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Council Communication

Title:	Review of Draft 2002-2003 Council Goals
Dept:	Administration
Date:	April 2, 2002
Submitted By:	Greg Scoles, City Administrator

Synopsis:	This is a draft of the 2002-2003 Council Goals.
Recommendation:	Staff recommends the council adopt the Draft 2002-2003 Council Goals.
Fiscal Impact:	The fiscal impacts of the various goals will be in the budget document for fiscal year 2002-2003.
Background:	On February 1, 2002, the mayor, council and staff met to develop goals for the next fiscal year (2002-2003). The council reviewed the 2001-2002 Strategic Plan priorities and developed considered new goals for the next 18-24 months. At the conclusion of the session the staff was directed to prepare a draft of the goals for consideration by the council. On February 19, 2002, the council reviewed the draft goals and staff indicated that they would provide a summary of the goals along with an anticipated schedule for review by the council. New goals were identified as the following: § Maximize Ashland's energy independence; conduct a Feasibility Study § Ensure RR Crossing Safety; complete Hersey Street RR Crossing § Improve the coordination of the management of natural resources § Establish protection of riparian and wetlands areas § Explore and develop ways to increase use of alternative transportation within the City § Improve public trail system by developing a Comprehensive Trails Master Plan and address public conflicts § Improve pedestrian crosswalks/bike/traffic safety § Water-Determine issues and time-line for TAP Water Project In addition the council developed a list of goals, which are currently being worked on but should be included in the Strategic Plan. Continuing goals were identified as the following: § Library/Hillah/Siskiyou Boulevard Project § Tolman Sidewalks § Expand AFN § Efficient use of City Hall § Establish ways and means to encourage Citizen Participation in Community & Public Affairs § Bear Creek Greenway (Dog Park to Mountain Avenue Park) § Consider a City Art policy and program § Island annexation problems/safety issues § Affordable Housing - Strategic Plan item 3A § Growth (rewrite 9A in Strategic Plan)/Address Impacts The council also identified some additional items, which should be addressed during the coming year but were not necessarily considered goals. Other items to bring forward: § Traffic/Safety Committee to consider ordinance for bus idling within the City. § The council requested an inventory of vacant land owned by the city. The draft goals are based on the input from the council at the February workshop. The council should review the draft goals and make any necessary changes at the meeting on the 2nd. Staff will prepare the 2002-2003 budget document based on the adopted council goals. A summary of the goals is attached which identifies the responsible department.

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Summary of Council Goals For FY 2002-2003

The following goals were developed by the city council during a workshop held on February 1^st. The council identified a list of new goals that should be addressed during the next 18-24 months and a list of goals, which had been previously identified but were to be continued. Also, the council noted two other issues that were not listed as specific goals but rather as items they wanted addressed during the next 12 months.

