City of Ashland

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

STUDY SESSION
MINUTES

July 18, 2005

ATTENDANCE

Present:   Commissioners D. Amarotico, Gardiner, Lewis, Rosenthal; Director Robertson; Superintendent Gies; Superintendent Teige

Absent:     Commissioner Eggers; City Council Liaison A. Amarotico

CALL TO ORDER

Gardiner called the study session to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Parks Office, 340 S. Pioneer Street.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

GOLF COURSE FEE PROPOSAL

Robertson reported that the commission’s Golf Course Subcommittee conducted its annual review of golf course operations during the budget process and learned that fees at Oak Knoll Golf Course were static. The subcommittee reviewed fees at other courses in the area and, based on their research, proposed changes in golf course fees. Changes could include:

§               Discontinuation of annual and monthly fees

§               Changes in daily fees

§               Increase in 18-hole cart fees

§               Increase in driving range fees

Public Input

Bill Anderson, 370 Patterson Street, expressed concern about the proposed elimination of annual membership fees at Oak Knoll Golf Course.

Jim Hatton, 280 Terrace Street, stated that he is a regular golfer at the course and would golf there less often if annuals were eliminated.

Ross Rampy, 40 Bush Street, president of the Oak Knoll Golf Course Men’s Club, spoke on behalf of the group, expressing concern about the proposed changes.

Mike Gaffney, 291 Meadow Drive, stated that annual membership fees strengthen the golf course operation and questioned the necessity of changing fees and eliminating annuals.

Mike Morrison, 737 Laurel Street, a long-term annual member, asked the commission to reconsider their proposal to eliminate annuals. Instead, he requested that they raise annual rates or only offer 5-day monthly and annual passes.

Ron Tracy, 1138 Augusta Court, said that the proposed elimination of annuals would be a “direct attack on seniors” and that the course could lose large numbers of out-of-town and tourist golfers.

Brett DeForest, 1396 Mill Pond Road, asked that the commission reconsider their proposal to eliminate annuals, and stated that he would play less golf at Oak Knoll if that were to happen.

Don Wallace, 2405 Starlite Lane in Medford, would play at Oak Knoll less frequently if annuals were eliminated.

Discussion Among Commissioners

Commissioners reported on the process that led to consideration of the changes. Gardiner stated that the commission ultimately hoped to raise the quality of the course.

Commissioners thanked the golfers for their input and feedback on the proposed changes.

COMMUNITY GARDEN POLICY DISCUSSION

Robertson reported that the commission set goals for the upcoming fiscal year [beginning in November of 2004], and that one of their goals was to develop a policy for community gardening. He stated that Parks currently operates one garden in Ashland, located on Hersey Street, and indicated that many parks departments around the country operate community gardens in a similar manner.

Public Input

Bryan Holley, 324 Liberty Street, spoke of the value of community gardens and suggested that gardeners be given the opportunity to help build fences, repair creek sides, or assist in any work needed to shore up the infrastructure and ultimately increase the number of community gardens in Ashland.

Other gardeners spoke in support of continuing the present community garden operation and expanding the number of gardens around the city.

Discussion Among Commissioners

Lewis stated that, before proceeding further in the discussion, the commission needed to decide whether to support the operation of city-owned community gardens in Ashland. If so agreed, they could begin the process of formulating a policy.

Commissioners agreed to discuss the matter at their regular meeting on July 25 and decide then about: 1) allowing community gardens within the city; 2) forming a subcommittee; and 3) developing a community garden policy for the operation of city-owned community gardens in Ashland.

ADJOURNMENT – With no further business, Gardiner adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Susan Dyssegard, Ashland Parks and Recreation