HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-154 IGA Joint Managmeent of the Bear Creek Geenway Corridor AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
FOR THE JOINT MANAGEMENT OF
THE BEAR CREEK GREENWAY CORRIDOR
This SECOND AMENDMENT to the Intergovernmental Agreement for the Joint Management of
the Bear Creek Greenway Corridor dated I ebruary 14, 2008 (as previously amended, the
"Agreement"), is hereby made and entered into by and between Jackson County, a political
subdivision of the State of Oregon,hereinafter referred to as "County,"and each of the Cities of
Ashland, Central Point, Medford, Phoenix and Talent, hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Cities."County and Cities are hereinafter collectively referred to as the"Parties."
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RECITALS
WHEREAS, in 2008 the Parties executed the Agreement to guide major maintenance of
the Bear Creek Greenway Corridor;and
WHEREAS, the original Agreement incorporated by reference the Bear Creek Greenway
Management Plan,2005 2010;and
WHEREAS,on April 6, 2017, the Bear Creek Greenway Management plan was updated
through 2022;and
WHEREAS,the Bear Creek Greenway Management Plan has been updated by the Parties
to reflect current priorities and maintenance strategies for a per_od between 2024 and 2030 and is
intended to serve as the guiding document for management and operations of the Greenway.
THEREFORE
The modifications set forth below are effective upon execut-on of this Amendment. Inserted
language is indicated by I IAlir rind Ulld( piling,and deleted language is indicated by b"tg
fflW-RWkethVffUglk.
1.) Exhibit A of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
Exhibit A attached to this Amendment.
2.) Section 4 of the Agreement is hereby amended as follows;
Each Parly shall pay its annual obligation for implementation of the Plan as shown in
the Annual Major Maintenance Fund Contribution column on the Funding Table in the
attached Exhibit A,pwg 49nape I Funds will be handled as a separate and distinct
set of accounts within Jackson County's Trails Fund,, which is established within the
a
Jackran County budget. Jackson County shall issue an annual!"voice for all payrnentt
duaptursuani to F4lblj.4 rid,later than Jule 3lstofetrch treau X t ratontsshall buW uratXau
to Jackson County annually upon r°aeeipt of Invoice,on or before August 31st of each
i year: . Expenditures
irtn the JPC)knds will be"rode In accordance with ilia plan or by a vots pur stuant to
Section 3 of thins Agreemew.
3. 5oati on S of the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
Each Patty shall be responsible,for rouatna maintenance on.tiro Crttanrvay as
f described in lac ON A within their bound rles as id ntyled In&hiblt A. .in addiilon
r to the routine ntainlonanee described in Exhibit A,Parties agree to Sul
m utilizing Jackson County Community.lbslice crows to aS"$Xart with r+otutlne
I maintenance,including eachjurisdiction's costs identyledfor "CJCrow"in The table
In ExUbit,d gW p�r11 dr rte he4we-ymLjhlxy►vxKtvxtr.�,ye,eSFC
This Amendment is effective the date on'whioh this Amendment Is fully executed by the parties
and Wly approved as required by applicable statutes and rules.
CITY OP A$1FILA CITY Or CENTRAL POINT:
By, 1ty �se� By.
Date Date
Title: W Title,
CITY OI? DCITY PHOl3l�ltlt:
B /y' BY:
Date Date
2-12-2024 Title: �( "
Title: Cit Mana er 1 "�
C� Op TALENT: JAC2wnitiy3A1@2
Date Date
Title: Titler'gtrator
Approved as to Legalu#tit 'ency:
Katie Zerkel
Sr.Assistant County Artsol
Exhibit A
Bear Creek Greenway
Management Plan
2024 - 2030
Table of Contents:
Bear Creek Greenway Background
Purpose and Need of Management Plan
Jurisdiction Boundaries
Routine Maintenance
Routine Maintenance Tasks
Options to Accomplish Routine Maintenance
Cost Estimates
Staff Recommendation
Major/Facility-wide Maintenance
Inspections&Trail Counters
Bridge&Pavement Preservation Projects
Pavement Repair Projects
Unanticipated Repair Fund
Facility-wide Improvements
Grant Match
Signage
Staffing
JPC Staff
Community Engagement&Volunteer Coordinator
Operations
Greenway Ordinance
Greenway Special Event Standards& Procedures
General Greenway Permits
Expenditures&Funding
Management&Oversight: Joint Powers Committee
Conclusion
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Bear Creek Greenway Background
The Bear Creek Greenway is a currently 22.4-mile paved, multi-use trail that connects the cities of
Ashland,Talent, Phoenix, Medford and Central Point. The Greenway is continuous from the Ashland
Dog Park to the intersection of Blackwell and Kirtland Roads, north of Central Point. The trail provides a
separated route from cars with the exception of a short distance of travel on Dean Creek Road, an
extremely low volume road, with only two at-grade road crossings. The trail parallels 1-5, Highway 99
and Bear Creek and provides Rogue Valley residents and visitors to the area a close-in spot for bird
watching and wildlife viewing, as well as exercise and general recreation.
