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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-0821 Documents Submitted at Mtg SOUTHERN OREGON - ` TREE CARE, Lac 541-772-0404 Sotreecare.com PO Box 5140 Central Point;OR 97502 A DOCUMENT OF THE CONDITION OF SIX TREES LOCATED IN LITHIA PLAZA ASHLAND, OR Prepared For ANNE THAYER ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION By Willie Gingg ASCA Consulting Arborist PNW ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor#1166 ISA Board Certified Master Arborist#PN5564B AUG. 17'" 2012 Lithia Plaza Tree Report Aug. 17"',2012 RE: Plaza trees I was contacted by Anne Thayer of the City of Ashland regarding all the trees in the island at the Plaza in Lithia Park. She asked for a report on the current state of the trees and a general prognosis for each. First on the list is a red maple (Acer rubrum) 13 Inches DBH (diameter breast height) and 50 feet tall. This tree has decent branch structure for its species, the color of the leaves is lighter than ideal but not so much as to think it will affect the life of the tree. Typical of the species is a large mass of roots above the soil at the base of the tree; this is not normally an issue for the health of the tree as long as the trunk is not in a position to be girdled. Fairly full canopy, decent annual growth and the volume of soil suggests this tree will have few problems over the next several years. Soil appears to be a bit compacted even though it appears to be decomposed granite. Recommendations for this tree would be biannual aeration of the soil along with a soil analysis to see if the light colored leaves are a symptom of nutrient deficiency. Tree number two is a large sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) 31 inches DBH and 90 feet tall. This tree has severe girdling roots that may be contributing to pale color of the leaves by restricting the movement of water and photosynthates. This is especially obvious when compared to tree number three next to it. The growth pattern, size and health of this tree suggest that it may continue to decline over the next several years. Along with the likelihood of losing limbs due to long limbs/leaders, wind/heat and heavy seed years, this tree should be considered for removal. The third tree is also a sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) that is 21 inches DBH and 60 feet tall. It has good vigor, good color, a full canopy and the old pruning cuts are sealing well. There is only one obvious buttress root. This would suggest a serious girdling root and trigger the suggestion to have a root crown examination done to find the cause and possible remedy to the situation. Other recommendations would be light end weight reduction to reduce the tendency this species has of dropping limbs. The fourth tree is a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) 8.5 inches DBH and 15 feet tall. There is some significant sun scalding on many limbs that appears to be the result of some heading cuts made in the past. The tree is compartmentalizing this damage well and if this continues should seal completely in the next few years. The tree seems to be struggling and could be caused by many factors including the heavy pruning, subsequent sun scalding, soil compaction, girdling root, much over the root crown and possibly other factors. Recommendations for this tree would be to prune the offending root/s, aerate soil.biannually and have a soil analysis to determine nutrient availability and what may be needed. The fifth tree is a white ash (Fraxinus Americana) seven inches DBH and 40 feet tall. This tree has excellent health and vigor, a well formed root crown and the graft appears well taken. There are some surface roots suggesting deeper irrigations habits and/or the need for aeration of the soil. There is a long, vertical fracture in the bark that appears Lithia Plaza Tree Report Aug. 17"', 2012 superficial and is sealing well. This is likely caused by rapid early season growth and should have little if any detrimental effect on the tree. Recommendations for this tree are to prune branches to clear information kiosk, check irrigation schedule to be sure the tree is watered deeply and not too often and to aerate soil biannually to encourage deeper rooting. Final tree on the list is a Modesto ash (fraxinus velutina) 21.5 inches DBH and 50 feet tall. This tree appears to be struggling in overall appearance and annual growth. The tree has included bark through most of its unions which is typical. Some of these have been mitigated with 3 EHS (extra high strength) cables which appear to have been installed many years ago. The location of these cables is no longer suitable as the tree has grown. The ideal location for support cables is 2/3 -3/4 from the union to be supported