Note: Items on the Agenda not considered due to time constraints are automatically continued to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting [AMC 2.04.030.E.]

5:15 p.m. Executive Session*
*The Ashland City Council will hold an Executive Session to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed pursuant of ORS 192.660(2)(h).

The executive Session adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.  Regular Meeting

Mayor Stromberg called the Business Meeting to order at 6:05 PM.
Councilors’ Slattery, Akins, Seffinger, Rosenthal and Jensen were present. Councilor Graham was absent.

Mayor Stromberg announced the current Commission and Committee vacancies.

City Administrator Kelly Madding announced that due to Councilor Grahams absence that items XIV- 1 & 2 be moved to the November 19^th Council Business Meeting.

 
Slattery/Akins moved to move Agenda Item XIV – 1 & 2 to the November 19^th Council Business Meeting. All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously.

Housing Program Specialist Linda Reid introduced Chair Rich Rohde and Commission member Erin Crowley.  Ms. Crowley and Mr. Rohde presented the annual update to Council.
 
Items discussed were:

 

(Total time allowed for Public Forum is 15 minutes. The Mayor will set time limits to enable all people wishing to speak to complete their testimony.) [15 minutes maximum]
Meesha Blair – Ashland – Spoke regarding Southern Oregon mental illness. She spoke that it is important to work with the sheriff to make sure the new jail proposal will focus on mental illness.  
Caren Caldwell- Ashland- Spoke in agreement with Ms. Blair.  She spoke that incarceration is not a treatment for mental illness.  She spoke to the importance to ensure people receive a continuity of care after jail. She spoke that in order to take care of these needs the jail will need funding to support the needs. She spoke that in support of the new jail if they commit to a comprehensive program of diversions from jail, confirmation that human services will be adequately funded and that mental health and substance use transition services be added to the proposal. She explained that when the diversion programs are adequately funded she will support the levy.
Kevin Brewer – Ashland – Spoke regarding the jail proposal.  He spoke in agreement with the Ms. Blair and Caldwell. He spoke in support to the need for a larger jail. He spoke in concern that the new jail is being sold in a way to get mental health services to inmates but not prevention. He encouraged Council to be sure the County will adequately fund mental illness.
Larry Cooper -  Ashland – Spoke regarding the Water Treatment Plant Plan that was approved last month.   He spoke that CEAP Commission and Conservation Commission voted unanimously asking the city to take more time to research this and Council chose to go forward with the next phase of planning. He spoke that the city has been successful with water conservation and could use a smaller Water Treatment Plant.   He spoke that he has spoken with the Public Works Director and written to Council but hasn’t received much feedback.

 
Akins pulled this item and questioned what the net amount would be for this item.  Public Works Director Paula Brown gave a Staff report. She explained she doesn’t have the number at this time but it is higher than what the city has seen in past auctions.  She spoke that she would bring the amount back to Council.
 

 
Jensen pulled this item and questioned what the implications would be if Council voted no to this item.  Brown explained that these were all approved in the budget.  Rosenthal questioned how often the City purchases from local car dealerships.  Brown explained that the City has purchased many cars from local dealerships.  The ones that are hard to find locally are trucks that need special equipment. Slattery questioned if these vehicles are replaced because it is time to replace them or because we are able to get the vehicles.  Brown explained the vehicles are replaced because they need to be.   
 

Akins/Rosenthal moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Discussion: None.  All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously.
 

 

 
Public Works Director Paula Brown announced there will be a “Revitalize Downtown Ashland Visioning” Open House on November 6th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Carpenter Hall at 44 Pioneer Street, Ashland
 
Brown gave a Staff report.  She explained that all processes have to work together and have different ages.  She spoke that there are systems that did not get upgraded during the rebuilding of the plant and some systems that have gone beyond useful life.  She explained that Staff recommends to accept the assessment, amend the master plan and update the CIP for this biennium.  this biennium.

Rosenthal/Jensen moved to approve staff’s recommendation to
a. accept the 2019 Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities Assessment,
b. amend both the 2012 Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Master Plan and the 2014 Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities Plan, and
c. update the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) costs for the current 2019-21 biennium (BN). Discussion: Jensen spoke that this has been well presented and spoke in support of the motion. Roll Call Vote:  Jensen, Slattery, Akins, Seffinger and Rosenthal: YES.  Motion passed unanimously. 
 

Jensen moved to open the Budget Committee application process to seek a wider pool 1 month. Motion died.

Slattery/Seffinger moved approval of Shaun Moran to the Citizens’ Budget Committee.  Discussion:  Slattery spoke that it is time to move forward with this appointment.  He also suggested for Staff to look into an appointment process for the future.  Rosenthal agreed with Slattery and spoke in support of Moran. Roll Call Vote:  Slattery, Akins, Seffinger, Rosenthal and Jensen: YES.  Motion passed unanimously. 

These items were moved to the November 19^th Council Business Meeting.
 

 
The Business Meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM
 
Respectfully submitted by:
 
__________________________________________
City Recorder Melissa Huhtala
 
 
Attest:
 
__________________________________________
Mayor Stromberg
 
 
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-2900).  Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I).