Note: Items on the Agenda not considered due to time constraints are automatically continued to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting [AMC 2.04.030.E.]
 
 
7:00 p.m.  Regular Meeting
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM
 
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 
ROLL CALL
 
Councilor Darrow, Councilor Lemhouse, Councilor Morris, Councilor Slattery, Councilor Seffinger and Councilor Rosenthal were present.
 
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Mayor Stromberg announced vacancies on the Airport, Historic, Housing and Human Services, Tree, and Wildfire Mitigation Commissions. 
 
Councilor Slattery moved to remove the 8^th quarter report from the Consent Agenda and place the item on a Study Session in the near future.  Councilor Seffinger seconded.  Councilor Slattery explained to move this to a Study Session for a broader discussion.  Discussion:  None. All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously.  
 
Fire Department, Chris Chambers presented Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon. For more information, go to: Ashland.or.us/smoke.
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.   Study Session of August 14, 2017
2.   Business Meeting of August 15, 2017
 
Councilor Rosenthal moved to approve the minutes Councilor Slattery seconded.  Discussion:  None.  All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously.
 
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
1.   Introduction to Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO)
Police Chief introduced Margie Moulin.  Ms. Moulin presented a PowerPoint Presentation (see attached).
 
Councilor Slattery questioned the increase in 911 calls.  Ms. Moulin explained that the number of serious calls are coming in more often.  Crime is rising.
 
Councilor Rosenthal questioned how often technology has to be replaced.  Ms. Moulin explained that it is very expensive so not as often as they should.  She spoke that it would be 27 million dollars to replace radio infrastructure. 
 
For non-emergency calls please dial: 541-776 7206.
 
2.   APRC – Senior Program Update
 
Director of Parks and Recreation, Michael Black gave an update of the Senior Program (see attached).
Mr. Black spoke that they will be looking at ways to increase revenue.  He spoke that they are looking at additions to the program.  He explained that re-organizing is to better serve the entire community. 
 
Public Input
 
Gwen Davies- 860 Harmony Ln., Ashland- Spoke regarding how things are being handled at the senior center. She suggested getting a group together to repeal the decision that was made to reinstate all the people who were laid off and follow what was said in the 2016 Audit.
 
Heidi Gottlieb–Ashland- Spoke regarding the guidance document.  She expressed concerns on how this decision was handled. She spoke in concerns replacing staff with less experienced personnel. She spoke that the Grove would not be a good place for the Senior Center and for this to be reviewed again.  
 
Sharon Laws -968 Hillview Dr. Ashland– Spoke that the Senior Center Program has served people for 4 decades with well qualified Staff and it will be a big job to build up the trust again with new employees.  She spoke that the seniors are suffering. 
 
Councilor Rosenthal asked Commissioner Gardiner to describe the process. Mr. Gardiner spoke that the Ad-Hoc Committee will start in October and be done in January. The public meetings will be noticed and they encourage citizen input. The Ad-Hoc Committee will report to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Mr. Black spoke that a great place to find information is on the City website.
 
Council discussed the core services that the Senior Center will provide. 
 
Councilor Lemhouse explained that Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission are separate.  When a decision is made it is not within Council to repeal and overturn.
 
Councilor Seffinger spoke that it has been suggested to have a Study Session regarding senior needs.
 
Council discussed the difference between an Official Sub-Committee verses an Ad-Hoc Committee.     
 
PUBLIC FORUM Business from the audience not included on the agenda.  (Total time allowed for Public Forum is 15 minutes. The Mayor will set time limits to enable all people wishing to speak to complete their testimony.)  [15 minutes maximum]
 
Sherrill Morgan – 484 Euclid St., Ashland – Spoke regarding access to the Grandview trail.  She explained the new owner has signs to keep public from walking on the trail saying cars will be towed. She spoke that there is no safe way to access the trail.  She spoke that this has become a public safety issue.
 
CONSENT AGENDA
1.   Approval of minutes of boards, commissions, and committees
2.   Appointment of Linda Reppond to the Housing and Human Services Commission
3.   Federal Aviation Administration grant acceptance – Airport Master Plan
4.   Confirmation of Mayoral appointment of Paula Brown as Public Works Director
5.   Approval of Public Art Commission recommendation
 
Councilor Slattery asked which art installation was chosen.  Management Analyst, Ann Seltzer answered it was the piece called “Velocity”.
 
