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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-07 Council Mtg MINASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Tuesday May 7, 2024 Council Chambers,1175 E Main Street CALL TO ORDER Mayor Tonya Graham called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm. 1. Land Acknowledgement** Councilor Hyatt read the land acknowledgement. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilor Kaplan led the pledge of allegiance. III. ROLL CALL Mayor Graham, Councilors Hyatt, Bloom, Dahle, Kaplan, DuQuenne and Hansen were present. IV. MAYOR'S/CHAIR OF THE COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Historic Preservation Proclamation Mayor Graham read the proclamation into the record. Historic annual awards will be presented on May 18, 2024. 2. Asian American Heritage Proclamation Mayor Graham read the proclamation into the record. Graham spoke about the approaching fire season. Events this month that support residents to prepare include a free green debris drop-off at the Ashland transfer station on Saturday May 11, 2024. Wildfire Education Day is May 18, 2024, and Ashland Fire and Rescue is holding its open house on May 31, 2024. There are also a series of Air Filter events, and details are on the City of Ashland Website. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES *** 1. Minutes of the April 12, 2024 - Council Retreat 2. Minutes of the April 15, 2024 - Study Session Meeting 3. Minutes of April 16, 2024- Business Meeting Councilor Bloom/Dahle m/s to approve the minutes. Roll Call Vote: Councilors Hyatt, Bloom, Kaplan, DuQuenne, Dahle and Hansen, YES. Motion passed. VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1. Childcare Ad Hoc Committee update Councilor Paula Hyatt introduced Heidi Hill Executive Director of the Ashland YMCA and receiver of one of the Early Childhood Affordability grant awards. Hill thanked the Council on behalf of the YMCA and especially the families served. Hill reported the YMCA USA provides 80% of childcare in the United States. It was new for the Ashland YMCA to step into this identified service gap for both quality early learning and all -day care. This helped working families provide quality care in the face of the post -pandemic childcare shortage. The YMCA worked with the Ashland School District to co -locate early learning experiences for children 3- City Council Business Meeting May 7, 2024 Page l of 7 5 in schools they will hopefully attend one day. The Ashland YMCA Board was generous in building the capacity for the program, and the City of Ashland's grant was significant in realizing the program's success. The program was able to stand up 40 new slots with the City's grant. Hill also expressed appreciation for the extension to utilize these funds through the summer to support its all -day care at the Walker Elementary site for working families. Ad hoc Committee on Affordable Childcare and Early Childhood Development members Paula Hyatt, Lisa Verner, and John Love gave a committee update (see attached). Hansen asked what the Community Development department could do to help. Verner mentioned planning support in co -locating care and housing and Hyatt spoke of a conditional use permit or change of zoning. Kaplan asked about how to increase available providers to meet the identified demand. Hyatt referred to the grant program recommendations that aim to increase capacity. Bloom and Dahle thanked the Committee, Hill and the YMCA. Graham spoke about the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) conference where it was shared there would be about a one - month turnaround in late spring or early summer between when awards are announced and when they close. Graham asked how the City could move into a position to be awarded funding from the LOC this year or next. Love responded about infrastructure grants coming out this summer, and he has been in contact with the Director of Policy and Research in the department of Early Learning and Care who is administering that funding. Infrastructure funding is rare and could open possibilities for businesses with employees to provide space for childcare classrooms. Love said he is working with the Chamber and local businesses on that. Graham encouraged the committee to move towards advocacy, project development, and to explore if the Economic Development Specialist could assist with this program. Cotta responded this seemed appropriate and suggested reaching out to the City's grant writing firm. Graham spoke about the correlation between people who cannot work due to childcare issues and those who want to provide childcare but cannot find employees and referenced Oregon's