HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-03 Historic PACKET
HISTORIC COMMISSIONELECTRONICMEETING
AGENDA
November 3,2021 6PM
I.6:00PM -REGULAR MEETING –CALL TO ORDER
II.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Historic Commission electronic meeting ofSeptember 8, 2021
III.PUBLIC FORUM
IV.COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Councilor Moran
V.PLANNING ACTION REVIEW
PRIOR PLANNING ACTION: PA-T1-2020-000136
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 201 S. Mountain Ave (Ashland High School)
APPLICANT/OWNER: Christopher Brown, Arkitek/ Ashland School District 5
Proposed changes to the exterior screening materials on theAshland High School Science Building
VI.PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW
165 Water/95 Van Ness pre-app submittal.
VII.DISCUSSION ITEMS
Community Center
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
ELECTRONIC MEETING
DRAFT Meeting Minutes
September 8, 2021
Community Development/Engineering Services Building –Electronic Meeting
CALL TO ORDER:
Shostromcalled the electronic meeting to order at6:08pm.
Commissioners Present:Council Liaison:
ShostromShaun Moran
WhitfordStaff Present:
Von ChamierMaria Harris; Planning Dept.
SwinkRegan Trapp; Admin Support
Hovenkamp
Skibby
Emery
Commissioners Absent:ALL PRESENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Hovenkamp/Whitford m/s to approve minutesforMay 5,2021.Voice vote. ALL AYES. Swink abstained.
Motion passed.
PUBLIC FORUM:
There was no one wishing to speak.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT:
Councilor Moran gave the Council Liaison report.Items discussed were:
The Community Center and Pioneer Hall Ad-Hoc Committee has been formed and meeting since June 15,
2021. They are researching and looking at cost efficientwaysto makeboth buildings safe and get them
open to the public.George Kramer will provide their final recommendations report to City Council at their
regular business meeting on September 21, 2021.
PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW
101 A’ Street–The project includes the remodel and addition of the existing Plexis building.
Harris gave a backgroundand historyon the propertyand stated that the applicant will have to submit a
formal application before it comes back to the Commission.
Applicant’s representatives present–Ian and Paul from Arkitek
Darci from Blue Marble
The applicant’s spokein depthabout their projectat 101 A Street.Blue Marble is an award-winning creator
ofinspiring, educational children’s toys. This local company has grown so much that they require a larger
space to create their new designs. Blue Marble aims to revitalize thishistoric building while providinga
creative space for their employees. The proposal includes a new second floor and roof top atrium
consisting of a mezzanine and roof top kitchen.
Election of officers:
Harris spoke about the election of officers and brought up the code stating that the Chair and Vice Chair
cannot serve more than 3 consecutive years.
There was discussion that this is not the right time to elect a Chair/Vice Chair to the Commission.
Hovenkamp would like to discusswhat the Commission’s role is moving forward. There is other work to be
done regarding Historic Preservation. She would like to promote more conversation on what the
Commission could be aside from approving projects. The Commission agreedthat they would like to be
more involved and make connectionswith others totake a broader view of history.
Hovenkamp nominated for Chair
Von Chamier nominated for Vice Chair
Skibby/Shostrom m/sto approve nominationof Hovenkamp as Chair and Von Chamier as Vice
Chair. ALL AYES. Motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT:
Next meeting is scheduled October 6,2021at6:00pmvia Zoom.
There being no other items to discuss, the meeting adjournedat7:32pm
Respectfully submitted by Regan Trapp
PRIOR PLANNING ACTION: PA-T1-2020-000136
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 201 S. Mountain Ave
Ashland High School
165 Water Street
Pre-Application
Planning Division
51 Winburn Way, Ashland, OR
PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCE APPLICATION
97520
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
Commercial Site Review for 8 mixed used buildings, Performance Standards Subdivison
Project Description ____________________________________________________________________________________
for eight lots.
APPLICANT
Amy Gunter, Rogue Planning & Development Services, LLC
amygunter.planning@gmail.com
541-951-4020
Name _______________________________________________ Phone ________________ E-Mail ___________________
Medford97501
1314-B Center Dr., PMB #457
Address __________________________________________________ City _____________________ Zip ______________
PROPERTY OWNER
Livni Family Trust - Gil Livni Trustee510-913-5110
Name ________________________________________________________ Day Time Phone _________________________
Magnoilia Investment
Ashland97520
Address __________________________________________________ City _____________________ Zip ______________
2974 Chapman Lane
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
95 Van Ness /165 Water / 160 Helman
Street Address _______________________________________ Assessor’s Map No. 39 1E __________ Tax Lot(s) ________
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
To request a pre-application conference, submit this form with two sets of scalable plans, one large format 24”x36” and
one no larger than 11”x17”. Include the following information plus your submittal fee of $142.25 (check, Visa,
MasterCard or cash accepted):
1.Completed Application.
2.Narrative – Provide a written description of proposal and request. (If in Historic District, provide pictures of existing
structures, elevations of proposed structures and details of planned exterior design features and materials)
3.Site Plan – The site plan should contain all applicable elements in the Site Plan Checklist (see reverse) plus any other
information pertinent to this proposal. The site plan will be checked to insure all applicable information is included at the
time the pre-application date is set.
4.Additional information -Provide in the narrative or with the site plan:
1)Number of acres in development
2)Total gross square footage of all structures
3)Number of stories on each structure
4)Indicate number of and square footage of:
a)Dwelling Units (include the units by the number of bedrooms in each unit – e.g. 10 1-bedroom, 25 2-bedroom, etc)
b)Office Spaces
c)Retail Units
d)Other Spaces
5)Percentage of lot coverage by:
a) Structures e) Landscaping
b) Streets & Roads f) Number of parking spaces
c) Parking Areas/Drivewaysg) Total square footage of landscaped areas.
d) Recreation Areas h) Other pertinent information of the proposed development
5.LEED® Certification – Indicate whether project will be pursuing LEED® certification.
6.Submittal Fee
Pg.3 of 6
G:\\comm-dev\\planning\\Forms & Handouts/Pre-Application Information Sheet Submittal Requirements_FY2017-18
PRE-APPLICATION SITE PLAN CHECKLIST
YES NO N/A
1. Project Name
2. Owner Name
3. Site Address and Map & Taxlot Number
4. Vicinity Map - with street names and locations of all existing and proposed
streets within or on the boundary of the proposed development
5. Scale & North Arrow
6. Lot Layout with approximate dimensions for all lot lines
7. Zoning Designations in proposed development and surrounding properties
8. Location & Use of all proposed and existing building, fences and structures
9. Indicate which buildings are to remain and which are to be removed
10. Location of all landscaped areas. Indicate existing trees, size, species, and
approximate drip line (outer branch location). Identify trees to be removed.
11. Location and size of all public utilities in and adjacent to the proposed
development including water line and meter size, sewer lines, storm drain
lines, nearest fire hydrant.
12. Locations of drainage ways or public utility easements in and adjacent to
proposed development.
13. Location, size and use of all contemplated and existing public areas
14. Approximate topography (slope) of the site
15. Location of all parking areas and individual and handicap parking spaces,
ingress and egress on the site and on-site circulation
16. Use designation for the areas not covered by buildings (e.g. loading, storage,
vacant, open space, etc.)
17. Elevations of the building(s)
18. Construction materials – wood frame, masonry, etc. (If project is in a Historic
District provide pictures of existing structures and indicate proposed exterior
materials for siding, windows, trim and roofing)
PRE-APPLICATION BUILDING INFORMATION
Please attempt to indicate the following (Note: if information is not known please leave blank)
1. Current Building Occupancy Type (select one):
a) Assembly = More than 50 occupants (e.g., Theaters, Restaurants, Nightclubs, Taverns and Bars,
Community Halls, Art Galleries, Places of Worship, Arenas, Bleacher’s, etc.)
b) Business = Less than 50 occupants (e.g., Professional Service Office, Barber and Beauty
Salons, Training and Skill Development not within a school or academic program, Bank, Print Shop,
etc.)
c) Educational (e.g., Schools K-12th Grade, Religious Educational Rooms and Auditoriums, Day
Care Facilities)
d) Factory (e.g., F- Occupancy’s include, among others, the use of a building or structure or
portion thereof, for assembling, disassembling, fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging,
repair or processing operations that are not classified as Group H-Hazardous or Group S-Storage
Occupancy’s)
Pg.4 of 6
G:\\comm-dev\\planning\\Forms & Handouts/Pre-Application Information Sheet Submittal Requirements_FY2017-18
e) High Hazard (e.g., H-Occupancy’s includes, among others, the use of a structure, or a portion
thereof, that involves the manufacturing, processing, generation or storage of materials that constitute
a physical or health hazard in quantities allowed in control areas complying with section 414 of the
Oregon Structural Specialty Code.)
f) Institutional (e.g., I-Occupancy’s includes, among others, the use of a building or structure or a
portion thereof for more than 16 persons, excluding staff, who reside on a 24 hr. basis in a supervised
environment and receive custodial care. Detoxification Facilities, Hospitals, Medical Care, Nursing
Homes, Congregate Living Facilities, Social Rehabilitation Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities,
Alcohol and Drug Centers, Correction Centers, Jails, Reformatories, Adult and Child Day Care
Facilities.)
g) Mercantile (e.g., Department Stores, Drug Stores, Markets, Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities,
Retail or Wholesale Stores, Sales Rooms.)
h) Residential (e.g., Single Family Residence, Hotels, Motels, Apartment Houses, Vacation Time
Shares, Congregate Living Facilities (more than 16 occupants), Assisted Living Facilities (with or
without a Memory Care Endorsement), Residential Treatment Facilities etc.)