Councilor thanked all involved for their hard work.  Ms. Seltzer thanked the volunteers who sat on the selection panel.  Councilor Lemhouse questioned the timeline.  Ms. Seltzer answered that installation will begin in March or April.
 
6.   Declaration and authorization to dispose of surplus property in a sealed bid auction
7.   Approval of charge of the Ad-Hoc Climate and Energy Action Plan Implementation Committee
 
Mayor Stromberg spoke that the charge may come back with an addition. 
 
Councilor Seffinger moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  Councilor Lemhouse seconded.  Discussion:  None.  All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously. 
     
PUBLIC HEARINGS (Persons wishing to speak are to submit a “speaker request form” prior to the commencement of the public hearing.  Public hearings shall conclude at 9:00 p.m. and be continued to a future date to be set by the Council, unless the Council, by a two-thirds vote of those present, extends the hearing(s) until up to 10:30 p.m. at which time the Council shall set a date for continuance and shall proceed with the balance of the agenda.)
None
 
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
 
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1.   Preliminary 8^th Quarter Financial Report of the 2015-17 Biennium- This item was moved to a Study Session.
2.   North Main Road Diet update
 
Public Works Director, Mike Faught and Kim Parducci from Southern Oregon Transportation gave Council an update on the North Main Road Diet. 
 
Ms. Parducci explained that a study was done and went over the results and recommendations (see attached).
 
Council discussed the proposed recommendations.
 
Councilor Lemhouse moved to accept the road diet with the intentions to look at future recommendations at a future study session.  Councilor Rosenthal seconded.  Discussion:
Councilor Lemhouse spoke in support to keep road diet with the intent to look at recommended improvements. Councilor Rosenthal agreed and suggested to see photos and images when this comes up again.  Voice vote:  All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously.  
 
Council directed Staff to get a proposed Study Session date regarding this topic.
 
 
Public Input
 
Bill Heimann – 647 Siskiyou BLVD., Ashland - Spoke regarding the economic benefits for riding bikes to commercial areas.  Encouraged cycling and walking. 
 
Councilor Lemhouse spoke regarding safer conditions on Hersey St.  Ms. Parducci spoke that this would be a good goal to look at.
 

 
Engineering Services Manager, Scott Fleury spoke regarding the process about difficulty finding parking at this residence and gave a background.
 
Public Input –
Craig Wright -25 Gresham, Ashland– Mr. Wright thanked Staff and Council for their work on this issue.  He went over reasons to support a residential parking permit at this residence.  
 
Councilor Rosenthal moved to approve one residential parking permit for 25 Gresham St. valid and renewable on a one-year basis. Councilor Lemhouse seconded.  Councilor Rosenthal spoke that this is a positive step forward.  Councilor Lemhouse agreed and appreciates Mr. Wrights patience through this process. Councilor Darrow spoke that these requests need to be looked at carefully and make sure these adjustments go along with parking plan. She spoke in reservations to vote for this without a policy in place. Councilor Morris agreed with Councilor Darrow; however, will support the motion and would like to see a policy in the near future. Councilor Seffinger spoke in concerns for making this exception for just one resident. She spoke that the City needs to look at this for the whole City and create a policy before an exception is made.  Councilor Slattery spoke that he too is uncomfortable by not having a policy in place and one needs to be made immediately.  Mr. Faught spoke that this person has nowhere to park and   the need to develop residential programs for issues like these.  Councilor Seffinger suggested to look at Allison St. and options for the handicap.  Mr. Faught explained that Staff is looking at all. Roll call vote:  Councilor Rosenthal, Councilor Slattery, Councilor Morris and Councilor Lemhouse: YES.  Councilor Darrow and Councilor Seffinger: NO. Motion passed 4-2
 
Public Works Director, Mike Faught announced this would be his last meeting as he is retiring.  He thanked Council and Staff for the years he worked with them.  
 
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS

 
City Attorney, David Lohman gave a Staff report.  He explained the discussion was not about the content it was about whether or not to have this be an Ordinance or a Resolution.
 