There are benches along the trail as well as several city parks along the route that provide parking,
restrooms, drinking water, and picnic tables. The Cities and County share responsibility for routine
maintenance of the trail and work jointly to accomplish major maintenance and management of the
Bear Creek Greenway.
The long-term goal is to extend the trail south through Ashland and on to Emigrant Lake. The northern
terminus was reached in 2023, where the trail is planned to connect with the Rogue River Greenway.
The Bear Creek Greenway is the spine of the non-motorized transportation system in the Bear Creek
Valley, providing people with an option to take trips by bike instead of by car. It provides the largest
regional urban park through the most populated areas in Southern Oregon, providing a close to home
place to connect with nature. It enhances the livability of the region and is often cited as an important
amenity considered by people relocating to our area. An annual average of 250 trips per day are taken
at any given point along the trail, making the trail as busy as many local streets and roads.
In 2020, much of the southern portion of the trail was burned in the Almeda Fire and a significant
portion of the trail in the Central Point areas was additionally burned as a result of an unnamed fire.
The relationships established from the ongoing Joint Powers Agreement partnership positioned the
region to rapidly respond. Bridges were quickly repaired,the landscape was swiftly reseeded, with
erosion control measures in place within months following the fires to prevent catastrophic erosion.
Through the direction of the Volunteer Coordinator, hundreds of volunteers were rapidly deployed to
assist in the efforts, garnering statewide attention as successful effort. The longstanding Joint Powers
Agreement provided for the successful response.
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Purpose & Need
The Bear Creek Greenway trail and the associated properties along the corridor represent over four
decades worth of investment and labor and provide a tremendous asset to the Rogue Valley. Protecting
this investment and providing the best possible maintenance and management of the resource is in the
best interest of the health of our residents, our communities, and our watershed.
That being said, budgets and staff resources are limited, and investments need to be made strategically
and implemented efficiently. In that light,the jurisdictions that manage the trail joined forces in 2008
and signed the Bear Creek Greenway Joint Powers Agreement JPA), with the mission "to jointly provide
for the consistent financial support, management, promotion and maintenance of the greenway." The
JPA created a mechanism and set aside funding for staffing and major maintenance, and delineated
responsibility boundaries for routine maintenance.
The concept for the JPA and the management and funding model was identified in the "Bear Creek
Greenway Management Plan: 2005-2010," completed December of 2006 by the Rogue Valley Council of
Governments. The plan also loosely identified some management goals but doesn't specify projects or
programs. In 2017 the Bear Creek Greenway Management Plan 2017-2022 was established and was
intended to provide the background and framework for the Bear Creek Greenway Joint Powers
Agreement. During the challenges of a nationwide pandemic and historic fires,the Joint Powers
Agreement preserved and assisted in shared management of the facility.
The need exists for an update to the plan, hence the development of this update, Bear Creek
Management Plan, 2024-2030. The plan is limited to a six-year period, as a concurrent effort is
proceeding between Joint Powers jurisdictions titled, Envision Bear Creek to assist in guiding the shared
management and funding of the trail into the future. Envision Bear Creek is intended to build off of the
success of the long-standing Joint Powers Committee. If the Envision Bear Creek does not result in
another form of partnership,jurisdictions will seek to continue the Joint Powers Agreement
collaboration with an amended Management Plan.
The 2024-2030 Bear Creek Management Plan addresses the following:
• Jurisdiction boundaries: designates each city's and the county's responsibility for segments of
trail
• Routine maintenance: designates desired level of service discusses the mans for accomplishing
them
• Major/facility wide maintenance: identifies specific projects that are needed to keep the
pavement and bridges in good repair
• Facility wide improvements: identifies projects that are facility-wide in nature (i.e. signage,
amenities, etc.)
• Staffing: identifies staff needs
• Funding: identifies funding levels for each jurisdiction based on total need identified, using a
formula based on population and lane miles
• Operations: identifies special event standards and permitting
• Implementation: provides a framework for the Joint Powers Committee
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These elements provide a roadmap for the Greenway during the next six years that will guide
maintenance, management and investments based on current needs, as well as identify roles and
responsibilities for the jurisdictions.
