HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-0603 Study Session PACKET
CITY OF
ASHLAND
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
AGENDA
Monday, June 3, 2013
Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way
5:30 p.m. Study Session
1. Review of Look Ahead
2. Presentation by Commissioner Don Skundrick on Jackson County's budget and it's
possible impacts to the City of Ashland (request of Mayor Stromberg)
3. Discussion of possible Plaza improvements (request of Councilors Marsh and
Voisin and Mayor Stromberg)
4. Discussion of creation of a Jobs Commission
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this
meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-
2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I).
COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE BROADCAST LIVE ON CHANNEL 9
VISIT THE CITY OF ASHLAND'S WEB SITE AT WWW.ASHLAND.OR.US
City of Ashland Coun ' eeting Look Ahead
• ***"THIS IS A DRAFT AN BJECT TO CHANGE"*** •
Responsible 6/17 6118 6/25 711 712 7115 7116 8/5 816 8119 8/20 9/2
sn7 $ ud S-esston in $1s i ou Room s/
1 Review of prop osals for help center rant award Dave Admin SS
sna Re uIMI Council Meetin -I♦ sne
2 Report from HSC on Thursday night winter shelter Bill CD PRES
3 Update on the Unified Land Use Ordinance project Bill Com Dev CONS
4 Resolution closing the Youth Activity Fund Lee Finance CONS
5 Award of rant for help center Dave Admin NEW
6 Approval of addendum to the MAA agreement Dave/Dave Le al Admin NEW
7 Public hearing on ordinance to le taxes for FY14&15 Lee Finance ORD-2
a Resolution ado tin self insurance plan (Tina) HR RES
Special Meeting 6/25
s Possible special meetin for FY13 ear-end bud et issues Finance
7n MS.tud. Session in Siki ,ou Room 7n
10 Discussion regarding improving and follow thru on Council Goal Admin SS
Settin session re uest of Councilors Slattery & Marsh
7/2 Re ular Co' uncillWe in 7rz
First Reading of an ordinance creating the Housing & Human Admin, Legal,
11 Services Commission and dissolving both the Housing and the CD ORD-1 ORD-2
Homelessness Steering Committees Dave/Dave/Bill
7/ts M$tud Session in $iski ou Room 7/ s
n16 ~Re"ularCo' ncliMeein
12 System development charges update for water, sewer, and PW PH
transportation Mike
Second Reading of an ordinance creating the Housing & Human Admin, Legal,
13 Services Commission and dissolving both the Housing and the CD ORD-2
Homelessness Steeringmittees (Dave/Dave/Bill)
14 IFirst Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 18, regarding CD ORD-1 ORD-z
VRBOs (Bill) I
Page 1 of 2 5130/2013
City of Ashland Council Meeting Look Ahead
*****THIS IS A DRAFT AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE"*"
Responsible 6117 6/18 6125 711 712 7115 7116 815 8/6 8/19 8120 912 9/3
e/s $ u Session in $iski ou Room a/
s/e ~Re ularCouncilMeetin 9/a
First Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 18, regarding CD
15 VRBOS Bill ORD-2
a1s Stud SeSSIOn inSiski ouRoom
Egg ~Re ularCoun'cilTMeetin
sg Stud Session Cancelled sg
sr3 ~Re ularCouncilMeetin
Long Temt]Pro]e'cta
Telecom Franchise Agreements & Right of Way Usage
Discussion of regulating the growing of medical marijuana in residential areas
ordinance changes regarding VRBO zoning
Day use facility for homeless
Discussion of direction to staff for study of water rate structure that rewards conservation and help
for lmw ncome individuals with water bills
Report on preparations made for drought years
Update on City building sustainability report
0 Pagf*f 2 0/2013
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Memo
DATE: May 30, 2013
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dave Kanner
RE: Plaza discussion items for June 3 study session
Councilor Marsh has requested a study session discussion of whether to place movable tables
and chairs on the Plaza. This was a recommendation of the Planning Commission (see attached
memo) that was not included in the final plans for the Plaza.
Councilor Voisin has requested a study session discussion of whether to stain the Plaza pavers a
different color.
Mayor Stromberg has requested a study session discussion of al I of the suggestions that have
been received by the Council since the Plaza project was completed. The e-mails containing
those suggestions are attached. The suggestions are summarized as follows:
1. Stain the metal roof of the information booth a copper color and paint the booth bright blue.
2. Stain the pavers ochre.
3. Stain the pavers brown.
4. Remove the tile artwork and replace it with granite, but not gray granite.
5. Replace the concrete seat wall caps with cedar or some other wood or granite
6. Move the Iron Mike statue to the roof of the info booth and get rid of the fountain on which it
now sits
7. Replace current plantings with bamboo, lilac, grape vines, dogwood and perennial flowers.
8. Put the flag of the Earth on the flagpole above the American flag
9. Install raised wooden planter boxes
10. Paint the information booth a different color
11. Paint the tree grates
12. Hire an event coordinator to attract events to the Plaza
13. Affix skateboard deterrents to the benches and seat wall caps
14. Allow dogs on the plaza
In addition to the above, the Transportation Commission on May 23`d rejected two staff
suggestions for dealing with parking and loading zone issues on the North Main Street side of the
plaza and recommended a yellow curb instead. Staff and the Plaza design team had hoped to
avoid painting curbs around the Plaza and we now seek Council direction on its preference for
handling this. The draft Transportation Commission minutes and staff-generated striping plans
are attached.