new rapid training programs as potential help with that. Hyatt spoke that RCC (Rogue Community College) is looking for about $70,000 to stand up a program to bring 10 lead teachers and 30 support staff into this field, however there is no guarantee that Ashland would receive the benefit of those who go through that program. Hyatt asked if the Committee should proceed according to its presented recommendations, and Graham encouraged the committee to let the Council know anything they can do to assist with the advocacy for this program. VII. CITY MANAGER REPORT Interim City Manager Sabrina Cotta provided the City Manger's Report (see attached). Kelly Burns, City's Emergency Management Coordinator, met with Southern Oregon University's (SOU) Board of Trustees to review the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City, SOU, and the Ashland School District (ASD). Burns will present to local businesses on May 8, 2024, about emergency preparedness. The May newsletter is now available on the website, and the new website is being finalized with a launch date of May 22, 2024. Cotta spoke of a recent City Council Business Meeting May 7, 2024 Page 2 of 7 Wall -Raising Celebration of the affordable housing units built by Habitat for Humanity of the Rogue Valley in the Beach Street subdivision and mentioned six more units will be platted in the coming weeks. Cotta spoke of a Wildfire Preparedness Workshop on May 8 and 15. A new single -role staffing team will roll out June 8 to relieve the EMS call volume. Cotta spoke of new City staff: Colton Cochran is the new Purchasing Specialist, Rob Halbritter is the new Facilities Supervisor who is working on new custodial services. VIII. PUBLIC FORUM (15 minutes - Public input or comment on City business not included on the agenda) McKenna Presly/ Talent- Presly read a list of cities who have called for a ceasefire Sam Inada/Ashland - Inada advocated for a ceasefire Sheryl Astalos/Medford- Astalos continued the list of cities who have called for a ceasefire Keana/Medford- Thanked the Council for speaking about Asian Heritage Month, and about Native Hawaiians. Keana stated there is no treaty with the US and Hawaii and asked for an immediate ceasefire. Requested a list of investments with a request divestment. Shekina McCullough/Ashland-McCullogh advocated for Climate and Clean Air Policy Package (CCAPP) with 115 postcards in support. Kiera Ortiz/Ashland-spoke of coming for over a year in advocacy for passing the CCAPP to support the Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP) passed by the City eight years ago Leah Samelson/Ashland-advocated for the CCAPP as a necessary step forward that directly addresses emission in a measured way Dave Helmich/Ashland- sent an open letter regarding deficiencies and inconsistencies in the water treatment plant process. Amanda Morehouse/Central Point -Advocated for the City to divest from anything that would support the war, and advocated for a ceasefire resolution Ancient Hatfield/Ashland-asked for commitment to pass a ceasefire resolution for peace Jamie Powell/Ashland -stood while asking for a ceasefire resolution. Spoke of students at SOU scared to speak up due to threat of suspension, asking the City's Peace Officers to help. Tony Foster/Ashland- spoke that there is no excuse for doing nothing, and advocated for a ceasefire resolution Maroun Auguero/Ashland-spoke on behalf of Rogue Climate for divestment of taxpayer dollars towards any war efforts, and for passage of a ceasefire resolution IX. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Advisory Committee Reappointments 2. Committee Appointments a. Housing and Human Services Advisory Committee (HHSC) b. Public Arts Advisory committee (PAAC) c. Climate and Environmental Policy Advisory Committee (CEPAC) 3. Liquor License Approval for ARCO AMPM #7023 2380 Hwy 66 Councilor Hyatt/Dahle m/s to approve consent agenda as presented. Discussion: No Discussion City Council Business Meeting May 7, 2024 Page 3 of 7 Graham thanked community members that have renewed their terms to serve on the various advisory committees for the City: Montana Hauser will serve on the HHSAC, Liz Atkinson and Russell Copley will join the PAAC, and Eric Enmark will join the CEPAC Roll Call Councilors Hyatt, Bloom, Kaplan, DuQuenne, Dahle, and Hansen, YES. Motion passed. X. PUBLIC HEARINGS XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. 