City of Ashland

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING

MINUTES

May 19, 2008

ATTENDANCE

Present:    Commissioners Eggers, Gardiner, Lewis, Noraas, Rosenthal; Director Robertson; Superintendents Gies and Teige

Absent:     City Council Liaison Navickas

CALL TO ORDER         

Gardiner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Parks office, 340 S. Pioneer Street.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Study Session – April 21, 2008

MOTION Noraas moved to approve the minutes as written. Eggers seconded the motion.

The vote was: 4 yes – 0 no [Rosenthal abstained]

Regular Meeting – April 28, 2008

Under “Public Hearing for Proposed Clay Street / Westwood Land Exchange,” Eggers asked that the first sentence reflect that the proposed properties would be used for park land, not affordable housing and park land.

MOTION Eggers moved to approve the minutes as amended. Lewis seconded the motion.

The vote was: 3 yes – 0 no [Noraas and Rosenthal abstained]

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Open Forum

While members of the public were not in attendance, Robertson reported that three citizens recently voiced requests or complaints. He said a salsa dance instructor asked for permission to conduct free salsa dances at the bandshell; a Peace House representative asked to float candles in the lower duck pond in August in a recognition ceremony for the Nagasaki / Hiroshima bombings; and a Granite Street neighbor complained about a bear in the neighborhood and requested bear-proof garbage cans for Lithia Park.

ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

2008-2009 BUDGET SUMMARY REPORT

Robertson reported that on Thursday, May 15, the Budget Committee approved recommending to City Council the adoption of the Parks budget as presented. He said the City budget was recommended for approval with some reductions and a proposed property tax increase of 13.5 cents per $1,000.

NEW BUSINESS

None

SUBCOMMITTEE and STAFF REPORTS

Robertson reported that the first phase of the upper duck pond cleanup project had been completed, including the draining and dredging of the pond and some irrigation work and refilling. He said the next phase would commence early in the new fiscal year. Gies said temporary signs would be posted asking park patrons to refrain from feeding the ducks.

Gies reported that the Scenic Park Improvements Project would begin the following day.

Teige reported on the success of the 18^th Annual Bike Swap, held on Saturday, May 10, at The Grove.

ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS

Eggers reported on the work of the Centennial Subcommittee and spoke about specific elements of the proposed 4^th of July float. Noraas, Lewis, and staff members shared their ideas regarding the upcoming parade float and the December celebration commemorating the formation of the Parks Commission.

UPCOMING MEETING DATE(S) and PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS

§         Study session set for May 21 at 7:00 PM, Parks Office, 340 S. Pioneer Street.

§         Study session set for June 16 at 7:00 PM, Parks Office, 340 S. Pioneer Street.

§         Regular meeting set for June 23 at 7:00 PM, Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street.

ADJOURNMENT OUT OF REGULAR SESSION– By consensus, with no further business, Gardiner adjourned the regular meeting at 8:05 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION– By consensus, Gardiner adjourned into executive session at 8:05 p.m.

• Executive Session: Real Property Acquisition ORS 192.660 (2)(e)

ADJOURNMENT OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION– By consensus, with no further business, Gardiner adjourned out of executive session at 8:25 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT– By consensus, with no further business, Gardiner adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Susan Dyssegard, Ashland Parks and Recreation Department