Agendas and Minutes

City Council (View All)

Regular Meeting

Agenda
Tuesday, February 01, 2000

MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
February 1, 2000
Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., in the Civic Center Council Chambers.

ROLL CALL
Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hanson, Wheeldon and Fine were present.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of the Regular meeting of January 18, 2000 and Executive Meeting minutes of January 27, 2000 were approved as presented.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS

CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees.

2. Request by the Ashland Community Land Trust (ACLT) for permission to make application for CDBG Grant funds to be used toward the possible acquisition of City-owned property at 667 North Main.

Councilors Fine/Hauck m/s to approve Consent Agenda. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed.

PUBLIC HEARINGS (None)

PUBLIC FORUM (None)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Presentation of the Economic Development Committee Report to City Council.
Councilor Wheeldon introduced the committee and commented on the consensus of the members on the importance of the quality of life in Ashland.

Committee member Sandra Slattery presented the revised project givens as the following: 1) It is the responsibility of companies desiring to locate a business in Ashland to procure funding for their financial considerations from sources outside the City; 2) The City will maintain high quality standards for development in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan, Municipal Code and Oregon Revised Statutes; 3) Planning and Building procedures apply to development in the City and will be in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan, AMC and ORS; 4) SDC charges, fees, permits, costs, etc., for development will apply to all development in the city. 5) The City Council, the final decision-making body, shall hear, consider, and as appropriate, implement the recommendations of the committee.

Slattery commented on the process of reviewing the City's Comprehensive Plan and paying attention to the section called "The Future" and the "Goals." She added that the committee requested review of the roles and responsibilities of various organizations and that a written report would be developed. Slattery noted the committee members as: City Councilor Carole Wheeldon, Planning Commissioner Mike Gardiner, OSF Janeen Olsen, Chamber of Commerce Sandra Slattery, SOU Steve Reno, Project A Jim Teece, Mountain Supply Bill Gilliam, Oregon Action Rich Rohde, Darex Dave Bernard, Low Down Board Shop Reuben Davis, ACH Jim Watson, Citizen Member John Freedom and Staff Liaisons Mike Freeman, John McLaughlin and Brandon Goldman.

Committee member Rich Rohde stated that the committee determined that there are several factors that make up community values, including small town environment and quality of life. He explained that the committee went on to define these terms as they relate to economic development. Quality of life in Ashland was mentioned and how our natural environment, safe community, accessible community, and cultural amenities are part of what makes up the community value.

Committee member Stephen Reno presented the following recommendations: 1) The City's economic strategy should emphasize more strongly the high-quality environment, and small town feel that Ashland is maintaining as an overall objective of the economic development strategy; 2) To meet the community's economic development goals, it is important for the City to create strategic partnerships. These partnerships would be made in areas such as education, tourism, health care, social service providers and business; 3) The City's role in economic development issues should be clarified; 4) The City would benefit from the implementation of a business retention program run either by the Chamber or by the City; 5) A role for the City would be ensuring that there is available land for commercial types of development, to try and assist those who do not have land development skills and are simply looking for leasable, or buildable land; 6) The City should promote the diversity of employment and business opportunities to try and avoid having an economic base dominated by a single industry; 7) The City should determine what the role of non profits is in meeting the economic goals of the community; 8) The City should continue to promote local business ownership in the community; 9) The definition of City-provided infrastructures should also include telecommunications; 10) The City should take more advantage of the presence of the University in meeting its economic development goals; 11) The City's downtown must be recognized as a vital part of the City's overall economic health and ongoing efforts implemented to maintain its health; and 12) The City should strive to encourage the creation of living wage jobs in the community.

Wheeldon explained that the committee is requesting that the public be provided four to six weeks in order to provide comments on the draft plan. Explained that after public comment is received, the committee would reconvene and consider any changes that were suggested, then submit a final report to Council for their formal consideration and adoption.

Discussion was made regarding the ability to promote local ownership without discouraging outside ownership. Reno explained that this report is only a draft and the committee expects there to be rewrites as suggestions and comments are received on the report.

Laws explained that he had expected a rewrite and replacement of the section from the City Comprehensive Plan chapter on Economic Development. He felt that to take an active role in promoting business is contradictory to the current growth in our community. Reno explained that the direction is to have the city take a more active role with current businesses and create partnerships with current local businesses rather than focus on business growth.