2200 Ashland St. Ad Hoc Committee Appointments Graham spoke about the City Council desire to put together an Ad Hoc Committee to develop a master plan for the facility and property at 2200 Ashland Street. Graham reviewed the applications received which represented a well-rounded committee for appointment. Bloom spoke that twelve members are recommended and asked how many applicants there were in total. Graham replied there were twelve. Councilor Kaplan/Hansen m/sto approve the appointment of Allison Wildman, Avram Sacks, Bob Altaras, Debbie Neisewander, Jason Houk, Matthew McMillan, Maverick McCoy, Rachel Jones, Rhonda Lee, Ruth Coulthard, Trina Sanford, Wendy Tanner to the 2200 Ashland St. Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee. Discussion: Kaplan thanked Graham for interviewing the candidates and thanked the applicants for stepping up. Hansen spoke of being grateful to this group of citizens for assisting with this committee, and DuQuenne appreciated the diversity represented. Roll Call Councilors Hyatt, Bloom, Kaplan, DuQuenne, Dahle, and Hansen, YES. Motion passed. XII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Playwright Walk Initiative Presentation provided by Brandon Goldman, Director of Community Development and Jennifer Chenoweth, Associate Planner with the City (see attached). Goldman spoke that this project was brought to the City by Barry Thalden who formed a cohesive group including members of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce (ACC), Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), Southern Oregon University (SOU), and Oregon Center for the Arts (OCA) and well as members of the Ashland Public Arts Advisory Committee and the Historic Preservation Committee. This group developed the project concept and implementation recommendations. Features of the project include bronze plaques set into sidewalks along designated routes. The project will encourage locals and tourists to explore Ashland and is a collaboration between local organizations. Goldman spoke that Initial funding would come from Barry and Kathryn Thalden, followed by community -based support and donations. Barry Thalden spoke about how the idea of the playwright walk formed from his experience with a similar walk in Iowa City. Thalden spoke of wanting to support projects that bring the four pillars of the city together that he described as the City, SOU, ACC and OSF. Ken Engelund City Council Business Meeting May 7, 2024 Page 4 of 7 spoke in support of the program that both the Public Arts and Historic Preservations committees unanimously recommended the project to Council. Engelund thanked the Thaldens for their generosity in offering this project. Councilor Dahle/Bloom m/s to approve the Playwright Walk initiative as presented, allowing the use of City property and public rights of way for its implementation, and to accept the future plaques into the City's public art collection. Discussion: Dahle spoke about this as an important project to share with our residents and citizens. Bloom, DuQuenne, and Kaplan thanked Thalden and everyone who put this project together. Graham added that many of the public arts requests have come from the community and thanked City staff for receiving these projects and moving them forward. Roll Call Councilors Hyatt, Bloom, Kaplan, DuQuenne, Dahle, and Hansen, YES. Motion passed. 2. Reestablishing the Municipal Audit Commission Finance Director Marianne Berry spoke about reestablishing the Municipal Audit Committee to provide independent review and oversight of the City's financial reporting processes, internal controls, and independent auditors. The City's contract with its independent auditor Moss Adams ended and a Request for Proposals (RFP) for audit services was sent out. The only proposal received was from Moss Adams, and this contract was extended for two years. The Municipal Audit Committee would be made up of members appointed by City Council and would consist of four voting members: The Mayor or a Councilor, one budget committee member, and two citizens. Berry asked that preference be given for finance or accounting experience, especially government or public sector accounting experience. Berry also welcomed any aspiring soon -to -be -graduating accounting student who would like experience in municipal finance. Berry spoke that the application deadline would be 311 week in June and asked for direction to put together applications for Council review. Cotta spoke about the lack of responses from other potential auditors as an issue felt by many organizations experiencing employee scarcity. Kaplan asked about the Ashland Municipal Code that requires the two at large members be citizens. Bloom asked if they should consider residency or qualifications. Hansen asked about the historical context and if the City is out of compliance. Berry responded that currently City Council is acting as the audit committee. Berry said best practice would be an independent body