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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-0515 Documents Submitted at Mtg �� � Discussion of Plaza Watch for City Council . 5/15/12 First I would like to refute the implication of the Chamber that downtown Ashland experiences extremely high levels of crime and "bad behavior" associated with homeless people or "transients." On the contrary, our observations show downtown Ashland is a delightful place for tourists and residents, and we need a range of responses to the complex problems that do exist. Secondly, I would like to refute the allegation by the Council that last summer's Plaza Watch didn't see any problems. First, delightful events: I include only events that include homeless types. There were hours of observing tourists and locals simply enjoying the streets and the lower park area of Ashland. 1. In the Plaza I saw some terrific break dancers, local boys who danced on and off when there were people there to entertain. Also a guy doing stunts on a bike. Several families with kids just hanging around. A few individual scruffy looking people with packs passed through or sat down now and then. They looked like they might be homeless or transient, but made no sound, no trouble, but kept to themselves. 2. At the Chamber I saw group of people were playing hacky sack, some playing with dogs, some with a giant bouncing thing, all very colorful and convivial. 3. At the Chamber there was a girl dressed nymph-like playing flutes, and there were a couple of guys. One I recognized as a local, ;. probably homeless. He had his guitar and his 2 dogs. There was one tourist, a young man with a baby boy, who gave the girl playing flutes a few dollars, and then had a very pleasant interaction with the young man and his dogs. The baby boy petted the dogs. 4. At the Chamber there were several homeless regulars. Some young women with guitars strolled by from the Plaza area. They stopped and visited with the homeless regulars, lots of hugs went around. Then the .young women moved on. 5. Another time there were 6 young men, one with a guitar, and a very sweet dog wearing her own backpack in front of American Trails. They were singing and had the guitar case open. They also had a sign that said "Smile if you masturbate". Lots of laughter among the passing tourists and locals. (Yes, I know I shouldn't include this one.) 6. On the north corner of Pioneer and N Main I watched 2 homeless-type men exchange a few words, one telling the other that his bag was full of sandwich fixings and that he was going down to the plaza to make sandwiches. About 15 min later I went down to the Plaza and one of the men was indeed making sandwiches, and many from other areas were passing by, some taking a sandwich. Number of people in the plaza area greatly increased. Sounds of guitaring and drumming from different locales. Many tourists passing by. All was well. Y Now to refute the allegation by the Council that last summer's Plaza Watch didn't see any problems. I saw homeless people intervene and stop trouble: At about 7 at the chamber area, one evening there was a young man that was loud and pushy and aggressive with some of the other homeless-type guys. A different young man, who recognized me from the Tues meal, got up from where he was sitting in the group and came over and sat next to me at the other side of the area. He told me that the belligerent guy was a transient. We talked for maybe 5 minutes, and when I turned back around to look at the group of guys, the belligerent transient had disappeared. My young acquaintance went back to hang out with his friends. I was impressed that nothing at all "developed". Our local homeless had gotten rid of the belligerent transient. I saw mentally ill people: I spoke with a young woman at the chamber area. She was completely unable to carry on a conversation, she was unable to listen, but just spoke desultory statements one after another. So sad. I shared a few words with a youngish man, maybe 30-35 who spoke in the deep slow slurred voice of someone who is slow witted or drunk but without any scent of alcohol. After we spoke he said, "Thank you for talking to me." I saw John Thiry of Oak Knoll fire fame at the Chamber. He was having quite a conversation with himself, gesticulating as if there was someone sitting right next to him, but there wasn't anyone there. I look forward to participating in the Plaza Watch again this spring and summer mostly because it's such great excuse to do nothing but stroll around our wonderful Ashland on a beautiful evening, and also I especially look forward to finding solutions to some of the problems that do exist. Submitted to: RESPECT ASHLAND COALITION CITIZENS OF ASHLAND ASHLAND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL DEPLOYMENT SMART METER • • EXPERT OPINION ON SMART METER RADIATION LEVELS, HEALTH RISKS, DEPLOYMENT ALTERNATIVES & LONG TERM COSTS MAY 3, 2012 VERSION 1.3 � fx�j I TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT.......................................................... 4 2 HEALTH ISSUES........................................................................... 