City of
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
July 25, 2005
Present: Commissioners D. Amarotico, Eggers, Gardiner, Lewis, Rosenthal; Director Robertson; Superintendent Gies; Superintendent Teige; City Council Liaison A. Amarotico
Absent: None
Gardiner called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Council Chambers, 1175
Regular Meeting – June 27, 2005
MOTION Eggers moved to approve the minutes as written. Rosenthal seconded the motion.
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Open Forum
Terence Stenson,
Don Senestraro,
Paul Copeland,
The commission agreed to add the topic “Garfield Park Amplification Request” under “New Business.”
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
MASTER PLAN FOR NORTH MAIN /
Robertson provided background information about the topic, referencing the public meetings held by the landscape architecture firm of Lango Hansen for the purpose of soliciting input for the design of the park site. He invited Kurt Lango and his associate, Steve Roelof, to speak to the commission.
Lango and Roelof discussed the two public meetings, which drew approximately 30 participants each, and reported that they received a great deal of input from those in attendance [about desired elements for the park]. At the first meeting, Lango reported that participants talked about using drought-tolerant and native vegetation, including a play area for children, and providing a pedestrian connection to
Lango and Roelof presented their draft master plan to the commission and requested feedback.
Public Input
Rick Landt,
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners discussed various aspects of the draft plan, including whether bathrooms would be necessary. Other commissioner thoughts were: the desire for a larger play area; more trees and shrubs; more space for community garden plots; the inclusion of both deciduous and coniferous trees [to provide shade]; and shallower turns in walking paths.
Additional Public Input
Rhonda Burgess, a neighbor of the park site, voiced support for the existing draft master plan, stating that she attended the public meetings and heard many of the thoughts that were expressed. She indicated that the draft plan under review constituted a compromise based on feedback received at the meetings, and that it was an accurate reflection of that feedback.
Robertson directed the Lango Hansen firm to refine the draft plan using commissioner and public input as their guide, and to prepare it for another review at the regular commission meeting in August.
Robertson introduced the topic, reminding the commission that they agreed, at their July 18 study session, to decide whether community gardens might be included as a viable Parks-run recreational activity within
Public Input
Ellie Read,
Sylvia Thomas, 585 and
Bryan Holley,
Carol Carlson,
Discussion Among Commissioners
Each commissioner expressed thoughts on the community garden issue: Eggers spoke of her support of the concept, stating that she is also a gardener but that her role as a commissioner often requires her to raise tough questions. She expressed confidence in the thorough job of the commission in working through the process. If approved by the commission [as a viable recreational activity], she spoke of the further expansion of community gardens in
MOTION Eggers moved to approve the formation of a subcommittee for the purpose of formulating a community garden policy. D. Amarotico seconded the motion.
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
Commissioners D. Amarotico and Eggers agreed to join the subcommittee, on which two citizens will also serve.
NEW BUSINESS
Robertson reported that staff received a request from the Southern Oregon Historical Society to place a historical marker at the entrance to
Steve Wyatt, Curator of Collections and Exhibits at the Southern Oregon Historical Society, requested permission to place a historical marker at the entrance to
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners questioned whether the request would fall under the jurisdiction of the Signs, Plaques, and Memorials Subcommittee. They also discussed the importance of honoring a prior request from the Lithia Springs Rotary Club to place a directional marker at the front of the park. Commissioners requested an opportunity to view a full-scale drawing or design for the proposed sign.
Eggers agreed to provide edits of the draft directional marker for Wyatt, and the commission asked that the edits be incorporated into the draft [for future review by the commission]. Commissioners agreed to solicit feedback from the Historic Commission about the request and to review the existing signs policy to determine whether the marker would be an appropriate addition to the park.
TRAIL EASEMENTS
Robertson referenced the packet information regarding the five trail easements offered by willing property owners along the Talent Irrigation Ditch trail. He reported that all five of the proposed easements would fall within the Open Space Plan parameters established in 2002.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners discussed the easements and questioned whether Parks would be responsible for any liability associated with the use of those parcels. Staff informed them that Parks would be responsible for any accidents associated with their use.
MOTION Eggers moved to recommend to the City Council the acceptance of the trail easements offered by willing property owners. Rosenthal seconded the motion.
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
SOUND AMPLIFICATION REQUEST AT
Teige reported that the Ashland Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission asked the Parks Department to help sponsor a “Bike In” movie event at Garfield Park on Thursday, September 22, at 8:00 PM. She asked the commission to consider approving the use of sound amplification at the event, which would be in association with Car Free Day.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners spoke favorably of the request and Gardiner called for a motion.
MOTION Rosenthal moved to approve the request by staff and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission to use
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
SUB-COMMITTEE and STAFF REPORTS
PROJECT UPDATE
Gies reported on current [and recently finished] projects within the parks system and updated the commission on their status.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Eggers spoke with concern about the recently elevated levels of fecal coliform and E. coli in Ashland Creek water and requested that the commission research possible sources for the pollution in the near future. Robertson agreed to meet with a representative from Public Works and to report on the discussion at the next regular meeting.
UPCOMING MEETING DATE(S) and PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS
· Public meeting on Vogel Property park site – time/place/date TBA.
· Joint study session with the City Council and the Ashland School Board – July 28 at 7:00 PM – Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main. Topics to include:
· Prioritization of issues and goals
· Regular meeting set for August 22 at 7:00 PM – Council Chambers,
· Public Art Commission project update
ADJOURNMENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive Session
Real Property ORS 192.660 (1)(e)
ADJOURNMENT OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT – By consensus, with no further business, Gardiner adjourned the meeting at 10:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Dyssegard, Ashland Parks & Recreation Department