to the top of the tree, these are closer to %way. The grade appears to have been raised up and is covering the root crown. Anthracnose appears to be rampant. Limbs over the road are well within 16 feet of the road and are interfering with communications wires above. This tree may also be better suited being replaced with a tree better suited to this location. Recommendations otherwise would be to install new cables at a proper location, excavate fill soil from root crown, prune limbs to achieve road clearance per city codes, clear branches from communication lines and treat for anthracnose. If there are further questions please feel free to call or email us. A r Signed, Willie Gingg op/( � V ax. , . Good evening. I arrcEatherineADi oo- I live at 423 Strawberry Lane and my 91 year old father lives with my husband and me. While my father exercises almost 6 days a week, he is unable to walk around town except to go in and out of restaurants. During the last 8 months my father has taken an interest in going out. I push him around town in a wheelchair. I've found that downtown Ashland is not a particularly safe place for wheelchairs. A number of the paved areas are broken up, some surfaces are rough, raised crosswalks are bumpy, some handicap access crossings are difficult to maneuver, and some slopes make a wheelchair unsteady. A particularly hazardous area is around the Green Show where the pavers are uneven and the slope is steep. While I try to mentally plan the route I take to leave the Green Show, Sunday night the wheelchair almost tipped over on its side. Two people rushed to help steady the wheelchair. I ask that when you consider any work to be done in the town that 1) you consider giving dangerous areas a higher priority, and 2) that you keep in mind the problems of access for the disabled. Pavers and textured concrete help to make the place appear quaint, however they don't always make for a pleasant experience for challenged people. Instead of pedestrian friendly, let's make this place people friendly. Thank you for your time. PLAZA PRESENTATION FOR COUNCIL WITH CITES: My name is Lisa Alexander-Stanley, and I am an Administrator for the Facebook page "Preserve Ashland's Historic Plaza" which was started July 27, 2012, in response to the Plaza re-design project. I copied city documents, links were provided to sites, and many people shared comments and suggestions. 1 will start by reading you a quote from the City Administrator (Dave Kanner)that is in a Council Communication (Discussion of Plaza landscaping re-design--Study Session)dated April 30, 2012. Under "Background and Policy Implications": "The downtown Plaza is, in essence, Ashland's living room. It is in all likelihood the one place in the city in which every visitor and every resident steps foot. However,just as the carpeting and the furniture in a living room must be refreshed from time to time, so too is the Plaza (arguably) in need of at least a touch-uo. In addition to the landscaping,the benches in the Plaza have become very worn and there is an electric utility vault that at a minimum needs to be replaced, painted,or placed elsewhere." Then, in City Council meeting minutes, dated May 01, 2012, "Councilor Lemhouse reiterated the motion was not for a re-desien of the Plaza but an RFP to improve landscaping and furniture." So, I asked myself, HOW does the city make the transition from "refreshed" and "touch-up"to a complete re-design? I thought back about the recent fire on the Plaza and the businesses that suffered as a result of that fire. Most likely,the publicity hurt tourism a bit, especially after the Oak Knoll fire (both "allegedly" caused by homeless men). Then, I read the fountain in front of the Black Swan Theater may be turned into a planter and not repaired. I saw for myself,the park bench in front of the same Theater had been removed, and the water in the drinking fountain had been shut off. It occurred to me that the City,The Chamber of Commerce, and Plaza business owners may have a hidden agenda to eliminate the "homeless", "transients", "characters", and "vagrants". The Plaza, and the area in front of the Black Swan Theater, are two known areas where people congregate and loiter. I feel that what a lot of people are trying to avoid saying, is that "they" (unsure who all "they" are) want to eliminate a certain "element"from the downtown area and they don't know how to go about it, but a re-design of the Plaza isn't going to solve that problem. A quote from a Daily Tidings article titled "City Council hears cost estimates for Plaza plans" dated July 17, 2012 said: "Lawn areas and worn benches where people currently like to lounge and relax would be removed. New benches potentially could be added, either built into the concrete walls or as stand-alone