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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Public meetings for May 18-22, 2015 Sawyer Paddles sues manufacturer, alleging breach of contract Mahar wins, Hillcrest loses in growth plan for Medford Feds go after Rogue River lawyer for failing to pay $125,000 in taxes Medford police search for suspect who robbed Flamingo's at gunpoint Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Public meetings for May 18-22, 2015 Feds go after Rogue River lawyer for failing to pay $125,000 in taxes Medford police search for suspect who robbed Flamingo's at gunpoint Man allegedly tried to burn Medford police officer with lighter Medford driver faces assault charge for hitting skateboarder Politics and Elections Arthur I. Cyr: Camp David summit will not help Mideast stability Ashland water bills could go up to fund watershed protection Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline opponents rally in Medford BREAKING: Baltimore prosecutor charges officers in Freddie Gray's death Earthquakes hit regularly in Medford (Oklahoma, that is) Education SOU student's project tells story of devastating Weed fire South Medford, Ashland high schools earn national honors Medford garage sale will put books in African kids' hands Medford schools restore parent-teacher conferences Latino parents: More bilingual staff needed in Medford schools Environment Jackson County declares drought disaster Ashland water bills could go up to fund watershed protection Crater Lake may soon have China connection State waives college placement tests for students who hit high marks Stopping fire in its tracks State News Oregon wildlife officials eye phased-in hunting, fishing fee increases Wyden's gambit on trade deal pays off Panel sends Jackson, Josephine drought declarations to governor Court overturns $85 million award for Oregon soldiers Oregon families should get $284 in tax rebates next year Nation - World There's a $10 million precious stone hidden in plain sight at Grand Central Obituaries Nita Day Alan Leslie Robins Kathryn "Kay" Blanche White Eva Robarts Donald Kent Hoyt Weather Photo Galleries Since You Asked Videos Web Cams Mail Tribune 100 Shareable Check out top import and export for every U.S. state Patriots fan sets up GoFundMe page to help pay for team's Deflategate fine Sports Latest Stories Challengers claim crown McIlroy sets course record with 61 Wu falls just short of advancing to NCAAs Two down, one to go for American Pharoah Pirates strong at Skyline district meet Varsity 541 College Sports Wu falls just short of advancing to NCAAs Beavers continue hot streak, trip Cardinal Committee urges switch to 30-second shot clock Even-par round keeps Wu in contention Wu off to fast start in NCAA regional Pro Sports McIlroy sets course record with 61 Two down, one to go for American Pharoah Warriors advance behind Curry Spectacular crashes at Indy raise concerns Brady, union threaten Goodell with lawsuit Community Sports Bailey picks up modified win Business Latest Stories Blog: L is For... Blog: Cash deals for homes inches toward normal levels Tourism stronger than ever in Southern Oregon Medford airport still flying high with record passenger counts Erickson reports $75 million loss in 1st quarter Real Estate News Single-family home sales take off Never enough: New Starbucks proposed on Barnett Road in Medford Jackson County debt-ridden homeowners have an option New home in an old house Naumes plans custom-crush winery in former packing house People In Business People in Business Transportation Tourism stronger than ever in Southern Oregon Medford airport still flying high with record passenger counts Erickson finds room to work at Medford airport Lithia Motors nets $40.7 million in first quarter Lithia Motors reports second-best quarter ever Agriculture 1-800Flowers.com reports $10.5 million loss in third quarter Naumes plans custom-crush winery in former packing house Opinion Latest Other Views: Keeping marijuana away from minors Letters to the Editor, May 15 Where would you put a new Costco? Our view: Legislature should fix both marijuana laws Granlund cartoon: Kim Jong Un and snoozing Editorials Other Views: Keeping marijuana away from minors Our view: Legislature should fix both marijuana laws Our View: City should let SkyPark project move ahead Our View: E-cigarette bill is half right, half wrong Our View: Abundant water no excuse for waste Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, May 15 Letters to the Editor, May 14 Letters to the Editor, May 13 Letters to the Editor, May 12 Letters to the Editor, May 11 Columns Arthur I. Cyr: Camp David summit will not help Mideast stability George Will: In childhood, risk is inherent Dana Milbank: Power to the populists Kathleen Parker: Defining deity down: Changing others' religion Guest Opinion: Ample water? Think again Guest Opinions Guest Opinion: Ample water? Think again Guest Opinion: Oregon mothers need much more than flowers Guest Opinion: Child poverty and the Schneider Children’s Center Guest Opinion: Animal-killing program pulls wool over taxpayers' eyes Guest Opinion: Uniting to restore our sovereignty to we, the people Lifestyle Latest stories New Arrival: Greta Scott Spangler Community blog: Rhubarb's sour stalks have surprising savory side Anniversary: Leon and Gail Guss celebrate 60 years together 5 local fishing opportunities for summer visitors Community blog: Fasting out of Cancer Food Community blog: Rhubarb's sour stalks have surprising savory side 6 stars of the Rogue Valley food universe Season Stepp: Use pink lemonade in recipes Quick, easy, versatile Page H. Onorato: Cookbook offers old friend in the kitchen today Home and Garden Betty Montgomery: Longleaf pines making a comeback Pergola, arbor, gazebo: Learn the differences Dear Monty: Five tips for companies to reduce relocation costs Options abound for gardens in shady spots Tricks and tips to enlarge your small bath Health Community blog: Fasting out of Cancer Brent St. Germain: Weight loss goes to the dogs Community blog: Don't Fall for This