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Jurisdiction Boundaries
Under the Joint Powers Agreement, each city maintains the portions of the Bear Creek Greenway within
their Urban Growth Boundaries (UGB) and the County maintains the areas outside of any UGB, with the
exception of the City of Ashland, which maintains a portion of the trail parallel to their UGB.
It should be noted that trail corridor maintenance responsibility is based on jurisdiction boundaries not
on property ownership. Issues outside of the 30'wide trail corridor are the responsibility of the
property owner. Jurisdictions responsible for routine maintenance may want to complete projects
outside of the 30' corridor and should check property ownership and consult with the property owner
before doing so.
For this 2024 update, boundaries have been clearly identified and trail segment lengths measured,
resulting in minor changes to the mileage. In addition, UGB's have been expanded in Phoenix resulting
in changes to the Bear Creek Greenway jurisdiction boundary:
• Phoenix UGB expansion from North Phoenix Road to Northridge Terrace
a 0.2 miles of path constructed from Ashland Dog Park to Nevada Street
• 1.2 miles of path constructed from Dean Creek Road to northern terminus
Current UGB boundaries result in discontinuous sections of management for Jackson County and Central
Point, and also result in a very short segment for Jackson County north of Phoenix. If the current system
of maintenance is retained, in areas such as these,jurisdictions could consider trading miles and/or
compensating each other for work in their section to gain efficiencies.
2024 Bear Creek Greenway Management Responsibility Extents
Note: Total Central Point trail mileage=2.25; total Jackson County trail mileage=Z35(including 1 mile of
Dean Creek Road).
Jurisdiction Description Approximate Mile Mileage
Marker (22.4 total)
Ashland Nevada Street to South Valley View 7.8-10.0 2.2
Jackson County South Valley View to Welcome to Talent sign 10.0-11.5 1.5
Talent Welcome to Talent sign to Suncrest Road 11.5-13.5 2.0
Jackson County Suncrest Road to Anderson Creek 13.5-15.25 1.75
Phoenix Anderson Creek to Northridge Terrace Road 15.25-16.85 1.6
Jackson County Northridge Terrace Road to Glenwood Road 16.85-17.25 0.4
Medford Glenwood Road to Table Rock Road 17.25-24.25 7.0
Central Point Table Rock Road to Pine Street 24.25-25.5 1.25
Jackson County Pine Street to Upton Road 25.5-27.0 1.5
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Central Point Upton Road to Dean Creek Road 27.0-28.0 _ 1.0
Jackson County Dean Creek Road 28.0-29.0 1.0*
Jackson County Dean Creek Road to Northern Terminus 29.0-30.2 1.2
*Not included in funding formulas as this section of road will be maintained by Jackson County with the use of
Road Funds as it is a County Road
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance refers to the day-to-day activities by staff, contractors/community justice crews,
and volunteers to keep the trail clear and free of debris, vegetation and immediate damage concerns. It
is a critical element of both real and perceived safety of trail users, and can help foster positive
community perceptions of the trail; people are less likely to vandalize and far more likely to utilize a
well-maintained trail.
The Bear Creek Greenway may not realize its full potential for use and community support because
there is a common perception, especially in certain areas,that the trail is not safe. In order for the trail
to realize its full potential of serving the region as a transportation and recreation corridor, it is critically
important that maintenance issues are addressed in a timely fashion.
In 2017 trail managers sought a consistent level of service, specifically with regards to vegetation
management in the zone within 10' of the paved trail. Vegetation management was included in the
2017-2022 plan and has largely resulted in a consistent level of service through all jurisdictions. Work is
achieved by use of the Jackson County Community Justice program, which provides crews year-round
for the purpose's vegetation maintenance, litter patrol and assisting with graffiti removal to the extent
possible. Community feedback has been very positive on the coordinated approach. It is recommended
to continue the use of this program.
Routine Maintenance Tasks
The following Regular Routine Maintenance Tasks table was developed with jurisdiction staff from the
county and the cities and gives a summary of regular, routine maintenance activities. The right-hand
column depicts suggested guidelines not regulatory standards. This approach reflects the desire to have
consistent goals and standards while allowing for flexibility to respect the varying demands and
limitations of resources of jurisdictions.
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Routine Maintenance Tasks
Regular Routine Maintenance Tasks Minimum frequency
Routine inspections/address minor issues Weekly
(vegetation, debris, litter, graffiti, fill brochure
holders, etc.)