2. Is a Change of Occupancy being requested? If yes, please indicate the proposed Occupancy Type:
(Sample Occupancy Types given above)
a) Assembly e) High Hazard
b) Business f) Institutional
c) Educational g) Mercantile
d) Factory h) Residential
3. If Residential please indicate which type (select one):
a) R-1 Occupancy (e.g., Hotels (transient), Motels (transient), Boarding Houses (transient) with more
than 10 occupants)
b) R-2 Occupancy (e.g., Apartment Houses, Congregate Living Facilities (nontransient) with more
than 16 occupants, Dormitories, Hotels (nontransient), Motels (nontransient), Vacation Time Share
Properties, Boarding Houses (nontransient) with more than 16 occupants etc.)
c) R-3 Occupancy (e.g., Detached One and Two Family Dwellings and Townhouses, Adult Care
Facilities (six or fewer persons of any age less than 24 hrs.), Adult Foster Homes as defined in ORS
Chapter 443, or Family Child Care Homes located in a private residence as defined in the Oregon
Structural Specialty Code section 310.2. Buildings that do not contain more than two dwelling units,
Boarding Houses (nontransient), Child Care Facilities that provide accommodations for six or fewer
persons of any age for less than 24 hrs., Congregate Living Facilities (nontransient) with 16 or fewer
occupants, Lodging Houses etc.)
d) R-4 Occupancy (e.g., This occupancy shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof for
more than five but not more than 16 persons, excluding staff, who reside on a 24-hr. basis in a
supervised residential environment and receive custodial care, Congregate Living Facilities, Halfway
Houses, Social Rehabilitation Facilities, Alcohol and Drug Centers Assisted Living Facilities (with or
without a Memory Care Endorsement), Residential Care Facilities (with or without a Memory Care
Endorsement), Residential Treatment Facilities, Group Homes and Facilities etc.)
Pg.5 of 6
G:\\comm-dev\\planning\\Forms & Handouts/Pre-Application Information Sheet Submittal Requirements_FY2017-18
4. Type of Building Construction: (e.g., Types I and II construction are those types of construction in
which the building elements listed in Table 601 of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code are of
noncombustible materials. Type III construction is that type of construction in which the exterior walls
are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted by
the Oregon Structural Specialty Code. Type IV Construction (Heavy Timber) is that type of
Construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building
elements are of solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces. Type V Construction is that type
of construction in which the structural elements, exterior walls and interior walls are of any materials
permitted by the Oregon Structural Specialty Code.)
a) Type I d) Type IV
b) Type II e) Type V
c) Type III
5. Is the building equipped or proposed to be equipped with a Fire Protection System (e.g., Fire
Sprinklers or Fire Alarms)
a) Yes b) No
Any questions regarding the pre-application conference or the formal land use application submittal can be
directed to the Ashland Planning Division at (541) 488-5305. The City of Ashland Land Use Code can be
found online at www.ashland.or.us/code.asp by clicking on Chapter 18 and selecting the desired section.
Pg.6 of 6
G:\\comm-dev\\planning\\Forms & Handouts/Pre-Application Information Sheet Submittal Requirements_FY2017-18
ROGUE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, LLC
September 10, 2021
PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCE SUBMITTAL
Performance Standards Subdivision for nine lot subdivision and
Site Design Review of eight, mixed use commercial structures
Subject Property
Property Addresses:160 Helman Street, 95 Van Ness and 165 Water Street
Map & Tax Lot:39 1E 04CC; Tax lots 2000 & 2100and 7100
Comprehensive
Plan Designation: Employment
Zoning: E-1
Adjacent Zones:E-1 & Low-DensityMulti-Family Residential
Skidmore Academy Historic District
Ashland Flood Protection Zone
Severe Constraints Development
Property Owners:
95 Van Ness Gil and Kathleen Livni
160 Helman Magnolia Investment Group LLC
165 Water Street2974 Chapman Lane
Ashland, OR 97520
Request:
The request is for an eight (8) lot Performance Standards Subdivision for a mixed-use commercial
development of the three parcels at the intersections ofWater Street, HelmanStreet and Van Ness
Street. The proposal includes a request for Site Design Review for the development of eight (8), mixed-
use commercial structures.
Easements for utilities, public pedestrian, vehicular uses will be delineated on the proposed
preliminary plat. Association agreements pertaining to the long-term maintenance and use of the
property will be provided with the application documents.
Property Description:
The subject property consists of three parcels of record. 165 Water Street is a 38,515 square foot,
vacant parcel that extends from the public alley on Water Street, north to the intersection of Van Ness
Street. This lot istrapezoidal shaped and extends up to Helman Street. Ashland Creek is to the east of
the property, across Water Street from the subject propertyand to the east of the single family
1
ROGUE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, LLC
residence and barn structure. Along the Water Street frontage of Parcel #1, approximately 15-feet is
within the Ashland Adopted Floodplain for Ashland Creek.
Parcel #2 is to the southeast of the intersection of Van Ness and Helman Streets, Parcel 2 is a 5,824
square foot, vacant parcel. This lot has 52.74 feet of frontage on Van Ness Avenue and 80-feet of
frontage on Parcel 2. This property had an approval for a two, mixed use commercial / residential units
(PA2018-0033).
Parcel 3 is to the south of Parcel #1 and north of the public alley. This 7,302 square foot lot has 90 feet
of frontage along Helman Street. There is an access and parking accesseasement on this for a separate
parcel of property across the alley to the south. The property is occupied by a 3,300 square foot
commercial structure. It was the location of Pyramid Juice process, warehouse and distribution for many
years. Upon the redevelopment of the properties, these structures will be removed.
The properties are zoned Employment (E-1) with Residential Overlay. The adjacent properties are also
zoned E-1, and Low-Density Multi-Family Residential (R-2). The property is also within the Detail Site
Review zone and the Skidmore Academy Historic District.
According to the Transportation System Plan, Functional Classification Map, Helman Street is an
Avenue. Helman Street has a 60-foot wide public right-of-way. Helman Street is improved with paving,
curb, gutter, a six-foot landscape parkrow, and a 5.5-foot wide sidewalk along the Helman Street
frontage of the property.
Van Ness is classified as a neighborhood street. Van Ness has a 60-foot wide public right-of-way. Van
Ness is improved with paved travel lanes, curb, gutter, and a five-foot wide, curbside sidewalk.
Water Street has a 40-
foot wide right-of-way
and is improved with
38-feet of street
improvements that
consist of curb, gutter
and asphalt.
2
ROGUE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, LLC
Detailed Proposal:
The proposed development consists of eight, three story, mixed use commercial buildings that front
the three public streets with rear loading garage and surface parking areas. Each building is proposed
as shared wall, two-unit, ground floor commercial office, with two-unit, three bedroom, residential
above.
Each building is proposed to be within a provides a wide façade towards the public streets with limited
separations except for the common areas, driveway access and to provide minimum building
separation while not crowing the property with parking, structures, and coverage areas.
As proposed, the 65 percentof the ground floor of each proposed building iscommercial with between
1500 – 1700 square feet of commercial space, 35 percent of the ground floor is solely residential use.
On the second and third story, there are 16 residential units above ground floor commercial spaces.
There are 25 parking spaces required for all ground floor office uses. The proposed layout provides 21
of 25 required spaces on site in surface parking area. There is ample on street parking on the three
street frontages adjacent to the property to accommodate the four spaces necessary for office
development. All residential parking is accommodated for within the garage spaces.
Reuse to higher intensity uses would require some measure of flexibility with the standards to allow
for on-street, additional bicycle parking, or proximity to the residential and commercial neighborhood
that supports pedestrian and bicycle convenience and the proximity to the downtown.
The proposal seeks to allow flexibility in uses to provide a reasonable amount of on-street parking to
provide to ample on-site parking to allow for the development of the commercial property to an
intensity level expected in an Employment zone.
Each residential unit requires two parking spaces or 32parking spaces. There are two vehicle garages
proposed for the residential parking for a total of 32 spaces. If the business owner/tenant lives above
the business, it would be requested that there be a shared credit provided as the vehicle trips for work
from home or live/work situations dramatically reduces vehicle use and parking demands. The access
to the residences will be from a shared stairway leading to the floors above. The required bicycle
parking for the residential units is within the garages.
Bicycle parking for the business uses varies. To encourage bicycle use, there will be 21 bicycle spaces
with eight (8) covered.
The proposed floor area ratio of building area to site area is exceeded with the proposed 49,248 SF of
floor area. The minimum FAR is 25, 820.
3
ROGUE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, LLC
The application will also include a request for a Performance Standards Subdivision request to allow for
the subdivision of the property to allow for the sale of the structures with a tax lot for the buildings.
