City of Ashland
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
June 24, 2013

ATTENDANCE
Present:  Commissioners Landt, Lewis, Seffinger, Shaw; City Council Liaison Voisin; Director Robertson; Superintendents Dials and Dickens
Absent:   Commissioner Gardiner

CALL TO ORDER
Seffinger called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Study Session – May 13, 2013

MOTION Landt moved to approve the minutes as presented. Lewis seconded the motion.
The vote was: All yes

Regular Meeting – May 20, 2013
MOTION Shaw moved to approve the minutes as presented. Landt seconded the motion.
The vote was: All yes

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None

ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None

NEW BUSINESS
RECREATION PROGRAM PRESENTATION
Dials welcomed Recreation Coordinator Lonny Flora and invited him to speak to the commission.

Flora showed a slide presentation of the Daniel Meyer Pool and provided a report. He said the outdoor facility was operated mid-June through mid-September. He reviewed pool programs provided for user groups of all ages and discussed fees, staffing, and some of the challenges faced by staff. He said recent facility improvements included interior painting, landscaping upgrades, sidewalk replacements, new countertops, and a new shade structure to replace the old wooden cover. He said Daniel Meyer Pool staff proudly provided a safe environment for all pool users.

The commission thanked Flora for his presentation.

SENIOR CENTER PRESENTATION
Dials welcomed Senior Program Manager Christine Dodson and invited her to speak to the commission.

Dodson said this would mark the 40^th anniversary of the Ashland Senior Program and the center’s association with Ashland Parks and Recreation was long and great. The mission of the center was to provide a support system for older citizens and improve their quality of life. Dodson outlined many of the programs and services offered through the Ashland Senior program and said they filled niches. A five-member advisory board allowed for feedback on center operations; in-home visits provided information and assistance to seniors along with an assessment of needs and advocacy in obtaining services; and an on-site weekly lunch program, by donation, was offered through Food and Friends. Additional services were said to include the ALEAP low-income energy assistance program, YMCA day trips, a tele-sensory magnifier donated by the Lions Club, emergency heat assistance, a senior utility discount for those 55 and older, a foot care clinic sponsored by Soroptimists, the Listening Post, free bus passes and Valley Lift vouchers in conjunction with the Public Works Department, student practicum opportunities through SOU, raised bed community garden plots at the center, and volunteer options for seniors, among others. Dodson invited everyone to visit the Senior Center to see the efforts of staff, volunteers, and participants.

The commission thanked Dodson for her presentation.

COST-OF-LIVING REVIEW
Robertson said Parks staff and management representatives agreed on a COLA ranging between 1-5% based upon a Consumer Price Index (CPI) 12-month rolling average between March of the prior year to March of the current year. Per that agreement, a cost-of-living adjustment of 1.3% for employees of Ashland Parks and Recreation was appropriate given the CPI on March 31, 2013. He said the funds were included in the Parks budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

MOTION Landt moved to accept the COLA increase of 1.3% for all employees of Ashland Parks and Recreation. Shaw seconded the motion.

The vote was: All yes

SUBCOMMITTEE and STAFF REPORTS
Schedule Signs and Plaques Subcommittee Meeting
Robertson said staff received regular requests for signs, plaques and memorials and it was time to schedule a subcommittee meeting. He said the subcommittee consisted of Landt and Lewis. Landt requested a copy of all pertinent policies and ordinances for signage and plaques in parks. Robertson said staff would distribute the information and schedule a meeting in the near future.

Robertson said the Parks Department would host a 4^th of July parade entry and he welcomed participants who wished to walk the parade route in support of Parks.

ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Seffinger reported on the continuing rewards program for responsible dog owners observed picking up after their pets. She recommended that everyone pick up after their pets.

UPCOMING MEETING DATES & PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS

• Study session set for July 15 at 7:00 p.m., Parks office, 340 S. Pioneer Street. Agenda item:

  • Skate Park Discussion

• Regular meeting set for July 22 at 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street.

ADJOURNMENT
By consensus, with no further business, Seffinger adjourned the meeting at 7:37 p.m.

Respectfully submitted.

Susan Dyssegard
Ashland Parks and Recreation