The Grants Pass City Council took action on two items during its bi-weekly workshop on Monday.
The City Council unanimously approved bringing back a Humanitarian Services Permitting Process to Wednesday's regular business meeting for reconsideration.
The Humanitarian Services Permitting Process was actually approved by the 2024 City Council in March, but it was vetoed by former Mayor Sara Bristol and did not move forward. New Mayor Clint Scherf wanted to bring it back for a vote. Both he and City Manager Aaron Cubic stated that "we have the right to know what is happening in our parks."
Cubic said the ordinance is more about oversight and less about regulations when it comes to groups providing services to the unhoused who are resting in campsites or on public property. The organizations providing those services would have reporting requirements. The Council could impose a $25 fee or waive the fee.
In other business, the Council voted unanimously to use decomposed granite to provide an ADA-compliant surface for the 7th Street campsite. Public Works Director Jason Canady brought up the idea because the decomposed granite surface installed at 6th & A streets has worked very well. He said the "DG" surface needs periodic maintenance, but it stood up well even after last weekend's heavy rains.
During the time the 7th Street site is being resurfaced, the 6th & A site will be temporarily expanded onto paved property next door. Canady said it's much less expensive than paving and can be done in a relatively short period of time.
