HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-22 Housing & Human Services MIN
Ashland Housing and Human Services Commission
Minutes
July 22, 2021
Call to Order
Commission Co-Chair Rich Rohde called the Zoom meeting to order at 4:00pm .
Commissioners Present: Council Liaison
Rich Rohde Gina Duquenne
Echo Fields
Jackie Bachman SOU Liaison
Linda Reppond None appointed at this time
(Vacant)
(Vacant) Staff Present:
Heidi Parker Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist
Commissioners Not In Attendance:
Leda Shapiro
Chris Mahan
Approval of Minutes
Commissioners Echo Fields / Heidi Parker m/s to approve the minutes of June 24, 2021
as amended. Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed.
Public Forum
Elizabeth From Peace house would like the City to provide porta-john units at Mistletoe & Tolman for homeless
camping in that area. July 1, Parks & Rec removed the porta-john and sink that were there. Peace House serves
approx. 125 4-times per week at this location.
Commission agrees to talk about this subject at the end of this meeting tonight
Post Legislative Session-Housing and Homeless Related Bills
State Representative Pam Marsh gives an update on Legislative Bills that recently passed that are linked to
Wildfire relief, housing relief, mental health issues, homeless issue, climate issues, and racial justice issues.
Food Resources Community Outreach Event Discussion
Heidi Parker, Housing Commissioner brings forth the idea to profile one organizations and businesses that are
doing outreach once a week or once a month in the local paper to show the community who is providing services
for those that are in need. Commission discusses ideas in how to highlight these organizations and forms a work
group with Heidi, Rich, and Linda Reppond.
Porta-Toilet Discussion
Commission discusses need for Porta-Toilets units and past damages to unit. Commission asks Gina DuQuenne
to Convey to City Council that the Housing and Human Services commission has a continued interest in the
ongoing COVID situation and Porta-Toilet placement in the city. Commission would like to have a joint discussion
about the issue with City Council. Linda Reppond will draft a letter to Ashland Parks commission detailing the
need for Porta-Toilets and present it at the next meeting for approval.
Liaison Reports
Rich Rohde, Co-Chair lets the commission know there has been an invite from OHRA to tour the new shelter
center.
rd
Gina DuQuenne, Council Liaison announces August 3 council meeting will have the first reading of the
rd
amendment to the City Annexation Ordinance and there will be a combined meeting on August 23 with Ashland
Parks and City Council
Linda Reid, Staff Liaison let the commission know that AC units have been installed in the (3) pallet houses at
the Unitarian Church. At State Wide housing meeting it was discussed that most cities do not have a policy on
Cooling Shelters and when they should be opened. Linda puts forth to the commission to ask if this is something
they would like to work on and present to the City Council
Upcoming Meeting for Housing Commission Regular Meeting
Aug 26, 2021
Adjournment: Rich Rohde adjourned the meeting at 6:22p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Liz Hamilton