Fine requested that the committee provide greater exposure to their reasoning and thinking regarding some key elements and how certain conclusions and recommendations were determined.

City Administrator Freeman explained that the charge of the committee did not include bringing back a new chapter for the City Comprehensive Economic Development Chapter, but to use the recommendations and information gathered, to help finalize the update of this section to the Comprehensive Plan.

2. Update on Management study of the Ashland Fire Department.

City Administrator Mike Freeman presented memo, which summarized an analysis conducted on the Fire Department. He explained that there were three recommendations of which two will be implemented. The consultant recommended that it may be feasible to reduce the minimum staffing level from seven to six; that the City should discontinue the practice of calling back employees, on overtime, to fill Captain and Engineer positions; and that the City should discontinue paying overtime for non-mandatory training. The consultant further recommended more data was needed to evaluate whether it is advisable to make any changes in minimum staffing levels. Freeman explained that based on information compiled by the Fire Department, it was determined that no changes would be made in the minimum staffing level.

Freeman noted the cooperation and professionalism of staff and noted that it was understood and impressed upon the staff that there is a need to continue to take a critical look at all operations of the City to try and determine if there are opportunities for making changes that result in more efficient operations. He explained that further information based on department analysis reports will be brought out in the budget process.

3. Update on Implementation of Council's 1999-2000 Strategic Plan Priorities.

No discussion was made by council as City Administrator Mike Freeman explained that this is ongoing implementation and the update is for council information only.

4. Approval of Boundary Line Adjustment at Garfield Park and Authorization to sign Land Partition.

City Engineer Jim Olson explained that this is an effort to correct an error that was made in 1887. The resulting corrected survey creates a 30-foot wide discrepancy in the location of the north and south boundaries of all of the lots on the west side of California Street north of Quincy Street including Garfield Park.

Councilors Reid/Hauck m/s to approve boundary line adjustment at Garfield Park. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed.

NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

1. Council meeting Look Ahead.

City Administrator Mike Freeman clarified that he expects additional information from OSF that would be given to council for discussion at the Study Session. He stated that if this information is not available the Study Session will be rescheduled.

Councilor Reid questioned whether the public would be notified and allowed to submit information regarding the issue on lighting at the scheduled Study Session. Reid requested that a different name, other than "Dark Skies," be used in regards to lighting issues. Freeman explained that it would not be advantageous to allow public input at this time that there are a number of questions that staff and council needed to work through first, in order to determine a course of action.

2. Acceptance of the June 30, 1999 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Report from
the Audit Committee.

Chairperson for the Audit Committee Marty Levine presented an annual report and recommended that the council accept the annual report. Levine explained that in addition to performing the audit, it is customary for an auditor during the course of the work, to observe the financial systems that are at work, internal controls and policies regarding the accounting for transactions. He stated that at the conclusion of the audit, the auditor will summarize thoughts for improving the system in a Management Letter. Levine explained that the Management Letter is directed to the accounting department. He clarified that the auditor is an independent auditor that is hired by the City Council to do the audit, and that during the audit, the auditor becomes familiar with how staff operates. The Management Letter is a recommendation from the auditor to staff about operations which could be streamlined. He explained that the Management Letter first goes to staff and staff then responds to the recommendations of the auditor. Through the formation of the Audit Committee, a forum was created that allows this process to be done.

Levine explained that the auditor recognized that the City has grown over the years and because of this growth there are contracts that are spread throughout different departments. The recommendation from the auditor is to create a centralized database of information, which would be a copy of all contracts in one location. These contracts would be kept current and reviewed by the auditor to assure that all contracts comply with State and Local laws and Council policy. Levine explained that the Audit Committee, based on assuring the public that public contracting is done in a proper manner consistent with Council policy, is recommending that a database be created and the authority of this database be placed under the authority of the City Recorder's Office. He explained that the City Recorder is independent, elected and separated from the staff. The recommendation includes that the City Recorder be given the necessary resources through the budget process to accomplish this task and that the City Recorder be required to report to the council, on at least a quarterly basis, the status of all contracts. The Audit Committee felt that the alternatives are as follows: 1) The council can agree to look at every single contract; 2) The council can leave this to staff, which is how it has been done in that past; and 3) Council can give this responsibility to an outside independent party.

