City of
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
August 22, 2005
Present: Commissioners D. Amarotico, Eggers, Gardiner, Rosenthal; Director Robertson; Superintendent Gies; Superintendent Teige
Absent: Commissioner Lewis; City Council Liaison A. Amarotico
Gardiner called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Council Chambers, 1175
Study Session – July 18, 2005
MOTION Rosenthal moved to approve the minutes as written. D. Amarotico seconded the motion.
The vote was: 4 yes – 0 no
Regular Meeting – July 25, 2005 Under Unfinished Business item “Master Plan for North Main / Scenic Park,” Eggers requested that the section regarding commissioner suggestions on the draft plan include “less lawn to mow and water.” Under Unfinished Business item “Ashland Community Garden Policy,” Eggers asked that the motion reflect that “Eggers moved to approve the formation of a subcommittee for ‘recommending a community garden policy, knowing that it is the commission’s responsibility to formulate policy.’” Under New Business item “Southern Oregon Historical Society Request,” Eggers asked that the sentence read: “Commissioners agreed to provide feedback about the draft directional marker, with the understanding that the commission would review other sign/marker requests for the front of
MOTION Eggers moved to approve the minutes as amended. Rosenthal seconded the motion.
The vote was: 4 yes – 0 no
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Open Forum
Patrick Marcus,
William J. Walker,
The commission agreed to add the topic “Community Garden Subcommittee” under Unfinished Business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Robertson introduced Bruce Bayard and Richard Benson of the Public Arts Commission, who asked for the opportunity to update the commission on the Calle Guanajuato Stairway project.
Bruce Bayard and Richard Benson of the Public Arts Commission (PAC) outlined the three phases of the art project, including the overlook area, the sculpture garden, and the niche in the handrail. For the overlook area, PAC fundraised over $16,000 for the mosaic artwork project headed by Sue Springer, local artist, but they still required $3,800 to complete the project. They thanked the commission and Parks Foundation for their support. In terms of the sculpture garden, they reported receiving three bids from sculptors willing to display their artwork, and indicated their plan to interview the artists on or near August 30. They agreed to inform the commission about their selection panel and process. Finally, they discussed developing a plaque for the Arnie Krigel memorial.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners asked questions of Bayard and Benson, including: funding sources for the project; how much would be paid to the sculptors for their artwork; how those pieces would be insured; who would pay for the liability coverage of the sculptures; and how to proceed with the request for the memorial plaque. It was agreed that the Signs and Plaques Subcommittee would meet with a representative from PAC to discuss the exact wording of the request and determine next steps.
FINAL DRAFT OF MASTER PLAN FOR N. MAIN / SCENIC PARK SITE
Robertson gave an overview of the master planning process and reminded the commission that they requested minor changes to the master plan, which were completed by the Lango Hansen landscape architectural firm. He referenced the document associated with the plan, created by the firm, which offered many details about the plan. Finally, he encouraged the commission to review the plan and the document and offer their input.
Gies referenced his memo to the commission regarding potential concerns about the planting of native grasses and irrigation issues. He reported that he discussed those issues with his staff and felt confident that the current design would be buildable.
Public Input
Rick Landt, 468 Helman Street, voiced disappointment and concern about the draft plan and outlined three major concerns: 1) the maintenance of native grasses, including the need for excessive weeding; 2) the sizeable section of lawn that would require a great deal of water [he recommended cutting the lawn area by half]; and 3) the need for the commission to “do this once and do it right” – and not to approve the plan if any questions or concerns remained unresolved.
Julia Sommer,
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners expressed thoughts on the plan. Eggers asked the commission to postpone its approval pending a more thorough review and to consider such things as: the unique nature of the neighborhood; whether a bathroom would be appropriate, play equipment and irrigation considerations; seating at the top of the hill; senior mobility access; less formal areas around which children could run and play; drought-tolerant native vegetation; shade around benches and tables; drinking fountains; and whether the park design adhered to the desire for a natural setting. Eggers recommended conducting more research and a study session before making a decision. Gardiner expressed his displeasure with Landt’s presentation and Eggers’ assessment, stating that the plan was a culmination of the process conducted by the commission and the landscape architecture firm. He stated that the architects included the elements requested at the public meetings and he offered his support for the plan. D. Amarotico voiced the opinion that the architects designed the plan in accordance with the wishes of the community and the commission, and stated that a good deal of lawn needed to be included in the plan. Rosenthal expressed overall satisfaction with the plan and remarked that the park would help the city move toward its goal of providing a neighborhood park within a quarter mile of every home in
OAK KNOLL GOLF COURSE FEE PROPOSAL
Teige reported that the Golf Course Subcommittee met throughout the summer to review fee structures at Oak Knoll Golf Course, which was precipitated by declining revenues at the course. She reviewed the proposed fee changes and stated that the information was posted at the golf course. Finally, she asked the commission for comments and direction on the proposed changes.
