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Planning CommissionMinutes
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January 23, 2024
SPECIAL MEETING
Minutes
I.CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Verner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E.
Main Street. She noted that Commissioner Perkinson was attending the meeting via Zoom.
Commissioners Present: Staff Present:
Lisa Verner Brandon Goldman, Community Development Director
Doug Knauer Derek Severson, Planning Manager
Kerry KenCairn Michael Sullivan, Executive Assistant
Russell Phillips
Susan MacCracken Jain
Gregory Perkinson
Absent Members: Council Liaison:
Eric Herron Paula Hyatt
II.ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community Development Director Brandon Goldman made the following announcements:
The City is holding its annual town hall meeting on January 24, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the
Stevenson Union Building at SOU.
The City Council will be receiving its quarterly update from Townmakers, LLC on February 5,
2024, regarding their potential development of the Croman Mill Site. Mr. Goldman noted that
there had not been any substantial changes to their proposal since their last update.
III.PUBLIC FORUM – None
IV.TYPE III PUBLIC HEARING
A. Recommendation of draft ordinance for Parks, Trails, and Open Space Map Update
Chair Verner stated that the Commission would be making a recommendation to the Council for a
final decision. She directed attention to public comments received after the meeting packet had
been distributed, and thanked all those who had submitted their testimony (see attachment #1).
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Staff Presentation
Mr. Severson began by reiterating that the Commission would be making a formal recommendation
on the Parks, Trails and Open Space (PTOS) ordinance update to the Council for a final decision. He
stated that a first reading of the draft ordinance would be held at the Council’s February 20, 2024
Business Meeting.
Mr. Severson directed the Commission’s attention to the public comments that staff received prior to
the meeting. The first was received from Amy Gunter on behalf of the owner of 755 North Mountain
Avenue, and spoke to the identification on the proposed map of NM-G of the North Mountain
Neighborhood Plan as an area for acquisition for parks purposes. In regards to Ms. Gunter’s letter, Mr.
Severson clarified that this area was already identified for acquisition in the North Mountain
Neighborhood Plan, and that there are ways the land could be acquired without triggering a
modification to that plan.
Mr. Severson summarized the remaining public comments which spoke to the expansion of the
Central Bike Path (CBP). Mr. Severson detailed how the TPOS map update is to be used in conjunction
with the Trails Master Plan, which designated the expansion of the CBP as a critical improvement. He
also pointed out that the Transportation System Plan designated the CBP as a high priority.
Mr. Severson stated that staff is generally supportive of adopting the map update with any
recommendations that the Commission has for Council (see attachment #2).
Questions of Staff
Commissioner Knauer noted that Ms. Gunter’s letter had expressed concern that additional
encumbrances could be placed on the property at 755 North Mountain Avenue if this map update
was approved. Mr. Severson responded that it is staff’s opinion that this update would not pose any
additional encumbrances on the property. He explained that the TPOS is a supporting document to
the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and that chapter 8 speaks to the need for the City to negotiate with
property owners when purchasing land and that such properties shall be purchased without
resulting in direct condemnation. Mr. Goldman noted that the North Mountain Neighborhood Master
Plan established zoning and allowances for that property. Therefore, provided that Ms. Gunter’s client
submitted plans consistent with this application, it would be processed with the underlying zoning.
Mr. Goldman added that even if the Council approved the TPOS plan as presented, staff would note
the location of the floodplain, the Greenway dedication, and the proposed street system to ensure
that any proposed development did not preclude those connections. Commissioner KenCairn
clarified that the owner of 755 North Mountain Avenue could build a single-family on one lot and
retain the remaining lots.
The Commission discussed how the City could acquire land in order to expand the CBP. Mr. Goldman
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ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).
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explained that the Public Works Department would be the acquiring party as part of the
Transportation System Plan, either through easements or by purchasing the properties, which would
then be approved by the Council. The Commission lamented the fact that the expansion of the CBP
had been a top priority for the City for over ten years, but that no progress had been made in that
time. Interim Parks Director Leslie Eldridge stated that the CBP represents vital connectivity corridors,
but that their expansion is not actionable by the Ashland Parks & Recreation Department. She
cautioned City residents from beseeching the Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission (APRC) to
undertake the expansion of the CBP, stating that they are simply an interested party. Ms. Eldridge
added that the Parks & Recreation Commission is drafting a resolution showing its goals and
aspirations for the City.