Ir,
CITY OF
-AS H LAN D
Memo
DATE: June 26, 2012
TO: Covey Pardee Landscape Architects
PROM: Ashland Planning Commission
Melanie Ivfindlin, Chair
RE: Plaza Redesign
The Ashland Planning Commission submits the following statement regarding
the redesign of the Ashland plaza;
First and foremost, the plaza design should support the basic function of the place to serve as a lively,
well-used community gathering place for residents (of all kinds) and visitors. The plaza is not u passive
park, nor should it be (as it is today) simply a thoroughfare from one commercial point to another.
Rather it is (or'should be) the central meeting point in downtown a place where friends meet up for
coffee, family members regroup after shopping, or individuals sit to read a newspaper or people watch.
Sometimes it.will be the site of large gatherings or demonstrations.
With these functions in mind, the design should include the following elements:
• Minimal (if any) turf. IN a plaza; not a park. Use planters (walls and/or pots) to provide
greenery and help define the space. Potted trees can provide a wonderful, full canopy.
• A variety of seating options: Walls, moveable cafe tables and chairs, etc. Furniture is key to
function.
• Trash and recycling containers. Well-designed and even beautiful containers don't have to be
relegated to the outskirts of the site. Instead, they can help define the space.
• Thoughtful site planning. A7ayout that provides a sense of protection for people at tables, but
doesn't obstruct views into of, out'of the plaza.
The Planning Commission is very excited by the opportimities.posed by the plaza redesign. We look,
forward to:helpingin any way we can as the project moves forward.
PUINNINGCOMMI5510N FaTd: r
Fair 5 ~w
57 WMhum WaY 41b5Y•2050
Ashland, O"m 97520 M: 990.735-2909
mg.ashland.or.us nlannlnd(dashiand.or.us
Dave Kanner
i
From: John Stromberg [john@council.ashland.or.us]
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 11:46 PM
To: Dave Kanner '
Subject: Fwd: The new plaza
Attachments: The Plaza.docx !
I
I
Here's an email from someone whose ideas should be included in out study session on possible Plaza
improvements. Also please inform him so he can attend the event.
Thanks!
John Stromberg
Mayor
541 552 2104 (direct)
541 488 6002 (secretary)
This email transmission is official business of the City of Ashland, and is subject to the Oregon Public Records
Law for disclosure and retention. If you have received this message in error, please contact me at
541.552.2104. Thank you.
From: "Alexander Alexis" <alphaalexisone@gmail.com>
To: carol@council.ashland.or.us, dennis@council.ashland.or.us, greg@council.ashland.or.us,
john@council.ashland.or.us, mike@council.ashland.or.us, pam@council.ashland.or.us,
rich@councii.ashland.or.us
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 6:23:17 PM
Subject: The new plaza
Dear All,
In the attachment you will find a letter I have just sent to Sneak Preview about the new plaza. The
second half of the letter outlines my sincere suggestions and it is my hope you will read the relatively
short piece in its entirety so you have the complete picture.
I also sincerely hope that you will take my suggestions seriously.
Thanks very much,
Alexander
Alexis
Another world is not only possible, she is on her way.
On a quiet day, 1 can hear her breathing.
-Arundhati Roy
!
r
i
The Plaza "Beautification" Disaster Project
The brown paper bog is the only thing invented by modern man that does not look out of place in nature.
-Tom Robbins
Congratulations to those who designed and approved our new town plaza! I am sitting in it right now as
I write this letter of thanks to you. It's hard to imagine that you could have succeeded so brilliantly in
making a previously boring, lifeless, and uninviting area even more boring, lifeless, and uninviting. I
would like to nominate you for the official 2013 National Art-lessness Award.
First among your brilliancies is the use of so much of the "color" gray. In a climate where gray plays such
a dominant role, you've perfectly blended the plaza with nature in poetic harmony. ("As above, so
below"!). The vast expanse resembling a volcanic surface just makes one want to get up and dance.
I would like to suggest that "ash" be designated the official color of the city of Ashland.
And the the work! It was sheer genius to use patterns so cleverly reminiscent of those modern highway
development projects and generic malls going up all across the country. You even put in those lovely
concrete sitting places. Makes a person feel right at home no matter where they're from.
I am so relieved that the tens of thousands of dollars you must have spent on this project were not
wasted on something useless and depressing like taking care of the homeless population. (We certainly
wouldn't want to encourage that kind of thing here now, would we? After all, they're not really part of
this town anyway, right? I think I read recently that science has shown that they are actually a strain of
sub-species.)