The frontage of the property on Water Street is within the Ashland Modified Flood Zone. The Ashland
Modified Floodplain Corridor map shows the flood level as 1845.5 at the intersection to 1849 near the
alley (south property line). Buildings #4 and #5 are proposed to be raised to a finished floor elevation of
1846.5 and 1850. This allows for the finished floor of the non-residential structure to be more than one
foot above the flood elevation identified on the Ashland Modified Flood Zone map.
There is adequate room provided along the Water Street frontage to allow for a five-foot hardscape
planter and an eight-foot sidewalk. Stairs will lead to an upper level that has the proposed structures
setback 4.5 feet from the retaining wall at back of public improvements. Along Van Ness, the curb line is
proposed to be relocated to provide parallel parking in a bay. There is not a park row proposed – does
this require an exception to the street standards? Helman Street has existing improvements of a parkrow
and sidewalk. Does this require exception if retained?
The tree removals remain the same as previous requests, a new tree survey will be attained to determine
health and size presently.
The proposal will enhance the commercial viability of the employment zone. According to the
Comprehensive Plan, the land use classification for the Employment zone (2.04.09), these areas are for
a variety of office, retailing, manufacturing, storage, repair and wholesale operations. The property is
within the residential overlay and the proposal includes two residential units.
The proposed buildings have minimal setbacks, large windows allowing view into the commercial
spaces and commercial business entrance doors directly accessed from the sidewalk.
The proposed buildings are industrial style using stucco or concrete panels, steel siding, steel cable
rails, steel storefront windows and doors.
Each structure is proposed to have a concrete base and thick columns. There are substantial changes in
relief and fenestrations to add visual interest. The are pedestrian overhangs and decks on the upper
stories.
Thank you for your consideration,
Amy Gunter
4
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
U
Q
U
X
N
WU
Q
N
C
O
75⁃43!
!#26(
42!.!F
(84/8
I
C
U
EBQ
PD
SDO
FUF
I
C
(
5
6
/
5
5
2
!
.
!
X
!
#
5
5
(
6
5
⁃
1
6
!
O
6
6
9
2
2
9
7
1
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
*
FQBDTE
SBI)
XPS!LS
BQ!(6
*FU
FSDOPD
)
LM
BXFEJT!(
9
TFEFQ
Q!OBJSU
B\[BM
BDDFTT
BDDFTT
DPNNFSJDBM
DPNNFSJDBM
B\[BMQ!O
BJSUTF
EFQ
DPNNFSDJBM;!2-644
MPCCZ;!!346
;!2-644
NNFSDJBM
DP
UPUBM;!!2-899
346
CCZ;!!
MP
2-899
UBM;!!
UP
HBSBHF;!!921
UPUBM!BSFB;!!!3-6:9
921
SBHF;!!
HB
!3-6:9
UBM!BSFB;!!
UPDJBM
79&!NJYFE0DPNNFS
M!BSFB
DPNNFSDJB
NNFSDJBM
&!NJYFE0DP!GU/
792-644!TR/
DJBM!BSFB
DPNNFS
!TR/!GU/
2-644
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
MPCCZ!BSFB
346!TR/!GU/
FB
MPCCZ!BS
U/
346!TR/!G
HBSBHF!BSFB
921!TR/!GU/
BHF!BSFB
HBS
1!TR/!GU/
92
TT
FDDB!SJ
BID!MF
FIX
!NJO
23(.1#
2
1
22
23
2
42
5
26
27
82
2
9
T
MBXFEJ
L
X
MMB
UFS
OJOJB
H
IUBQ
FQ
BDTEOBM
3:
QBSLJOH
SFT
41
QBSLJOH
SFT
42
QBSLJOH
SFT
2122
43
QBSLJOH
SFT
MBOETDBQFE!QMB\[B
TTFDDB!MBJU
OFEJTFS
BDDFTT
IX
DB!SJBID!MFF
SFTJEFOUJBM!BDDFTTTTFD
SFTJEFOUJBM
33(!NJO/!BMMFZ!DMFBSBODF
23456789:
33(.:#
5
QBSLJOH
6
SFT
QBSLJOH
SFT
23(.1#
4
7
QBSLJOH
QBSLJOH
SFT
SFT
3
8
QBSLJOH
QBSLJOH
SFT
SFT
9
2
QBSLJOH
QBSLJOH
SFT
SFT
DPNNFSJDBMDPNNFSJDBM
*FUF
SDOPD)
BDDFTTBDDFTT
LMBX
FEJT!(9
*
FQBDTE
OBM!HOJ
UTJYF)
XP
S!LSBQ!(
6
Ifmnbo!Tusffu
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
*
FQBD
TESB
I)
X
PS!LS
BQ!(6
*FU
FSDO
PD)
LMBX
FEJT!(
9
Q
TFEF
BJSU
BMQ!O
B\[
BDDFTT
BDDFTT
DPNNFSJDBM
DPNNFSJDBM
B\[BM
Q!OBJ
SUTFE
FQ
4
NFSDJBM;!2-64
DPN
346
MPCCZ;!!
;!2-644
FSDJBM
DPNN
9
M;!!2-89
UPUB
6
!34
CCZ;!
MP
2-899
;!!
UPUBM
HF;!!921
HBSB
;!!!3-6:9
UPUBM!BSFB
921
F;!!
HBSBH
6:9
B;!!!3-
UBM!BSF
UP
PNNFSDJBM
79&!NJYFE0D
NFSDJBM!BSFB
DPN
FSDJBM
E0DPNN
&!NJYF!GU/
792-644!TR/
M!BSFB
NFSDJB
DPN
!TR/!GU/
2-644
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
MPCCZ!BSFB
R/!GU/
346!T
FB
CCZ!BS
MP
R/!GU/
346!T
BSFB
HBSBHF!
921!TR/!GU/
F!BSFB
HBSBH
U/
1!TR/!G
92
TTFD
DB!SJ
BID!
MFFI
X
O
(.1#!NJ
23
2
1
22
23
2
4
2
5
2
6
2
7
28
92
EJT
MBXF
L
BX
MM
S
UF
OJB
HOJ
IUBQ
FQBDTEOBM
3:
QBSLJOH
SFT
41
QBSLJOH
SFT
42
QBSLJOH
SFT
2122
43
QBSLJOH
SFT
MBOETDBQFE!QMB\[B
TTFDDB!MBJU
OFEJTFS
BDDFTT
!MFFIX
DB!SJBID
SFTJEFOUJBM!BDDFTTTTFD
SFTJEFOUJBM
33(!NJO/!BMMFZ!DMFBSBODF
23456789:
33(.:#
5
QBSLJOH
6
SFT
QBSLJOH
SFT
23(.1#
4
7
QBSLJOH
QBSLJOH
SFT
SFT
3
8
QBSLJOH
QBSLJOH
SFT
SFT
9
2
QBSLJOH
QBSLJOH
SFT
SFT
DPNNFSJDBMDPNNFSJDBM
*F
UFSD
OPD)
BDDFTTBDDFTT
LMBX
FEJT!(
9
*
FQBD
TEOB
M!HOJ
UTJYF)
XP
S!LSB
Q!(6
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
*
FQB
DTE
SBI)
XPS!
LSB
Q!(6
*FU
FSD
OPD)
LMB
XFE
JT!(9
EFQ
TF
BJSU
Q!O
B\[BM
BDDFTT
BDDFTT
DPNNFSJDBM
DPNNFSJDBM
B\[BM
Q!O
BJSU
TFE
FQ
44
FSDJBM;!2-6
DPNN
6
;!!34
MPCCZ
44
;!2-6
SDJBM
PNNF
D
99
;!!2-8
UPUBM
346
!!
CCZ;
MP
99
2-8
!!
UBM;
UP
1
F;!!92
HBSBH
:9
!BSFB;!!!3-6
UPUBM
1
92
F;!!
BSBH
H
:9
!!!3-6
SFB;
PUBM!B
U
FSDJBM
JYFE0DPNN
79&!N
JBM!BSFB
DPNNFSD
M
FSDJB
PNN
YFE0D
9&!NJR/!GU/
72-644!T
!BSFB
SDJBM
NNF
DP
GU/
4!TR/!
2-64
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
BSFB
MPCCZ!
/!GU/
346!TR
SFB
CCZ!B
MP
!GU/
6!TR/
34
BHF!BSFB
HBS
1!TR/!GU/
92
!BSFB
SBHF
HB
/!GU/
21!TR
9
TT
FDD
B!SJ
BID
!MF
FIX
2
1
2
2
2
3
42
2
5
2
6
2
7
2
8
2
9
T
XFEJ
LMB
X
MB
M
S
UF
OJB
OJ
H
IU
BQ
FQBDT
EOBM
3:
QBSLJOH
SFT
41
QBSLJOH
SFT
42
QBSLJOH
SFT
2122
43
QBSLJOH
SFT
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
2
1
22
2
3
2
4
2
5
2
6
2
7
2
8
2
9
JT
XFE
LMB
X
MB
M
FS
BU
OJ
OJ
H
IUBQ
FQBDTEOB
M
3:
QBSLJOH
SFT
41
QBSLJOH
SFT
42
QBSLJOH
SFT
2122
43
QBSLJOH
SFT
MBOETDBQFE!QMB\[B
TTFDDB!MBJUOFEJTF
S
BDDFTT
FFIX
JBID!M
FDDB!S
SFTJEFOUJBM!BDDFTTTT
SFTJEFOUJBM
33(!NJO/!BMMFZ!DMFBSBODF
23456789:
33(.:#
5
QBSLJOH
6
SFT
QBSLJOH
SFT
23(.1#
4
7
QBSLJOH
QBSLJOH
SFT
SFT
3
8
QBSLJOH
QBSLJOH
SFT
SFT
9
2
QBSLJOH
QBSLJOH
SFT
SFT
NFSJDBMNFSJDBM
DPNDPN
*F
UFS
DOP
D)
DFTTDFTT
BDBD
LM
BXF
EJT!(
9
*F
QBD
TEO
BM!H
OJUT
JYF)
XPS!
