City of Ashland

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

STUDY SESSION
MINUTES

October 13, 2005

ATTENDANCE

Present:    Commissioners D. Amarotico, Eggers, Gardiner, Lewis; Rosenthal; Director Robertson; Superintendent Gies; Superintendent Teige

Absent:     City Council Liaison A. Amarotico

CALL TO ORDER

Gardiner called the study session to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Parks Office, 340 S. Pioneer Street.

N. MAIN / SCENIC PARK PLAN REVIEW

Robertson reviewed the park planning process to date, including public meetings conducted, input received, draft plans evaluated by the commission and the public, and discussions held at both study sessions and regular meetings. He referenced his memo, sent out prior to the meeting, outlining options for moving forward. He reflected that a step might have been missed, in that the commission and staff might have given the Lango firm clearer direction prior to their creation of the final draft of the master plan. Gardiner welcomed members of the public and invited them to speak about the topic.

Public Input

Rhonda Burgess, 567 Scenic Drive, a neighbor of the park site and a member of the Scenic Park Homeowners’ Association, attended the public meetings and appreciated the final draft master plan that emerged. She expressed strong concern about the Landt plan, stating that it was presented too late and did not reflect that which was conveyed at the public meetings.

Julia Sommer, 573 Scenic Drive, a neighbor and a member of the homeowners’ association, attended the public meetings and was delighted with the Lango plan, which included the input she heard and provided. She stated that a great deal of thought and money was spent in choosing the Lango firm and expressed frustration that the efforts made by the public [to offer input toward the creation of the plan for the neighborhood park] were marginalized by the delay in the plan’s approval.

Rick Landt, 468 Helman, stated that the area would serve as his neighborhood park and explained that he created his alternate draft plan because he felt he wasn’t heard at the public meetings. He offered the opinion that his plan could be implemented with far less money, and would require less water and maintenance, than the Lango plan.

Discussion Among Commissioners

Commissioners talked about environmental concerns, lawn size, maintenance issues, values, and how to move forward with the process.

Gardiner thanked citizens for their contributions and input. The commission agreed to send staff a list of questions and concerns about the plan and / or process, for discussion and resolution at an upcoming study session [preferably scheduled before the end of the year]. They discussed the possibility of conducting a site visit, which would be open to anyone interested in the project. Robertson agreed to contact the Lango firm and discuss with them their continued participation in the project. Commissioners agreed to notify staff of their availability for a study session and a site visit.

MEADOWBROOK II PARK PLAN

Commissioners reviewed the park plan prepared by the Meadowbrook II developers and landscape architects and offered feedback, including the need to: eliminate the lawn strip on the west side of the pathway; move the trees from the east side of the pathway to the west side of the pathway [removing them from the lawn area]; and vary the trees along the road. They also discussed maintenance and water conservation issues and were pleased to learn that the developers would maintain the park for three years upon completion of its construction.

Staff agreed to place the topic on the agenda for the upcoming regular commission meeting, allowing the commission to take action on the plan. Staff also agreed to request that the City Attorney draw up a formal agreement prior to the creation of the park, decreasing any potential liability the developers might incur for the city-owned park.

SUMMER RECREATION REPORT

Teige presented a report about the success of the 2005 summer recreation programs. She reviewed each program individually, noting numbers of attendees in classes and special features of each event. Programs reviewed included swim lessons, N. Mountain Park Nature Center events, Garfield Park crafts, adult and youth tennis classes, golf course highlights, the Activate Ashland event, and programs such as the Mt. Ashland Hill Climb and kayaking and rafting trips. She also talked about facilities and park rentals through the summer and updated the commission on the recent conversion to the online registration program, Recware, and its success with program participants and office staff.

ADJOURNMENT – By consensus, with no further business, Gardiner adjourned the meeting at 9:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Susan Dyssegard, Ashland Parks and Recreation