5 3 SMART METER POWER LEVELS ................................................... 7 3.1 WORLDWIDE EXPOSURE STANDARDS..................................................................8 4 ALTERNATIVE DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS .................................... 9 4.1 OUTLINE OF SMART METER COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES ........................9 4.2 RECOMMENDED OPTION................................................................................... 10 5 LONG TERM COSTS................................................................... 11 6 PREPARER OF THIS REPORT...................................................... 12 SMART METER DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS 31 Page i 1 PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT Concerns are rising across the country in the face of the deployment of Smart Meters as part of the overall Smart Grid rollout nation-wide. Individual citizens are experiencing serious health effects from high exposure levels of electromagnetic radiation, substantiated by medical professionals, recent studies and reports documenting mild to severe symptoms in all age groups, ethnicities and genders. Other concerns include privacy of usage data, public security issues, increases and errors or new calculations in billing, and loss of control of ones personal home environment. Municipal governments, city councils, public utility commissions and private utility companies are becoming more aware of citizens concerns and the need to address these issues before proceeding with Smart Grid infrastructure deployments. This report is an overview of these issues from the point of view of concerned citizens and professionals, pooling the latest research and technical expertise available. SMART METER DEPLOYMENT, CONSIDERATIONS 41 Page i 2 2 HEALTH ISSUES Electromagnetic radiation (EMR), especially wireless radio frequencies are increasing exponentially to levels of exposures from multiple sources in our modern world. Individuals have choices about what to bring into their homes; informed individuals are choosing to reduce or eliminate wireless exposures, in many cases because of personal health effects they or their families are experiencing. Professionals are conducting home assessments across the United States, finding the same readings, the same symptoms, the same questions—What can we do about it and how can we avoid the discomfort, pain and disabling ill-health. Citizens want to know why they are being forced to endure this unwanted and harmful radiation. Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a long awaited study with the results of years of evaluation by 27 scientists in 14 countries. In light of the overwhelming scientific evidence, the scientists classified Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) as a Class 213 Carcinogen. The World Health Organization concludes that "the use of precautionary approaches is warranted." Another landmark report by John Wargo, PhD at Yale University "Cell Phones, Technology, Exposures and Health Effects", discusses in detail the issues of RF from cell phones, cell phone towers and other RF devices. Radio frequencies in the 900 GHz and 240 MHz used by cell phone technology are also employed by Smart Meters. It is these same frequency ranges that are causing health effects in humans and this report is a very thorough review of many of the technical aspects and exposure levels causing ill health. Other medical and technical experts can be referenced in further investigation into these issues. This report can recommend Dr. Martin Blank, M.D. PhD from Columbia University, NYC; Dr. Henry Lai, PhD, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Devra Davis, PhD, epidemiologist formerly with the National Institute on Health (NIH), Washington, DC; and Cindy Sage, author of The Sage Report on EMR. For anecdotal evidence from human experience of harm caused by Smart Meters refer to www.stopsmartmeters.org. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) has taken a ®" strong stand in their recent report (04/12/12) on electromagnetic fields, — —""-- saying that society must acknowledge the biological effects of electromagnetic fields, educate the population about the risks from ___-- wireless technologies, and develop safer technologies. The AAEM is an _ international association of physicians and professionals that has been — dedicated to expanding the knowledge of human health in relationship to the environment since 1965. They have been first to recognize many = =_- conditions, including Gulf War Syndrome, chemical sensitivity and the role of mold in the development of systemic illness. SMART METER DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS 5 Page i In its new report, "Electromagnetic and Radiofreauencv Fields Effect on Human Health;'AAEM is calling for: 1) An immediate caution on Smart Meter installation due to potentially harmful RF exposure. 