LSB
Q!(6
Ifmnbo!Tusffu
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
21
2
2
2
3
2
4
2
5
2
6
2
7
2
8
2
9
IUBQ
FQBDTEOBM
TTFDDB!
MBJUOFEJTFS
SFTJEFOUJBM!BDDFTT
23456789:
33(.:#
6
QBSLJOH
SFT
23(.1#
7
QBSLJOH
SFT
8
QBSLJOH
SFT
9
QBSLJOH
SFT
DPNNFSJDBM
*
FUF
SDO
PD)
BDDFTT
LMB
XFEJ
T!(9
*FQB
DTE
OBM
!HOJ
UTJY
F)
XP
S!L
SBQ!(
6
Ifmnbo!Tusffu
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
ESZXBTI
G
PEX
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
ESZXBTI
G
PEX
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
49(.5#
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
EX
GP
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
52(.4#
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
49(.4#
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
SBJM
4(.7#
FYUFSJPS!XBJOTDPUU
3(.1#
49(.4#!CME!IU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
SBJM
4(.7#
FYUFSJPS!XBJOTDPUU
3(.1#
49(.4#!CME!IU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
EX
PG
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
EX
PG
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
49(.5#
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
ESZXBTI
G
PEX
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
ESZXBTI
G
PEX
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
XBTIESZ
G
EXP
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
XBTIESZ
G
EXP
Btimboe-!PS!:8631
EFWFMPQNFOU
276!XBUFS!TU/
Community Center
Council Business Meeting
September 21, 2021
Agenda Item Community Center and Pioneer Hall Ad-Hoc Committee Recommendations
Scott Fleury PE Public Works Director
Kaylea Kathol Senior Project Manager
From
Rachel Dials Recreation Superintendent
George Kramer Historic Preservationist
Scott.fleury@ashland.or.us 541-552-2412
Contact Kaylea.kathol@ashland.or.us 541-552-2419
Rachel.dials@ashland.or.us 541-552-2260
SUMMARY
Before the Council are a set of recommendations for moving forward to reopen the Community Center and Pioneer
Hall. The recommendations come from the previously established Ad-Hoc Committee.
POLICIES, PLANS & GOALS SUPPORTED
City Council Goals (supported by this project):
Address Climate Change
CEAP Goals:
Strategy BE-2. Encourage increased building energy efficiency and conservation.
Strategy BE-3. Maximize efficiency of City facilities, equipment & operations. efficiency of City
Strategy BE-5. Prepare and adapt buildings for a changing climate.
Department Goals:
Maintain existing infrastructure to meet regulatory requirements and minimize life-cycle costs
Deliver timely life cycle capital improvement projects
Maintain and improve infrastructure that enhances the economic vitality of the community
Evaluate all city infrastructure regarding planning management and financial resources
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
June 16, 2020 Staff updated Council on structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP)
deficiencies at Pioneer Hall and structural deficiencies at Community Center. Council directed staff to
develop a plan to address deficiencies for both buildings.
October 6, 2020 Staff recommended addressing deficiencies at Pioneer Hall and Community Center via
release of a formal public solicitation for professional engineering and architectural services via a
Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) Request for Proposal (RFP).
recommendation.
April 20, 2021 Staff provided Council with a professional services contract with associated scope and fee
for the rehabilitation project, as the next action based on previous Council direction.
May 18, 2021 - Council, with unanimous approval, voted to create an ad hoc committee to review, analyze
and make recommendations to Council on alternative means of repair for each of the two buildings and
Page 1 of 2
requested that the creation, appointment of members and scope of work be brought forward at the earliest
available Council meeting.
June 16, 2021 Council approved the formation of the Community Center and Pioneer Hall Ad-Hoc
Committee along with the formal charge of duties.
BACKGROUND AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mayoral appointments to the Ad-Hoc Community Center/Pioneer Hall Review Committee include the
following:
Preservation Consultant
Staff liaisons Scott Fleury, Public Works Director
Rachel Dials, Recreation Superintendent, Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission
Committee Scope of Work:
The committee was charged with developing recommendations for the least cost options for the timely repair and
reopening of each building, either concurrently or in sequence. Recommendations or options that restrict or alter the
historical uses of the buildings shall contain descriptions of those limitations. Likewise, options that expand or
enhance potential legal uses of either building shall be described in the final report.
After establishment of the Ad-Hoc Committee, staff worked with its members to establish multiple meetings,
associated agendas and meeting materials. Meetings included site visits and inspections of both facilities by the
Committee and their respective engineers.
The ad-hoc Committee met three times to complete their charge:
Meeting #1 - June 25, 2021 Minutes
Meeting #2 - July 14, 2021 Minutes
Meeting #3 - August 23, 2021 Minutes
Committee Findings:
The attached report provides the recommendations of the ad-
recommendations only address structural repairs and limited accessibility improvements.
FISCAL IMPACTS
A range of cost estimate
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff has no recommendations.
ACTIONS, OPTIONS & POTENTIAL MOTIONS
REFERENCES & ATTACHMENTS
Attachment #1: Ad-Hoc Committee Report
Page 2 of 2
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee
Winburn Way Community Center/Pioneer Log Cabin
REPORT TO THE ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
21-September-2021
Mayor Akins and Members of the Ashland City Council,
The following report details the findings and recommendations of the Winburn Way Ad Hoc
Committee, appointed in June 2021 to develop least-cost recommendations for the timely
repair and reopening of two historic, city-owned, buildings on Winburn Way, opposite Lithia
Park. The committee is composed of Chris Brown, AIA, architect, George Kramer, M.S., HP,
historic preservation specialist, and Gil Livni, a licensed Oregon building contractor, with
Stef Seffinger and Shaun Moran, Ashland City Council, as ex-officio members. The
e supported by Eric Snyder, P.E., structural engineer. Kaylea Kathol
and Scott Fleury, of the Public Works Department, provided staff support. The Ad Hoc
Committee held three public meetings between June 23 and August 23, 2021, with additional
site visits by individual members to assess current condition in depth.
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 2
COMMITTEE CHARGE
the buildings and develop least-cost recommendations to repair and reopen them for public
use, reporting back to council with options and estimated costs for the work involved.
CURRENT CODE STATUS
and City Building Official, Steve Matiaco, there is no proposed change of use or occupancy
for either structure from the previously existing (Hanks, 25-June-21).
that because no occupancy change was anticipated, there would be no requirements to bring
any other systems up to code. Upon questioning by Mr. Livni, Matiaco confirmed that
without an occupancy change, neither seismic strengthening nor sprinklers are required at
either building (Matiaco, 14-July-21). The Community Center was closed due to concerns
raised by the 2019 Marquess structural evaluation. The Pioneer Log Cabin is currently
occupied but closed during snow events.
Given the lack of occupancy change, all work proposed for the two buildings is largely
voluntary, provided it addresses the identified structural concerns raised in previous reports.
RECOMMENDATIONS - Winburn Way Community Center
Clubhouse, was completed in October 1922, aided by a donation from Jesse Winburn. The
Community Center was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
The single story wood frame structure rises from a post and pier foundation with a perimeter
skirting of parged stucco. Interior spaces include the large, main auditorium with a curved
roof, smaller meeting areas, kitchen, and service spaces. An unfinished attic, accessed by a
non-original straight flight stairway, is used for casual storage.
North Wall-Out of Plane Issue
The 2019 Marquess report identified the deflection of the north wall as a major area of
concern. On-site review and analysis of the 1985 structural upgrade indicates that this
situation was present in 1985 and addressed and stabilized with the addition of two metal
tie-rods, inserted below the chords over the auditorium and tied to the wall plate. Evaluation
of the current condition, with no cracks in the drywall, no twisting or gaps in wood trim, or
other indication of movement suggest that this problem has been stabilized and is not a
1
concern. The Ad Hoc Committeebelieves there is no
further need to address this issue. During future repair, the turnbuckles on the tie-bars
should be assessed/tuned to determine if they have loosened and, if needed, tightened to
1
Window operation could not be evaluated due to the presence of strand board over all openings. Windows are assumed to
be operable without any binding or other indications of continued wall movement.
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 3
continue to secure the wall against movement (see Strong-Ties, below). No other effort to
return the north wall to plumb is recommended.