Councilor Lemhouse spoke that his main concerns in previous discussions was the possibility of a lawsuit.  He asked Mr. Lohman if this new version will protect the City from a lawsuit.  Mr. Lohman answered that the new version it is made clear that these are goals not enforceable actions.  
 
Councilor Darrow agreed with Councilor Lemhouses’ comments and wanted reinstated the new version is goals and targets not enforceable actions.
 
Public Input:
 
Clancy Barry- 134 Church St., Ashland. Thanked Councilors.  Spoke in the importance of this Ordinance.  She spoke that many signatures have been collected in support of this issue.  She spoke in the importance of a sustainable future for not just Ashland Citizens but people all over the State.  She encouraged Council to pass the Ordinance.
 
Ken Morrish-Ashland- Spoke in support of the Ordinance and the importance of Clean Energy.
 
Maya Davis – 9667 Wagner Creek Rd., Ashland –Senior at Ashland High School.  Thanked Mayor and Council.  Spoke in support of the Ordinance. She spoke that Ashland Youth Climate has been working on this for 1.5 years.
 
Bella Mannray-2745 Diane St., Ashland– Thanked Mayor and Council for creating an Ad-Hoc Committee for the plan.  Spoke to the importance of the Ordinance. 
 
Annika Larson- 795 Ellendale High – Junior at Ashland High.  Spoke that the climate is getting worse.  Spoke in support of the Ordinance.  
 
Allie Rosenbluth- 90 N. Mountain. Ave., Ashland. Spoke in support of the Ordinance.
 
Maya Livni-2532 Old Mill Way, Ashland – Spoke in support of the Ordinance.
 
Maile Bennett – 492 Morton St., Ashland – Spoke in support of the Ordinance.
 
Anya Moore-827 Morton St., Ashland –Spoke to approve the Ordinance.
 
Ken Crocker-134 Nutley, Ashland–Spoke in support of the Ordinance.  
 
Carson Barry-134 Church St., Ashland –Thanked Council and spoke in support of the Ordinance. 
 
Bryan Sohl- 283 Scenic Dr., Ashland-Served on ad-hoc committee.  Thanked Rosenthal and Hanks and ad – hoc members.  Ad-hoc voted unanimously to approve the Ordinance.  Spoke of the latest tragedies. Supports the Ordinance.
 
Nicole Doran-285 Willow Springs Dr., Ashland- Recent graduate at Ashland High School.  She thanked Council and spoke in support to adopt the Ordinance.  
 
Councilor Darrow suggested the proposed word change:
In definitions-
B. “City Operations” means any and all actions undertaken by the Ashland municipal government, including any operations at its own facilities or elsewhere.
 
Councilor Rosenthal moved to approve First Reading, and placement on a future Council meeting agenda for Second Reading, of the proposed ordinance presented as Attachment A and titled “An Ordinance Establishing Greenhouse Gas and Fossil Fuel Reduction Goals and Targets for Community and City Operations” Councilor Slattery seconded.
Discussion: Councilor Rosenthal spoke that he has attended 300+ public meetings and was proud of the Community members of all ages to speak on this topic and the public process.  Councilor Slattery agreed and spoke that the process and interaction set a model of how these things should happen. Councilor Lemhouse spoke that he opposed the original Ordinance because an effort to make change that goes around the democratic system by holding elected officials accountable.  He spoke that Court is not a great way to solve problems.  He spoke that it was great to see all the students who spoke tonight and to have a passion on this topic.  He encouraged all to keep asking questions and be engaged. Councilor Seffinger spoke in support of the Ordinance.  She spoke that this is just the beginning the hard part starts now.  Councilor Morris spoke that he will support the Ordinance.  Mayor Stromberg spoke that Ashland can make a difference.
 
Roll Call Vote:  Councilor Lemhouse, Councilor Morris, Councilor Darrow, Councilor Slattery, Councilor Seffinger and Councilor Rosenthal: YES. Motion passed unanimously.  Mayor Stromberg also spoke in support of the motion.
 
 

                                                                                                                       

 
The Business Meeting was adjourned at
 
Respectfully submitted by:
 
_____________________________________________
City Recorder, Melissa Huhtala
 
 
Attest,
 
_____________________________________________
Mayor Stromberg
 
 
Immediately following the Study Session, the Council will hold an Executive Session regarding real property transaction
pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e)
 
 
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-2900).  Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35