Levine explained that the way Ashland's government is created, the City Recorder's Office is the closest that the city has to an internal auditor. He stated that the Audit Committee believes that it is appropriate that the City Recorder's Office is the position to take on this oversight.

Levine clarified for the council that the system to develop the database has not yet been designed and that the auditor is asking for a centralized place to statistically sample the contracts to make sure they are meeting the requirements. He explained that the recommendation is to develop the database and use it for checking to make sure the required steps are being done on each contract. He stated that the responsibility would not be appropriate for the Audit Committee to take on as it would part of daily operations. He explained that the City Council is ultimately legally responsible for all contracts on the part of the city and it is important to make sure that the legal requirements are met.

Wheeldon stated that the Council does not have authority over the City Recorder's Office. Levine explained that what the City Recorder would be doing, is giving the council a report and if there is something in the report that the council has a problem with, then the council has the authority to change the situation.

City Recorder Barbara Christensen explained that the City Charter gives the City Recorder's Office the power to do periodic audits of accountings. Shaw felt that periodic audits of the accounting is different from looking at contracts on an ongoing basis. She stated that if the direction is to move this away from the Administrator, it may be more appropriate to put this with the City Attorney who is not under the direction of the Administrator, but responsible to the Council and has workings with the departments on a daily basis. Shaw suggested that this be set aside to allow the Finance Director to show how this would be set-up and allow time for staff to bring forward a recommendation.

Fine requested that when the recommendations come from staff, that the Audit Committee be allowed to look at the recommendations to see if the mechanics will accomplish the goal that the Audit Committee feels are paramount.

Reid noted the high level of professionalism and expertise that the Audit Committee members have and that she does not want to set aside the recommendation lightly as she looks to them for direction.

Levine clarified for the council that the reason the Audit Committee recommended the City Recorder's Office is because this office is the best combination of involvement in the accounting process of the city and independence at the same time. He stated that the committee felt that this would create an opportunity for the council to give reassurance to the community that public contracting is important and that it is being handled properly.

Hauck explained that before he could determine where the right place for this would be, within the structure of the city, he would need to know what the system is, how it is set-up and how it would work. Shaw noted her hesitation with placing this with the City Recorder's Office because it is an elected position and the importance of the council having an overview of the process in the future.

Councilors Hauck/Reid m/s to accept the 1999 CAFR and report from Audit Committee. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed.

3. Consideration of an Intergovernmental Agreement between Jackson County and the City of Ashland for the Ashland Public Library should a countywide bond measure pass.

City Attorney Paul Nolte explained that this is before the council because the County Board of Commissioners is considering placing a countywide bond measure on the May 2000 ballot, which would include the $5.85 million for the improvement of the Ashland Branch Library. He explained that if the countywide measure passes, then this intergovernmental agreement would become operative and the city would not sell the bonds that have already been authorized, but would use funds from the county measure. Noted that this agreement would void and replace the existing agreement signed in 1970. Nolte emphasized that this is a win-win situation for the city: if the county measure passes, the city gets the library that's been voted for and the tax rate for citizens will be less, and the city gets control over the construction and ownership of the building. He noted that the new agreement has a 50-year term.

Shaw questioned county having final authority over telecommunications, wiring, computer hardware and software issues. Nolte explained that county requested this wording as an assurance that the library will remain compatible with the existing regional library system. Shaw agreed that there should be compatibility, but expressed concern with closing the door on opportunities to provide technology to library users. County library representative Ronnie Budge explained the need to have compatible hardware and software both for connection between branches and the maintenance of hardware and software. As county personnel travel from branch to branch to repair equipment, the hardware must be compatible to ensure their ability to conduct repairs. Shaw again expressed her concern, noting that the city's vision of the library as a place to provide technological learning opportunities may not coincide with the county's. Clarified that the county may feel that three internet computers are satisfactory, while the city may want considerably more. She requested that the agreement indicate compatibility needs rather than placing final purchasing authority with the county. Budge agreed that language could be found to satisfy both sides.

Wheeldon suggested language adding "For purposes of compatibility only,..."

Hauck noted that it was the intent from the start with AFN to allow public access stations at the library, and he does not want to commit to a countywide internet service provider when a better AFN broadband connection is available. Budge stated that she could see no reason why this would be the case.