Nor would we want to spend our money on anything as frivolous as a real rose garden in Lithia Park,
with an artistic, wooden deer-proof enclosure with wisteria archway entrances and a fountain inside so
people could walk around and smell the flowers or sit down and talk or write poetry or draw or make
love, like in those old-fashioned gardens estates used to have. Those are so posse!
i
No. I love what you did to encourage tourism and uplift the residents. (I just can't stop thinking how all
that gray everywhere is so exciting. It's too bad you spent money on plants when those areas could have
been gray-bricked as well. But, never mind about that.) Thanks so much for a greatjob!
Plaza Beautification Disaster Rescue Mission Project suggestions:
1: Brush a bright, healthy-looking, copper-colored patina on the metal roof of the info booth and paint
the structure a bright blue to give it real presence.
2: Pour a rich, earthy, ochre-colored cement stain over the dead-looking brick floor-so it has warmth and
"lies down".
3: Remove those stupid-looking tiles and find some beautiful pieces of Oregon granite (not gray) to
cover the sides of the sitting places. Remove the cement tops and replace them with cedar or some
i
other hard, outdoor-compatible wood, or more granite, so folks have something classy to sit on and
don't have to feel like they are in a rest area on a highway somewhere.
4: Take the sculpture of the pioneer off the base, clean it up, and put it on top of the info booth, which
would be humorous yet meaningful, or (better) put it directly on the ground where it would have scale
and be artistically interesting. Get rid of the ridiculous, ugly, out-dated, irrelevant base.
5: Get rid of the shabby little, pathetic shrubby areas and make interesting and unusual indigenous
growth areas out of them with bamboo, lilac, grape vines, dogwood, and perennial flowering plants.
6: Run the flag of the Earth up the flagpole - above the American flag - and show some respect for the
planet we build things on. (This should be a standard for every flagpole in the city to set a precedent
which implies that we know our place in the universe - something America sorely needs to remember.)
7: Don't "beautify" anything else until you talk to me.
This town desperately needs to remember what Beauty actually is, and what the word "function" really
means: what serves the spiritmost, and stop thinking in terms of retarded-looking trance images
impressed upon us by corporate media which has no use for happiness.
Sincerely,
Alexander Alexis
Ashland
Dave Kanner
From: John Stromberg (john@council.ashland.or.us]
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 11:52 PM
To: Dave Kanner
Subject: Fwd: Downtown Plaza renovation
Here's an email from someone whose ideas should be included in our study session on possible Plaza
improvements. Also please inform him so he can attend the event.
Thanks!
John Stromberg
Mayor
541 552 2104 (direct)
541 488 6002 (secretary)
This email transmission is official business of the City of Ashland, and is subject to the Oregon Public Records
Law for disclosure and retention. If you have received this message in error, please contact me at
541.552.2104. Thank you.
From: "davidsherr" <davidsherr@AOL.com>
To: john@council.asMand.or.us
Cc: shipletd@ashland.or.us
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 7:08:10 AM
Subject: Downtown Plaza renovation
Dear Mayor Stromberg and Ms. Shiplet,
Ashland has great historic charm and culture to offer, yet the recent downtown Plaza renovation has
resulted in putting a cold, gray, out-of-context face on our beautiful town. The new and attractive
benches, tile work and trees are simply not enough to offset the cold grayish pavers and vast empty-
feeling open areas, especially at the junction of Windburn Way and Siskiyou Blvd. The new Plaza
simply does not reflect the theme, character and charm of our historic city. Frankly, with the several
concrete ledges, the current Plaza renovation looks more like a skateboard park that belongs
somewhere in downtown Burbank or Bakersfield, not in a downtown area of Ashland, Oregon. We are
certain you both agree that we all want to attract as many visitors to our beautiful town as
possible. However, the current renovation is counter to this goal.
We ask you to please consider taking the following steps to improve the look and feel of our Plaza
renovation:
1. Color the gray pavers with a stain or skim coat than reflects the warmer brown historic tones seen
on some of the Shakespeare Theatre buildings and the Tudor facade of Windburn Way just north of
Lithia Park - Colors befitting the character of our town. Two products for this purpose are available
according to the folks at Masco Mason's Supply in Medford: One is a Dye and Seal Acetone-based
product for coloring concrete block, the other is an acrylic concrete coloring product. Both are
relatively inexpensive to purchase and apply.
2. Install several 30" high by 10' long by 30" wide raised wooden curved planter boxes (These could
be made moveable if necessary) with trees or bushes in curved configurations to break up the cold
1
open spaces recently created by the renovation, and restore a sense of charm to the space. There is
nothing like greenery to warm-up and cheer a space - The entire plaza renovation needs more i
greenery!
3. Repaint the Information Booth a warmer, more historically based Ashland color, as suggested
above. City Hall could also use a warmer tone, not the cool New England gray tone it's presently
painted. Take color cues from the Community Center and the Festival buildings.
