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Shady Cove delays ruling about street SHADY COVE -- The Shady Cove City Council postponed its decision about vacating a small portion of Rene Drive until after it meets with the city attorney to hear the implications of a lawsuit threat. The city of Shady Cove wants to vacate a 20- by 150-foot portion of a 60-foot right of way on Rene Drive to property owner Gary Lee, who will pay the city $50,000 for it. A neighbor, David Hugie, threatened to sue the city, arguing the right-of-way reduction would devalue his property by making it more expensive to improve Rene Drive if and when his acreage is annexed into the city and developed. The City Council wants to vacate the 20 feet for three reasons, said Shady Cove Mayor Tom Anderson: to guarantee that narrow Rene Drive doesn't become a major thoroughfare; to save a row of oak trees; and to boost the slim street fund in a city that has miles of unpaved and poorly maintained roads. The second reading of the ordinance will be on the April 6 City Council agenda. In other action Thursday, the City Council: Prepared to seek bids to pave Maple Drive, turning the dirt road into a 28-foot-wide street with storm drains, curbs, gutters and three inches of asphalt, said the mayor, who lives on Maple Drive. Half of the project will be paid for by the developer of Rogue Riviera Estates, a 20-home subdivision located where Maple Drive and Penny Lane will intersect when the project is complete. Approved the construction of an outdoor storage bed at the sewer plant to quicken the drying time of sludge. The city will seek bids this month. Began the interviewing process to select a city engineer from four firms that submitted applications. A selection committee will make a recommendation on April 6. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA