ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION

RETREAT

JUNE 2, 2007

MINUTES

ATTTENDANCE

Planning

Commissioners:             John Stromberg, Chair, Mike Morris, Dave Dotterrer, Pam Marsh, Melanie Mindlin, Tom Dimitre,            Olena Black Michael Dawkins and John Fields.  There were no absent members.

Others:                                 Cate Hartzell, Council Liaison

Staff:                                    David Stalheim, Bill Molnar, Maria Harris, Brandon Goldman, Angela Barry and Derek Severson

I.                   CALL TO ORDER.   9 a.m.

II.                TOUR.    A tour of the following sites took place:  North Mountain, North Main (Siskyou Eye Center), Downtown (Pioneer Lot) and Croman mill site.

III.                 WORKING TOGETHER.

Commission members and others provided information on their background and interest in planning.  Commission members were asked about what they would like to improve on.  Topics that appeared to have agreement on were:

§         Clarity regarding criteria and keeping the commission and public focused on the criteria during land use hearings; potential training on use of criteria

§         Need to find opportunities for policy discussion

§         Need to explain to the public reasons for vote since discussion is often centered around only one part of a larger, complex project.

IV.                PERMIT PROCEDURES. 

David Stalheim presented an outline of potential changes to permit procedures.  The Commission had very little time for questions and discussion and agreed to continue the discussion with the full commission at the next available opportunity.

Respectfully submitted by,

Sue Yates, Executive Secretary