4. Replace or paint the rusty cover-grates surrounding the newly planted trees. The rusty grates
detract greatly from the appearance of the Plaza.
5. Please consider other measures to make the downtown Plaza area reflect the historic themes and
feel of our beautiful town.
These are not our sentiments alone - We have talked to numerous Ashlander's concerning the Plaza
renovations, and the above views are overwhelmingly shared among them.
Mayor Stromberg and Ms. Shiplet, please help us restore the charm of our downtown!
Thank you for considering our recommendations.
Sincerely,
David and Lisa Sherr
148 Strawberry Lane
Ashland, Oregon
2
Dave Kanner
From: John Stromberg [john@council.ashland.or.us]
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 12:02 AM
To: Linda Rolie
Cc: Dave Kanner
Subject: Re: Events /job description
Hi, Linda
Sorry for taking so long to reply to your email. Re creating events, especially in the Downtown, that would bring the
community together I think it's an interesting idea and I've asked City Administrator, Dave Kanner, to include it in an up-
coming study session on possible improvements to the Plaza. He'll let you know the date and may ask you for some
more specific information about your idea.
As for the City creating a job for this purpose, I think it's unlikely, but there's an option that might be of interest. Every
spring the City awards grants for small organizations in four fields: culture, economic development, sustainability and
tourism. If you could associate yourself with a 501c(3) non-profit you could submit a proposal to the committee that
awards the grants. Let me know if you'd like to pursue this possibility.
And thank you again for your imaginative suggestion.
Best regards,
John Stromberg
Mayor
541552 2104 (direct)
541488 6002 (secretary)
This email transmission is official business of the City of Ashland, and is subject to the Oregon Public Records Law for
disclosure and retention. If you have received this message in error, please contact me at 541.552.2104. Thank you.
From: "Linda Rolie" <linda@lindarolie.com>
To: john@counciLashland.or.us
Sent: Monday, April 22, 201312:49:29 PM
Subject: Events/ job description
Hello Mayor Stromberg:
My name is Linda Rolie and last evening, Sunday, April 21, as you were entering your car
at the Ashland Food coop, I mentioned how much I enjoyed the 100 year capsule event, as
well as appreciating the more open space. We laughed about creating more fun events in
Ashland (hula hoops on the plaza) and you said it sounded like I was writing a' ob
description' for myself. I have written many job descriptions during my corporate life,
but it got me to thinking about the possibilities for more activities, entertainment, and
social gatherings in Ashland.
1
I don't know if it is true or not, but I heard that nearly 65% Ashland residents live alone. I
believe that most everyone would greatly value the opportunity to gather together with
other individuals for some fun and entertainment! The Green Shows, 1st Friday Art Walk,
and Winery events are great, but it sure would be exciting to have some new venues that
encourage meeting, greeting, and socializing.
Think aboutJulie, Events Coordinator, in The Love Boat television series. For example, we
could launch an event at the Schnitzer Art Museum along with good food, beverages, and
fine art to get acquainted. There are endless venue possibilities. You could give a
welcoming speech as Captain of The Love Boat. Maybe some marriages would develop....
new acquaintances, smiles and laughter, and stronger sense of community.
Would you be interested in speaking with me about whether the City of Ashland would
consider a job description, akin to, "Social Queen Director?" Seriously, I think we could
create some quality events that would reduce isolation, increase familiarity and build
friendships in our very fine city.
I
Linda K. Rolie, MA, CEO/Founder
Career Management, LLC
A Career Management Firm in the Service of Structured Planning and Active Management
541.482.2337
Book: GETTING BACK to WORK - Everything you Need to Bounce Back and Get a Job After a Layoff (McGraw-
Hill NY)
http://www.LindaRolie.com
2
Dave Kanner
From: John Stromberg [john@council.ashland.or.us]
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 11:47 PM
To: Dave Kanner
Subject: Fwd: Plaza Suggestion
Here's an email from someone whose ideas should be included in out study session on possible Plaza
improvements. Also please infonn him so he can attend the event.
Thanks!
John Stromberg
Mayor
541 552 2104 (direct)
541 488 6002 (secretary)
This email transmission is official business of the City of Ashland, and is subject to the Oregon Public Records
Law for disclosure and retention. If you have received this message in error, please contact me at
541.552.2104. Thank you.
From: "Brian Tingle" <btingle@ashlandoregon.org>
To: "John Stromberg" <john@council.ashland.or.us>
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 4:08:30 PM
Subject: Re: Plaza Suggestion
Hi, John. Happy Spring to you.
I was looking at the "new° Plaza and have a suggestion for you to consider. I like the new look of the area,
especially the mosaics on the concrete benches. Regarding the benches, I would like to suggest that all of
them have "L" shaped metal pieces attached to the leading edge of each concrete bench every couple of feet
before they're destroyed (chipped, broken, etc.) by skateboarders "riding" the edge of the bench. Just take a
look at how many of the bench caps on the planter boxes along Main St. are chipped and broken due to
boarders.