benches." Another quote from the Daily Tidings—Our Opinion-2'Remodeling the Plaza" dated June 28, 2012 said: "It's also worth noting that offering seating that invites people to sit for long periods will be more attractive to Ashland's homeless population —the folks who now tend to occupy the grassy areas." I found older quotes in a Daily Tidings article titled "Construction Criticism" (addressing why the city removed park benches), dated June 01, 2006, that said "Members of the Park Bench Brigade assumed the benches were removed to appease downtown business owners, who believe that young people and transients who congregate there have a negative effect on their profit margin." A quote from the same article said "It seems like if you're not here to spend money,the city doesn't want you here." Those quotes help solidify my thoughts that this whole thing isn't about making necessary repairs. It's about removing people (whether homeless or not)from those particular areas, because loitering people, along with the trash cans, phone booths, and a utility box are "UNSIGHTLY" and bad for tourism. Then, I read the City of Ashland--City Administration "Request for Proposals—Landscape Design Services for the Plaza in Downtown Ashland" and that document said "The City of Ashland requests proposals for an Architectural Design or Landscape Design Firm to provide a plan for refreshing and improving the landscaping and furnishings in the Plaza in downtown Ashland." On the same document, under"The scope of services for the project includes", it said: "In developing the plan, the selected consultant will be expected to meet with key stakeholders to solicit their input before creating the final plan." Ashland has a population of 21,505 (per Ashland Chamber of Commerce) and approximately 80 people attended the four public meetings about the re-design (per City of Ashland—Council Communication August 21, 2012— Business Meeting—Approval of Final Design for the downtown Plaza). I also witnessed on RVTV that not many people attended the City Council meeting held on August 07, 2012, and in viewing archived meetings, I am left with the impression that "key stakeholders" are the City, The Chamber of Commerce, and Plaza business owners,who perhaps would like to create a design that appears to many,to be cold, uninviting, and uncomfortable...in the hope again of deterring or eliminating the loitering transient population. However, the city,fails to factor in the rest of the population who uses the Plaza regularly. The proposed re-design does nothing to address, nor deter the issues with the homeless or unruly characters on the Plaza. I interviewed several homeless people myself,and they said it will have no effect on them at all. Perhaps more of a police presence, CSOs (Community Service Officers), community involvement (such as "Plaza Watch"),volunteers, etc., would make a difference. If it is determined there does need to be more of a Police presence,why couldn't a portion of TOT(Transient Occupancy Tax)funds go towards CSOs walking"the beat'? I would think some ordinance could be written that shows a link between communication and presence with tourism dollars. Additionally,the homeless issue is being addressed by Allan Sandler,who is trying to set up a LLC(Limited Liability Company)to create a "Neighborhood Guest House". C Someone gave me some wise advice when I first started this campaign to save the Plaza. He said to find out what the motivation is behind it, and then go from there. 1 believe I have more than enough evidence to show what the primary motivation is. Regardless of the agenda,the Plaza re-design is a costly mistake. It is my feeling that the city has been offered solutions that are more community oriented and much less expensive, but it seems they would rather throw good money after bad, and not address the real issue of HOW the city does make the transition from "refreshed" and "touch-uo"to a complete re-design. To quote Martin Luther King,Jr., "True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it Is not haphazard and superficial. It comes to see that an edifice that produces beggars needs restructuring." I found it ironic that this quote was on the Chamber of Commerce page. I am just one person, but I speak for many who are unable to be here tonight. Thank you for your time. CITY COUNCIL MEETING PRESENTATION: HOW, if the Plaza is indeed the "heart" of the city, the city's"living room", and the "welcome mat to Ashland"....did it reach this point and wasn't properly maintained all along? Civic Groups, volunteers, or sponsors should have been sought out to "Adopt the Plaza"first. The Parks Department has an "Adopt-a-Park" program which includes 9 parks that have been adopted. Why is the Chamber of Commerce not organizing such a thing for the Plaza? On