ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION

Regular Meeting Minutes

August 8, 2007

Community Development/Engineering Services Building – 51 Winburn Way – Siskiyou Room

Historic Commissioners Present: Dale Shostrom, Terry Skibby, Henry Baker, Jim Watkins, Allison Renwick, Keith Swink
Absent  Commission Members: Tom Giordano, Sam Whitford, Alex Krach

Council Liaison: Eric Navickas – Arrived at 7:30 pm

High School Liaison: None Appointed
SOU Liaison: None Appointed
Staff Present: Senior Planner Maria Harris, Clerk Billie Boswell

CALL TO ORDER – REGULAR MEETING

At 7:07 pm, Chairman Dale Shostrom called the Historic Commission meeting to order.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Baker made a motion to approve the July 2, 2007 minutes and it was seconded by Mr. Watkins. Mr. Swink abstained since he was not at the July meeting.  Approval was unanimous by the remaining Commissioners.

PUBLIC FORUM:  No speakers

PUBLIC HEARING

A.  Planning Action 2007-00250

281 Fourth Street

Request for a Conditional Use Permit for a theater use and a Type II Variance to parking

Applicant: Aaren Glover

Chairman Shostrom read the description of the proposed project.  Chairman Shostrom asked if there were conflicts of interest or exparte contacts.  There were none.

Ms. Harris stated that staff was recommending denial of the Conditional Use permit and the variance due a lack of information from the applicants to mitigate the impacts on the neighboring residences and businesses from traffic and noise. Also, based on the applicant’s statement that events would consist of up to 120 people, the applicants had not presented any parking agreements or easements to identify the 30 parking spaces that would be required. Numerous letters from residences and businesses in the area were opposition of the project due to ongoing problems from litter, noise, parking and diesel fumes from buses left running during the shows.  Ms. Harris said the application does not include any reconstruction of the existing building, only a change of use.

Ms. Renwick was concerned about the impact to the Peerless Hotel & Restaurant and the B&Bs in the area.  Mr. Watkins questioned why the Historic Commission reviewed this project if there were no changes to the building.  Ms. Harris replied that the code requires Historic Review for all Conditional Use Permits in the historic districts.

There were no further questions of staff.

The applicant was not present.  Chairman Shostrom asked for comments from the audience.

Tom Garrison, 496 Carol Street, stated he owned the property just west of the Mobius building.  He related many problems from discarded beer bottles and other debris, not enough bathrooms available, and noise.  He said that the performer’s diesel buses parked in his parking lot and were left running through then entire show.  He felt the building was not suitable for a theater use without structural modifications.

There being no one else in the audience wishing to speak, Chairman Shostrom closed the public meeting.

Chairman Shostrom felt the change of use was more of a Planning Commission issue.  Mr. Watkins questioned why they had been able to have performances without approvals.  Mr. Swink felt the use was not suited to the neighborhood.  Chairman Shostrom read an email from Sam Whitford stating he strongly agreed with staff’s decision to deny. 

With a motion by Mr. Baker and a second by Mr. Swink, the Historic Commission unanimously recommended denial due to livability and compatibility issues with neighboring residences and businesses.

The Historic Commission agreed to amend the agenda to hear the “New Business” section of the agenda prior to “Old Business”.

NEW BUSINESS

1. The “Imagine Project”; Paul Christensen, Executive Director.  Mr. Christensen presented his Imagine Project, a non-profit “multi-part interpretive cinema series that takes audiences on a journey through time”.  Its purpose is to educate and entertain both locals and visitors o the history of Ashland, and to awaken them to the importance of historical preservation.  A series of 30-minute programs would be aired at the Varsity Theater.  Mr. Christensen explained there is grant available through the Preserve America program which promotes preservation through heritage tourism for up to $150,000.  The grant would be applied for and received through the Mayor’s office.  Mr. Skibby asked about the ticket prices.  Mr. Christensen said it would be about $8.00 to cover the cost of the theater rental.  Mr. Baker commented that the Shasta village of Native Americans should be represented.  Mr. Christensen said although there weren’t pictures available, they would find a way to represent them.  He also said there would be a visual guide or map of the historically significant districts, parks, and items around town.  Mr. Navickas said there may be grants available from the hotel/motel taxes collected by the City.  Mr. Christensen said that he would need to get support from the Mayor and City Council.  Chairman Shostrom recommended the Historic Commission write of letter of support to the Mayor.  Ms. Renwick offered to assist.

2. 2007 proposed Land Use Amendments.  David Stalheim, Planning Director, reviewed with the Historic Commission some of the Land Use Code amendments being proposed.  He requested any changes or additions the Commissioners wished to submit be turned in by August 20, 2007.

3. Invitation to join the Association for Preservation Technology International.  Since Alex Krach was absent from the meeting, this item was continued to the September meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

A.      Review Board –

B.     PROJECT ASSIGNMENTS FOR PLANNING ACTIONS -

C.     Ashland School District – Chairman Shostrom reported    The next design meeting will be September 12, 2007.

D.     Ashland Library – No new report

E.     Ethics Ordinance – Chairman Shostrom said the Ethics Ordinance had delayed indefinitely. 

F.      Lithia Springs National Register Nomination – Mr. Swink reported that the Lithia Springs well was damaged by gunfire from the Gun Club.  As a result water was no longer available.  Ms. Harris said the new lease by the Parks Department will be transitioned to the Public Works department.  Paula Brown, Public Works Director is supportive of a management plan being included.

G.    Single Family Residential Design Standards – No report

H.     Co-Sponsorship with Conservation Commission for Fall Workshop – No report

DISCUSSION ITEMS - None

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next Historic Commission meeting will be on September 5, 2007 at 7:00 pm in the Siskiyou Room.

ADJOURNMENT

It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m.