from Council, Moss Adams, and City management. McGeary clarified that the City is not out of compliance due to the AMC wording. Hyatt reviewed the history of how this was deferred to Council and recommended the forming of this body. Cotta asked for Council direction. DuQuenne spoke in favor of those who live within the municipal boundaries of Ashland. Kaplan agreed and would like to change the reference from citizen to resident. Graham clarified direction to staff: At -large members are to be those residents who live within the municipal boundary. Berry reminded the Council they also need to select one member from the Council body and one member from the budget committee. Kaplan reminded Council that budget committee has members who terms have lapsed, so it needs reforming also. Hyatt asked about the first meeting with Moss Adams. Berry responded it has already taken place and hoped to have city council Business Meeting May 7, 2024 Page 5 of 7 selected members by the first meeting of July so subsequent meetings can be set. Graham spoke in favor of an open voting process to select the applicants. XIII. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS XIV. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS Bloom- RVCOG is looking for a board member for the Jackson County Library District. Shady Cove has a new Administrator. SOU has a grant application in for more solar. Gold Hill is working on water plant funding. RV Sewer is looking at a 4-5 year Gold Hill connection project. Hyatt - Planning commission continues to do great work. Dahle - May 18, 2024, is the Historic Preservation Award celebration at Railroad Park. Airport Day is back on June 8, 2024, from 8 am to 3 pm. The Public Works department has done a great job renovating the municipal airport. Kaplan-CEPAC had more public meeting work sessions to discuss specific topics such as home energy scores, small engines, and transportation issues. Jackson County Continuum of Care has begun discussions about a two-year strategic plan for the County and has established working groups: one on Homelessness Management Information Center, and the other on Coordinated Entry. Kaplan shared that he accepted an invitation to serve on the advisory committee for the Institute for Applied Sustainability at SOU, which was initiated about a year ago through a donation from the DeBoer family. DuQuenne- Recalled a summit at Ashland Hills for housing. Pam Marsh had asked how to keep people in their homes to prevent homelessness. DuQuenne spoke of reassignments with SERJAC, and mentioned June 11 is a Juneteenth celebration in front of Churchill Hall on SOU campus. Hansen -Transportation Advisory Committee meeting was held on April 18 and discussed the effectiveness of signage, as it was distracted driving month. Hansen mentioned the approval of the Vision Zero resolution and the action plan around that. The bicycle parking inventory is almost complete, and the committee received a Transportation System Planning (TSP) update and discussed grant opportunities. Streets for Everyone had their 1st Friday bike rally sponsored by Ashland Food Coop who has a Bicycle Rewards Program. Hansen thanked the groups coordinating continued use of the bike trails. Graham asked how the Community Liaison assignments were going. Graham and Kaplan met with OSF staff. Graham and DuQuenne met with SOU President Bailey. DuQuenne spoke about a walkthrough in February with Dahle of the old Ashland Cinema building and a subsequent feasibility study convened at SOU with Bailey and some SOU professors and students. Students were encouraged by the idea of development on the southside of Ashland for a venue and were excited to offer student input. Hansen attended a well -attended fundraiser at the Noble Fox for the East Main pump track, an APRJ project, and spoke about the A -line and flourishing mountain biking community. Graham spoke to the group about a climate ordinance coming in June and Cotta spoke that Chad Woodward, the City's Climate and Energy Analyst, will present to council on May 21 to City Council Business Meeting May 7, 2024 Page 6 of 7 review the spectrum of options from incentives to taxes/bans. He will be Looking for council direction so he can engage with legal and bring it back for more discussion. XV. ADJOURNMENT OF BUSINESS MEETING Meeting adjourned at 8:29 pm. Respectfully Submitted by: AK - City Recorder Alissa Kolodzinski Attest: " di, Mayor Tonya Graham City Council Business Meeting May 7, 2024 Page 7 of 7 MISSION Create a network of early learning care options within our community, supportive of Ashland working families, the Ashland economy, and most importantly our children. Full Time Part -Time Full Time