the "Preserve Ashland's Historic Plaza" Facebook page, one woman (Referring to the historical photo of women beautifying the Plaza) said "My grandmother was in this group, and I would be in a new one,given the chance! You don't need to over-design and overspend to solve current problems. The plaza area has changed many times, and no plan will please everyone. Less is usually more." Historically, it would be correct for the Chamber to encourage "The City Beautiful Movement" as the "Ashland Woman's Civic Improvement Club" did in the past. Per a quote from The Chamber's page: "But it is the people and what they contribute that give Ashland its depth and identity." The price tag is too high, unwarranted,and it would impact the funding available for other city improvements. Good examples of potentially impacted projects are the three fountains that are in need of repair (Black Swan, Library, and Lithia Park's Perozzi), and the lower duck pond in Lithia Park which should be restored to its historic grandeur. The proposed modern re-design lacks historical cohesiveness...take a look around at all the beautiful architecture the Plaza offers. I question whether the designer would have kept the fountains, statue, information booth, and flag pole, if he weren't made to,since they have been deemed historical "elements". I have seen the revised design proposal and budget on the City's page, and the ten examples of photos showing people "utilizing"the concrete seating. The age group reflected in the photos, were predominately younger. Ashland must remember exactly who lives here. Per The Chamber of Commerce page, Ashland "has seen an increase in its residents with ages over 50 years." This is NOT good for the city...cosmetically or financially! Alternate solutions are the answer! The obvious one is to put a stop to the re-design project and have the community work together through civic clubs,volunteers, sponsors, etc.,to collaborate and to address the areas of concern.This would bring the community together(as in past efforts)and reflect the pride people from Ashland have for their beloved city! Another solution is using a portion of the TOT funds for maintenance and repair on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, so it never again reaches the point of disrepair. Thank you for your time. COMMENTS FROM INTERVIEWS THAT I PERFORMED 08105/12: Eric: "I think the Plaza looks fine and it (the re-design) is a waste of city resources. It is not a solution to the homeless issue at all. Shakespeare is the life-blood of the town, so of course you're going to harass the homeless." Loretta: "I like the historical feel (of Ashland). It feels homey and it has a small town atmosphere. The (proposed) design looks like Portland." Erik: "Good to see people take part. This town cares. It has humanity...not a strip-mall mentality. I would hate to see it lose its heart due to politics. Dave (who said he NEVER gives interviews, but wanted to speak on this subject): "I like it(the Plaza)the way it is. If something is working already, why mess with it. Who votes on this...the City or the people?" Holly: "This is going to feel like Taco Bell.The seats will be so uncomfortable, people won't want to stay. Let trees keep growing, maintain the grass, be more creative with landscaping. My husband is a landscaper.Add more benches. Think of the elderly or those with infirmities. They need something comfortable to sit on. It would be completely reckless to cut down any healthy, mature trees. It takes decades to get trees to that size and they add to the ambiance. I wouldn't be sitting right here (on bench), if it weren't for the Ash tree." Laura: "Do we even have a choice? Maybe they should kick-start a campaign and look for sponsors.The way it is being designed, is to be a Plaza for the wealthy, not the public. It's a vanity project." Teresa: "Complete waste of money and time. (The project) needs to be more community based to incorporate locals."---would like to see the plaza be a volunteer project. Conrad: "1 don't think there is really anything seriously wrong with the Plaza. I'm okay to keep it as it is." When asked if he was aware there were 3 project bids to the City, he said "We should be open to other designs. I don't care if the designer is out of the area." Additionally, at a later date,two employees(not business owners) who work on the Plaza: One said she was unaware of the plans to re-design and the other had only heard about it in the newspaper. Both were opposed to the plan and said the Plaza just needed some TLC. One said "That's not the Plaza", when referring to the rendering of the proposed re-design. SOME OF THE POSTS FROM "Preserve Ashland's Historic Plaza" FACEBOOK PAGE: CJ Crimson Abarca: "I come from a historic area. I believe the town is still