Fine questioned paragraph 7.6 a requirement of maintenance of the roof, and questioned whether the county can be obligated to maintain the roof under an intergovernmental agreement as they can under a contract. Nolte explained that there are no remedies included, but that failure to maintain could be enforced as a breach of the agreement and whatever damages were incurred could be held against the County.

Fine expressed concern with the county commissioners expecting to bring this agreement to the council and have something back that they can sign in less than one day. It was confirmed for Fine that ownership remains with the city, and possession reverts to the city if the county ceases to operate the library system or moves the Ashland branch. Fine suggested that service levels need to be stipulated; Nolte pointed out that this was a failing in the existing agreement. Fine stated that he would like to address this as some point. Nolte stated that requiring the county to maintain a level of service into the future may not be legally enforceable, or possible given budgetary concerns.

Laws stated that his experience is that if funding were lost at the county level, the county has always been agreeable to working with the council to find solutions that are satisfactory. He emphasized that he didn't feel this was a problem that needs to be spelled out in the intergovernmental agreement. Hauck concurred.

Fine stated that he would like to retain the right to take possession of the building and run a satisfactory library service if the county funding fails. Shaw suggested that this was separate from the issue before the council, and recounted a brief history of the county keeping the library open in Ashland.

Hanson inquired as to how this effects the time schedule for construction of the new building. Shaw noted that it had no effect whatsoever.

Barbara Ryberg/373 Vista St./Questioned whether this will be adopted prior to drafting the ballot title. Nolte stated that this would likely be available on February 2. Budge noted that the ballot title would merely state a dollar figure to be used for capital projects. Ryberg also questioned 6.1 relative to the return of any remaining funds to the county after completion. Questioned county ownership of artwork given to Friends of the Library as gifts, and Budge stated that separate agreements could be reached with regard to gifts. Nolte also confirmed that there is a clause to prevent use of public funds to benefit private businesses, such as the operation of a food concession in the basement.

Councilors Reid/Hauck m/s to authorize the Mayor to sign the intergovernmental agreement as amended and return it to the Board of County Commissioners. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed.

4. Request for Council Approval for the Mayor to sign Certified Local Government application.

Community Development Director John McLaughlin explained that it has taken time to recruit qualified members of the Historic Committee in order to process this application. He explained that the City will receive a guaranteed $2000 annually for general operating expenditures and will be eligible for grant funds that will not be available to a non-certified local government in the future.

Councilors Reid/Fine m/s to approve request. DISCUSSION: McLaughlin explained that there will be a current inventory kept update for all Historic District properties. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed.

5. Request by the Rogue Valley Growers Market to apply for a modification of their Conditional Use Permit to expand their operation through the closure of Water Street.

Community Development Director John McLaughlin explained that the Growers Market has experienced growth in the past year. They are proposing to close Water Street from the Water Street parking lots to the intersection with North Main Street, and also to close the access from Lithia Way. It is believed that there will be safety improvements through these street closures as well and improved visibility and viability for the Market.

He explained that the Market will be applying for a conditional use permit and would have their request reviewed in a public hearing before the Planning Commission before the City Administrator would be requested to approve the road closure.

David Bobb/American Trails, 27 N Main/975 Anderson Creek, Talent/He stated that the Market is having vast impact on the downtown business in regards to traffic and parking. He stated that if this is allowed there would be 35 parking lots lost. He questioned why the City would be interested in subsidizing business outside the community. He feels that the Market should pay rent as do all other businesses in Ashland. Commented on the confusion and problems associated with enforcement of parking requirements for the Market. He stressed the importance of the parking facilities. He requested that the permit not only not be expanded/extended, but that the existing conditional use be reconsidered.

C. Patrick Couchman/Siskiyou Brew Pub, 31 Water Street/6431 Adams, Talent/He commented on safety issues and questioned how emergency vehicles would access the area if the street was closed. He proposed using the skate park or the Recycling Center as an alternative site for the Market.

Hauck noted that emergency access will be provided as part of the Conditional Use Permit. Laws clarified that the concern is with the difficulty in maintaining the emergency access during set-up and tear down of the Market booths.

Hanson expressed his opposition to the closing of Water Street. Fine suggested that this Market has grown beyond the site, and other sites should be considered by staff. McLaughlin stated that the Market has reviewed other sites, and this one is their preference. Clarified that the Market wants to see if this is a possibility before they look further at other sites. Fine requested that staff provide a list of alternative and evaluated sites.