2) Accommodation for health considerations regarding EMF and RF exposure, including exposure to wireless Smart Meter technology. 3) Independent studies to further understand the health effects from EMF and RF exposure. 4) Recognition that electromagnetic hypersensitivity is a growing problem worldwide. 5) Understanding and control of this electrical environmental bombardment for the protection of society. 6) Consideration and independent research regarding the quantum effects of EMF and RF on human health. 7) Use of safer technology, including for Smart Meters, such as hard-wiring,fiber optics or other non-harmful methods of data transmission." Safer options are discussed in the Alternative Deployment Section of this report. It is impossible to read radiation studies and not realize there is some reason for concern, prompting many countries to adopt a precautionary approach. SMART METER DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS 6 Page I 1 3 I 3 SMART METER POWER LEVELS ITRON CENTRON USR Smart Meters are being used by many utilities around the country and are transmitting signals at very high levels of radiation every few seconds day and night. As is typical for smart meters,the ITRON C1SR's 250 milliwatt (mW) transmitter emits measured radiation levels up to 15,000 microwatts per square meter (NW/M2). Depending on the location of the meter relative to the living spaces of the home, occupants are exposed to unacceptable levels of radiation, making many people sick. This is being observed throughout the world. Other health related technical issues include compromised power quality from poorly built smart meter power supplies and from other communications options, such as Power Line Communications, which distorts the incoming sinusoidal waveform as shown in the figure below. Smart Meters are demonstrating evidence of harmonics and transients being induced onto the home wiring and circuits, a serious health concern. This so called "dirty power" can effectively be filtered out or avoided if the smart meter manufacturers would invest in inexpensive filtering circuits in the switching power supplies. Power line communications should be avoided with their inherent corruption of power quality. SMART METER + "DUE""Ntrw"K NAn N[IGNRDRNOOD ARGNmvm WAN wrof AM NETM10RK RlC q RMIN UNNAPOM RR RRDARAND-MR40MUN[ R sMVS SWITMOMMIPO1MASUPKV ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION SMPS PLC/BPL 915 MHz 2.4 GHz 850/1900 413 NAN HAN Cellular Broadband Mesh Mash WAN l l ELECTROMAGNETIC RF FIELDS FIELDS THERMAL NON-THERMAL HEALTH EF EF CTS — I • Figure 1- Health Related Technical Issues with Smart Meters SMART METER DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS 7 Page 1 3.9 WORLDWIDE EXPOSURE STANDARDS Other countries around the world have already recognized that the exposure levels allowed by their current RF standards were too lenient and have adopted more stringent standards in regulating wireless microwave radiation into their air spaces. The chart below illustrates these standards, along with correlations of power density levels with health effects evidence at those levels as documented in studies by Charles Furstenburg in 2001. Guidelines for various countries Power Density (pW/crn2) 10000 100 yards from cellular phwe tanade,cean ny.Jap((a,NNn.USA 50 feet from oordbw pt one rriapwave heannq �UK 1000 —.'-- _lewkema,awn mean ,bladder ranter, I robe San call tower N frmemYter, a kwrafa 100 (flfeetiromweelea 1 D ® hsnms a�AucwmQ NZL 0111111 WY Clsro 1 headache,di>zaess,a69 Zra,Hungary, 0.1 .i sotma,hums _am nusta,Swandaid Q altered while blood cells.sNOd chk rn Sat",Austria,pulsed 0.01 — impaired soar hmtlkrl,rcactlon'� 0.001 _. •aaentlm,sox rota ,D chbdhaod IeWema 0.0001 New Sooty Woke.Australia decreasso tea mawfh(epOelol anusm),humaro --- nurrntir sensadao 0.000001 0.0000001 sleep disorders,wrawlesa,anyue,pain p Exposure Effects: Huron, 0.00000001 — ——---- ® staodvds 0.000000001 —® 0.0000000001 EEG altered,humans Data from Firsimberg 2001 Figure 2-Worldwide Exposure Standards vs. Health Effects Note: This chart lists power densities in terms of microwatts per square centimeter(µWICM2) Measurements of Smart Meters are being conducted using instruments and meters that measure in terms of microwatts per square meter(µW 1m2). 10,000 cmz=1 mZ. SMART METER DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS 81 Page i 4 4 ALTERNATIVE DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS Smart Meters are programmable data metering devices that can be installed using a number of communications methods to collect and transmit usage data back to the utility company. The most commonly employed method is by wireless radio frequency microwave transmissions. The concern is about the power levels of these transmissions being emitted from one or more transmitters in such close proximity to human living spaces. There are safer alternatives available for automated meter reading. The alternatives may or may not cost more in the short term, but will save the city money in the long run by avoiding retrofits as the health concerns become more known and citizens demand alternatives. [also save drive by costs if sent over Ethernet?] 