very well alive because it's never been "re-designed". I love hearing stories about the trees and areas, it keeps families closer in my opinion. You are your ancestors and their designs. Appreciate their craftsmanship..." Charu Colorado: "More plantings of flowers for the seasons. More shaded seating and a kiosk for telling about the town and what is going on.A place in the kiosk for communicating to the City Council." Rob Gustaveson: "1 love the Plaza as it is...aside from the fascists trying to change it;Ashland belongs to all people not just the wealthy building owners." Darcy Noyes: "Again, really if we have$$to spare, apply to utility costs so we can afford to live here. Just spruce up what we have. The Plaza has been re-designed 4 times since we moved here and it took away 30 or so parking spaces. Do something for those who live here (residents, the tax payers) not tourists or homeless. Save us money cut back like we have to do with living here." Holly Johnson: "What's wrong with the Plaza can be fixed without cutting down beautiful, mature, shade-giving trees or replacing the benches with ugly concrete slabs. Probably for much less$$than the currently proposed re-design, too." Amy Voorhes Magee: "Change is not always for the good. Perhaps using the funds to fix up (benches,for example) rather than recreate the space?" Anna Jensen Pjetursdottir Laca: "Please don't cut the trees down!" Terri Keeney Long: "I see NO NEED for changing the Plaza. It is the heart of beautiful downtown Ashland." Joseph Talboom: "The ambience and coziness feel of our Plaza is second to none that I have seen in the USA.I can agree with some minor beautification, but the design is the antithesis of the soul and feel of Ashland and what is so attractive about it.The design looks like thousands of other Plaza's in the USA. Ugh! Yes, I will show up at any future hearings." Jan Rodenmayer: "Moved to Ashland in 1959 & lived there for 40 yrs. Love the Plaza as it is, why change it?Ashland has changed too much already." n Mary Brooks: "I don't like the proposed new design for the plaza at all.That being said,the plaza will continue to be an unappealing place to me, no matter the design, as long as it's jammed with cars. Unless the city of Ashland is progressive enough to turn that area into a car- free zone (even if it's only during the summer season)than I (a resident since the 70's) will continue to avoid it.Sadly, that also includes all of those shops and restaurants alongside the plaza (where residents can never find parking anyway)." Zena Allen Palmer: "Please don't change the plaza. Replace the old and worn benches but don't get rid of them.The locals love nothing better than to sit and watch the visitors try the water fountains! Leave the grass and trees.They make a nice and pleasing and welcoming place to take a break from walking around the town and plaza shops.The plaza is part of my life from my earliest memories. Remember the tree in the road? Remember when Santa came to town, he came to the plaza? I even have dreams with the plaza in them. It's a part of me and of more than a few others that have their roots there and also those that have loved to come visit over the years. Don't make changes just for change sake. Please don't destroy its charm. Is someone very eager to spend that money in the piggy bank?Who will profit from this cockamamie plan? NOT the people of Ashland. " Warren Paris: "A major aspect of Ashland is the Historic Plaza and that seems to be lost on the decision makers. Money has been wasted on the design and renderings. It is a PEOPLE gathering place. Let it be. Deferred maintenance should be top concern and removal of the urban blight by code.The redesign for design sake is a BIG waste of money. Where is commonsense in this undertaking?" Norma Harries-Bradford: "Spruce it up with some fresh bushes and flowers, but what you have proposed above is so impersonal feeling.And I think many agree with me, Downtown, as it is now, has such a warm inviting feel to it." David Bjurstrom: " It mystifies me why major redesigns are needed. Perhaps a renewal of the trees (with better suited varieties) over time and a "buffing up"of the space with repaired surfaces that may work better for the vegetation there, but a complete redesign?Nope. It's pointless. Having lived in and around Ashland since 1963, 1 think I can safely say that the space, with its minor evolution over time, has and continues to serve the city well." Laurel Bloombaum: " I love the Plaza as it is. Replacing worn out benches would be good. Keep the gorgeous shade trees. Save the money for the schools and library." Seth James: `1 think the plaza is fine the way it is. Of course necessary repairs and landscaping should be addressed." Gina Lynn Undow: "I think the new current design obstructs