A discussion about regulating mixed martial arts events at Tuesday's City Council meeting was brief and to the point:

Let the state do it.

City Attorney Nate McClintock informed the council of Senate Bill 492, which reorganizes the Oregon Boxing and Wrestling Commission into an Oregon Athletic Commission, with oversight of cage fighting. Once the bill is signed into law by the governor, the commission will be created, he said. McClintock estimated it would take the commission about six months to organize itself. The council suggested he contact the commission and pass along the city's concerns about crowd control at such events.

Mayor Jeff McKeown said he thought some limitations could be set on who attends, noting he saw a young boy at an event he attended earlier this year.

“I'm not sure if it was an appropriate event for him,” he said.

There also was some discussion of limiting alcohol consumption at such events.

Councilor Mark Daily said it might not be fair to impose such an ordinance since many sports venues sell alcoholic beverages. He insisted the event organizers should be responsible for maintaining order and ensuring crowds remain docile.

“It comes down to the people running the event. It is in their best interest to control the environment or they will lose their shirts,” he said.

In other business Tuesday, the council:

€ sponsored a community development block grant application on behalf of Oregon Coast Community Action, which has plans to build a new Head Start building on a 10-acre lot south of Thomas Street on LaClair Street.

€ adopted several changes to the Urban Renewal Agency's facade grant program. The principal alteration was requiring applicants to obtain three competitive bids prior to requesting funds from the city;

€ approved the allocation of $5,000 to install park benches and picnic tables in the “pedway,” located at 255 South Broadway. The agency also requested staff to consider long-term developments for the area; and,

n awarded a bid of $135,175 to LTM, the Medford-based general contractor, for the rehabilitation of five lanes on Newmark Avenue from Ocean Boulevard to Schoneman Street. The project also will include repair work to a failing storm drainage pipe at the intersection with Schoneman.

- Staff Writer Alexander Rich