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

Absent: None

Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main.

Regular Meeting – April 28, 2003 Under Sub-Committee and Staff Reports item ‘Quarterly Update on Projects’ (p 2), Commissioner Eggers asked that the item Bear Creek Trail Improvements be clarified to read "Commissioner Eggers agreed to add to a list" (of environmental experts to contact for a future meeting / walk), not "to compile a list." Vice-Chair Gardiner moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Commissioner Eggers seconded the motion.

The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no

Open Forum -- None

Director Mickelsen referenced the Staff memo concerning the Golf Course Sub-Committee and asked for input from Commissioners.

Vice-Chair Gardiner suggested scheduling regular quarterly meetings, with additional meetings scheduled as needed. Commissioners agreed to set meeting dates at the beginning of each year and suggested that the sub-committee could consist of five members, including the current presidents of the Men’s and Women’s Clubs and the golf pro, as well as two Parks Commissioners appointed by the Chair. Commissioner Eggers suggested changing the wording in point #2 of the Staff memo to read, "To make recommendations to the Commission pertaining to fee structure."

MOTION Commissioner Rosenthal moved to establish the Golf Course Sub-Committee and outlined the Commission’s charge to the sub-committee: to review financial reports; make recommendations to the Commission pertaining to fee structure; assist in the short- and long-term plans for golf course improvements; handle other responsibilities as assigned by the Commission; and meet quarterly as needed. Members of the sub-committee shall consist of the standing presidents of the Men’s and Women’s Clubs, the current golf pro, and two members of the Commission. Vice-Chair Gardiner seconded the motion.

The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no

Director Mickelsen referenced the May 29, 2003, study session concerning the Hunter Park tennis court resurfacing project. Superintendent Gies reviewed details of the project to date and suggested that the most cost-effective alternative would be to hire contractors to remove the existing courts, and to save the curbs, redo the asphalt, and re-color coat the courts.

Vice-Chair Gardiner reported that organizers for Big Al’s Tennis Tournament want to play on the existing courts this year, with no interruptions in their mid-July event. Commissioners discussed starting construction after the tournament, around the end of July. The project will take from 4-8 weeks to complete.

MOTION Vice-Chair Gardiner moved to proceed with the Staff option outlined above and to start construction after Big Al’s Tennis Tournament. Commissioner Amarotico seconded the motion.

The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no

Commissioner Eggers asked for an update on the status of the Open Space Funding Sub-Committee. Director Mickelsen reported that several people have agreed to join the sub-committee and that he and Chair Lewis are waiting to hear from others. They both expressed their desire to set up a committee meeting as soon as possible.

Commissioner Rosenthal thanked Director Mickelsen for his 24 years of dedicated service to the Ashland Parks and Recreation Department and to the City of Ashland.