4.1 OUTLINE OF SMART METER COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES Wired Communications Technologies • Twisted Pair Cable — Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) — Digital Subscriber Line(DSL) — Cable Broadband — Fiber Optics (FTTH, FTTC, etc.) Neighborhood Area Wireless Communications Technologies • RF Mesh Networks — Proprietary Private • RF Point-to-Point Networks — Private RF Point-to-Point Systems — Cellular-Based Systems • Power Line Communications (PLC/BPL) Home Area Network Technology • RF Home Area Networks — ZigBee • Power Line Carriers — HomePlug — HomeGrid/ITU G.hn SMART METER DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS 9 Page i i Wired solutions offer significant advantages over wireless and power lines communications methods since they do not have health effects and utilize existing infrastructure, such as the Ashland Fiber Network. 4.2 RECOMMENDED OPTION With over 77% of homes in the US being served by some form of IP-based broadband service, an obvious solution is to utilize this infrastructure. For homes without broadband, twisted pairs are almost universally available. The key to this solution is an Ethernet port in each smart meter, a capability inherent in the meter's design and promoted by all meter manufacturers, including ITRON. The second part of this solution involves one cat 5/6 cable and an inexpensive Ethernet switch. The figure below depicts this "universal" wired solution for connecting smart meters. GAS METER w/LOW SPEED SMART METER DATA PORT NEW ETHERNET wJ ETHERNET PORT DSL/CABLE/FIBER SWITCH ETHERNET BROADBAND :.w� INTERNET _ _ 4nlfUS ".:" cn slcT SWITnI 4a sra MODEM lw .M+ z J HOME NW Figure 3- Universal Smart Meter Wired Connectivity Almost all broadband routers have a single Ethernet port so the addition of a switch is required along with a single cable to the smart meter. This communication solution is transparent to the utilities meter data management system and has benefits other than the elimination of the health issues associated with wireless radiation. Since each meter has it's own connection to the backend systems, collector meters are no longer needed, further reducing not only radiation but also considerable expense. Other issues such as line sharing, preventing homeowners from disconnecting the meter and persistent connectivity would have to be addressed, but are very solvable. The position taken by utility engineering departments needs to be challenged. Alternatives need to be addressed without the bias of the meter manufacturers, who are driving them down a certain path that best serves their business interests, not necessarily those of the citizens of Ashland. SMART METER DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS 10 Page i i 5 LONG TERM COSTS Long-term costs considerations must factor in the health as well as retrofitting costs as more citizens become aware and opt out. Many experts agree that the ultimate cost of a wireless solution will prove to be very high when you consider the consequences of ill health effects. Other considerations include: • Investment in wireless infrastructure is at risk based on the huge response around the world and the growing awareness of the hazards of electromagnetic radiation • The down the road cost of ultimately upgrading to a safer wired solution • Lost opportunity of not taking advantage of city owned broadband infrastructure • A wired solution brings jobs and investment into the local economy SMART METER DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS 111 Page I 6 6 PREPARER OF THIS REPORT TOM WILSON, BSEE: Tom Wilson holds an Electrical Engineering degree and is a veteran of the communications industry with over 35 years of experience in carrier-class networking, telecommunications, wireless network and satellite systems design, development, deployment, sales and marketing. Tom began his career working on the Space Shuttle's Launch Processing System and has held positions as a design engineer, systems engineer, project director, and most recently, as president of a satellite communications company since 2002. Specializing in wireless communications, Tom has deployed dozens of networks throughout the world and is an expert in 'last-mile' technologies. Tom is now focused on electromagnetic radiation mitigation as a Principal Engineer with Green and Healthy Homes. CONTACT: Tom Wilson, BSEE Principal/Electrical Engineer Green and Healthy Homes tom @greenandhealthyhomes.net (407) 859-0006 SMART METER DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS 121 Page Barbara Christensen From: Kate Jackson [katharinejackson @me.com] Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 9:30 PM To: Barbara Christensen; counci@ashland.or.us Cc: Mike Faught; Pieter Smeenk; John Williams; Donna Rhee; Pat Acklin; Amy Patton; Darrell Boldt; Lesley Adams; Betsy Hershman Subject: please finish the job: adopt the 12.7% rate increase Dear Barbara, Would you please ensure that this email becomes part of the Council record for the applicable agenda item for May 15? X.1. Unfinished Business Thank you. Respectfully, Kate Jackson Dear Council Members: I am sorry I cannot come to the Council meeting on May 15. 