a "line of vision' across the Plaza as a whole, you should be able to see across the plaza,whether sitting there or approaching it. Keeping the current trees for their shade (it would be many years before new trees shaded the area) and building up soil around them, with maybe some low concrete barriers that could be used for sitting. Have, in addition, some comfortable wooden benches for people watching, and resting. Keep at least a small patch of shady,grassy ground. Any pavement that is laid,should be permeable. It should be a place that folks can congregate, as a meet-up place,year-round, for locals to enjoy the lighting of the trees, or for tourists and other visitors to hang out and enjoy the scene." Sally Zarka Jordan: "I agree with the above comments, being 2nd generation born in Ashland and growing up there." Patsy Watsy: "What Sally said." Kimberly Summerhays: "A place that can be enjoyed by all who visit without being bum rushed or intruded upon." Isabeau Vollhardt: "I especially liked the comment about why people didn't show up to the FOUR workshops open to the public. I watch the local broadcast news daily, and hadn't heard of any"workshops open to the public' at all.........Referring to the newspaper article "Plaza debate erupts on Facebook". Isabeau Vollhardt: "At least the article ("History of Change") gives a good historical overview of the plaza's evolution, showing that it has changed many times. Don't know why they've put birches in their plan...because birches get HUGE over several years (I've got some right outside my house...four years ago they didn't provide shade, now,they do)." Laura McShane: "I felt the article ("History of Change") was heavily biased towards the idea that only a bunch of old duffers who can't accept progress would be opposed to the new design.They said that there were a lot of emotions surrounding the issue; but then did not address/quote/explain any of it. I found it to in general be sadly lacking in the sort of unbiased detachment that is considered to be professional in American journalism." Crystal Redding: "There hasn't been enough coverage of this (plan to re-design Plaza) in the media! I've been talking to everybody I know about this for the past week or so (since I heard on Facebook) and almost nobody knew what I was talking about!" Katie Hunter: "Unrecognizable.......Referring to the proposed re-design rendering. Tammy Lawson Thompson: "I like it as it is. Full of character and charm and wonderful memories!" Bob Curto: "Yes, definitely, leave it as it is, we love it that way, it's an extension of Lithia Park, it's part of the Heart of Ashland.Tammy said it,full of character and charm.The intended design is cold and heartless. Maybe the plaza should be part of the Historical District." Charlie Chappelle: "Absolutely not. Leave it alone. I'm sure the city could use that quarter mil on something far and away less destructive---and I mean it." Sue Curry: "Leave it alone. It currently has historic personality.This new design will make it impersonal &very plain. What are you thinking replacing the entrance to Lithia PARK with cement." Bob Curto: "Agree with you Sue! I was thinking EXACTLY the same. It's like covering Lithia Park with cement. Up to this day the Plaza is an historical landmark of Ashland. It should formally be declared as such. To make it worse, the proposed design is ugly,just to say the least." Warren Paris: "Over time, piecemeal improvements were made that reduced the beauty and welcoming design of the Plaza. Now is the time to correct those poorly thought out (add-ons) and return it to an extension of the Park. Where is the green space in front of the statue/ fountain? Modify the road on main to return it to the original path. Concrete is NOT welcoming. Water and shade&grasses are welcoming aspects of nature." Patricia West: 'The concrete benches look unattractive and uncomfortable.They may also be targets for skateboarders' activities. In addition,the production of concrete is one of the largest sources of industrial air pollution. Are there attractive alternatives that utilize recycled materials?" Paul Grimsrud: 'There are composites made from wood and recycled plastic that are attractive, maintenance free and come in many colors. I have seen quite a few benches made this way." Paul Grimsrud: `The only justification I can see for not having benches is to stop people from relaxing, punishing everyone for failing to deal with the homeless." Isabeau Vollhardt: "Zero furniture ain't gonna cut it....no way no how. ESPECIALLY for the visitors who want a place to meet back at while they're all off on their separate rounds. And in the winter? Oh,there's us LOCALS...who might want to sit there on a sunny afternoon and sip our coffee or tea outdoors before heading off on the next