I'd hate to see the new Plaza benches easily degraded by irresponsible skateboarders. I hope this might be an
easy fix that will not allow the boarders to use the edges of the benches while also not inconveniencing the
folks who'll sit on the benches.
Cheers!
Brian
i
i
Dave Kanner
From: John Stromberg john@council.ashland.or.ust
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 11:46 PM
To: Dave Kanner
Subject: Fwd: Plaza and dogs
Here's an email from someone whose ideas should be included in out study session on possible
Plaza improvements. Also please inform him so he can attend the event.
Thanksl
John Stromberg
mayor
541 552 2104 (direct)
541 488 6002 (secretary)
This email transmission is official business of the City of Ashland, and is subject to the
Oregon Public Records Law for disclosure and retention. If you have received this message in
error, please contact me at 541.552.2104. Thank you.
Forwarded Message
From: "Vanston Shaw" <vanston28@gmail.com>
To: "John Stromberg" <john@council.ashland.or.us>
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 4:49:29 PM
Subject: Plaza and dogs
Mayor Stromberg,
The "old" plaza didn't allow dogs. I noticed that there are no "NO DOGS" signs on the new
plaza. I would like to support it staying that way. Ashland looks like a very unwelcoming
town to those citizens and visitors when we prohibit dogs on our plaza. It should be a
meeting place for the entire community and it should be OK to bring your entire family,
including Fido.
I hope the plaza stays dog friendly.
Thanks,
Vanston Shaw, Ph.D.
180 Lithia Way #208
Ashland, OR 97520
1
ASHLAND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
MAY 23, 2013
h.
These minutes am pending~approval,bygthe Transportation Commission
A. Plaza Parking
Staff Report
Commissioners were given additional handouts at the meeting which included an aerial photo of the Plaza (prior to
redesign); a second Plaza striping plan drawing; and a memo from former Transportation Commissioner, Mike
Gardiner.
Scott Fleury gave a brief overview of the Plaza parking, both prior and post Plaza redesign. He reminded the
Commission the previous Plaza configuration included a yellow painted curb that was used as a temporary loading
zone for truck deliveries. He noted vehicles are currently parking along the curb adjacent to the Plaza as it is no
longer painted yellow.
Mr. Fleury pointed out the Plaza redesign committee was in favor of painting the loading zone on the pavement as
illustrated in the Ashland Plaza Striping Plan #1 (provided in the Transportation Commission packet). He stated
several business owners were in favor of adding extra parking spaces along the Plaza as illustrated in the Ashland
Plaza Striping Plan #2 (handout provided at the meeting). He encouraged Commissioners to discuss options keeping
in mind the future Downtown Multi-Modal Parking and Circulation Study.
Commission Discussion
A question was asked regarding the lawfulness of the prior yellow painted curb configuration along the Plaza island
indicating a no parking zone, yet being used as a temporary loading zone. Officer MacLennan replied that Diamond
Parking and Ashland Police allow the temporary truck parking. It was noted the way the Plaza parking functioned in
the past (i.e. truck deliveries in the morning, temporary parking throughout the day for rafters, mountain bike clients,
Plaza events, Ashland Police enforcement in the evenings) seemed to work well.
Staff informed the Commission that streets surrounding the Plaza will be chip sealed and restriped in the fall, creating
two additional parking spaces.
Commissioners discussed posting signage which led to a discussion on the amount of signs throughout the city
adding to the clutter.
Comments
A comment was made that the Plaza is also a public space used as a community gathering for music, artistic events,
etc. causing this area to be a critical loading zone (not just used for business deliveries).
It was implied that both visitors and residents recognize yellow painted curbs as a no parking zone and
Commissioners felt it would make sense to keep it standardized. .
It was noted that allowing parking along the curb detracts from the Plaza improvements by closing off the open
space.
It was expressed that the decision seemed to be a trade-off between convenient parking and safety.
Concerns
Areas of concern surrounding the current configuration (without yellow painted curb) and use of the Plaza included:
• traffic backing up while drivers parallel park,
• vehicles double parked while waiting for another vehicle to leave,
• poor visibility of pedestrians crossing due to cars parked too closely to the crosswalks,
• potential for drivers/passengers leaving their vehicles and crossing in an unpredictable manner (e.g.
passenger side exit into traffic; not using the crosswalks), and
• lack of emergency access for Police and Fire if vehicles are allowed to park along the curb.
Suggestions (during discussion)
A suggestion was made to enforce a no parking zone on N. Main St. prior to turning into the Plaza. Staff noted that
52 foot trucks rarely park in the Plaza because of the turn radius making this zone preferable for longer trucks.
Officer MacLennan concluded from a safety standpoint that he would recommend making this area a no parking
zone. He felt the next best thing would be to post signs. He added that temporary loading zone curb colors (white or
green) do not prevent cars from parking in those areas.
