during the staff report.

Mayor Bowen read summaries for both OLCC applications. Councilor Thompson told colleagues she was disappointed with the quality of the Fernweh Lodge application; Councilor Hellenthal agreed. Despite those remarks, Councilor Gregg moved to approve the Fernweh Lodge application and Councilor Hellenthal seconded; the council voted 6–0 to approve. The council then approved Coop & Colt's' OLCC application after the owner, identified as Dusty, answered a question about seating layout and confirmed the location formerly housed C Street Bistro. That motion passed 6–0.

The council adopted Resolution No. R2026-003, which rescinds Resolution No. R2022-007 and sets the disposition of lodging-tax proceeds and grant criteria. Finance Director Bray said Councilor Casaleggio worked with her to prepare the resolution. Councilor Casaleggio moved approval, Councilor Hellenthal seconded, and the measure passed unanimously.

Councilors also approved a two-year Management and Promotion Agreement with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Bowen read the agreement summary; Councilor Thompson moved to approve and Councilor Gregg seconded. The motion passed on a 6–0 vote.

Procedurally, the council set a public hearing for Appeal File No. 2026-036 for July 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.; Planning Director Ian Foster advised that questions about the application would be appropriate at the hearing. The council also set the final fiscal-year bill-pay meeting for Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Public comment included a brief statement from Don Litchfield saying tourism has increased and that the city’s marketing strategy is working. Council and committee reports noted Planning Commission and HARC action on a short-term vacation rental at the Love House and that the Rogue Valley Council of Governments budget was approved at a recent meeting.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of minutes (May 19, 2026): Motion by Councilor Hellenthal; seconded by Councilor Casaleggio — Ayes (6), Nays (0). - Bills list (June 2, 2026): Motion by Councilor Casaleggio; seconded by Councilor Thompson — Ayes (6), Nays (0). - OLCC application — Fernweh Lodge: Moved by Councilor Gregg; seconded by Councilor Hellenthal — Ayes (6), Nays (0). - OLCC application — Coop & Colt's: Moved by Councilor Casaleggio; seconded by Councilor Thompson — Ayes (6), Nays (0). - Resolution No. R2026-003 (rescinding R2022-007; lodging-tax disposition and grant criteria): Moved by Councilor Casaleggio; seconded by Councilor Hellenthal — Ayes (6), Nays (0). - Jacksonville Chamber Management & Promotion Agreement (two years): Moved by Councilor Thompson; seconded by Councilor Gregg — Ayes (6), Nays (0). - Set public hearing for Appeal File No. 2026-036 (July 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.): Moved by Councilor Casaleggio; seconded by Councilor Thompson — Ayes (6), Nays (0). - Set final FY 2025–26 bill-pay meeting (June 25, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.): Moved by Councilor Thompson; seconded by Councilor Hellenthal — Ayes (6), Nays (0).

The meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.