errand." (Referring to "Landscape Design Services for the Plaza in Downtown Ashland—Preliminary Opinion of Probable Construction Cost"—provided by Covey-Pardee that listed ZERO furniture). Tiara Augustine: "Both sad and disgusted. Why do they need to put in the skate board deterrents and no benches?! It's a part of the park! Aren't park benches better then l`t skateboard deterrents! SO F--d!.....Referring to the same document (Probable Construction Cost). Nancy Boyer: "Nice photos. Hopefully this will remains a beautiful place for not only for tourists, but for us residents who live and use the plaza year. I say remove the information booth to somewhere else and please no stages!!!" Steve Wolfson: "I just heard from a Council member that some councilmen plan to fast track the approval of this project so it is complete by April 2013. It's going to completely change the feel of the Plaza which will likely lead to other new construction changing the look of Ashland, permanently. Look at the image above (Rendering provided by Covey-Pardee of proposed re- design)and decide if you want our Plaza and city looking like that. Here are further comments from the Council member: "I happen to agree with you. I think that a power wash of the current cement, some new sod and hanging planters will do just fine for "sprucing up" the plaza. I will represent your voice during the council deliberations. My fellow councilors feel that the public has had enough time to respond.At the public forums there were at most 15 people at each one.Their comments are the ones that the designers followed. Even the public in the forums however had trouble with the cement and the cost. ... People need to show up on the 21st." I will be out of town on the 21st. I sent an email to the Mayor and Council members here: http://www.ashiand.or.us/Counci[Contact.asp I hope as many people as possible will attend the meeting on the 21st." Steve Wolfson: "1 have now heard from a second city Councilor who said: "Leaving the issues of the design and such aside (although I agree with much of what you say here) I think the price tag is too high, and I don't think I'm alone on council thinking that. Stayed tuned-we'll continue to work on getting this about right (hard to please everyone). Thanks for you engagement on this issue it is important when citizens take the time to do so. "My sense is there are enough Councilors interested in hearing what we citizens have to say that if people make their views known it can indeed have an influence. So if you care, please make your views known. Some excerpts from my reply to that Councilor: "In some ways this is a small matter, but 1 think it's an expression of a larger matter, which direction is the City of Ashland going?We don't have a lot of land on which to expand the city's population, and we have committed to keeping it that way. But even so, are we going to decide to remain a unique small town with a colorful culture and population, or are we gradually going to start looking more like a small scale version of modern urban USA 2012? Some people think that sort of future is inevitable, but to me the only way that can occur is from decisions we make that have the side effect of changing our focus and priorities. We make those decisions one at a time, and it is only over a number of years we realize the decisions we have been making have changed the nature of the place we live.To me the proposed plaza is out of character with the rest of Ashland. Once we start moving in that direction, it's far more likely that similar decisions to be made that ultimately alter the character of Ashland. Last year's proposal to build the large restaurant across from Lithia Park is a good example. To me that would have permanently altered the character of Ashland.Then something like modernizing the Plaza becomes more feasible as now it's fitting into the new directions being taken in Ashland. After two are in place,then another is proposed that would not have been feasible before the first two, but because the city "is changing", gets approved. One step leads to the next. And the only reason the city "is changing" is because of decisions we have made. If we don't make them,the city doesn't change." Lorrayne Whitten: `These renderings are cold , sterile devoid of anything human. It resembles an island in the middle of a shopping mall parking lot. In no way does it have anything to do with the historic center of a pioneer community; the heart of its beginning. It is interesting that in all of these pictures there is only one person is sitting...Hardly a gathering place. $250,000 for all that cement?You must be kidding!" Steve Wolfson: 'Thank you for taking on doing this. It sounds like there will be receptivity from some Councilors while others just want to get on with