Part Time Programs Programs Toddler Care Toddler Care 8 21* 2 2** *Some programs are not advertised and are strictly word of mouth. Therefore, the research may not have captured 100% of providers. LWM-At least two have an "early preschool" designation and separate pricing structure for this care, more offerings maybe available on an as needed basis, but the service is not advertised. Ashland's Early Learning Environment STRENGTH: Plentiful Part -Time Care Options • Many part-time options for a variety of educational philosophies: • Waldorf, Montessori, Play Based, Outdoor, etc. • Part-time programs skew toward morning offerings CHALLENGES: Service Gaps, Aside From Cost • Availability of toddler and infant care • Availability of care for children with special needs • Providers struggling to staff their programs /` Kl i Challenge of Cost for Early Learning & Childcare • Full -Time (8 or more hours per day, 5 days per week) • $1,000 to $1,200 per month • Part -Time (at least 4 hours a day, 3-5 days a week) • $680 per month • Most benefits offered through the State of Oregon require families to qualify as at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line • 200% FPL for a single parent with one child = $40K/ year and for a family of four = $60K AFFORDABILITY GAP: Cost of care is prohibitive for Iiiim many making more than 200% FPL. nrl Funding Resources: Inadequate & Limited • ERDC Employment Related Day Care: State Benefit • Qualification criteria vary • Most qualifying families make at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level • Preschool Promise Fully subsidized early learning for preschool aged children • Qualifying families make at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level • Preschool Promise is not currently available in Ashland • Head Start & Early Head Start Subsidized childcare & early learning for children 0-5 • Qualifying families make 100% or less of the Federal Poverty Level • Sliding Scale Scholarships • Program Specific: Multiple child discount, grant funding Why We Care: Early Learning & Childcare Are Tools for Building Strong Economies & Healthy Communities • The strength of our workforce is directly connected to early learning and childcare availability. • Access to affordable early learning and childcare supports local businesses. • Childcare and stable housing for families with young children are directly connected. • Lack of childcare and early learning programs is an equity issue. L�l Local Level Early Learning Successes Ashland City Council created an ad hoc committee to study the local childcare landscape • Researched and compiled an Ashland specific program census • Defined Ashland's early learning and childcare environment • Developed near term recommendations, and next steps, to build a network of supportive care opportunities for Ashland's working families Established the Early Childhood Affordability pilot grant program • Goal: Support community access to early learning, strengthen our local economy, support working families and our children Added over 40 slots locally in the past year • Local partners like the Ashland Family YMCA and small in -home programs have added over 40 slots to the city's inventory of early learning and childcare in the last year Early Childhood Affordability Grant Pilot Program Grant Partners - Families Served • 37 Families Served, 38 children total • Average Scholarship for the 23/24 school year $2,700 • Average cost of annual full-time care = $12,000 - $14,400 • Scholarship dollars enabled one partner to refocus $80K toward start-up costs and establish infrastructure supportive of future programming Recommendations from our Partners • Increase access to a greater variety of care programs • Funding supportive of staff training & retention would be highly valuable to sustaining programs long term • Adjust the timing of grant funding awards to the spring • Allow funding use for full 12 months not just the 9-month school year Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations Near Term Opportunities - Prioritization • Increase Accessibility. - Engage with local businesses, assess their needs and identify potential partnerships • Increase public awareness of programs currently in Ashland • Program Expansion: • Explore strategies for collocating childcare with affordable housing initiatives • Work with Community Development to facilitate land use processes Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations Early Childhood Affordability Grant Pilot Program • Process Recommendation for the Early Childhood Affordability Grant Program: • Leverage the Housing and Human Services grant application and review model. • Applications received and