Remove "ladder fuel"type vegetation w/i Seasonally
10x10x10 trail footprint(10'from each side of
the trail and 10'tall)
Remove puncturevine/goathead (within 10' As needed/within 10 business days of report
trail/shoulder footprint)
Remove litter As needed/ASAP
Sweep/blow trail surface As needed
Non-Predictable Routine Maintenance Tasks Frequency
Repair/remove graffiti As needed in cooperation with Law Enforcement
Repair vandalism, including to signage, As needed
benches, fencing, and other amenities
Remove blocking vegetation As needed
Address drainage issues, wash-outs,flood As needed/Signs&cones placed within 48 hours;
damage, etc. These items can, and often do, trail passable within 48 hours of water receding;
fall into the category of major maintenance repair shoulder rock, etc. within 10 business days
Routine Maintenance Tasks Conducted NOT included in options for regular, routine
Periodically by Individual Jurisdictions maintenance
Spray pre-emergent on shoulders& Utilized in the spring and as needed at other times
puncturevine/invasive species as needed by some jurisdictions
Assess& remove hazard trees Annually
Community Justice Crew
The Community Justice (CJ) crews will continue to perform regular routine maintenance along the entire
trail. Per previous experience, the CJ crew could perform the routine maintenance tasks to the desired
level of service on the entire trail in an average of 9 days per month (varies seasonally). Crews will not
perform maintenance on the one mile of the trail that utilizes Dean Creek Road, leaving 21.4 miles of
trail to maintain. CJ Crews cost$600 per day,the total annual cost would equal$64,800 or$3,028 per
mile. This level of service will allow for weekly inspections and work on the trail (will vary seasonally as
vegetation needs increase).
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Jackson County JPC Staff will continue to coordinate and manage the effort including invoicing the cities
annually and providing monthly payments to the Community Justice program, as well as scheduling and
monitoring the CJ Crew work. The County will develop a scope of work based on the regular routine
maintenance tasks and G Crew leaders.
Limitations are:
• Maintenance activities are limited to the 30'trail corridor-the 10'trail and 10' on either side.
Larger-scale mowing or other vegetation work outside of that corridor is not considered, unless
approved otherwise.
a The cities will continue to mow lawn areas within the 30'footprint through manicured parks.
a CJ duties are limited to Regular Routine Maintenance Tasks and minor Non-Predictable Routine
Maintenance Tasks that don't require a lot of time to address. The remaining maintenance
work(non-predictable tasks, spraying if applicable, and hazard tree removal)will still be the
responsibility of the maintenance jurisdiction.
• Any additional presence more frequent than identified will be completed by the responsible
jurisdiction.
Cost
The table below shows what each jurisdiction will contribute for a maintenance program based on
jurisdiction mileage.
Routine Maintenance Costs for Each Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Mileage CJ Crew
(Cost per trail mile) ($3,028)
Ashland 2.2 $6,662
Jackson County 6.35 $19,228
Talent 2.0 $6,056
Phoenix 1.6 $4,845
Medford 7.0 $21,196
Central Point 2.25 $6,813
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Major/Facility-wide Maintenance
Major maintenance typically refers to large-ticket projects that are mostly related to keeping the
pavement and bridges in good repair, and which are most likely to be accomplished through
contractors. These projects generate from root or water damage to the pavement, pavement reaching
its life expectancy, and/or natural disasters such as flooding, earthquakes, or wildfires. Costs for repairs
can't entirely be anticipated for natural disasters, but can often be anticipated and budgeted for in cases
of pavement failure due to age and root damage. Major maintenance costs also include the costs for
assessment of the trail condition and ongoing costs for trail counters.
Much has been accomplished in regards to major maintenance and paving since the Joint Powers
Agreement was signed. The collaborative agreement and partnership assisted in a very efficient
response to the Almeda and Central Point fires that damaged trail facilities and natural resources. Funds
were utilized for grant matching,further leveraging the partnership and the trail was available for safe
use by the public in an extremely fast timeline. Cooperative funding has been leveraged against State
and Federal funds on several projects that have repaired damaged section of trail due to natural
disasters, but also as a result of normal use and environmental conditions(root heaving).
Looking forward,work will continue to be required to keep the trail itself in a state of good repair. This
section of the plan discusses pending projects for 2024 which have already been approved for funding
by the JPC but have not been completed yet including,grant match, bridge repairs, and trail counter
licenses and batteries. It also identifies the major maintenance projects proposed on the Bear Creek
Greenway for the 2024-2030 timeframe. Cost estimates are based on the best information available
and do not take inflation into account.