Commissioners Vidville /Anderson m/s to recommend painting the curb yellow around the entire Plaza, with
no signage, and with the understanding that enforcement occur as it has historically. Voice vote: all AYES.
Motion passed.
Mr. Fleury summarized the Commission concerns were safety related, specifically police and fire emergency access;
the potential for double parking; passengers opening doors into traffic; vehicle backing conflicts; pedestrians walking
in between cars; and drivers attempting to parallel park which creates a narrow passing lane.
Memo
5/23/13
To: Ashland Transportation Commission
From: Mike Gardiner
Re: Plaza Island Parking Analysis -Action Item A on your May 23, 2013 Agenda
I received a call from Mike Faught last week regarding truck parking in
Ashland. As some of you know I work for a local trucking company that makes
daily deliveries to most cities in Southern Oregon. There are several different
requirements for making in-town, ground deliveries: Time of day, size of delivery
vehicle, business hours of the consignee, etc. But above all the delivery company
needs reasonable access to the delivery addresses. The more difficult the delivery
the more it costs the delivery company and, generally speaking, the business
owner. Restrictive time of day deliveries or loading zones that are not
conveniently located may lead to increased labor costs and/or special equipment
needs which add to the costs of transportation.
I would encourage the commission to preserve the loading zone as
proposed in this item for the downtown Plaza Island. I would also encourage you
to look for additional options for truck parking around the downtown zone. The
faster a delivery driver can complete his delivery the quicker he will be on his way
to his next stop and downtown congestion will be minimized. As we say in the
business, "if you bought it, a truck brought it". Please do not overlook the
importance and necessity of truck deliveries to our downtown businesses.
If I can be of any help to the Transportation Commission or the Ashland
Public Works Department regarding future truck transportation concerns please
do not hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
Mike Gardiner
ASHLAND PLAZA STRIPING PLAN
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
June 3, 2013, Study Session
Discussion of Creation of a Jobs Commission
FROM:
Adam Hanks, Management Analyst, hanksa@ashland.or.us
SUMMARY
In its 2013 goal setting process, Council included an objective to establish a permanent jobs
commission to support the Community quality of life goal to "Anticipate and identify opportunities to
provide for the physical, social, economic and environmental health of the community."
To aid in Council discussion about the charge and role of a jobs commission, staff has outlined several
different structures that could be utilized to meet the objective. Each will require specific ordinance
language adoption.
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
It is staff s understanding that the intent of a local jobs commission is to provide a more local and
specific set of tools and resources for workforce development than are currently available and
accessible through the regional agencies and partners that provide similar services in Jackson and
Josephine counties, specifically the Job Council, and the Rogue Workforce Partnership.
A local jobs commission could be structured to identify and fill Ashland specific gaps in the menu of
services and programs available regionally. Additionally, a local jobs commission could be a conduit
and communication mechanism to the regional services, which would help ensure that local efforts do
not result in duplication of time, effort or cost of job/workforce related services and resources.
SCENARIO #1
Jobs & Workforce Advisory Board
Membership
• 7 Members
• Appointed representation of workforce sectors
1 - Education partner (SOU, RCC, ASD)
4 - Major local employers by category
o Government/Non-profit
o Industrial/Manufacturing/Technical
o Technology - Hardware/Software/Services
o Tourism/Hospitality/Retail/Restaurant
1 - Economic Development Partner
o Chamber of Commerce
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
o Small Business Development Center
o SOREDI
o Business Oregon
1 - Employee/Workforce Training
Purpose
A. Identify, develop and recommend programs and activities that foster and promote job retention,
creation and advancement in Ashland.
B. Develop formal communication, coordination and collaboration with regional economic
development partners to increase local influence, availability and participation in regional programs
relating to job retention, creation and advancement.
C. Promote, coordinate and participate in local job resource and training activities that meet the
identified needs of the existing and potential local employer and employee pool.
D. Develop and recommend benchmarks and performance targets relating to job retention, creation
and advancement.
E. Provide job retention, creation and advancement policy and strategy recommendations to Council
Meeting Structure
Quarterly Board meetings with associated sub-committee and ad-hoc Board meetings as determined by
the Board.
SCENARIO #2
Jobs & Economic Growth Advisory Board
Membership
• 14 Members
• Appointed representation of the following workforce sectors
Education partners (SOU, RCC, ASD)
Local employers by category
o Large employer (50 emp.
o Govemment/Non-profit
o Industrial/Manufacturing/Technical
o Technology - Hardware/Software/Services
o Tourism/Hospitality/Retail/Restaurant
o Self Employed/Home based
o Real Estate/Construction/Development
o Organized labor
o Employee/workforce representative
Economic Development Partners
o Chamber of Commerce
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
o Small Business Development Center
o SOREDI
o Business Oregon
Purpose
A. Identify, develop and recommend programs and activities that foster and promote job retention,
creation and advancement in Ashland.
B. Develop formal communication, coordination and collaboration with regional economic
development partners to increase local influence, availability and participation in regional programs
relating to job retention, creation and advancement.