reviewed by the Affordable Childcare and Early Learning Ad Hoc Committee. • Upon completion of review, the team develops award recommendations. • Recommendations are presented to the Ashland City Council for final approval and determination of grant awards. q/• 4 Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations Early Childhood Affordability Grant Pilot Program • Grant Program Format Recommendation • Continue sliding scale scholarship grant program and incorporate partner feedback where appropriate: • Award 24/25 dollars for a 12-month term vs. "school year" term • Award grants sooner - tentatively August • Expand grant applications to programs seeking Investment in increased capacity for existing programs: • Infrastructure • Special needs inclusive programming and behavioral support • Toddler programming • Staffing demands /r Discussion State Level Early Learning Legislation $171K of additional ERDC Support: • The recent short session included passage of funding to support the significant demand for Employment Related Day Care benefits, and • help address the significant ERDC waitlist. $5OM For Early Learning Infrastructure Funding (approved 202s) • Intended to support childcare infrastructure via grants and/ or loans • $25M in 2024 and $25M in 2025 • Agencies may apply once the rule making process is completed, Anticipate late spring/ early summer 2024 for applications $5M via HB 4158: • Support for the Childcare Infrastructure Fund • Establishes the Home and Small Center Childcare Fund, and • Directs the Oregon Business Development Department to administer a grant program ' assisting childcare facilities that serve a maximum of 75 children, for the purpose of establishing or expanding childcare infrastructure. r•: City Manager's Report 5.7.2024 CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: • Kelly Burns, Emergency Management Coordinator, presented to the Southern Oregon University (SOU) Board of Trustees in April to provide an overview of the Intergovernmental Agreement that created the joint Emergency Operations Center between SOU, the Ashland School District and the City. • On May 8, Kelly is presenting to local business leaders on business emergency preparedness. This opportunity is through the Ashland Chamber of Commerce. • Staff released an RFP (Request for Proposal) for Severe Weather Shelter Services and Dust to Dawn public camping area. The deadline for proposals is May 8. We would like to welcome our new Procurement Specialist, Colton Cochran! • The May 2024 City Newsletter is available at ashland.or.us/Communications. • Work on the new website continues. The new site will be presented to Council on May 20, and we launch the new site on May 22. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: • Planning staff recently participated in the Wall Raising Celebration for the 80th and 81st affordable housing units constructed by Habitat for Humanity of the Rogue Valley. These units are the first two of eight required affordable units in the Beach Creek Subdivision; the remaining six units will be constructed with the third and final phase of the subdivision, which is expected to be platted in the next couple weeks. See the Ashland News article from April 25. Brandon Goldm l d an, Community Development Director, helps with the wall -raising. Page 1 of 4 nintoCity Manager's Report Kendall Escuin, Permit Technician, and Derek Severson, Planning Manager, are sporting the "2024 Habitat Build" t-shirts designed by Regan Trapp, Permit Clerk II, to raise funds to support Habitat through the Oregon Permit Technicians Association. FIRE: • Brian Hendrix, Adapted Communities Coordinator; and Kelly Burns are working to present a Wildfire Preparedness Workshop on May 8 and 15 at SOU. The workshop is hosted by Fire Adapted Ashland and Boise State Hazard and Climate Resilience Institute. • The new EMS singe role staff are scheduled to start June 8. PARKS & RECREATION: • Parks has cancelled a portion of the city contract with Pathways and has hired a small Facilities Team to do all parks public restroom cleaning and trash. Importantly, to reduce incidents of vandalism, the team will be locking restrooms every night and unlocking them in the morning. The annual cost of maintaining our own team is --80K less than using contractors. • Interim Parks Director Eldridge has completed four small group "Lunch with Leslie," sessions with Parks and Recreation staff. These were opportunities for staff to enjoy a free lunch together and share their challenges and opportunities at APRC. • The Ashland Japanese Garden has re -opened after an Ashland Parks Foundation funded project to improve water quality in the Koi pond. A new bead