Council discussed the benefit of having the Market stay in the downtown area. McLaughlin explained that the Conditional Use Permit process will determine if it is beneficial for the city to keep the Market in this area. Laws stated that, although he enjoys the Growers Market, it is taking up as much room as possible in this location and any further expansion into the street would be detrimental and cause other serious concerns.

McLaughlin clarified that the Market is using more of the parking lot and that this expansion would create additional room in the parking lot by expanding into the street. McLaughlin further clarified that, expansion of the market this season, leads to the current situation where something must be done to address growth of the market before the coming market season. McLaughlin stated that there might be fewer safety concerns during the Market if the street were closed, and noted that on-street parking is already very limited on Water Street during the Market.

The council discussed other options, including the Calle, and the logistics of freeing up parking by moving into Water Street with a closure.

Council discussed allowing the application to go through the public process and found a consensus to forward this to the Planning Commission. Shaw noted that the market, like the Fourth of July and Festival of Light celebrations, serves to bring people downtown on foot, and is a benefit to the downtown merchants.

Councilors Laws/Hauck m/s to forward this request to the Planning Commission for consideration of the Conditional Use Permit. Roll call vote: Reid, Fine, Laws, Hauck, Hanson, and Wheeldon, YES. Motion passed.

6. Staff recommendation regarding next steps on the Wastewater Treatment Plant off-site
improvements.

Shaw noted that the Public Works Director is out of town, and the intention of this item is not to conduct a full scale public hearing, but rather to determine if this item should be appealed to the Oregon Supreme Court or referred to the County for the permit process. She stated that when the Public Works Director returns, this matter will be reopened by the council to look at possible other options. Freeman confirmed that this will be added to the Look Ahead, most likely for the March 8th study session.

Fine explained that the council may be asking staff to look for another alternative, rather than using the hillside to dispose of effluent.

Freeman confirmed that the staff recommendation came from him. Reid questioned if the county has an appropriate process established and in place to handle this matter. Nolte stated that while he had not checked recently, at the time of the original application there was no process in place at the county level. He suggested that the county may have amended their ordinances in the interim. Reid advised that the council might be wise to verify that a process is in place before making a recommendation to staff. Hauck clarified that the Court of Appeals ruling directed the county to develop and implement a process. Reid stated that she would still be more comfortable verifying the existence of a process before directing staff.

Laws stated that he would like to completely abandon the hillside option, but until other options are found the hillside option needs to be kept at least partially open. As such, it should be sent to the county soon so the process can begin.

Councilors Fine/Hauck m/s to approve recommendation by staff that the Council elect not to appeal the ruling of the Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court and to authorize the staff to notify Jackson County that the City seeks approval of the off-site improvements and to begin the process.

DISCUSSION:

Hanson stated that he does not want to spray irrigate, but stated that the Public Works Director/City Engineer does not need to be here for the council to make a decision relative to other options, but that a decision about whether to proceed with hillside spraying can be made tonight. Shaw disagreed.

Freeman noted that the local DEQ raised grave concerns regarding making changes to this project at this stage, and information is included in the council packets. Emphasized that there are financial, regulatory, and operational issues involved that are not known if any changes are made. Suggested that the council needed to be aware of issues before considering any changes, as there are some very complicated, significant issues to be addressed. Expressed his concern that staff may not have a recommendation ready in a month. Explained that there are risks involved and processes to be considered prior to changing course.

Hanson stated that hillside spraying is both a public and private nuisance, and stated that there may be liability and negligence issues to look at if the city moves ahead. Freeman stated that from a staff perspective, he is uncomfortable making changes at this point, without knowing the feasibility of other options.

Fine agreed with Freeman that the administrative considerations in making a change at this point are such that staff could be directed to bring forth a preferred alternative other than spray irrigation. He recognized that the Public Works Director/City Engineer should be here to provide her input when staff direction is given.

Reid commented that it has been a mistake on councils' part not to direct staff to return water to the creek previously. By giving staff direction to work in two directions at once, the council is to blame. Until staff is directed otherwise, the council cannot change course.

Wheeldon questioned the need to know ramifications before pursuing another option. Raised her concern for the Quiet Village neighborhood if everything is kept in that neighborhood. She felt that the council deserves to have a complete picture with all the facts, and that any new direction requires the same consideration as was given to previous decisions.

