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City Council (View All)

Study Session

Agenda
Monday, July 15, 2019

CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION

MINUTES
Monday, July 15, 2019
Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street

 
Mayor Stromberg called the Study Session to order at 5:30 p.m.
 
Councilors’ Slattery, Graham, Seffinger, Jensen and Rosenthal were present.
 
Councilor Akins was absent.  
 
Public Forum:
 
Max Lowen – Ashland – Spoke that she recently bought a home in Ashland and no one disclosed information regarding the canal piping project to her and many others in the area. She spoke that there was a meeting held at SOU regarding the canal and the majority were opposed of the project.  She spoke that it is negligent to conclude this project without having studies on how it could affect properties.  She spoke that she would like to see the budget involved on how to fix possible damages that can occur during this project to property owners.
 
Marsha Tokareff -Ashland – Spoke that her property is located on TID.  She spoke that she has   never received any notification of this project.  She spoke that if this project proceeds her driveway will be torn up for a period of time and would like to know if any funds will be available to people in case of property damage. She spoke that this will cause issues while trying to sell her house.  She urged Council to not support the canal project.
 
Julie Bonney – Ashland – Spoke that she has degrees in chemistry and microbiology.  She spoke regarding facts about E. Coli. She suggested further studies and urged Council to vote no on the canal project.   
 
William Shanor – Ashland -  Spoke regarding the emotions to this issue.  He spoke in appreciation of the work done researching this project.  He spoke regarding fear verses facts. He spoke regarding bacteria.  He explained that this project can be done for much less money.
 
David Lynes– Myrtle Creek – Spoke regarding projects done using shotcrete. He spoke that the life expectancy is 80-100 years. 


Kathleen Hoffman -  Ashland – Spoke against covering the canal.  She spoke regarding the pretty water feature and the benefits of the feature. She spoke that this project is too costly and that there should be more notification to the citizens regarding the project.
 
  1. Ashland Canal Project
 
Public Works Director Paula Brown and Senior Project Manager Kevin Caldwell gave a Staff report.   
 
Brown went over the public notice.  She explained that there was notice to all near the canal, it was posted on the City website, Facebook and there were backyard visits. She explained that anyone near the canal could request a backyard visit. She gave an overview of all the meetings that took place regarding this issue. She spoke that all meetings were noticed in the newspaper and by press release. She spoke that there were Radio and TV interviews as well as an email list for citizens that wanted information.
 
Staff discussed shotcrete pros and cons.
 
Staff went over E. Coli and water monitoring.
 
Staff discussed what would happen if damage was done to property’s during construction.  Brown explained that for any project that the City does they will make all the corrections necessary to get it back the way it was.  
 
Council discussed tree removal and property values.
 
Council and Staff discussed the pros and cons of Option #5 requested by Keep the Canal. 
 
Council discussed the maintenance of the pipe if the project was approved.
 
Council discussed working with Parks and Recreation to find ways to keep the area attractive and have walking trails.
 
Staff confirmed water losses in the Ashland Canal are approximately 23% (91% of the loss is from seepage and 9% from evaporation).
 
Brown explained the importance of maintaining the water source for the whole City. 
 
The Study Session was adjourned at 7:00 PM
 
 
Respectfully submitted by:
 
 
__________________________________________
City Recorder Melissa Huhtala
 
 
Attest:
 
__________________________________________
Mayor Stromberg     
 

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