1 know that you will continue your discussion about whether and how much to raise rates to provide funding for the Water Master Plan that you have adopted. I want to emphasize that funding for the Plan is at least as important as adopting the Plan itself. Otherwise,the Plan risks becoming yet another study that gathers dust on the shelf. This plan is more comprehensive than the one from 1998. The new plan builds on a key achievement of that plan: significant reduction in per household water use. It considers climate change, models worst case drought conditions, and removes the most serious deficiencies and risks to our present system. The rate study gives us the tool to be sure we follow through with the Plan. The AWAC had lengthy and repeated discussions of how much new conservation to build into the Master Plan. The choices the group made puts off the need for more water until 2038,twenty years beyond the 1998 plan. Yet the capital projects touch on other key aspects of our community's water needs. See page 3 of the council communication for the list of 5 projects. 1) Reliability and redundancy are the primary factors. Flood and fire will be recurring events in this community. The relocated treatment plant removes the threat that fire and flooding pose to the existing facility in the canyon. At first,we'll use both plants; eventually,the new facility will be able to serve all our needs and we will retire the plant in the canyon. 2) Installing the Talent Ashland Phoenix(TAP) pipeline,WITHOUT a permanent pump station, provides reliability in a prolonged drought. Or for a flood disaster should one strike before the new plant is built. 3) Our Talent Irrigation District(TID)water rights, and perhaps the TID flows, may not be adequate during drought summers. Piping a portion of the TID canal will conserve water lost to leakage. Piping will also reduce the E. Coll contamination that reaches Ashland Creek every summer;a Gear public health benefit. 4) The new storage tank has been deferred every year for years in the annual Capital Improvement Plan. This plan identifies the funding to go ahead with this project. This project is important for fire fighting flows and system management. 5) The pipe replacement projects are necessary to continue to upgrade our century-old distribution system and reduce water loss. As a package,these project create the most comprehensive and carefully crafted plan with which I have had the privilege to be involved. For nearly 3 years,City staff, Carollo Engineers, and the citizens on the Ashland Water Advisory Committee studied,- critiqued,evaluated, and debated our needs and our options for providing a reliable water supply for future generations. We regrouped several times. We revisited the conservation goal. We focused on funding mechanisms. You have before you the recommendation of the committee to start now and raise and save the funds needed to implement the Water Master Plan. WATER IS LIFE. Without safe drinking water,without a reliable supply in winter,summer and drought, our town cannot thrive. I encourage you to back up the adoption of these Master Plans with the funding to accomplish their goals. I know how hard it is to raise utility rates every year. I've been there, many times. The difference between the recommended 12.7% and 10% is less than$1.00 per month but would significantly reduce the effectiveness of the conservation program and threaten some capital investments. Don't let this plan gather dust on the shelf. 1 Thanks for listening. And thanks for the work you do as volunteers on behalf of our community. Sincerely, - Kate Jackson 2 it 411 1 rA W4-w.;L..4 as 6�1 1 f,64 Owl", `-�',�•�-�-.���n - /�:/�� ca-�P _cam Ilk t A � �.C- A,-,4 GS to�, GQ.P a>,.,, 7Y. �----- ' fin/ B- Q/' ►n/ CCN _ Lt CC 1GF' o 7X- �P -T-��Mr\ A, af Q -, -30 r P.JL ijor, k /,J,; licrt ki- ce4n.-St dZ 4 r 6J / n p IT r � O -0. �. �- 4, cz:?�l � v ti Cam ' , A .ry Iz ° r n RT 744 Jt� ,2:L %� cel�k -t NoT SPoKFNC'// I ea 9-Ld � cte-r-k ��L4 s s ?712 � Co G-� '-- -P j �P-o / z. • Terrence .C.. Stenson 172 Alida Street Ashland, Oregon - 97520_ Gail Kimbell U.S. Forest Service 1400 Independence Ave. SW 20250-000.3 Dear Gail Kimbell: The enclosed "jobs ready" -45 persons- Proposal has been with 30 Members of the Subcommittee on National Parks , Forests, and Public Lands, (third year of Consideration) since the first week of February 2009. . Should the Subcommittee manage to get the Proposal signed 'into Law by President Obama, by early July 2009, as the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Act (26th President 1901-1909) ,. Reparian Resources Restoration, . Prototype Demonstation Project, (location: Cascade Siskiyou National Monument and Ashland Creek - Bear Creek Watershed) , the -45 persons will. be able to start work in July , 2009. They will have completed 60 miles of Stream Restoration by October 2009. The Forest Service has completed their F"final Environmental Impact Statement, 650 pages, with all of their Intended Actions through 2020 . A.D Ashland Forest Resiliency, for the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District ,. Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest, Jackson County, Oregon. NOT ONE SINGLE STREAM RESTORATION .PROJECT IS INCLUDED. The Forest Service States in their final Impact Statement, that although the Enclosed Stream Restoration. Project is Valued, the Forest Service IS NOT ALLOWED to Consider, .Analyze, NOR .PROCEED -to the EXPANSION of any Prototype Stream REstoration Project, AS CONGRESS DID NOT ALLOW FOR ANY STREAMS RESTORATION PROJECTS UNDER THE HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF2003. Olde English: you have the DRAGGHT of logs down a stream, THEN the stream is in the Condition called DROUGHT. . The Definition of- . Drought is Broken Water Tables in all Streams of a Region, .and„ , THEREFORE, DECLINING WATER TABLES. J . . The ONLY WAY OUT OF DROUGHT, .BY DEFINITION; .IS Restoration. of ALL'. Water Tables, of all Streams of the Drought_Stricken Region, Once All Water Tables of All Streams of the Drought-Stricken Region are RESTORED, to the Condition existing Prior to the Draught of logs down the Affected Streams, THEN All Localized Dew Point Effect Clouds will begin to reappear over the Region. The Result will be the Cloud .Base of All Passing Weather Systems will. be. Lowered, Resulting in Increased Localized Precipitation. BY DEFINITION, the Localized Drought _Condition will over: Since -the. Forest Service intends ZERO Water. .Tables :StreAw _ Restoration in this District.through 2020. A.D.:,, BY DEFINITION, .. THE Siskiyou Mountains Ranger Distict will, by U.S. 'Forest `Service ..'. INTENTIONt REMAIN IN DROUGHT CONDITION., through-2020 'A.D., and =° THEREFORE, :.IN DANGER.__OF.CATASTROPHIC W.ILDFIRES,: througli:2020 A.D , Sincerely You rs iA -- Terrence C. Stenson , �=- - 'Doc, sw�M <•l ca p � GV-� City Council May 15, 2012 (3 min version) � �a- MoP / Reading for Leigh Madsen 176 Orange Ave Everyone in this room, and almost everyone in Ashland can agree, we all want our city to be free of crime. Homeless people, homeowners, business operators, chamber members and visitors as well, are in favor of eliminating crime from our streets. Is an ordinance that excludes folks from the downtown area for engaging in annoying behavior or minor code violations like sleeping, dog control, blocking the sidewalk, unnecessary noise, etc, going to have any true effect in reducing crime? If anyone of you had a magic wand to solve these issues, real crime and annoying behavior we would applaud you. This ordinance does neither. I oppose it! I have an idea of a simple solution that could assist in both areas. I ask you to carefully consider and support it. As I spent many hours downtown Ashland during the past year I saw that my presence had a positive impact on folks. Conversations quieted down, panhandlers seemed less aggressive. When I spoke to street people who I recognized there was a sense of respect and cordiality. My engagement with the homeless and travelers had positive effect on the Plaza, Main Street and Chitaqua Square. This experience of positive impact in our downtown area due to volunteers simply paying attention is not unique to me. At least six other individuals intentionally spent time there and all reported similar experiences. Imagine the possibilities if Ashland had an engaged, fully trained volunteer corps dedicated to the downtown area. These citizens could become the bridges between the homeless and business owners; they could close the gap of communication between the city fathers and our most misunderstood and vulnerable populace. These citizen volunteers will foster sound relationships within our diverse community. The minor code violations and the behaviors leading to them can only be solved through relationships! No I am not forgetting CRIME. As I roamed downtown I saw problematic behavior; I identified individuals who deserved closer notice. One volunteer observer called the police to intervene in a crime. These citizens could also build bridges to the police, they could provide the eyes and ears on the street level that the business owners so much desire. These volunteers will be the first to spot and report criminal activity and assist our city in becoming crime free. I want to be a part of a crime free Ashland. I want to live in an Ashland that includes and embraces all of its diverse population. Please help me, and all of our citizens, to work toward compassionate, caring, reasoned solutions. I truly believe that none of us wants to be a part of a society who names and excludes members of our community simply because they are homeless or engage in annoying behaviors.