Bridge Maintenance and Trail Counters
Bridge Inspections
Part of the major maintenance program is inspection of the bridges. Bridges along the path should be
inspected annually by Jackson County Roads Bridge Crews, or other qualified individuals. These
inspections identify any immediate safety hazards that need to be addressed in between a more
thorough,five-year inspection by a bridge engineering company. The bridges were last inspected by a
certified engineer in 2020 and are due again in 2025 and 2030.
A more thorough inspection of the bridges by a certified bridge engineer should occur every five years.
Major maintenance funds include bridge inspection costs for annual and five-year inspections, as well as
work needed to assist in the inspections,which includes clearing around the bridges to allow access.
Bridge Inspections & Brushing (2024-2030): $35,000
$15,000 for annual inspections($2,500 annually)
$20,000 for engineer inspection due in 2025 and 2030
2024 inspection expenses-$2,500
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Trail Counters
Having data on trail usage is important and provides parks and transportation planners with essential
data. Counters were installed several years ago and some of them are currently outdated and soon will
no longer be serviced by the contractor, EcoCounter. Additionally, one counter was stolen in the
Medford section and needs replacement. As such,three new counters are highlighted for replacement
to align all five counters with current technology.
Trail Counter Batteries&Transmission 2024-2030: $33,360
* $13,500 for three new counters to replace outdated and/or missing units
* $1,500 for battery replacement ($500 every other year, total for all units)
* $16,200 annual licensing fees ($2,700 annually,total for all units)
* $2,160 annual licensing fees for 2024(increases in 2024)
Bridge Preservation Projects
All of the bridges along the Bear Creek Greenway were inspected by an engineer in the summer of 2020
and several issues were identified,the most significant issues are joint replacements for two bridges in
order to smooth the transition between the trail and the bridge structure.
The next structural bridge inspections scheduled for 2025 and/or any significant hydrological events may
determine or result in additional bridge repair needs, and $10,000 will be set aside for bridge repairs
identified as part of routine inspections for the next six years.
Bridge Repairs: $10,000
Total Costs for Bridge Inspections, Maintenance& Trail Counters 2024-2030. $78,360
Pavement Preservation Projects
Shouldering
Approximately 2 total miles of the trail will need shouldering between 2024-2030. The work will address
portions of trail with a 2" or greater drop. Shouldering work will primarily occur in the Phoenix and
Medford sections of the trail.
Total Costs for Shouldering: $25,000
Crack Sealing
Crack sealing is important to prevent water intrusion into the pavement base, which serves to extend
the life of the pavement. Additionally, crack sealing works to ensure a smooth surface for trial users.
Annual crack sealing is imperative to a comprehensive maintenance program. Funds will be used in
2023/2024 to crack seal the path from Blue Heron Park in Phoenix, north to Lithia Fields in Medford.
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Several other sections of the path need crack sealing, including South Valley View to Blue Heron Park, as
well as the newer sections of pavement from Lithia Fields to the Biddle loops in North Medford.
Below is the proposed crack seal schedule based on funding:
• 2024- Blue Heron Park to Lithia Fields (approved in 2023/24)
• 2025- Lynn Newbry Park to Blue Heron Park
• 2026-South Valley View Road to Lynn Newbry Park
• 2027- Lithia Fields to Biddle loops
• 2028- Biddle Loops to Pine Street
• 2029- Pine Street to Dean Creek Road
Total Costs for Crack Sealing-$144,000
Slurry Sealing
Slurry seals have been utilized in the pasty five years in the Ashland section and the Medford/Central
Point section between the Biddle Loops and Pine Street. The treatment has proven to be an effective
tool for extending pavement life through the addition of a new wear surface. The treatment applies oil
emulsion, combined with a sand material, resulting in a very thin layer of surface added to the
pavement, which serves to thoroughly seal the surface and filling in minor gaps and imperfections due
to pavement age. Pavement that receives slurry sealing treatment should always be crack sealed,
preferably one year in advance.
Below is the proposed slurry seal schedule based on funding:
• 2024- Blue Heron Park to Lithia Fields (approved in 2023/24)
• 2026-Lynn Newbry Park to Blue Heron Park
2027-South Valley View Road to Lynn Newbry Park
• 2028- Lithia Fields to Barnett Road
• 2029- Barnett Road to Biddle Loops
Total Costs for Slurry Sealing-$300,000
Total Costs for Pavement Preservation Projects 2024-2030: $469,000
Pavement Repair Projects
Root Heaves
There are multiple sections of trail that are damaged by root heaving, which will continue to be a
maintenance issue. Staff has identified and mapped "spot repair" pavement needs on the paved path.