what's already been proposed. Seems these efforts really can make a difference. At the least, showing public support for the way some Councilors already feel, empowering them to stand up stronger to Councilors who just want to fast track and be on with it." Katie Hunter: "It's a bloody shame that the HISTORY of Ashland has been lost on so many. Beautiful old homes up Granite Street bought and torn down to make way for GIANT yuppie homes. The upper duck pond being turned into a look but don't touch exhibit. And now they want to rebuild the plaza to look NOTHING like it has for 100+years. What's next replacing the Shakespeare theaters with an IMAX? Make repairs, but good god leave Ashland alone before you "improve" away its charm." Julia Woosnam: (Referring to the historical photo of women beautifying the Plaza) "My grandmother was in this group, and I would be in a new one, given the chance! You don't need to over design and overspend to solve current problems. The plaza area has changed many times, and no plan will please everyone. Less is usually more." Nancy Boyer: "Clean up the plaza,take care of what we have!!! Do some plumbing work,fix the drinking fountain,paint the light pole,spray wash the cement and benches, water the trees and grass,prune the trees and remove a dead snag, enforce littering esp. cigarette butts, and WHA-LA, we have an inexpensive revitalized plaza! Yes, we need better seating, but not cement walls! Ask for ADOPT THE PLAZA VOLLINTEERSIII" r 1 1 G: 8r i r •• +i S a * . 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His own input had been that adoption of such standards would only serve to further delay the project and that the transients had to be got rid of from downtown because they drive tourists away. Now similar opinions have been often been voiced about the Plaza and this could be simply dismissed as just another member of that particular choir. Except that this was from one of those special "stakeholders" and whose spouse and business partner also happens to be the current president of the Chamber of Commerce Board. So not wanting myself to be such a Pollyanna on the matter, I am inclined to note Lisa Stanley's concerns-whether she currently resides in Ashland or not. Colin Swales WHAT I HAVE FOUND ON My OWN: It is also concerning to me,that Councilor Slattery used to serve as the President of The Chamber of Commerce(per phone call to the Chamber I made 08/16/12),and his wife is currently an Executive with the Chamber("Pre-emptively" mentioned by Slattery during the City Council meeting 06/19/12,where budgets and "persistent'offenders were discussed.) How is that NOT a conflict of interest? In addition to the annual budget the Chamber receives,certain issues that the council vote on also directly affect the Chamber,don't they? Since in a way, he is a Judge, my feeling is that Slattery should recuse himself on anything Chamber related citing a conflict of interest. If there is indeed no spousal influence,then explain to me why on the City page, under Council member's names, it lists their hobbies,and Dennis listed "Intelligent discussion" as one of his. Then, I view The Chamber's page,and listed under Sandra Slattery, she also uses those exact same two words...:'Intelligent discussion"...odd1 ] did a lot of investigation,and dug deeper and found that Thomas Beam,who is the"Commissioner—Chair"on the City's Conservation Commission is married to the President of The Chamber of Commerce. Thomas Beam was overheard at a meeting,saying something to the effect of what Colin just mentioned. Additionally, I see that Graham Lewis is a Volunteer Coordinator with the Chamber(on the Chamber page),yet he also serves on the ad-hoc"Homelessness Steering Committee" (on the City page),which I still am still unclear as to what their function is after reading meeting minutes,except that number one on their list of purposes is to: "Solicit proposals from STAKEHOLDERS to the City Council,whose intent is to address issues of homelessness in Ashland." Then,if you add in the fact that Councilor Lemhouse resigned from the Medford Police Department and the details surrounding that have not been made public,even though the article"Lemhouse put on paid leave before resigning" dated 02/26/12 in The Mail Tribune argued "because Lemhouse is a city councilman in Ashland,with a position of power within the community,that it is in the public's best interest to know the details of an investigation into his conduct within the department." The Mail Tribune added "There are substantial rumors about Lemhouse that can be addressed only by learning the details of the investigation." Considering all these factors, perhaps you can understand my concerns and suspicions about the term "STAKEHOLDER",and as to what the true agenda for this re-design is.