STUDY SESSION
MINUTES
JUNE 23, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Michael Dawkins called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers,
Planning Commissioners Present: |
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Staff Present: |
Larry Blake Michael Dawkins David Dotterrer Pam Marsh Debbie Miller Melanie Mindlin Mike Morris |
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Bill Molnar, Community Development Director April Lucas, Administrative Assistant |
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Absent Members: |
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Council Liaison: |
None |
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Eric Navickas |
PRESENTATIONS
A. Ashland Transportation System Plan (TSP) – Discussion of Grant proposal, Project Scope and Tentative Timeline
Community Development Director Bill Molnar provided a brief introduction on transportation planning and
Mr. Molnar explained that the City’s Public Works Department has applied for a grant to update the City’s TSP, and he commented on the three key nodes that the City would evaluate as part of this project. Mr. Molnar concluded by stating the TSP update will ultimately coordinate what the Planning Commission is doing with land use with what the Transportation Commission is doing in terms of evaluating the citywide transportation system and brings them together to make a stronger system for the entire community.
Public Works Director Mike Faught and Transportation Commission Chair Colin Swales came forward to address the Commission. Mr. Faught noted the importance as they move forward with the TSP update that they receive input from the Planning Commission about the needs in
Mr. Faught commented on the grant application and noted several of the key objectives, including:
· Improve quality of life and support economic prosperity;
· Safe and efficient multi-modal networks based on existing and forecasted land use;
· Increase bicycle and pedestrian trips;
· Create a “green” template for other communities;
· Develop mixed land use activity centers with a multi-modal focus;
· Develop transit corridors using land use and transportation measures to support the public transportation system;
· Update the Street Design Standards to provide more options for enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities;
· Plan for further safety and operational improvements such as bicycle and pedestrian lighting, bicycle boulevards and separated bike lanes.
Mr. Faught commented on the plan update process and stated they will need to work closely and in concert with the Planning Commission in order to have a plan that works well for
Transportation Chair Colin Swales explained the Transportation Commission is mainly comprised of people who spent time on the Traffic Safety and Bicycle and Pedestrian Commissions. He stated they are all well equipped to deal with the task at hand; however there are many projects coming forward including the Croman Master Plan, the SOU Master Plan, and the development of the railroad property, and it would be best if they can consult with the Planning Commission as these move forward.
Comment was made questioning how the improvements in the TSP would be funded. Mr. Faught explained the final plan will include funding options; some will be paid for through SDCs, while others will have to be incorporated into the City’s Capital Improvement Plan. He added some of the projects may qualify for regional and state funding options, and the City will pursue these as they become available.
Comment was made questioning how the City would go about creating the transportation vision. Mr. Faught explained the City will issue a very specific RFP for the consultant that will assist with this project. He stated the selected consultant will have to be open to other modes of transportation that would work well in
Mr. Faught clarified the Transportation Commission and the Planning Commission will need to work together and it will be important for the Planning Commission to express any zone changes or large development plans they are considering so that the Transportation Commission can appropriately plan for the transportation needs. Mr. Molnar added this is going to be a back and forth process and noted a Joint Meeting between the two commissions has been scheduled for August 25, 2009.
B. History of Resource Efficiency in
Electric Director Dick Wanderscheid provided a presentation titled “Energy efficiency, renewables, and sustainability: a 25 year history of resource efficiency in
Mr. Wanderscheid concluded his presentation by speaking on what the future may hold. He noted the Governor’s 2009 legislative plan and spoke on climate change, carbon reporting, and plug in electric vehicles. Mr. Wanderscheid explained the City’s new 20 year contract with BPA that contains tiered wholesale rates that will require
Mr. Wanderscheid further explained the impacts electric vehicles will have on the City’s electric utility. He stated as plug-in hybrids and other electric vehicles become available the City will need a carefully thought out plan to address this issue. He added it would make sense for the City to consider a smart grid, telecom and SCADA application to ensure that charging of vehicles occurs at off peak times.
OTHER BUSINESS
A. September Planning Commission Meetings
Mr. Molnar announced the City Council has adjusted their meeting schedule in September and as a result the Planning Commission will not have access to the Council Chambers on their normal meeting dates. He suggested two options are to either shift the Planning Commission meeting dates to the first and third Tuesday in September, or shift the regular meeting to the first Tuesday and hold the Study Session on its regular date in the Siskiyou Room of the Community Development Bld. Staff was directed to send an email to the commissioners to gather their preferences.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
April Lucas, Administrative Assistant