The Commission discussed how public comments received, and how those comments made by the
Commission, could be included in a motion to encourage the completion of the CBP. Chair Verner
suggested that a “Whereas” clause be included in a motion that highlighted the need for progress to
be made on this project, particularly given length of time that it has been designated a high priority.
Commissioner Knauer agreed, emphasizing that it should be clear which City departments are
responsible for this project and that action needs to be taken.
Public Comments
Rick Landt/Mr. Landt introduced himself as a member of the APRC. In relation to the resolution
referred to by Ms. Eldridge, Mr. Landt stated that approving that resolution would show the APRC’s
commitment to the Traffic Safety Plan and the Trails Master Plan. He emphasized the importance of
expanding the CBP, but added that there are other important trails in the City and not everything
could be included in the TPOS plan.
Mr. Landt lauded the changes to the TPOS map update, citing the removal of 277 acres compared to
the 2002 plan currently in place, and the trail corridors being shown on the proposed map. He also
pointed out that the map update lists the Trails Master Plan corridors and stated that this map is
intended to be used in conjunction with the APRC Trails Master Plan, which identifies critical
connectivity corridors for acquisition or easements.
Mr. Landt also clarified that the APRC is only interested in acquiring the riparian areas of the property
referenced in Ms. Gunter’s letter.
Gary Shaff/Mr. Shaff stated that every City department, Commission, and Committee is obligated to
follow the Comprehensive Plan, and that the City’s inaction regarding the expansion of the CBP
reflected its lack of a unified vision. He insisted that the expansion of the CBP be listed as a top
priority in the TPOS map update, and by extension the Comprehensive Plan, to ensure that the City
funds and completes this project. Mr. Shaff pointed out that the state’s new Climate Friendly and
Equitable Communities guidelines direct cities to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging
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planning@ashland.or.us. 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 1).
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alternative forms of transportation, and that it should be a priority for all City departments,
Commissions, and Committees ensure the expansion of the CBP to help reach this goal (see
attachment #3).
Chair Verner closed the Public Hearing and Public Record at 7:48 p.m.
Deliberation and Decision
The Commission discussed how a resolution could be included in a recommendation of approval
that encouraged the completion of the CBP. Ms. Eldridge reiterated that the APRC can label the CBP
as a critical connectivity project, but does not have the authority to complete the CBP itself.
Commissioner Knauer expressed concern over the public’s perception of the City’s priorities as listed
on the proposed TPOS map update. He pointed to areas listed on the map that are outside of the
City limits, while projects like the CBP remain incomplete.
Commissioner KenCairn remarked that any direction for the completion of the CBP needs to come
from the Council, and suggested that a motion include a request for the completion of the CBP to be
considered a high priority. Chair Verner responded that a “Whereas” clause could be included in the
motion to this effect. Commissioner Phillips asked if the Commission should recommend that the
completion of the CBP be included in the Comprehensive Plan. Chair Verner responded that it
already exists in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Goldman elaborated that Transportation System Plan
was adopted as a technical support document to the Comprehensive Plan, so the CBP is already
included in it.
Chair Verner suggested that the Commission recommend that the expansion of the CBP be
considered a priority by Council. Commissioner Knauer further suggested that Council direct specific
City departments to complete this undertaking. Commissioner KenCairn commented that it is not up
to the Commission to direct responsibility for such a project.
Commissioners MacCracken Jain/KenCairn m/s to recommend approval of the draft ordinance
and adoption of the Parks, Trails and Open Space map as an official map supporting the Ashland
Comprehensive Plan’s Chapter VIII “Parks, Open Spaces and Aesthetics” with the following
amendment:
Add a new “Whereas” clause as follows:
“Whereas, the Central Bike Path has been a priority listed on both the new “Parks, Open Space and
Trails Map” and the City’s Transportation Systems Plan and, after more than 10 years of such
listing, should be funded and completed.”
Roll Call Vote: All AYES. Motion passed 6-0.
V.OPEN DISCUSSION
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planning@ashland.or.us. 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 1).
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Commissioner Knauer requested that the Commission discuss the Comprehensive Plan and the
vision for the City at a future Study Session. He stated that this would assist the Commission in
making decisions that are guided by the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Goldman responded that this
topic could be reviewed at the February 27, 2024 Study Session.
Commissioner MacCracken Jain expressed appreciation for all citizens who submitted public
comments and were involved in this process.
VI.ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
Submitted by,
Michael Sullivan, Executive Assistant
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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please email
planning@ashland.or.us. 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 1).