City of
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
October 24, 2005
Present: Commissioners D. Amarotico, Eggers, Gardiner, Lewis; Rosenthal; Director Robertson; Superintendent Gies; Superintendent Teige; City Council Liaison A. Amarotico
Absent: None
Gardiner called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Council Chambers, 1175
Study Session – September 19, 2005
MOTION Eggers moved to approve the minutes as written. Rosenthal seconded the motion.
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
Regular Meeting – September 26, 2005
MOTION D. Amarotico moved to approve the minutes as written. Eggers seconded the motion.
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Open Forum
Bow Seltzer,
Melissa Mitchell-Hooge,
Paul Copeland,
Linda Wilhelm,
None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
MEADOWBROOK II PRESENTATION
Robertson reminded commissioners that Meadowbrook II is a subdivision development located north of Bear Creek and adjacent to
Jason Patterson and Tom Madera of Camelot Family Homes thanked the commissioners for their input during the October 13 study session, reporting that they made every effort to integrate Parks Department suggestions into their plan. They encouraged the commission to comment on their revised plan.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners offered feedback to the landscapers, stating that they spoke with city staff members who suggested additional alterations, including elimination of a 10-foot strip of grass [to conserve water] and some changes to tree plantings [for the sake of variety].
Motion Eggers moved to approve the Meadowbrook II park landscape plan, with the following exceptions: 1) move the trees along the 10-foot walking path to the creek side; 2) eliminate the strip of lawn on the creek side; 3) alternate the species of trees along the sidewalk; and 4) terminate the pathway in the center of the holding pond. D. Amarotico seconded the motion.
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
NEW BUSINESS
PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Robertson welcomed Richard Benson of the Public Arts Commission and invited him to speak to the commission about PAC’s request to install two proposed “signature tiles” for the mosaic at the top of the Calle Guanajuato staircase.
Richard Benson presented two signature tiles, created by artist Sue Springer, and requested the commission’s approval to place them in the mosaic at the top of the staircase. He announced the unveiling of the project, scheduled for November 4 at 3:00 PM, and invited commissioners and staff to attend.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners expressed concern about the lettering and frogs on the tiles, stating that they might not fully match the project in terms of style. Amarotico and Eggers agreed to discuss some changes with the artist prior to the November 4 unveiling, and the commission agreed to allow the artist to place the tiles loosely into the concrete as placeholders [until a more acceptable signature tile could be created and placed in the mosaic].
Robertson reported that the commission was approached about a potential land trade between the Parks Department and the owners of Ashland Greenhouses. He welcomed Greg Williams, co-owner of Ashland Greenhouses, and invited him to provide further information to the commission.
Greg Williams stated that the plan, still in its conceptual phase, would provide better access to the
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the proposal. Gardiner disclosed that he and Williams are friends and that he knew about the project in advance but felt he could remain objective as a commissioner.
Gardiner called for a motion.
Motion D. Amarotico moved to agree to support, in principle, the land swap between
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
ASHLAND PARKS FOUNDATION REQUEST
Robertson informed the commission that the Parks Foundation, whose sole purpose is to generate funds for projects that support parks and the community, developed a new promotional brochure that they hoped to insert into the upcoming winter recreation activity guide [since the guide is mailed to all Ashland residents and would reach an optimal number of citizens]. He stated that the foundation would pay for any costs associated with the insertion of the brochure.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners asked several questions, which were answered to their satisfaction, and Gardiner called for a motion.
Motion Rosenthal moved to approve the inclusion of the Ashland Parks Foundation brochure [or informational materials] into the winter recreation guide. Eggers seconded the motion.
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
SUB-COMMITTEE and STAFF REPORTS
Gies reported that two [out of three] benches with memorial plaques were recently installed in
ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Eggers thanked
UPCOMING MEETING DATE(S) and PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS
§ Trail Master Plan meeting set for November 1 at 1:00 PM—Parks office, 340 S. Pioneer. Topic to include:
§ Final review of draft master trail plan document
§ Joint study session with Ashland City Council and Ashland School Board set for November 17 at 7:00 PM—Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main.
§ Regular meeting set for Monday, November 21 at 7:00 PM—Parks office, 340 S. Pioneer. Topics to include:
§ Riverwalk subdivision proposal
§ Presentation of finance award
§ Review of audit report
§ Budget preparation schedule
§ Logo discussion
§ Study session set for December 1 at 7:00 PM—Parks office, 340 S. Pioneer. Topics to include:
§ Vogel park master plan review
§ Trail master plan presentation
§ Employee manual review
§ Regular meeting set for Monday, December 19 at 7:00 PM—Council Chambers, 1175
ADJOURNMENT – By consensus, with no further business, Gardiner adjourned the meeting at 9:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Dyssegard, Ashland Parks & Recreation Department