February 10, 2020 3:30 a.m.
The Roseburg City Council is scheduled to name a new councilor during its Monday evening meeting.
Longtime Councilor Tom Ryan recently resigned from his Ward 2, Position 2 seat as he prepares to travel in retirement.
Councilors will meet early at 6:00 p.m. to interview candidates Sheila Cox, Ashley Taylor and Jeffrey Weller. Former councilor Mike Baker filed for the seat but withdrew his name citing increased work responsibilities in his job.
Cox worked as the City Recorder in Roseburg for thirty years, retiring in 2018. She also filled in twice as interim city manager and was the airport manager during times professional staff were not employed.
Ashley Taylor is the Fiduciary Guardian for Ashley Taylor LLC and is the deputy director of Douglas CARES. In her application, Taylor said her work has given her an array of experience and training that would benefit the community.
Jeffrey Weller is a self-employed certified public accountant and said he has 48 years of experience in that field. Weller said he has lived in Roseburg for about four years.
The new councilor will be selected during the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m.
A number of other items are on the agenda as well including a funding recommendation for the Southern Oregon Medical Workforce Center. Last July the Oregon State Legislature committed $10 million to help fund the facility which will be located in Roseburg. The council has to decide whether to authorize interim funding for the project. Work to develop the new center began in 2012. Last fall the Umpqua Valley Development Corporation was formed as a 501c3 non-profit organization to carry on fundraising efforts and to help guide program development and construction. UVDC continues to work with educational partner George Fox University on programs that may be offered at the center. UVDC is requesting $60,000 from the Economic Development Fund for project management services.
The meeting will be held in the council chambers at Roseburg City Hall.