Roof Structure
The roof is idiosyncratically framed and subject to multiple recommendations for
improvement as per Eric Snyder, P.E. and detailed in his memo, attached. The primary
solution involves the construction of a steel moment frame to span the main auditorium and
create additional support for the existing timber trusses. This will involve installing a series
of columns along the perimeter of the auditorium, with steel beams below the truss and
phantom bearing wall at the rear (west) end of that space, with new footings at grade, through
the existing wood floor. Installation of the moment frame will be mitigated by painting all
elements white, to blend into the ceiling, and applied trim to match existing treatments. All
verticals here will be plumb, meaning that some form of tapered blocking will be needed
between the columns and the north wall for aesthetics. Careful evaluation of the westernmost
beam run to minimize impact to the proscenium is recommended (see Figure 1).
Additional beams, pony walls and other modifications will occur above the ceiling, in the
attic area, with minimal visual impact to the historic spaces below. This work will provide
additional support for the existing rafters and hips, augmenting or replacing existing
members (see Figure 3). As per Eric Snyder, P.E., this proposed work will increase the
capacity of the roof to code for snow loads, 25 psf, identified as an issue in 2019.
Foundation
Previous studies noted some settlement between the concrete footings and support piers in
the main auditorium area. These can be addressed by a mixture of shims, where the gap is
all new posts, for gaps larger than that. It is noted that access to the
understructure, through the rear mechanical room, is very good, with ample height and
generally dry and good conditions.
Diagonal wall sheeting has been cut and there is currently no lateral shear transfer from the
main floor to grade. While a new continuous foot/concrete stem wall system could be added,
we do not recommend this as required or necessary. As per Snyder, we recommend installed
diagonal X-bracing between columns and Simpson-type strapping.
SUGGESTED WORK (not related to the 2019 Structural Evaluation)
part of general upgrades to the Winburn Way Community in connection with the structural
repair project. This work is NOT REQUIRED to reopen the building.
A. Strong-Ties: To take advantage of work on site, we recommend that Strong-Ties
(Simpson clips) be installed sill and plate connections in both the attic and basement
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 4
areas to provide additional connection. Lateral shear transfer should be addressed
with the installation of x-bracing and strapping at the foundation.
B. ADA Restroom: Lack of an ADA-compliant restroom was identified as a building
need. We recommend that the storage area immediately east of the restroom
on the main floor be converted into a single stall unisex restroom. Water and sewer
are located in a common wall, for ease of construction.
C. Attic Stairwell: To improve access to the existing and rooms by
opening up the hallway, we recommend removal of the current, non-historic, attic
stairwell and its replacement with a folding stair. This will have the additional benefit
of reducing access to the attic area and inhibiting its continued use for casual storage.
All material currently in the attic should be removed (retaining any historic fixtures or
other building elements).
D. Rear Entry Steps: The existing rear entry steps are of 2x wood on an unknown
foundation with severe settlement and deterioration. These steps should be removed
and replaced with new work, either cast concrete or pressure-treated wood and non-
combustible deck material (Trex, or similar) (see Figure 2)
E. Retaining Wall & Fire Break: The sloped site at the rear of both buildings creates a
sloughing issue that leads to large debris piles of dirt and leaves (see Figure 4). Staff
reports that this area is also prone to unauthorized access, creating a hazardous
situation that complicates debris removal and maintenance. The banked debris
against the wood foundations of both the Community Center and Log Cabin increase
decay by trapping moisture, provide an access point for vermin, and, most
importantly, represent a significant fire danger. All of these issues are further
exacerbated by unauthorized access. The Ad Hoc Committee strongly recommends
that the slope be excavated, and an engineered concrete retaining wall be installed
approximately away from the foundation, with a new concrete
slab/walkway to provide separation (see Figure 12). The slab will be designed with
drainage to reduce water into the basement/foundation and should extend at the
northwest corner to correct and improve access to the WWCC basement.
To reduce unauthorized access behind both buildings, new security gates (black steel,
of suitable design) should be installed at the NW and SW corners with a shared gate
to be located between the facades on Winburn Way (see Figure 5).
Reducing unauthorized access and removing debris/fire hazard from the rear of the
buildings is considered the single most important element of securing the future of these
historic structures. The Ad Hoc Committee unanimously recommends that this work
item be pulled from the larger repair project and contracted as soon as possible to
reduce fire risk.
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 5
RECOMMENDATIONS Pioneer Log Cabin
The Pioneer Log Cabin, funded by Gwin S. Butler, was completed in 1921 (not 1890, as
previously reported) and was initially used as a of Oregon pioneers. Adjacent to
Lithia Park and the Ashland Downtown Historic District, the Pioneer Log Cabin is considered
eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places but is not, in fact, formally listed.
Built of bearing log on a post and pier foundation, the main building consists of a large
meeting space, with a kitchen and service areas to the rear. The roof is idiosyncratically
framed with a round-log rafters. A typical wood framed addition was built at the SW corner
in 1988.
The majority of issues identified by previous studies relate to a proposed change in occupancy
that triggered a seismic evaluation and recommended upgrade. Those changes are no longer
anticipated. Meeting code for 25 psf snow load would require extensive re-construction of
the roof or the installation of an interior moment frame (wood) to transfer roof loads to grade.
2
Neither is recommended or considered necessary. Because there is no proposed change of
occupancy upgraded to the roof is not required. The Log Cabin is currently in use. All
proposed work is, therefore, suggested but not mandatory to improve the building
performance.
SUGGESTED WORK (not related to the 2019 Structural Evaluation):
be pursued as
part of general upgrades to the Pioneer Log Cabin as the city determines appropriate.
A. Strong-Ties: To take advantage of work on site, we recommend that Strong-Ties
(Simpson clips) be installed as recommended at plate connections in the attic of the
original log volume, augmented with gussets at existing (non-original) collar ties.
Further evaluation may justify adding rafters to augment the existing. It is possible
the roof sag predates the installation of the collar ties, which stiffen the roof, and may
have addressed and stabilized the roof in its current condition in 1988. Additional
reinforcement as recommended will increase capacity, but we do not represent that
these actions will result in a full-code upgrade.
B. South Wall Window: Log movement at the SE corner apparently results from the
installation of a new window, installed without sufficient pinning to keep the logs in
place. As per the engineer, this should be corrected with an inserted steel bar or a PT
4x4 on each side of the window rough-opening, screwed and clipped into place to
inhibit further movement. The existing window can be reinstalled into the reinforced
opening (see figure 9)
2
(see
www.jlconline.comUS Climate Data (www.usclimatadata.com) reports
the average annual snowfall in Ashland as one inch. The highest recorded annual snowfall in Ashland since 1948 is
approximately seven inches (https://wrcc.dri.edu). Upgrade to the Pioneer Log Cabin roof structure, via a moment frame
similar to that proposed for WWCC, may be an appropriate upgrade the next time the roof is replaced.
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 6
C. Retaining Wall & Fire Break: (see E, above, as this recommendation should continue
the entire length of the Log Cabin as well). A new gate/fence should be installed
between the adjacent neighbor wall and the SW corner of the Log Cabin addition to
reduce access to the rear and side areas of the building (See figures 7 and 8).
ESTIMATED COSTS
The following cost estimates reflect current costs for materials and labor (2021), including
BOLI and related soft costs. Actual costs may vary, depending on the status of the
construction sector at the time of contracting.
ITEM DESCRIPTION LOW HIGH
Winburn Way Community Center
1 $ 65,000 $ 80,000
Install wood and steel moment frame/roof repair over
auditorium, including drywall as needed, footings, etc.
2
Unisex ADA Restroom in former storage $ 20,000 $ 25,000
Rebuild Hall, remove stairs, install fold-down access,
3
repaint and repair trim, etc. $ 8,000 $ 12,000
Replace rear entry steps (may be combined with retaining
4
wall work if concrete $ 2,500 $ 3,500
Basement StrongTies/sill clips, re-shim/replace footings,
5
add x-bracing and strapping for lateral shear as needed $ 20,000 $ 25,000
Pioneer Log Cabin
Install StrongTies at plate connections, enhance roof
1
framing with collar ties and gussets $ 15,000 $ 20,000
2
Reinforce south wall window opening $ 5,000 $ 8,000
Engineering/Soft Costs (includes retaining wall) $ 15,000 $ 25,000
TOTAL STRUCTURAL/Functional Upgrades to reopen $ 150,500 $ 198,500
RECOMMENDED UPGRADE TO REDUCE FIRE HAZARD
Excavate & install rear retaining wall behind both
buildings, including concrete pad at WWCC basement
entry, fencing and gates to reduce access $ 65,000 $ 80,000
TOTAL RECOMMENDED PROJECT COSTS $ 215,500 $ 278,500
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 7
SUMMARY
We would like to express our gratitude to the Council, and especially to Councilors Seffinger
and Moran, for allowing this evaluation to proceed. It was heartening to determine that both
these historic structures were in better shape than anticipated after reviewing the prior
studies and meeting with staff. We believe we have outlined a program of minimally
invasive, cost-effective methods to address issues and have given the city a path that can
quickly return both buildings to full public use. We appreciate the staff support in preparing
this report and are available to assist as the city moves forward toward construction.