C. Promote, coordinate and participate in local job resource and training activities that meet the
identified needs of the existing and potential local employer and employee pool.
D. Develop and recommend benchmarks and performance targets relating to job retention, creation
and advancement.
E. Provide job retention, creation and advancement policy and strategy recommendations to Council
F. Review and recommend implementing action relating to the Economic Development Strategy
G. Develop and recommend updates to the goals, strategies and actions of the Economic Development
Strategy
H. Develop and recommend benchmarks and performance targets for Economic Development
Strategy goals, objectives and implementing actions.
1. Advise Council on local and regional economic development policy development opportunities
Meeting Structure
Quarterly Board meetings with two standing sub-committees (Jobs and Economic Development) and
ad-hoc Board meetings as determined by the Board.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The budget for the economic development program includes $105,000 for project and Economic
Development Strategy support work in FY14. In developing a recommendation for Council
consideration of how that money could be allocated, staff included a recommendation that between
$5,000 and $10,000 be set aside and utilized for contracted services from the Rogue Workforce
Partnership to support and move forward the work of a Jobs Board or Commission. The Rogue
Workforce Partnership has indicated they are willing and able to provide such staff support and
expertise.
The creation of a new advisory board/commission would require additional staff resources for staff
liaison functions as well as staff resources for agenda creation, meeting packets, public notices,
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11FAIR
CITY OF
ASHLAND
meeting minutes and other incidental tasks associated with advisory board/commission's, all able to be
coordinated and accomplished by existing staff.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION:
Staff will take direction from Council and prepare an ordinance and resolution to establish a Board or
Commission for a future business meeting should that be the direction given.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Rogue Workforce Partnership information sheet.
Page 4 of 4
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Rogue Workforce Partnership
THE JOB COUNCIL i °R"On
raoelowc woanroacc ncsouncas POWERW Serving Jackson it Josephine Counties
l 1 Preparing Workers for Today's Jobs & Tomorrow's Careers
Nikki Joao I Owner
About Us Express Employment Profmianalr
The Rogue Workforce Partnership is a private/public partnership led by business RWP Chair
leaders. We are a 501(x)3 non-profit organization designated under federal and Lindell Smothers I Director of Human Resources
Fire Mountain Gems & Beads
state statue as the Workforce Investment Board for Jackson & Josephine RwPVice-chair
Counties. We are leaders from business, economic development, education, PeterAngstadt President
workforce and community-based organizations working across complex Rogue co"maniry college
institutional boundaries to align resources, catalyze system change and create wderaln I Labor Representative
Service Employees International Union
innovative workforce solutions. Our mission is to help foster the region's
economic vitality by growing the skills and talent of workers, so that businesses RaChrnter Communication CornImunkcatt tiicalDreUm
om
and residents can prosper in the global economy. Swan Charmer I Employment & Training Coordinator
Organization ofthe Forgotten American
The Job Council provides staff support to the RWP, operates the WorkSource Oregon
One-Stop Centers in partnership with the Oregon Employment Department, and ' ~ ~nrernIhMaterials& Facility Manager hic.
provides direct services to job/career seekers.
Greg Edwards I Chief People Officer
i ASAATElleahhbyaKms
Our Purpose
Executive Direct"
The Rogue Workforce Partnership exists to address the region's workforce roeJimJob Pang I Coa m,11
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ncrl
issues. We see workforce issues as the gaps or fault lines that occur naturally Ran Fox I Executive Director
when the complex systems of business and economics, educational institutions, Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development rnt
and family/social systems intersect. Our strategic plan is our action plan for James Pfarror I Aren Manager
addressing these workforce Issues. It is a living document that adapts to our wort EmpfoymenfDepartnrerrt
changing circumstances, opportunities and learning. It creates a framework and Tanya Haekinson I Human Resource & Safety Manager
Sierra Pine. Medite Disislon
C heory of change for our "strategic doing" work together.
Mary Holbrook I Director
Our Promise to Southern Oregon JunlorAchlevement
• A more highly-skilled workforce built through artnershi ' Frees wa Hrm I Reseipol
P P• ~ No((omrynnran esourco
• Align education, training & job placement efforts to meet the unique needs Pete Keeps I District Manager
of local businesses & citizens. Oregon VorntlonalRehabillltation Services
• Create a demand-driven, skills-based & integrated workforce delivery system ' Brant Kell I Executive Dinsmor
focused on skills & talent development. Valley Immediate Care
• Accountability for results driven by the needs of business and the economy. Michael Kid,xeu I Supervisor
U.S Department of Veterans Affair
• Strategic investments to increase Southern Oregon's economic southern Oregon Rehabitiavion center & clinics
competitiveness. Jim Klein I Provost
i ty
• Evaluation & continuous improvement built upon what works Southern Oregon Urdversi
i Michael Klem I Labor Representative
Two Primary Customers Eleadclans Lacol 659
i
Our focus is on two primary customers: Tolga L.atif I President &CEO
• Businesses -who seek the best possible candidates for job openings cans Techaotogy
• Job Seekers/Working Learners -which includes the: Clnidne Lie on I Training Director
timer Lake Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Center
s "Emerging" workforce - young adults entering the job market from high pbn tong I superintendent
school or post-secondary training/education. _ Metioid549CSchoulDistrict
"Transitional" workforce - those transitioning to employment from Doug Mato I District Manager
Oregon Department ofliuman Services
unemployment, dislocation, public assistance or other life changes.