1. Citizen participation and involvement	Department	Schedule
Continue to identify and evaluate ways to encourage greater citizen involvement. Develop methods to encourage participation by seniors, youth and other identifiable groups.	dministrative Services	On-going
Continue to help commissions and committees become more effective. Provide commission/ committees with adequate resources and additional training opportunities for developing communication skills, how to effectively run meetings and their general authority/mission.	Administrative Services/ City Recorder	On-going
2. Environmental resources	Department	Schedule
Establish protection of riparian and wetlands areas.	Community Development	Begin March ‘02 Finish Sept. ‘02
Improve the coordination of the management of natural resources.	Community Development	On-going
Develop a tree preservation ordinance and appropriate enforcement mechanisms.	Community Development	May ‘02
Develop a wastewater pre-treatment ordinance, which would establish standards for the discharge of chemicals, greases, etc. from commercial establishments.	Public Works	Jan. ‘03
Develop an interface management plan and urban forestry plan.	Fire/ Community Development	April ‘02 On-going
3. Housing	Department	Schedule
Develop and implement a long-range fundable/affordable-housing program. Complete a housing needs assessment Prepare an affordable housing action plan Develop implementation measures	Community Development	April ‘02 Aug. ‘02 To follow
4. Economic Strategy	Department	Schedule
Complete the update to the City’s economic development Comprehensive Plan element. Develop written materials that outline the City’s policies and philosophies on economic development issues. Work with the community to advance these economic development strategies.	Community Development	April ‘03
Continue to work on the master planning of large undeveloped mixed-use properties such as the Railroad Area and the industrial area east of Hamilton Creek.	Community Development	On-going
5. Public Services	Department	Schedule
Develop criteria for implementation of a neighborhood livability grant program for neighborhood-initiated projects. Coordinate the grant program with existing City programs like LID’s and sidewalk construction.	Community Development	Jan. ‘03
Maintain the city’s commitment to implementing the CIP. Specific projects were identified as follows: Begin construction of Fire Station No. 1 Complete construction of new office space for the Community Development and Public Works Administration Departments (Hillah) Complete the expansion of the Library Begin construction of the Siskiyou Blvd. and Ashland St. improvements Begin design of sidewalks for Tolman Creek Rd	Administration Fire Public Works   Administration Public Works Public Works	On-going July ‘02 Nov. ‘02   Nov. ‘02 Aug. ‘02 July ‘02
Develop a plan for more efficient use of City Hall office space, prior to the Community Development Department moving to new office space.	Administration	Summer ‘02
Continue with efforts to improve the viability of AFN by expanding services to Medford, Talent and Phoenix as soon as practical. Efforts should not detract from completing services within the City Limits of Ashland.	Electric and Telecom.	On-going
6. Transportation & Transit	Department	Schedule
Evaluate the safety of existing at grade RR crossings and develop a plan to improve the Hersey St./N. Laurel St. crossing.	Public Works	Winter ‘02
Develop a prioritized strategy for improved pedestrian and traffic safety based on the 3-Es – Education, Enforcement and Engineering. Focus areas should include: Siskiyou Blvd., Downtown, North Main Street, Ashland Street, Wimer Street and impacted residential neighborhoods. Consideration should be given to improving the safety of pedestrian crosswalks.	Public Works	Summer ‘02
Explore and develop ways to increase use and available options for alternative transportation within the city.	Community Development	Winter ‘02
7. Energy, Air and Water Resources	Department	Schedule
Conduct a feasibility study of the potential to maximize the city’s energy independence by utilizing alternative energy sources.	Electric and Telecom.	Summer ‘02
Develop a plan for the future extension of the TAP water line. Plan should include a priority for conservation and should address timing, conceptual engineering and funding alternatives.	Public Works	Winter ‘02
8. Parks, Open Space and Aesthetics	Department	Schedule
Develop a public art policy.	Administration	Spring ‘02
Finalize the update of the Open Space Plan.	Parks/ Com. Dev.	Summer ‘02
Improve public trail system by developing a comprehensive trails master plan which addresses minimizing public/private conflicts. Plan should include the Bear Creek Greenway (Dog Park to Mountain Ave. Park).	Community Development/ Parks	Begin April ‘02

 

9. Urbanization	Department	Schedule
Continue to provide information to the community and foster discussion on growth and planning issues. In particular, information is needed regarding: historic preservation, annexation requirements, State land use law, infill policy, rate of growth, development standards, development processes and the consequences of increasing urban densities (infill).	Community Development/ Administrative Services	On-going
Update the Downtown Plan.	Com. Dev.	March ‘03
10. Historical Sites and Structures	Department	Schedule
Give attention to preserving historic properties that were originally built to provide city service.
Encourage the Historic Commission to expand their role by providing input on historic priorities and providing historic education programs for the community.	Community Development	On-going
11. Regional Strategies	Department	Schedule
Coordinate with other agencies in the region to improve the delivery of service. Types of coordination efforts should include: Meeting training needs for staff and elected/appointed officials by coordinating with the Rogue Valley Public Service Academy (RVPSA). Evaluate the potential for the consolidation of services such as 911/dispatch. Collaboration for improved regional public transit services.	Admin.   Police Com. Dev.	On-going   Summer ‘02 On-going
12. Financial Management	Department	Schedule
A plan shall be developed to provide for better coordination between the Parks Department and the City. The plan should provide for reducing operational redundancy and increasing financial efficiency.	Parks/ Finance	July ‘02
Provide comprehensive information to the community on City budget and financial issues to promote a more thorough understanding of how the City receives it’s funding and how it is spent and what services are provided.	Finance/ Administrative Services	On-going
Complete and implement the performance measures program.	Finance	On-going
13. Social & Human Services	Department	Schedule
Implement and fund the health and human services plan.	Finance	Spring ‘02
Consider enhancing and augmenting the C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) program.	Fire	Summer ‘02