Respectfully Submitted,
_________________________ _____________________ _____________________
Chris Brown, AIA George Kramer, MS, HP Gil Livni
Arkitek:Design & Architecture Kramer & Company Magnolia Construction
ATTACHMENTS:
Current images (Figures 1-9)
Snyder memorandum
Interior rendering, WWCC brace frame
Section, Proposed Retaining wall and walkway
Historic Newspaper Articles
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 8
Figure 1. Winburn Way Community Center, Main Space, Proscenium Arch
Figure 2. Winburn Way Community Center, Rear Entry Stair (note hillside at left)
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 9
Figure 3. Winburn Way Community Center, Over-stressed hip support
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 10
Figure 4. Winburn Way Community Center, Rear Sloughing Conditions
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 11
Figure 5. Winburn Way Community Center, Proposed Gate Location
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 12
Figure 6. Pioneer Log Cabin, Main Meeting Area
Figure 7. Pioneer Log Cabin, Proposed Gate Location
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 13
Figure 8. Pioneer Log Cabin, Rear Sloughing Conditions
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 14
Figure 9.
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 15
Structural Evaluation Memorandum
Snyder Engineering Company
Eric A. Snyder, P.E.
August 2021
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 16
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 17
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 18
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 19
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 20
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 21
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 22
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 23
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 24
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 25
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 26
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 27
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 28
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 29
Figure 10. Winburn Way CC, Proposed Moment Frame, View Towards Stage/Proscenium
(Arkitek, 2021)
Figure 11. Winburn Way CC, Proposed Moment Frame. View at Stage/Proscenium
(Arkitek, 2021)
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 30
Figure 12. Proposed Retaining Wall, to be constructed at rear of both Winburn Way CC and
Pioneer Log Cabin (Section), Snyder Engineering, 2021
Winburn Way Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 2021, Page 31
Medford Mail Tribune Medford Mail Tribune
31-August-1921, Pg. 6, Col. 1 1-December-1922, Pg. 6, Col. 3
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING DRAFT MINUTES
Tuesday,September 21,2021
Held Electronically; View on Channel 9 or Channels 180 and 181 (Charter Communications) or
live stream via rvtv.sou.eduselect RVTV Prime.
Written and oral testimony will be accepted for public input. For written testimony, email
public-testimony@ashland.or.ususing the subject line: Ashland City Council Public Testimony.
Fororal testimony,fill out a Speaker Request Form at ashland.or.us/speakerrequestand return
to the City Recorder. The deadline for submitting written testimony or speaker request forms
will be on Tuesday, September 20at 10 a.m.and must comply with Council Rulesto be
accepted.
Note: Items on the Agenda not considered due to time constraints are automatically continued to the
next regularly scheduled Council meeting \[AMC 2.04.030.E.\]
5:30PM EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council will hold an Executive Session to consult with your attorney regarding your legal
rights and duties in regard to current litigation or litigation that is more likely than not to be filed,
pursuant ORS 192.660(2)(h). Executive Sessions are closed to the public.
Mayor Akins called the Executive Session to order at5:30 PM. CouncilorsGraham, Hyatt, Moran,
Seffinger, DuQuenne and Jensen were present.
The Executive Session was adjourned at 5:55 PM
6:00 PM REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
I.CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Akins called the Meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
II.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilor Graham led the Council to the Pledge of Allegiance.
III.ROLL CALL
CouncilorsHyatt, Graham, Moran, Seffinger, DuQuenne and Jensen were present.
IV.S
DuQuenne read the acknowledgement into the record(see attached).
V.APPROVAL OFMINUTES
1.Business Meeting of September 7,2021
Hyatt/Jensen moved to approve the Minutes. Discussion: None.All Ayes. Motion passed
unanimously.
VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
1. Annual Report by the Airport Commission
Staff Liaison Chance Metcalf introduced Commission Chair Jeff Dahle to present the Council
with the annual Airport Commission update.
Mr. Dahle went over the annual report.
2. Ad Hoc Community Center & Pioneer Hall Review Report
Public Works Director gave a Staff report.
George Kramer and Gil Livni went over a PowerPoint Presentation (see attached).
Items discussed were:
Least cost alternatives.
Rolled Beam options.
Estimated Costs.
Council discussed options.
Public Forum:
Written Public Testimony (See attached).
Dale Shostrom. Mr. Shostrom read letter into the record (see attached).
Moran/Seffinger moved to accept the Ad-Hoc Commission report presented tonight to
open the Community Center and Pioneer Hall at the earliest convenience and go forward
with the recommendations outlined to fix Pioneer Hall and the Community Center
Building. Discussion Moran thanked all involved in the process and looks forward to the
buildings being fixed. Seffinger spoke to the importance of the buildings being safe for the
public. Jensen spoke in concern of opening the buildings immediately. He asked for
clarification. Moran clarified that the buildings had no reason to be closed.
Hyatt spoke in concern of liabilities considering all the reports received. She suggested legal
review.
Hyatt/Jensen moved to amend the motion pending legal review of the multiple reports to
ensure that we are not moving forward in a way that increases the liability to the City.
Discussion: Hyatt spoke that the proposal was well presented but the concern she has is the
multiple reports in hand that is indicating the needs of the structures and the liability to the City.
Jensen spoke that there is a difference between something being up to code and something that is
safe. He spoke that this needs to be determined before moving forward. Moran spoke regarding
the existing issues mentioned by Councilor Hyatt. He spoke that there are not conflicting
engineering reports, and he will not vote yes on the amendment. Seffinger questioned the
timeframe. Interim City Attorney Katrina Brown spoke that a report can be brought back to the
Council at the next Business Meeting. Roll Call Vote: Jensen, Seffinger and Hyatt: YES.
DuQuenne, Moran & Graham: NO. Tie breaking vote Mayor Akins: NO. Motion fails 3-
4.
Primary motion discussion: Graham spoke questioning why the Council would move forward
with repairs on 2 buildings which are historically significant without hearing from the Historic
Commission. She also spoke in agreement with Hyatts legal concerns.
DuQuenne spoke in support of moving forward with opening the buildings.
Moran called the question.
Roll Call Vote to call the questions: Seffinger, DuQuenne, Jensen, Hyatt, and Moran: YES.
Graham: NO. Motion passed 5-1.
Roll Call vote on main motion: Moran, Seffinger, DuQuenne: YES. Graham, Hyatt, and
Jensen: NO. Tie breaking vote Mayor Akins: YES. Motion passes 4-3.
VII. MINUTES OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
Airport Budget Conservation & Climate Outreach
Historic Housing and Human Srvs. Parks & Recreation
Forest Lands Climate Policy Community Center & Pioneer Hall Ad Hoc
Planning Public Arts Social Equity & Racial Justice
Transportation Tree Wildfire Safety
VIII. PUBLIC FORUM
Business from the audience not included on the agenda. The Mayor will set time limits to
enable all people wishing to speak to complete their testimony. \[15 minutes maximum\]
Louise Shawkat Ashland Global warming (see attached).
IX. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Gary Milliman gave the city Manager report. Items discussed were:
Staff shortage temp employee to fill in for Elizabeth.
Tina and Gray and Melissa.
CM and Finance Director recruitment are underway.
X. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Appointment of Kathy Kali to the Housing and Human Services Commission
2. Appointment of Joy Fate to the Housing and Human Services Commission
3. Appointment of Holly Christiansen to the Transportation Commission
Hyatt/Seffinger moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Discussion: None. All Ayes.
Motion passed unanimously.
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
o the
commencement of the public hearing. Public hearings conclude at 8:00 p.m. and are
continued to a future date to be set by the Council, unless the Council, by a two-thirds
vote of those present, extends the hearing(s) until up to 9:30 p.m. at which time the
Council shall set a date for continuance and shall proceed with the balance of the agenda.
XII.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
XIII.NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1.Social Service Grant Allocation
Housing Program SpecialistLinda Reid gave a brief Staff Reportand introducedCommission
Chair Rich Rhode. Mr. Rhode gave an update.
DuQuenne thanked Staff and the Housing and Human Services Commission
Graham/Hyatt I move to approve the FY 2021-2023 social service grant funding allocations
as recommended by the Housing and Human Service Commission at its regular meeting on
August 26, 2021.Discussion:Graham thanked all for their excellent work. Hyatt thanked all for
their excellent work.Roll Call Vote: Jensen, Hyatt, DuQuenne, Graham, Moran and
Seffinger: YES. Motion passed unanimously.
2.APRC Funding Proposal
Interim City Manager Gary Milliman gave a brief Staff Report.
Public Input
AnneBellegia -Ashland Spoke encouraging the Council to support fundingthe APRC.
Elizabeth Landreth -Ashland Spoke in support ofParks and Recreation activities.
Kristina Lefever Ashland Lefever T\\thanked Staff and Councilfor their work.She read a
letter into the record (see attached).
Council discussed Financial planning workshops.
Council discussed fundingsourcesfor Parks and Recreation.
Interim Finance Director Alison Chan explained the revenue sources for APRC.
Graham/Hyatt movedthat Council direct Staff to come back to Council with an
appropriate Resolution that pays the Debt Servicefor Streets in the 2022-23 budget from
F&B;and allocates the remaining available funding in F&Bto Parks andmakes Parks
whole by the $445,000 by allocatingan equal amount to the streetdebtservice fromthe
General Fund. Discussion: Graham spoke in support of the motion and spokethat by doing
this for one year it will ensurethat parks keeptheirallocation and flexibilityon how we may
shift the allocation going forward. Hyatt spoke in support of the motion.She spokethat this
motion meets the will of the people. Council discussed funding.
