HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-0715 Study Session MIN City Council Study Session
July 15, 2013
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MINUTES FOR THE STUDY SESSION
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
Monday, July 15, 2013
Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. in the Siskiyou Room.
Councilor Slattery, Rosenthal, Voisin, Morris, Lemhouse, and Marsh were present.
1. Look Ahead review
City Administrator Dave Kanner reviewed items on the Look Ahead. Councilor Voisin requested a Study
Session with Asante on future communications between the City and the hospital. She also wanted to
readdress the current Council agenda agreement regarding other business from Council members.
2.. Discussion on urban renewal (request of Councilor Slattery)
Councilor Slattery noted prior council discussions regarding urban renewal and thought it was worthwhile
revisiting with the recent enterprise zone and internet based overlay to see if it was applicable at this time.
He also thought the Croman Mill Site Plan needed periodic review to determine viability and how to
make it viable if needed.
City Administrator Dave Kanner explained the state required the final plan on urban renewal, not the
feasibility study. The City's feasibility study was more detailed than typical studies and produced some
of the groundwork for the final plan. Additionally, market conditions had not changed so the feasibility
study was still applicable. The final plan would cost approximately $40,000-$75,000 and involve hiring a
consultant.
Council discussed why previous Council did not pursue urban renewal and supported adding it to a future
Study Session along with a request to keep the Croman Mill Site Plan separate.
3. Facilities energy audit and Sustainability Plan update
Management Analyst Adam Hanks explained the City hired RHT Energy Solutions to conduct an energy
audit of primary city buildings, documenting uses on energy and natural gas with the goal of determining
energy efficiency measures.
There were 5-6 energy efficiency measures that would result in a return of investment. Councilor
Rosenthal commented the City of Medford hired RHT Energy Solutions and they generated tremendous
savings through grant funding and matching needs with potential revenue streams. Mr. Hanks added that
was also a deliverable with the City. Audit results would include potential measures to save money,
increase energy efficiency and provide benchmarking on kilowatt usage.
Meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Smith
Assistant to the City Recorder