Scott Perry I Superintendent
s Current workforce - employed workers who need to keep expanding their southern Oregon Esmadon service District
skills; including training to keep pace with workplace/technological Michelle Robison I Senior Human Resource Generalist
advances, and training for career advancement. Erickson Ah CraneDaorporated
Sus Montemayor I Human Resource Director
Building upon our region's capacities and partnerships, we work to create an Motorcycle U.S.A./Motorcycle Superstore
even stronger bridge between these two customers. We want to build skills, Tamara Nordin I Vice President. Haman Resources
build the workforce and help companies to grow. Pm1Jlc Retirement Services
Betty Walden I Direct" WorkforceDevelopment
Southern Oregon GoodwilllndtssMes
Our Strateoies education and work skills by:
Our region's strategies are integrated with three Convening an annual Careers in Gear event for
overarching statewide strategies for action: area high schools students. More than a career
fair, this event has many business volunteers
1. Industry Sector Strategies - key industries fuel the who, in addition to table-top industry displays,'
region's economy. Sector strategies are business-led conduct workshops in job preparation, critical
partnerships with education, workforce and economic thinking skills and emotional Intelligence, and
development partners to jointly solve the workforce mentor small cohorts of students in career
challenges of our region's key industries: Healthcare, exploration throughout the day.
Advanced Manufacturing & E-commerce/Information Working to have more high school students
Technology. graduate with at least 9 post-secondary credits
hours, launching them into the skills gains they
2. Work Ready Communities -assures that workers need to be successful workers for our Industries.
have the foundational skills necessary to support local Increasing Experiential Learning opportunities so
businesses by teaching, assessing and documenting
those skills. We are starting the process to document more students will have hands-on, real world
the foundational skills of workers using the National experience, develop work ethics, and can apply
Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) and other tools. academics and their innate critical thinking
abilities to solve real world problems.
3. System Innovation - We are bridging the gap • R U Ready Media Campaign
between K-12 education, higher education, workforce We co-sponsor the "Are You Ready"
preparation and business needs, focusing on: media campaign with KOBI-TV, Jackson
County Commission on Children &
I
• WorkSource Oregon One-Stop/System Partners-
through centers in Medford and Grants Pass, we Families & other business partners. The goal is to
increase school readiness and graduation rates,
provide one-stop services to help job/career
seekers connect to opportunities. We're working to and encourage students to pursue post-secondary
strengthen partnerships and streamline services education and skills training after high school.
between The Job Council, Oregon Employment Our additional region-specific strategy is:
i 1
Department, Department of Human Services 4. PowerUpAcademy - adirectresponsetotheneeds
Vocational Rehabilitation, Southern Oregon of businesses for more responsive, relevant and
Goodwill Industries, Easter Seals, Bureau of Labor readily available skills training for employed workers.
& Industries, Rogue Community College, Southern Launched in January 2009, the Academy offers one-
Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology, day and half-day trainings on topics that are in high-
K-12 school districts and other partners. demand across multiple Industries. Trainings provide
• Career/Work Readiness Preparation - our goal is tremendous cost efficiencies and Immediate return on
to create the best possible pool of skilled and investment for participating businesses. Topics adapt
talented workers, so business have access to the to meet changing business needs, and have Included:
human resources they need to succeed. In addition MS-Excel/Access/Project, Crystal Reports, Forklift
to the NCRC, and links to more PowerUp Academy Safety, First-Aid/CPR, Automated Process Controls,
trainings, partners want to expand upon RCC's Ergonomics, Metallurgy, Lean, Karrass Negotiation,
Institutional Learning Objectives - a common set of Finance, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership and
behaviors that more holistically define student Supervision.
success, such as: persistence, self-monitoring, More than 2,250 employees from 370 companies have
critical thinking, transfer of knowledge and a wider had 5,250 training experiences to date with very high
application of communication skills. customer satisfaction rating. Businesses report
• Career Pathways - working with businesses, RCC, significant skills enhancements, productivity gains and
SOU, OIT and other training providers, we are company benefit from the trainings. For more
mapping pathways and opportunities In information go to:http://sopowerup.comz
skills/career growth for workers and companies,
and seeking to create more earn and learn For Information on Region 8's local strategic plan see:
pathways. http://www.lobcouncii.org/Page.asp?NaVID=447
For-information on Oregon's statewide strategies see:
• Youth Success - creating a seamless connection
between high school, post-secondary training/ http•//www.worksourceoregon.org/strategic-plan-2012-2022