Seffinger called the question. There was no second.
Council discussed restricted funding.
Roll CallVote: Jensen, Hyatt, Graham, DuQuenne, Seffinger and Moran: YES. Motion
passed unanimously.
Hyatt/Grahampostpone the balance of the APRC Funding proposal to a
future agenda. Discussion: None.All Ayes motion passed unanimously.
3.Council Manager Plan Workshop Agreement
McMillian gave a brief Staffreport.
Graham/Seffinger movedto authorize the City Manager Pro Tem to work with
representatives of Portland State University, Center for Public Service, to develop and
execute an intergovernmental agreement for conducting two workshops concerning the
Council-Manager form of government as outlined in the proposal from Portland State
University, with a cost not to exceed $8,109.00.Discussion: Graham spoke that she is glad to
move forward with this. Seffinger spoke in agreement with Graham. Voice Vote: All Ayes.
Motion passed unanimously.
XIV.ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
XV.OTHERBUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL
LIAISONS
Graham reminded all that the City is looking for citizens to apply to have their name drawn for
public panelthe City Manager description. The Interim Finance Director Alison Chan name
association was clarified.
XVI.ADJOURNMENTOF BUSINESS MEETING
Seffinger/Hyatt moved to adjourn the meeting. All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:26 PM
Respectfully submitted by:
__________________________________
City Recorder Melissa Huhtala
Attest:
___________________________________
Mayor Akins
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to
participate in this meeting, please contact the City Manager's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY
phone number 1-800-735-2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meetingwill enable the City
to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104
ADA Title I).
Written Public Testimony 09/21/21
Subject: Ashland City Council General Funds and Parks and Recreation
Message: I understand the difficulties of balancing a budget. I have lived and raised a family in
Ashland for 50years. I want to speak for the importance of our city parks for quality of life, tourism
and community. Can we be creative in budgeting? I always remember when we had a water crisis a
few years ago California set a limit on water use. And the citizens met that goal. We can pull together
and deal with shortages. We also stepped up when the Ashland ski area was failing and donated
money to allow the city to purchase it. I was disappointed when Ashland spent huge amounts to tie
into the Medford water system rather than ask our community to reduce use and waste when
shortages occurred. In looking at budget cuts can we look at ways to ask for community support and
look for places we can reduce costs by creatively looking for cost savings, and surveying for ways we
can reduce. Thanks for all your work. I know you have many challenges. But I urge you to please be
mindful that as things get hard, parks are very important for quality of life, physical and mental health
and especially for lower income folks. Sincerely Alison Laughlin
Dear Council Members,
I'm asking that you not further reduce by approximately 10% the Ashland Parks & Recs budget and not
consider selling off park land.
It is my understanding that other general fund departments have not taken such a hit, how about
balancing the scales a bit.
Our parks are a wonderful part of the city and should continue to be used and cherished in the same
manner as we can now. Personally, my mother, in her 90s, loved our walks with her in N.Mountain Park
until she died at age 98. She enjoyed watching the kids playing sports as well as the wildlife and flora
along Bear Creek. I play pickleball at the courts several times a week - it offers the best combination of
sport, social ambiance and natural beauty in the valley.
Kind regards,
Jack Methot
President,
Southern Oregon Pickleball Association
and Foundation
ul hours in Lithia Park. One of the
reasons I moved to Ashland was because of the beautiful park and surrounding areas. Having been to
Golden Gate Park in California I was very impressed with the way Lithia is laid out and patterned after
Golden Gate. I ca
there are many projects that need attention. I would hope that the city planners realize the short and
long term value of maintaining the park the way it is. Why is it that on any nice day there are no parking
spaces along the park? Where are all those people? Sure, some park there and walk into town to shop
but the m
- ;please. Thank you for your
consideration in this matter.
Philippe Sprague
I just wanted to weigh in about our parks in Ashland.
When I moved here 17 years ago, one of the things I loved most was all of the parks and support for
outdoor recreation. And that is still what keeps me here today.
We spend time in the parks regularly. Love watching people play in the parks, the wildlife, etc. The
plethora of space for social gathering and physical exercise is important for our community and our
town. Without the parks and activities that they offer, our town is far less desirable. We are seeing
people leaving the area due to fires and water issues. Losing any part of our parks and the activities
they encourage will, in my opinion, decrease the desirability of our homes as well as decrease tourism
here.
This is an outdoor vivacious t
~Ren Kolar
Dear Mayor Atkins and Ashland Councilmembers,
I just watched the Ashland City Council/Parks Study Session from August 23, 2021, and, first, I
would like to say thank you for running a well-organized meeting that kept civility on what is
likely to be an increasingly difficult topic to address.
I am a citizen of Ashland and extremely frequent user of parks. My family uses Ashland park
properties literally daily, and usually more than twice daily, despite smoke or pandemic. We
walk our dog at Oredson-
air quality alert, my son plays soccer three times weekly at North Mountain Park with the
Ashland Soccer Club. My husband swims three times per week, year-round (yes, even in
winter) at the Daniel Meyer Pool through the Masters Swim Program. We use the BMX track,
even with popped tires due to the thistle. We frequently attend weekend birthday parties at
Garfield or Ashland Creek Park, and we use the ice skating rink in winter. It is not an
exaggeration to say that our lives revolve around our park activities, and I believe that is the
case for the majority of families in Ashland, especially as COVID-19 has forced activities
outdoors. The parks are an enormous part of why we live here.
Additionally, Lithia Park and the trails in Siskiyou Mountain Park and other city lands bring many
t
For the incredible services that the Ashland Parks provide us, at $1.89 per $1,000 assessed
home value, our family pays about $672, less than $2 per day. We would be willing to pay
double or even triple that to be sure that the parks department could operate at a reasonable
service level.
While property taxes are higher in Ashland than our neighboring towns, people like ourselves
have chosen to live here even though it is more expensive because the schools, parks, and
services make the quality of life so wonderful.
What I noticed and was bothered by in the special session is that there was a singular focus on
the need to cut $1 million-$4 million from the budget in the long-term. I get that we obviously
need a balanced budget. But there was no mention of the other side of the equationrevenue.
There was very little discussion about any options the City could take to raise revenue or any
steps being taken to avoid slashing funds.
While the revenue might not be put in place in time to pass the next budget, at the very least,
there should be a subcommittee studying all the innovative ways that might be possible to raise
revenue. It just makes no sense to me to say in one br
jewels
next
Imagine how much better it wo- to
mid-
According to city-data.com, about 40% of the population in Ashland has a household income of
$75,000 or above, and 31% of the voters in the May 19, 2020 voted for the $8.2 million bond to
willing to pay their fair share for use of parks. How can the City tap into the 30-40% of Ashland
residents that are willing and eager to help fund Parks capital improvement projects, programs,
and services?
Could we do a parks bond measure only for home valuations that are above a certain
threshold? The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority recently passed a ballot measure that
includes a low-income senior exemptioncould we do something similar?
Could we put pay parking in place in the parking spots that line Lithia Park? Could a Friends of
Ashland Parks group be formed to raise money for capital improvement projects or develop a
Parks membership pass that costs, say, $99/year?
Are there any matching grants available at the state or federal level that include climate change
resiliency, wildfire prevention, and watershed protection that could help cover some of the
upkeep at Lithia Park, Oredson-Todd, Ashland Ponds, and Hald Strawberry? Could there be
some jointly funded positions that make sense across the forest resiliency team, the water
department (for watershed protection), and Parks?
How much revenue could be generated if Pioneer Hall, the Community Center, an upgraded
pool, and a BMX park all charged a higher (but still reasonable) rate for use? Have all options
truly been explored?
I am urging the City Council to keep the existing 2021-2023 Biennium Budget so that Parks can
operate in a dependable, planned manner based on what they expected and were promised by
the last elected City Council. I also would like the Council to focus on ways to keep the Parks
budget resilient, dependable, and intact over the long term, whether this is through an
allocation of 98% of the Food and Beverage Tax, an increase in property taxes, a bond
measure, or some other measure.
Thank you for your time and service,
Pam Kuhn
Ashland Resident
To the Ashland City Council:
Ashland DEVO is a local non-profit with the mission of building grit, resilience, and camaraderie
in our youth through mountain biking. Ashland DEVO was formed in 2019 and this year has put
200 local youth through mountain bike programs ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade.
The positive effects of this program are widespread, and Ashland DEVO continues to become a
larger part of the cultural fabric that makes up the community of Ashland.
Ashland DEVO is reliant on the use of parks maintained by the Ashland Parks and Recreation
Department (APR) for its programs. Without these venues and public spaces to rent from APR,
our programs would not be able to operate at the current capacity. Anticipating growth in our
programs (we had 30 riders on a waitlist this Spring), venues are the biggest need. Projects such
as the East Main Park pump track and skills area will serve as an important training ground,
building self confidence and stewardship lessons in our youngest riders. Utilizing open spaces
such as Siskiyou Mt. Park, Riverwalk Park, and city-managed trails is paramount to our
grow our non-profit, and serve more children in the community. This would have a devastating
ripple effect on our programming.