Total length of path needing repaired over multiple sections includes an estimated 350'. Based on past
experience the most successful treatment is to remove existing pavement and replace with reinforced
concrete. While this approach is more of an investment up front, it is a one-time fix and the area will
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not need to be addressed in the future. As part of a large-scale root heave repair project completed in
recent years, repairs made have continued to provide a smooth surface with the proposed approach to
this day. Minor root heaving has successfully been addressed in the past by grinding down the
pavement in isolated areas. Based on the severity of root heaving in specific areas, a combination of
approaches is suggested below.
Removal and Replacement with Reinforced Concrete-$75,000
Grinding Minor Root Heaves-$5,000
Remove and Repave
Multiple sections of trail, mainly in the Medford, Central Point, and Jackson County sections of the path
need pavement repairs. Action is needed due to a variety of reasons, but mainly die to sunken grade in
the pavement, severe cracking, and other pavement defections. A total of roughly 350 feet of pavement
over multiple areas is suggested to be removed and replaced with new pavement.
Removal and Replacement with Pavement-$75,000
Total Costs for Pavement Repairs 2024-2030-$155,000
Unanticipated Costs: Repairs due to Natural Disasters or Unforeseen Issues
It is important to maintain a contingency fund to complete repairs on the trail that are needed as a
result of natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. It should be noted that most costs to repair
damage from a major event will likely be covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA), or the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) so this fund could be used as match for
emergency repairs, is in the 2020 wildfires, or for smaller event repairs.
Unanticipated Repair fund for Flood, Fire, Earthquake: $30,000
Major Maintenance 6-gear costs
Bridge Inspections &Trail Counters $78,360
Pavement Preservation $469,000
Pavement Repair $155,000
Unanticipated Repair Fund $30,000
Total $732,360
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Facility-wide improvements
Considering the trail and the public land corridor as a whole rather than individual sections is important
for elements such as signage and amenities.
Wildfire Grant Matching
As a result of facility-wide damage throughout the greenway due to the 2020 wildfires, in 2022 the JPC
committed $154,092 as a grant match to Federal Highway Administration emergency funding
opportunities, resulting in roughly$3 million dollars of grant funds towards corridor-wide restoration
efforts.
Total Grant $
Matching- 154 092
Signage
Signage throughout the greenway has been vandalized and damaged to the point of needing
replacement. In 2023 the JPC approved expending$10,000 for facility-wide repairs to signage and
kiosks. It is suggested to budget$10,000 over the 2024-2030 period for additional signage replacement
due to ongoing vandalism.
Total Signage Repairs-$10,000
Total Costs for Facility-Wide Repairs-$164,092
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Staffing
Jackson County, per the Joint Powers Agreement, currently provides 24 hours per week of staffing for
the Bear Creek Greenway. Work includes several critical elements of greenway maintenance and
operations management. Jackson County will continue this work at this level of service in the future and
also add work not previously identified in the JPA.
JPC staff duties per the JPA include:
• Coordinate JPC meetings
• Update the Management Plan and Funding Table as needed
• Coordinate annual bridge inspections by County crews and 5-year inspections by certified
engineers
• Conduct annual pavement assessment& make recommendations for annual priority schedule
for major maintenance projects
• Coordinate annual/as needed meetings with maintenance staff
• Coordinate annual/as needed meetings with police, fire & EMS
• Coordinate annual/as needed meetings with natural resources stakeholders
• Coordinate JPC grant applications"
• Coordinate JPC projects"
"Costs for staff time for these items can be recovered per the agreement
Additional tasks provided by County staff:
• Serve as central clearinghouse for trail questions& issues
o Outreach to the public for trail closures, projects, etc.
o Consultation and review special event permits for the BCG
• Coordinate the management and maintenance of the five trail counters
• Identify and support potential expansion projects: monitor funding programs, advocate for the
Bear Creek/Rogue River Greenways and projects that connect to them
o Liaison with Bear Creek and Rogue River Greenway Foundations
JPC Staffing Costs&Contributions
Under the 2017-2022 management plan,the County provided an employee that staffs the Greenway for
24 hours per week(on average) and contributes$50,400 for labor and overhead costs and each city
contributes$3,120 annually toward the staff member. Total contributions for labor(not including
overhead) are currently$66,000. These amounts are proposed to remain the same.
Staffing Costs- $66,000
Community Engagement&Volunteer Coordinator
In 2018 a Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator position was hired by Jackson County.
