Present: Commissioners Amarotico, Eggers, Gardiner, Lewis, Rosenthal; Director Mickelsen

Absent: None

Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main, and welcomed the new Department Secretary, Susan Dyssegard.

Regular Meeting – January 27, 2003 Under the New Business item "Discussion of Request to Use Future Parkland Along Bear Creek for Storm Drain Water Quality Ponds" (p.3), Commissioner Eggers asked the sentence to be changed to read: "Commissioner Eggers stated that acceptance of this property as parkland is conditioned on receiving a clean environmental report, since the Commission will be responsible for any potential future cleanup stemming from past activities on this property." Vice-Chair Gardiner moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Commissioner Rosenthal seconded the motion.

The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no

Special Meeting – February 17, 2003 Commissioner Eggers moved to approve the minutes as written. Vice-Chair Gardiner seconded the motion.

The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no

Open Forum - None

Director Mickelsen reported that, as previously discussed, artwork was donated to the Department with consideration for placement at North Mountain Park. In response to the Commission’s expressed desire for a recommendation from the Public Art Commission about whether to accept (and where to place) the sculpture, Director Mickelsen and Kari Gies made a presentation at a Public Art Commission meeting, which resulted in a letter of recommendation for placing the bear sculpture at North Mountain Park. The Public Art Commission also offered to assist the Parks and Recreation Department in reviewing and refining its Art Policy.

Public Comment - None

Commissioner Eggers restated her request for a rationale from the Public Art Commission for each criterion the Parks and Recreation Department outlined about the bear sculpture’s placement at North Mountain Park. Chair Lewis noted that the Public Art Commission takes minutes at their meetings and suggested that the Parks and Recreation Commission look for rationales in those minutes.

Motion Commissioner Amarotico moved to approve the placement of the bear sculpture at the Natural Resource Area at North Mountain Park with the stipulation that, prior to the placement of the bear, a use / maintenance agreement with the donor and artist be approved by the Commission. Vice-Chair Gardiner seconded the motion.

The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no

Director Mickelsen spoke about this public / private partnership, which will extend the Bear Creek Greenway approximately one mile –- from the Dog Park to North Mountain Park. Local Rotary Clubs have chosen this as their centennial project, and the AWTA is also participating.

Pete BelCastro of the Ashland Rotary Club spoke on behalf of both Ashland Rotary Clubs (the Ashland Rotary Club and the Ashland Rotary Club, Lithia Springs) about Rotary’s involvement with the trail extension project. Rotary International turns 100 in 2005. Each Rotary Club was asked to choose a project for the year 2005. Both Ashland Rotary Clubs chose this as their centennial project, and they are willing to donate approximately $10,000 as well as labor, time, and equipment. In exchange, the trail extension must clearly be identified as a Rotary Centennial Project, with the Rotary wheel displayed on the trail sign.

Commissioner Eggers and Vice-Chair Gardiner thanked the Rotary Club members for their generous proposal to the Commission. Director Mickelsen stated that the trail extension might be completed before 2005. Commissioner Eggers asked the Commission to develop and adopt a policy regarding naming and placing commemorative signs around the park before deciding how to name this section of the trail.

Motion Commissioner Eggers moved to gratefully accept the offer of assistance from the two Ashland Rotary Clubs and to determine, at a later date, according to the Commission’s policy, the appropriate form of recognition for the contribution. Vice-Chair Gardiner seconded the motion.

The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no

Director Mickelsen referenced the memo in the Commissioners’ packets relating to the budget. The memo was the result of a series of budget meetings held in the month of January and reflected the Commission’s specified budget priorities.

Public Comment – None

Commissioners Amarotico and Eggers and Vice-Chair Gardiner asked for clarification on several budget items. Director Mickelsen provided them with the appropriate information. Commissioners Rosenthal and Eggers thanked Staff for their dedication to the budget process.

Motion Vice-Chair Gardiner moved to accept the 2003-2004 budget and agreed to recommend the budget to the City Budget Committee. Commissioner Rosenthal seconded the motion.

The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no

Director Mickelsen reminded the Commission that they moved forward to purchase the Keener property last year as part of the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Program. The Keener property is located on Nevada Street, adjacent to Ashland Creek. Two lots are located on that parcel. One lot will be partitioned off to sell, with the proceeds from the sale going back to the Open Space Program. Director Mickelsen asked the Commission to make a request to the City Council to officially dedicate the other lot for Parks purposes.

Public Comment – None

Discussion Among Commissioners - None

MOTION Commissioner Eggers moved to recommend to the City Council to dedicate for Parks and Open Space that parcel of the Keener property adjacent to Ashland Creek. Vice-Chair Gardiner seconded the motion.

The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no

REMOVAL OF LACE-LEAF MAPLE IN THE FRONT LAWN OF LITHIA PARK - information purposes only

Director Mickelsen referenced the Tidings article that explained the need for removing the lace-leaf maple tree. Superintendent Gies assured the Commission that a tree will be planted in its place at a later time.

Vice-Chair Gardiner referenced the letter from Ed Laskos, STAY President (Supporters of Tennis for Ashland Youth), supporting the annual Big Al’s Tennis Tournament, headquartered at Hunter Park. The event draws over 300 entrants, many of whom bring business to local merchants.

For the record, Vice-Chair Gardiner noted that the Commission was misrepresented in the Tidings article about the 1% increase in Food & Beverage Tax. In fact, the Commission did not endorse the increase, as was reported in the Tidings.