Reid stated that everything she has learned from the experiences of the past six years tells her that returning water to the Creek is the right thing to do.

Laws noted that it has always been his preference that the waters are returned to the Creek. Recognized the complex issues and extreme costs involved, and stated that he would like to see information before a final decision is made. Explained to Freeman that DEQ is not the final determinant of a council decision, as they have been very inconsistent throughout the consideration of this matter.

Roll Call Vote: Laws, Hauck, Fine, and Wheeldon, YES; Hanson and Reid, NO. Motion passed 4-2.

ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS

1. Second reading by title only of "An Ordinance Vacating An Unnamed Alley off Bush Street and Reserving a Pedestrian Access and Public Utility Easement."

Councilors Hauck/Wheeldon m/s to approve Ordinance #2853. Roll Call Vote: Reid, Wheeldon, Hanson, Fine, Laws, and Hauck, YES. Motion passed.

2. First reading by title only of "An Ordinance Establishing Regulation of Activities within the Bear Creek Greenway in the City of Ashland.

Fine requested that 1228.04(f), the last subparagraph at the bottom of page three, be deleted. Explained that one statement is unnecessary as there are other areas in common law addressing responsibility for damages, and the other statement relative to unlimited parental responsibility is contrary to state statutes. Nolte stated that he could remove these sections of the Jackson County ordinance at the second reading. Also stated that he will suggest these revisions to the county as well.

Wheeldon questioned who, how and how often relative to enforcement. Laws explained that the portion of the Greenway within the city is to be Parks land, and there is an increased amount budgeted for patrols. Wheeldon expressed her frustration with the amount of dogs that run loose on this trail.

Councilors Hauck/Hanson m/s to approve the first reading and place on the agenda for second reading, with the amendment discussed being presented at the second reading. Roll Call Vote: Fine, Laws, Wheeldon, Reid, Hanson, and Hauck, YES. Motion passed.

3. Reading by title only of "A Resolution Authorizing Outdoor Burning Under Certain Conditions
between March and October, 2000."

Freeman questioned why this cannot be handled with the Fire Chief's report. Discussed the history of this procedure, and agreed that staff would bring back a proposed amendment to a later meeting.

Councilors Hauck/Wheeldon m/s to approve Resolution #2000-01. Roll Call Vote: Hauck, Hanson, Reid, Wheeldon, Fine, and Laws, YES. Motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS

Wheeldon noted that local cycling activist and innovator Jim Burkman had passed away recently, and noted that the mayor had requested that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission make a recommendation as to a fitting memorial. Wheeldon noted that Jim Hartman of the Ashland Community Bike Program was assisting with the memorial, and would like to speak before the council.

Councilors Fine/Reid m/s to place this item on the agenda tonight. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed.

Hartman, cofounder of the green bike program, explained Burkman's role in helping the green bike program, and noted Burkman's idea of creating a loaner bike to be created and made available for a loaner deposit fee. Showed a sample loaner bike invented by Burkman, made entirely of used parts. He suggested that a fitting tribute would be to produce twenty of these bikes to give Burkman's idea a fair try. Noted that the bike would not be attractive to thieves as it is made of used/recycled parts, would come with a lock and basket, and would be checked out for up to three weeks on a $10 deposit.

Landon Hilliard, Bicycle and Pedestrian Commissioner, noted the goal of turning Ashland into a cycling community and building a bike culture within the city. As part of that goal, the intent is to have a fleet of these bikes available to citizens and tourists.

Hartman noted that they could build twenty bikes for $1000. Reid expressed her support, but questioned the loan program competing with the rental businesses in town. Shaw clarified that this is not different from the green bike program, and is not seasonal like the rental business. She emphasized that this tribute would be about honoring someone who has been a bicycling pioneer in the community and continuing the bike program.

Wheeldon gave details on the request for $1000 for next years budget and noted that the program will be moving to the Grove from the Armory. Hartman explained the difference between the Burkman bikes and the rentals, and suggested that these would not compete with the rentals.

Councilors Reid/Hanson m/s to grant this request. Discussion: Hartman requested funds to get the program going this spring. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed.

ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m.

Submitted by Barbara Christensen, City Recorder

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