MINUTES FOR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Monday, March 2, 2009
Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Councilors Lemhouse, Jackson, Silbiger, Chapman and Navickas were present. Councilor Voisin was absent.
1. Look Ahead Review
City Administrator Martha Bennett reviewed the items on the Council Look Ahead.
2. Does the Council have questions for staff about Chapter 18.63 Water Resource Protection Zones and the related Ashland Land Use Ordinance (ALUO) and Comprehensive Plan amendments?
Community Development Director Bill Molnar shared the background on the ordinance. Planning Manager Maria Harris provided a presentation that included:
Mr. Molnar explained the minimum buffer zone requirement for fish bearing streams is 50-feet and follows the Safe Harbor Approach. Buffer areas for the other two categories are based on riparian buffer widths established in other communities ranging from 35-200 feet and City goals. The current ordinance under the Floodplain Corridor Lands identifies buffer areas at 10 and 20 feet for smaller streams. The City used centerline measurement to be consistent and expanded regulations in place for the last two decades.
Ms. Harris explained that multi-year maintenance plans with the removal of noxious and invasive vegetation possibly using herbicides was added in response to issues the Parks Department had regarding ongoing maintenance of public and private open spaces. Mr. Molnar noted an omission in the current draft that will be changed making herbicide use consistent for streams and wetlands.
2. Building, Paving & Grading
Ms. Harris clarified a single-family residential zone, in a Water Resource Protection Zone or flood plain can rebuild in the same footprint if the home is destroyed by flood. Mr. Molnar added Flood Plain Regulations might require elevation or engineering provisions per the City's participation in the Flood Plain Management Program.
A suggestion was made to increase the 30-inch maximum for trails to 36 inches to meet the handicap accessible requirement.
Concern was raised how some non-native plants are beneficial and their removal using herbicides can result in erosion or other problems. It was noted the ordinance is written in conjunction with the Restoration Project and is subject to restoration provisions for cover and canopy.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Smith
Assistant to the City Recorder