May 12, 2020 4:30 a.m.
The Roseburg City Council passed all the items on its agenda Monday night, holding another meeting via Zoom.
Councilors unanimously approved a resolution to delay most annual fee increases to 2021. By a 7-1 vote, they agreed to increase the fee to rent the Ford Community Room at the library in order to cover additional janitorial costs. Councilor Ashley Hicks was the lone “no” vote saying she didn’t want to see any fee increases given the current economic conditions. Councilors voted to create a “reinspection fee” for the Community Development Department and to amend the fee paid by some telecommunications providers. They also approved allowing staff to apply for a State of Oregon Parks and Recreation grant to develop a trail system at Sunshine Park.
The council approved extending the current State of Emergency in place due to COVID-19. That gives City Manager Nikki Messenger additional authority during a time when the council is not meeting as often. The council agreed to let Messenger finalize a grant for the United Community Action Network. Community Development Director Stuart Cowie said a couple of minor paperwork items were missed by both city staff and by the Oregon Business Development Department.
A discussion about a potential Sobering Center was tabled as backers do not yet have the funding in place to move forward with the idea.
At the end of the meeting, councilor Bob Cotterell read a statement complaining about name calling by some regarding the impact homeless camps are having in Roseburg, noting guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to leave those sites alone until the COVID-19 pandemic passes. Cotterell said he is frustrated as well, but said councilors have to follow the rules, and abide by their oath of office.
Councilor Ashley Hicks asked if surveillance cameras were being considered for the downtown parking garage, citing problems with drug use at that location. Messenger said a proposal to do that is being considered in the budget for the next fiscal year.
Councilor Brian Prawitz offered a lengthy series of remarks regarding homelessness and vandalism in the downtown area. Prawitz said he too is frustrated, calling the situation “embarrassing”. Prawitz gave his full support to Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein, and to Messenger in dealing with the situation as best they could, given certain restrictions that are in place due to COVID-19.
The council meeting lasted just over 45 minutes.