The Medford City Council has selected Martha Bennett as the city’s next city manager following a nationwide recruitment that drew nearly 40 applicants. Bennett, a former Ashland city administrator and Lake Oswego city manager, will begin Nov. 30.

The Medford City Council has approved a consulting contract of up to $500,000 for early design and cost-estimation work tied to a proposed multi-purpose baseball stadium. The study will evaluate a potential Hawthorne Park site and compare it with the existing Harry & David Field location at Lithia & Driveway Fields.

The Medford City Council voted 5-2 to ratify a revised Main Street plan after previously voting to return the downtown street to three lanes. The updated Option 2A configuration keeps two travel lanes, adds a one-way bike lane and is expected to create about 40 parking spaces.