Chair Landt called the meeting to order at 12:20p.m. at the Department Office, 340 S. Pioneer Street

Commissioner Landt switched the order of agenda items II and III.

Commissioner Landt introduced the topic, saying "we will in the future still need to approve our long term plan but at this point we’re just approving this plan."

Commissioner Jones asked about the haste for this meeting, wondering why these items could not be discussed at a regular meeting.

Commissioner Landt said the primary reason is to rescind the letter approved at the Regular Meeting the week before and also to approve this Ten Year Plan. He said, "I feel very strongly that we need, before we ask them to begin this funding process, that we have an actual approved plan that we’re talking about."

Asking, "How set in stone is this?" Commissioner Jones raised the question "if some other unforeseen property becomes available…is that out of the question?"

Commissioner Landt replied that consideration of other properties has never been out of the question, pointing to the last two property purchases, which were of properties not on the plan. However, he said, "our best shot, at this time, is that these are the most important properties."

MOTION Commissioner Eggers moved to approve the short-term list of properties for proposed acquisition for parks and open space. Commissioner Jones seconded.

The vote was: 3 yes – 0 no.

Commissioner Landt proposed changing the name of the Plan to "Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan" and said, "I guess I’d like to know if that’s acceptable to other Commissioners." There was no opposition among Commissioners.

Commissioner Landt detailed the changes he and Consultant Keri Green had made to the previous draft of acquisition criteria. After looking carefully at the criteria, he said "I see now that it isn’t really quite ready; I’m not going to ask for approval…but we’ll make a few changes on here, and we’re getting close to being ready."

Director Mickelsen explained that the letter to the Mayor and Councilors that is intended to replace the June 24, 2002 letter essentially covers three points. The new letter asks the Council to approve the ten-year plan, it advises the Council of the appointment of the funding subcommittee, and it notifies the Council of the name change from Open Space/Parkland Acquisition Program to Parks, Trails, and Open Space Program.

Commissioner Jones asked about the differences between the original letter and this new replacement. Essentially, the original letter asked City Council to direct City Staff to provide support to this Committee. It has been determined that that request is no longer necessary. The other significant change is that the new letter formally requests that City Council approve the ten-year plan.

Commissioner Landt moved to rescind the open space funding letter to the City Council from the June 24 Regular Meeting. Commissioner Eggers seconded.

The vote was: 3 yes – 0 no

With no further business, Chair Landt adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted, Robyn Hafner, Department Secretary

Ashland Parks and Recreation Department