 

Other Issues Raised at Goal Setting	Department	Schedule
Traffic/Safety Committee to consider ordinance for bus idling within the City.	Public Works	March ‘02
The council requested an inventory of vacant land not designated for parks or open space and owned by the city.	Administration	Summer ‘02

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2002 – 2003 Strategic Plan Goals of the City of Ashland

April 2, 2002

Community Values Statement

The citizens of Ashland value a City government that helps create an environment within which they are able to live happy and productive lives. This includes a healthy and sustainable environment; an opportunity to acquire the basic necessities of life; a sound infrastructure that meets our common needs for transportation, energy, information and communications, health care, water and waste management; and a variety of social, recreational, business and cultural opportunities.

The citizens want their government to respect our diverse people, natural environment, and rich heritage and culture; and to promote citizen involvement, initiative, innovation and a strong sense of community.

Elements and Goals

The City recognizes the value of citizen involvement and the wealth of information and resources that the citizens of Ashland possess. The City is committed to a high level of communication with the public.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Continue to identify and evaluate ways to encourage greater citizen involvement. Develop methods to encourage participation by seniors, youth and other identifiable groups.

2. Continue to help commissions and committees become more effective. Provide commission/committees with adequate resources and additional training opportunities for developing communication skills, how to effectively run meetings and their general authority/mission.

Ashland seeks to retain its natural beauty as it continues to grow and further develop. The City seeks to strike a balance between urbanization and the natural environment by providing protection for soils, small creeks & wetlands, urban forest, clean air and peace & quiet.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Establish protection for riparian and wetland areas.

2. Improve the coordination of the management of natural resources.

3. Develop a tree preservation ordinance and appropriate enforcement mechanisms.
4. Develop a wastewater pre-treatment ordinance, which would establish standards for the discharge of chemicals, greases, etc. from commercial establishments.
5. Develop an interface management plan and urban forestry plan.

The City has a responsibility to ensure that proper amounts of land are set aside to accommodate the various housing needs in the City, and that its land development ordinances are broad enough to allow for variation in housing type, cost and density.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Develop and implement a long-range fundable/affordable-housing program. Strategies for development of the program include:

• Complete a housing needs assessment.

• Prepare an affordable housing action plan..
• Develop implementation measures.

The City encourages a variety of economic activities in the City, while continuing to reaffirm the economic goals of Ashland citizens and existing businesses. Economic development in Ashland should serve the purpose of maintaining and improving the local quality of life.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Complete the update to the City’s economic development Comprehensive Plan element. Develop written materials that outline the City’s policies and philosophies on economic development issues. Work with the community to advance these economic development strategies.

2. Continue to work on the master planning of large undeveloped mixed-use properties such as the Railroad Area and the industrial area east of Hamilton Creek.

The City will provide a full range of public services that meet the needs of existing and future citizens.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Develop criteria for implementation of a neighborhood livability grant program for neighborhood-initiated projects. Coordinate the grant program with existing City programs like LID’s and sidewalk construction.

2. Maintain the city’s commitment to implementing the CIP. Specific attention should be paid to:

• Fire Station No. 1 should be bid by spring and under construction by mid 2002.