The position has been key in response to the 2020 fires, natural resource restoration efforts, adopt-a-
trail programs and individual volunteer coordination. The position should be continued due to the value
it provides.
Community Engagement &Volunteer Coordinator tasks include:
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• Recruiting, screening,training and managing volunteers (individuals and groups)
• Developing outreach materials including brochures and presentations, and updating the
https://www.jacksoncountyor.gov/departments/parks/greenway/index.php website and
Facebook page
• Tabling at events, especially related to the Bear Creek Greenway- providing participants
information about the trail and about volunteering
• Hosting rides, walks, and other events on the trail
.5-FTE Community Engagement& Volunteer Coordinator 2024-2030: $40,000/year=$240,000
Total Staffing Costs Over Six Years-$636,000($40,000/year Volunteer Coord., $66,000/Year Staff)
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Operations
Ordinance Revision
There are several elements of the Bear Creek Greenway Ordinance that have been identified as needing
clarification and/or updating. Jurisdiction staff should work together to discuss the following concerns
and revise the ordinance as necessary. It should be noted that each jurisdiction will need to go through
their own individual process to update the ordinance and it is critical that the ordinance is consistent
along the entire trail. It is recommended that the JPC work collaboratively with the Rogue River
Greenway managers to achieve alignment in trail rules and regulations for both facilities, as in the future
they will be linked.
(1) Motorized vehicles: the current ordinance prohibits use of any motorized vehicles and
doesn't give exception for motorized wheelchairs/mobility devices or electric-assist
bicycles, both of which should be allowed on the trail (and be subject to the speed limit
and other regulations). Consideration should be given to a permitting system to allow
event organizers and others to use motorized vehicles on the trail, including education
about proper driving on the trail.
(2) Trail closure at night: under the current ordinance,the trail closes between 10pm and
6am. Many of the signs say "sunrise to sunset," and regardless, many commuters use
the trail outside of those hours.
(3) Alcohol is currently prohibited within the Greenway with no permitting option, and is
often requested for special events.
(4) Consideration may be given to incorporate other trails/trail extensions under the
ordinance (i.e. Rogue River Greenway).
(5) Concessions: the current ordinance allows for concessions (fixed or mobile) and
advertising if specifically permitted by the Greenway Authority or other appropriate
local government authority. This doesn't necessarily need to be revisited but a system
to alert the other jurisdictions should be put into place.
Event Standards& Procedures
As more and more event organizers look to the Bear Creek Greenway to host events it is important to
implement a system where criteria and requirements are consistent and which incorporates all
impacted jurisdictions into the review.
Jackson County, through the Community Engagement&Volunteer Coordinator and JPC Staff, is the
clearinghouse of events and takes in the applications for events on the Bear Creek Greenway. Event
organizers anticipating 50 or more participants or charging registration fees will fill out an application
and submit it to Jackson County Parks. Once the application is deemed complete, the County will notify
any impacted jurisdictions and give them at least a week to comment. The County will then respond to
the organizer with any additional criteria and issue the appropriate permit or agreement(based on
event size and impact to the trail).
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the proposed event(60 days for large events)
and Jackson County will review applications within 15 business days. Applications will be accepted up to
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one year in advance. Only one event should occur on any section of trail per day(multiple events can
take place, but they have to occur at different areas of the trail), and events will be considered
"reserved" when the permit or agreement is signed and fees have been paid. A master calendar will be
kept by Jackson County on the Greenway website.
It's important to note that jurisdictions with street or park impacts still have separate permitting
processes and associated fees. Events on just one jurisdiction's section of trail may be processed
exclusively by that jurisdiction's staff, but County staff should be notified in order to put the event on
the BCG Event Calendar.
Bear Creek Greenway Concession Permits
As previously mentioned, permits can be used for various activities on the Bear Creek Greenway
including concessions, motor vehicle use, etc. Communication between jurisdictions is recommended
whenever a special permit is issued on the trail, and consideration may be given for developing a Bear
Creek Greenway-specific permit.
Funding
Total Expenditures
The total expenditures for all costs except routine maintenance and JPC staffing under this plan are
estimated $916,452. Staff anticipates a beginning fund balance of$260,000 which leaves approximately
$656,452, or$109,409 annually to fully fund the plan as proposed. This does not include the work
mentioned previously which is already funded for the 2023/2024 timeframe. The beginning fund
balance of$260,000 is accurate assuming the work is completed by July 1, 2024.