filter, ultraviolet disinfection, Koi "exerciser" jet manifold and an additional pump have been added to the system. • On May 5, Children's Day at the Japanese Garden took place. "Kodoma no Hi," or "Children's Day" is a Japanese national holiday, celebrated since the 12th century. It is meant to respect children's individuality and to celebrate their happiness. Every year on this date, families raise "koinbori;' or carp - shaped windsocks, with different colored carp for different members of the family. Koi, a type of carp, swim vigorously against strong currents and even climb waterfalls. Celebrating the strong carp symbolizes asking children to grow strong and healthy. Page 2 of 4 FG, r City Manager's Report Ashland Senior Center now has a portable electric wheelchair charger, courtesy of United Way. This pilot program is starting in Southern Oregon with the goal of reaching communities across the globe. Learn more and see other local participating locations at wheelchaircharging.com. PUBLIC WORKS: Rob Halbritter is our new Facilities Supervisor. Rob will be implementing changes, including how we handle our custodial services. Our Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Outfall Relocation Project has gone through testing to ensure it was built to the requirements of the Approved Contract Documents. Additional Performance Evaluation was completed to validate that the effluent pipeline and outfall are functioning as intended. Outfall dye testing was performed by documenting effluent discharge mixing into Bear Creek during flow events. The Effluent Pipeline will effectively convey authorized discharges from the WWTP to Bear Creek going forward. Special thanks to Jacobs Engineering; Chance Metcalf, Senior Engineering Project Manager for Public Works; Ben Russell, Wastewater & Water Reuse Supervisor for Public Works; Rickey Fite, Senior GIS Analyst for the Department of Innovation and Technology (DOiT); and Jamie Blankenship, GIS Technician for DOiT. Page 3 of 4 �r ••: City Manaaer's Report WHAT'S COMING UP in MAY? • Rogue Valley Bird Day at North Mountain Park on Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m. to Noon - RogueValleyBirdDay.net • Green Debris, be fire -free day (for FREE!) on Saturday, May 11, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Valley View Transfer Station - ashland.or.us/GreenDebris • Marking Ashland Places on Saturday, May 18,10 a.m. to Noon at Railroad Park - More on this and Historic Preservation week at ashiand.or.us • Community Garden Open House at Ashland Creek Park on Saturday, May 18,10 a.m. to Noon Page 4 of 4 rr Introduction and Purpose • Playwright Walk concept overview • Purpose of presentation: Seek Council approval of the Playwright Walk concept, and acceptance of plaques into the Public Art inventory once completed. R r Overview of the Playwright Walk Photo: Example of Lit Walk plaque set in sidewalks in Iowa City, Iowa Features: -Bronze plaques set into sidewalks along designated routes. -Encourage locals and tourists to explore Ashland. -Collaboration between local arts organizations to develop the plaques. Overview of the Playwright Walk -Diversity: Showcases a diverse range of playwrights and periods, with quotes reflecting on the human condition -Economic Vibrancy: The project promotes economic vibrancy through increased foot traffic and engagement. Photo: Mockup example plaque prepared by Oregon Shakespeare Festival staff (February 2024). Overview of the Playwright Walk i -Broader Community Impact: Ties into city's core values such as belonging, inclusion, equity, and quality of life. -Funding- Initial funding by Barry and Kathryn Thalden, followed by community -based support and donations. -Non-city initiated/funded project, avoids complex procurement procedures. Advisory Committee Reviews gnr Public Arts Advisory Committee - March 21, 2024 The Public Arts Advisory Committee endorses the Playwright Walk Project as a gift to the City from philanthropists, Barry and Kathryn Thalden, according to AMC 2.29.110 and as outlined in the attached Concept Plan. PAAC recommends approval Hof the project's concept] to the City Council and to include that the final plaques be accepted into the Public Art Collection. Historic Preservation Advisory Committee - April 3, 2024 Motion passed unanimously to support the concept of the Playwright Walk with the expectation that HPAC will be involved in the review and advisory process for the final prototype plaque prior to its installation on the Playwright Walk. 30 Southern OREGON U UNIVERSITY '4- ..LDkN ASHLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Participant Organizations _,,--� CITY OF AS H LAN D OOregon Shakespeare Festival. QUESTIONS?