• Complete construction of new office space for the Community Development and Public Works Administration Departments (Hillah) by fall 2002.
• Complete the expansion of the Library by the summer of 2002.
• Begin construction of the Siskiyou Blvd. and Ashland St. improvements in the summer of 2002 with completion by winter of 2003.
• Begin design of sidewalks for Tolman Creek Rd.

1. Develop a plan for more efficient use of City Hall office space, prior to the Community Development Department moving to new office space.

2. Continue with efforts to improve the viability of AFN by expanding services to Medford, Talent and Phoenix as soon as practical. Efforts should not detract from completing services within the City Limits of Ashland.

To retain Ashland’s small-town character while it grows, the City must proactively plan for a transportation system that is integrated into the community and enhances the livability, character and natural environment.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Evaluate the safety of existing at grade RR crossings and develop a plan to improve the Hersey St./N. Laurel St. crossing.

2. Develop a prioritized strategy for improved pedestrian and traffic safety based on the 3-Es – Education, Enforcement and Engineering. Focus areas should include: Siskiyou Blvd., Downtown, North Main Street, Ashland Street, Wimer Street and impacted residential neighborhoods. Consideration should be given to improving the safety of pedestrian crosswalks.

3. Explore and develop ways to increase use and available options for alternative transportation within the city.

Ashland seeks to be a regional leader in the areas of energy, air and water conservation. The City seeks to continue this leadership role in further development of goals, policies and programs that encourage citizens to conserve natural resources. The City also desires to continue to provide electrical service to consumers at as low a cost as possible.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Conduct a feasibility study of the potential to maximize the city’s energy independence by utilizing alternative energy sources.

• c) Develop a plan for the future extension of the TAP water line. Plan should include a priority for conservation and should address timing, conceptual engineering and funding alternatives.

Ashland’s character is intimately linked to its aesthetic resources, including its vistas, trees, parks, open space lands, and public art. The City seeks to develop programs that preserve important open space and parkland, while accommodating continuing urbanization.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Develop a public art policy.
2. Finalize the update of the Open Space Plan.
3. Improve public trail system by developing a comprehensive trails master plan, which addresses minimizing public/private conflicts. Plan should include the Bear Creek Greenway (Dog Park to Mountain Ave. Park).

The City seeks to ensure an orderly transition of land from rural to urban uses.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Continue to provide information to the community and foster discussion on growth and planning issues. In particular, information is needed regarding: historic preservation, annexation requirements, State land use law, infill policy, rate of growth, development standards, development processes and the consequences of increasing urban densities (infill).

2. Update the Downtown Plan.

Ashland seeks to preserve its rich history through the preservation of its historical buildings and places.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Give attention to preserving historic properties that were originally built to provide city service.

2. Encourage the Historic Commission to expand their role by providing input on historic priorities and providing historic education programs for the community.

Ashland seeks to develop unique partnerships with governments, non-profits and the private sector to ensure that regional issues of importance to the City and the region are addressed in a collaborative and effective way.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Coordinate with other agencies in the region to improve the delivery of service. Types of coordination efforts should include:

• Meeting training needs for staff and elected/appointed officials by coordinating with the Rogue Valley Public Service Academy (RVPSA).

• Evaluate the potential for the consolidation of services such as 911/dispatch.
• Collaboration for improved regional public transit services.

The City will be an accountable and effective steward of the public trust and public resources. The City will provide equitable and efficient services to the public through the efficient use of assets and resources.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. A plan shall be developed to provide for better coordination between the Parks Department and the City. The plan should provide for reducing operational redundancy and increasing financial efficiency.

2. Provide comprehensive information to the community on City budget and financial issues to promote a more thorough understanding of how the City receives it’s funding and how it is spent and what services are provided.

3. Complete and implement the performance measures program.

To ensure that all people in Ashland live in a safe, strong, and caring community, the City seeks to enhance the quality of life and promote self-reliance, growth and development of people. To these ends, the City will strive to provide resources and services to meet basic human needs.

2002 – 2003 Goals

1. Implement and fund the health and human services plan.

2. Consider enhancing and augmenting the C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) program.

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