Grant funds could be pursued and/or fundraising could occur through the new Community Outreach
Coordinator for several elements of the Management Plan, thus reducing the money needed to
implement the plan. Any unused portion after five years will be used as a starting fund balance for the
2030-2035 plan, should the jurisdictions choose to continue collaboration.
2024-2030 Expenditures Minus Staffing
Major Maintenance $ 732,360
Facility Wide Improvements $ 164,092
Volunteer Coordinator $ 240,000
Contingency $ 20,000
Total $ 1,156,452
Beginning Fund Balance $ 260,000
Total Needed $ 896,452
2024/2025 FY Contributions* $ 100,000
2025-2030 Total Needed $ 796,452
2025-2030 Annual Contribution $ 159,290
*Due to implementation of this plan in the middle of a biennium for some jurisdictions, annual
contributions will be kept to previous levels as outlined in the 2017-2022 Management Plan for the
202412025 fiscal year and change beginning July 1, 2025 to assist in the budgeting process.
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Major Maintenance Contributions 2025-2030
Staff updated the lane miles and population data (based on July 1, 2023 PSU certified population
estimate), the following table shows contributions weighted 90% based on population and 10% based
on lane miles of trail.
Total Annual
Bear Creek
Annual Major Annual BCG JPC Greenway Joint
Trail Maintenance Fund Staffing Powers
Jurisdiction Miles %of Pop. Contribution Contribution Contribution
Ashland 10.28 9.63 $15,443 $ 3,120 $18,563
Talent 9.35 2.35 $4,858 $ 3,120 $7,978
Phoenix 7.48 1.69 $3,614 $ 3,120 $6,734
Medford 32.71 40.80 $63,702 $ 3,120 $66,822
Central Point 10.51 8.82 $14,319 $ 3,120 $17,439
Jackson County 29.67 36.71 $57,354 $ 50,400 $107,754
Total 100 100 $159,290 $ 66,000 $225,290
Total Contributions 2025-2030
Major Maint./Staffing Routine Maint. Total Annually
Ashland $18,563 $6,662 $25,225
Talent $7,978 $6,056 $14,034
Phoenix $6,734 $4,845 $11,579
Medford $66,822 $21,196 $88,018
Central Point $17,439 $6,813 $24,252
Jackson County $107 754 $19,228 $126.982
Contributions for 2024/2025 remain at past levels as noted in the 2017-2022 Bear Creek Greenway
Management plan.The following projects were approved by the Joint Powers Committee and will
continue with previously allocated funding.
• Remove and replace asphalt between Talent and Ashland near bridge-$30,000
• Slurry seal trail between Blue Heron Park and Lithia and Driveway Fields-$75,000
• Repair various bridge approaches-$10,000
• Repair asphalt near Hawthorne Park-$7,500
• Crack seal pavement between Blue Heron Park and Lithia and Driveway Fields-$25,000
• Signage and kiosk repairs-$20,000
• Routine Maintenance-$57,600
• Volunteer Coordinator-$40,000
• Staffing-$66,000
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Management & Oversight
The Bear Creek Greenway Joint Powers Committee plays a critical role of oversight of the funds and
projects supported through the Joint Powers Agreement and this Management Plan. Historically, the
JPC has met approximately quarterly and has been comprised of a combination of jurisdiction staff and
elected officials. The JPC Bylaws were based on the JPA and were adopted shortly after JPC formation in
2008.
JPC Staff will coordinate an annual meeting and provide an annual report, and the JPC will review and
approve an annual work plan for the next year. The JPC will also be convened as needed to make
decisions about changing scope or budget of projects and/or to review revisions to the projects or
programs in this Management Plan. New information and ideas should always be considered and
changing direction from the Plan should be considered when appropriate and prudent. Because
sometimes decisions are needed to be made in a timely fashion, email voting and conference calls
should be an option for Joint Powers Committee decisions and meetings.
In order to eliminate the need for JPC approval on already approved projects,JPC staff will move
forward with any work listed within this Management Plan scope as long as it is within 10%of the
budget. Any project that significantly changes in scope or budget will be brought back to the JPC before
proceeding.
Committee membership will include one voting member and one alternate from each jurisdiction-
ideally one staff member and one elected or appointed official (i.e. a Parks and Recreation
Commissioner or City Councilor). It's important that both elected officials and staff are engaged.
A Bear Creek Greenway Technical Working Group comprised of staff from each jurisdiction will meet
approximately bimonthly to discuss greenway management. JPC staff will coordinate the meetings
including scheduling time and location, building an agenda, and making sure notes are taken and sent
out.
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