Gardiner invited the public to speak on the matter.
Public Input
Jerry Hauck,
Ron Corallo,
Ron Tracy,
Ron Corallo,
Willie Wolf,
Jim Hatton,
Ross Rampy, 40 Bush Street, former Men’s Club president, asked the commission to determine to make Oak Knoll the best golf course in the valley. He suggested raising or even doubling the annual rates, but not eliminating the passes.
Dottie Dendrick, Oak Knoll Drive, former Women’s Club president, asked that Women’s Club members be invited to participate in the ongoing study of the matter and urged the commission to raise annual and monthly rates instead of eliminating passes.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners expressed thoughts on the subject. Eggers stated that the golf course encompasses 66 acres of valuable land within the City of
WATER AT BRISCOE AND
Robertson referenced the July study session between the Parks Commission, School Board, and City Council, at which the issue of watering Briscoe and Lincoln [for the remainder of the summer] was discussed. At the conclusion of that discussion, each elected body agreed to independently decide whether to finance one-third of the cost of the monthly water bills, which was anticipated not to exceed $6,000 for the remainder of the watering season.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners spoke in favor of the proposal, expressing a desire to assist in the payment of water “for the good of the community.” Eggers voiced concern about expending such funds post-budget season and stated that the commission had lent its support to the community through the Youth Activities Levy.
MOTION Rosenthal moved to approve allocating up to $6,000 for the watering of Briscoe and
The vote was: D. Amarotico, Gardiner, Rosenthal – yes
Eggers – no
LEASE PROPOSAL PRESENTED BY “SAVE OUR SCHOOLS AND PLAYGROUNDS”
Robertson welcomed Melissa Mitchell-Hooge, inviting her to speak to the commission.
Melissa Mitchell-Hooge, President of the Save our Schools and Playgrounds organization, reported on the work of SOSP, including the citizen task force cleanup day on August 20, and stated that the group planned to meet on the first Saturday of each month in the future. She publicly thanked the volunteers who helped with the cleanup effort. Mitchell-Hooge showed photos of school grounds and trees and reported on the condition of the areas. She asked the commission to consider a “long-term lease option” for Briscoe and Lincoln playgrounds and playing fields in exchange for watering and grounds maintenance, with the value of those services being credited toward a future market value purchase if the school district ever decided to sell the properties. She expressed that this would give the school district valuable services provided by the Parks Department and a relief from water bills, and the neighborhoods would get first-class maintenance of the areas under discussion.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Rosenthal asked Robertson to reiterate his proposal to the school board of some months ago. Robertson provided the information and pointed out differences between his proposal and that of SOSP. Eggers stated that, as a taxpayer in the school district, she felt hesitant about paying for something she already owned [along with other taxpaying citizens]. She further stated that the contract would need to come from the decision-making entity [the school board].
COMMUNITY GARDEN SUBCOMMITTEE
Teige asked the commission for their feedback on the request by the community gardening community for the inclusion of two gardeners on the subcommittee.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Eggers suggested including one gardener and one gardener alternate, which would allow for the inclusion of a non-gardening member. Gardiner suggested including two gardeners but also making room for an additional non-gardener [should one show an interest in participating in the future].
Staff was directed to allow one alternate community gardener to join the subcommittee while continuing to seek out an additional non-gardener. Staff was further directed to schedule subcommittee meetings for the purpose of beginning the process of developing a community garden policy.
NEW BUSINESS
NORTH MOUNTAIN PARK REQUEST FOR AMPLIFICATION
Teige reported on the request from the
Discussion Among Commissioners
Eggers questioned whether the sound would be limited to the pavilion area only, and asked that “amplification creep” be monitored so as to avoid disturbing the natural areas and the neighbors. Finally, she requested that the matter be reviewed annually.
MOTION Gardiner moved to approve the request for a three-year sound permit for the two annual events, contingent upon the monitoring of sound levels by staff and upon staff reporting any problems or concerns from neighbors. Rosenthal seconded the motion.
The vote was: 4 yes – 0 no
SUB-COMMITTEE and STAFF REPORTS
Robertson reported that Tom Foster,
ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Rosenthal asked for an update on the Lithia Park Concessions operation. Staff agreed to prepare and provide a report at the September 19 study session.
UPCOMING MEETING DATE(S) and PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS
· Public meeting on the Vogel Property park site – time/place/date TBA.
· Joint study session with the City Council and the Ashland School Board – September 8 at 7:00 PM – Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main.
· Study session set for September 19 at 7:00 PM – Parks office, 340 S. Pioneer. Topics to include:
· N. Main/Scenic Park master plan review
· Concession stand report
· Regular meeting set for September 26 at 7:00 PM – Council Chambers,
ADJOURNMENT – By consensus, with no further business, Gardiner adjourned the meeting at 9:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Dyssegard, Ashland Parks & Recreation Department