Part 2 Health Watch: Easy tips to drink more water throughout the day New cardiac rehab center opens at Asante RRMC Hiking Biking Faith Religion Briefs: Friday, May 15 Religion Briefs: Friday, May 8 Religion Briefs: Friday, May 1 Religion Briefs: Friday, April 24 Milestones and Achievements Bukair-Hinkle Wedding: Stephanie Anne Obad and Mark Douglass Schmor Ashland water bills could go up to fund watershed protection Drones helping create unique wedding photos Pick your favorite wedding flowers Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Live Music in Local Clubs 5 picks for live entertainment Steve Poltz, Grant-Lee Phillips at Old Ashland Armory 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' Flowers, art and music highlight Art in Bloom Theater 'Cuckoo's Nest' is a big play, well presented 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' REVIEW: Randall Theatre's 'Little Shop of Horrors' a rollicking good time REVIEW: Carson, Patton shine in 'Arsenic and Old Lace' Some Oregon Shakespeare Festival crew members seek to unionize Music Live Music in Local Clubs Blues great B.B. King dead at 89 Steve Poltz, Grant-Lee Phillips at Old Ashland Armory Victor D. Infante: If loving bad pop songs is wrong ... The Farr Side: Contest open for singer-songwriters Community Events Third Friday: 'Into the Woods' is a must-see 5 things to see at Art in Bloom Flowers, art and music highlight Art in Bloom Hip-Hop Poetry Open Mic at OSF's Black Swan in Ashland Ashland's First Friday Art Walk showcases new exhiits by regional artists Movies Movie review: ‘Mad Max’ is a fresh, fantastic approach to a classic idea Your A-to-Z guide to the ‘Mad Max’ franchise Movie review: ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ will leave your inner 12-year-old giggling with glee Movie review: ‘Hot Pursuit’ is a hot mess George Miller returns to his ‘Mad Max’ roots Dining 6 stars of the Rogue Valley food universe Cool down with a cold one (or two, or three) Nguyen Street Food From rustic to elegant: Wine tasting in Southern Oregon Quick, easy, versatile Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW Our View: Kicking state government down the road ... Public meetings for May 18-22, 2015 ... Mt. Ashland Ski Area proposes summer adventure center ... Our View: Kicking state government down the road ... Public meetings for May 18-22, 2015 ... Mt. Ashland Ski Area proposes summer adventure center ... Jacksonville mayor jumped the gun on hiring consultant, councilors say By Tony Boom Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom Mail Tribune Posted May. 13, 2015 @ 9:57 am Updated May 13, 2015 at 3:59 PM By Tony Boom Mail Tribune Posted May. 13, 2015 @ 9:57 am Updated May 13, 2015 at 3:59 PM » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> JACKSONVILLE — City Council members say Mayor Paul Becker jumped the gun when he hired a consultant to advise on fundraising to turn the second floor of the Jackson County Courthouse into a performing arts and meeting space without first getting approval for the venue. “It doesn’t look flattering, what’s going on. A normal person looking at this right now would not be very impressed,” Councilor Brad Bennington said at a recent meeting. “That money is being spent to hire someone to do something that the council has not voted on ... certainly, to most people, it would not look very appealing or transparent.” Becker hired Gold Hill consultant Theresa Hart to look at fundraising possibilities for the second-floor space after the city received a $5,000 donation for that purpose. Fundraising analysis by Hart has been suspended, but she will work with city staff to prepare a comprehensive report on potential uses and costs requested by the council. Deliberation on future use will be held after the city completes its 2015-16 budget process. “I’ll take responsibility for it,” Becker said Monday. “We didn’t at the time bring it before the council because we are not spending public money. I apologized for the contract.” Signing the contract did not bind the city to a particular use for the second floor, Becker said. At the council meeting, Becker said the second floor gathering place has been included as “aspirational” all along. Councilor Jocie Wall thanked Bennington for his comments and said the action lacked transparency. “I couldn’t agree with you more,” said Wall. “I don’t think we are at the decision-making point yet. We are at the point where we are discussing. … The citizens haven’t been properly informed.” Since receiving the 1883 courthouse from Jackson County in 2012, the council has proceeded slowly on plans to turn the building’s first floor into City Hall. Initial studies, design and improvements have been undertaken on a step-by-step basis. Council members want to ensure that costs would be covered by the $1 million of urban renewal funds that have been designated for renovation. The latest phase, which includes seismic retrofits and a fire-suppression system, should be completed in July. “I thought that it was good of (the mayor) to admit he jumped the gun,” said Councilor Ken Gregg Monday. While work on the downstairs has proceeded step-by-step, he said it seemed odd that the same process hadn’t been followed for the second floor. Delaying a decision on upstairs use until city offices are located downstairs is a possible scenario, said Councilor David Jesser. “I don’t think we, as the body that is representative government for the city, have hashed out the highest and best use for the upstairs,” said Jesser. Among items council members said need to be examined are competing venues, potential use, management options, acoustics, impact on neighbors and budgets. Public input was also requested. Tony Boom is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Reach him at [email protected] . By Tony Boom Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom Mail Tribune Posted May. 13, 2015 @ 9:57 am Updated May 13, 2015 at 3:59 PM » Comment or view comments /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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