Ashland DEVO is strongly in support of keeping APR fully funded. This will ensure programs like
ours can use clean, well kept facilities and amenities that continue to make Ashland a great
place to live, ride bicycles, and play.
Sincerely,
Ashland DEVO Board of Directors
Hello On page 4 of the printed information put out for the Business meeting on 09/21/21 there is a
paragraph that says something about passing a Council Resolution that would adopt an opinion that
you could approve an end run around the requirement to have the voters approve the spending of the
F&B funds. Having The VOTERS approve all spending of the F&B themselves was the agreement and
wording in the ordinance and one of the biggest reasons Ashlanders passed the F&B. No one has ever
proposed going around it before. Do not pass such a resolution ......ever!!!
I realize the Business meeting has an extremely dense agenda, and I am trying to follow it all. We really
have accomplished some goals and need to reorganize so much. It is an opportunity as well as a
necessity. I want good, informed people with different viewpoints who honor the spirit and letter of the
law and true public involvement...of, by and for the people...involved in this overhaul of our City and
how it works. This is truly an opportunity!!!
I have said before, make no changes to APRC funding now. It is premature. They can do just fine on the
1.89 they were allowed a few years ago....it goes up a few percentage points each year anyway. I
actually would have supported a 4 to 6% cut to their budget along with all other City Departments,
excluding the Fire and Ambulance services because of our drought and emergency issues. I say NO
CHANGES to APRC FUNDING SOURCES.... for the foreseeable future. There are too many unanswered
questions about the handling of finances in this City which will take months to sort it all out.
My opinion is that APRC wants unchecked, unfettered, total control of more and more money when cuts
and updating of the entire department is required. I believe we need to consider Charter changes that
bring the APRC in line with the other departments and not give them more independence. I also hope
we will have many new Commissioners in the next two years and new management as well. Time for
new people who can see us through major adaptations to our new conditions in town....financial,
environmental, and political. Time for transparency, accountability, and a course correction that
embodies democracy much more authentically.
I want to officially thank Councillor Moran for his comments during the previous meeting in which he
read parts of an email exchange between Councillor Graham and Mr Milliman. I appreciated so much
hearing Mr Milliman's and Ms Chan's current assessment of what they are discovering about our budget
and the way it has been organized. I hope to hear a lot more about the organization of the Central
Services and its numerous transfers of funds every which way....and how to more
professionally organize that. I am grateful for the gradual restoration of information to our City website.
I want it to equal or surpass the transparency of the Portland and Medford public information and be as
easily presented as possible for the general public. I appreciated hearing Mr. Milliman's advice and
comments on what we need to work toward to put our house in order. I thank Councillor Moran for his
personal comments too. They were spot on!
I want to see meetings about Administration and Finance be put on study sessions too...not just what
you have earmarked for the chopping block. Certainly Administration needs a thorough review....and of
course staff compensation packages, perks of all kinds etc. Letting that fly under the radar leaves many
problems unsolved....swept under the rug!
Finally I want to thank our Mayor for running a tight ship during the meeting. It was never legal or
appropriate to high jack meetings and throw topics on the agenda at the end of meetings, nor to try to
have votes too, which were not properly noticed. I hope we get a good permanent attorney soon,
conversant with the law and the rules that guide public meetings, who will strongly enforce them. I hope
we are fast tracking the search for a permanent attorney who is experienced, strong, unbiased, and
independent. I prefer someone experienced in Oregon. HOwever I am glad to witness the Mayor
holding the line. Our Mayor has a different role than before but still has influence, power,
responsibilities, and stature. I expect all Councillors to act respectfully.
thank you for reading this. Gwen C Davies
Dear Council Members,
I understand there is some consideration of cutting funds or even selling some of our lovely parks. Of all
the wonderful features of our city, none are more treasured than our recreational spaces. Please
preserve our beauty and vitality.
Thank you,
Daniel Baker
I would like to express my strong objections to any proposal that does not begin to
control APR costs. In the absence of a strong Mayor in Council Ashland is unable to hold anyone
accountable for excessive and wasteful spending.
Until we can be organized to draw up a petition for a change in the current Council
structure giving the Mayor more power than the current limited power to break a tie in Council
we must do everything we can to oppose any proposal that funds the current levels of spending
at APR.
Ideally the Council would have the power to remove an APR Director who refused the Mayor's
directives to reduce spending, but this cannot be done today given the publics returns of a
divided Council.
Harry David
Dear Madame Mayor and Members of the Ashland City Council,
You are being asked to consider revisions to the funding mechanism for the Ashland Parks and
Recreation Department. I urge you to say no to the reallocation of Food & Beverage taxes and the
current financial situation.
APRD will attempt to make this a referendum of sorts on the value of parks. Nobody is questioning that
parks are a public good.
The question is how many parks a town of 21,000 people needs, how much it should cost to maintain
them, and most importantly, who and how it should be paid for.
We are facing a future where tourism income, through both TOT and F&B are likely to at best remain
stable and more likely to decline. The city government is already facing structural deficits in its
spending/revenue equation. No department, not even parks, can expect nor deserves, guaranteed
funding. It is completely tone deaf, if not surprising, that these questions are even being asked at this
moment. Parks should be thrilled they haven't taken a hit.
Asking for more is inappropriate. Entirely inappropriate. Council should tell APRD so in no uncertain
terms
Respectfully submitted,
George Kramer
To the Ashland City Council:
On behalf of the Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association (RVMBA), we would like to show our support
for
Ashland Parks and Recreation (APR). A major draw for the mountain biking community (and to the
greater community) is our access to trails and the parks that provide our members and their families with
a plethora of recreational opportunities. We believe the APRC provides services that make Ashland such
a great place to live. Studies have shown that outdoor recreation attracts employers and active
workforces, helping ensure communities thrive economically and socially \[1\].
These facilities provide everyone a breath of fresh air, but are especially important for the youth in our
community. Studies have shown that youth aged 11-14 spend about 12 hours per day in front of a screen
\[2\], and youth aged 10-16 spend just 13 minutes per day in outdoor activities \[3\]. This severe lack of time
spent outdoors is linked to adverse outcomes such as anxiety, childhood obesity, academic
under-performance and bullying \[4\]. Outdoor recreation has been shown to significantly improve
educational outcomes for elementary, secondary and post-secondary students, and lower long-term
individual and public health care costs by reducing stress and obesity rates, improving physical fitness
and strengthening social bonds with family and friends \[5\]. I urge the City Council to consider these
outcomes when making their decision. The APR has already undergone budget cuts, which the
community witnessed in the form of reduction in care to the basic needs of our parks and recreation
areas.
Numerous studies have shown that more and more people are traveling for mountain biking and
mountain
bike tourism is a significant contributor to local economies. Well maintained bike trails and facilities not
only attract visitors from elsewhere, but are a key component to a strong local community, strengthening
the local economy, and bringing some new ideas with them.
To keep this community thriving, we are in full support of the APR and their mission to provide and
promote recreational opportunities and to preserve and maintain public lands.
Sincerely,
- members of the RVMBA Board
Sources:
1) Outdoor Industry Association, 2017. The Outdoor Recreation Economy
2) Timothy Egan and Casey Egan (National Geographic Magazine), 2016. Can the Selfie Generation
Unplug and Get Into Parks?
Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine
4) Richard Louv (Children & Nature Network), 2015. THE RIGHT TO A WALK IN THE WOODS:
5) Metro, 2017. Hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use in natural areas: A recreation ecology
literature review
It is difficult to parse out funding for Parks and Rec,
but as a resident of Ashland for almost 20 years now, I
believe that there are enough parks in the city of
Ashland for all existing neighborhoods. As
geographically, Ashland cannot extend its boundaries
very far I see no need for new parks. Keep the status
quo and improve upon those existing facilities as
revenues allow.
The mention of the 1903 charter or statute not
approving of a golf course as a park is a mute
issue. Apparently, the golf course was approved ca. 7
years later which renders its exclusion mute.
The golf course, I believe is the only revenue earning
"park" in the entire system. I see no reason to change
that.The recent pandemic and drought issues have hurt
all of the parks. Hopefully, we can weather this
current situation and keep all of what we have
generated since 1903.
Sydney Embry
Dear Mayor Atkins and Ashland Council members, We are truly proud to be residents of this wonderful
small town. Many of us came originally through our exposure to Shakespeare. It brought us here for a
week or less each year. What naturally occurred after repeat visits was our expanded view of what
Ashland has to offer. It is so much more than a tourist town. People do not move to small towns, buy
property, raise their children and continue to live in a small town without the basic necessities of
community life. Those necessities include parks and recreation, at the top of the list. The hallmark of
what is considered the ideal small town for families and retires has been shown across this country to be
gathering places, recreation facilities, programs, and neighborhood parks. Like all small towns, our
coffers have taken a hit. This is where a town decides what is truly important. Where indeed are our
ideals and commitment to our residents? Does our mission as a healthy small town include the vitality of
our gathering places, recreation facilities, programs and neighborhood parks? Who are the first
-being, our families, our aging community and
yes, our small town businesses. Small business can thrive through our local community, when the local
community is thriving. We already know that our vision of the future must look beyond tourism. Smoke
and travel has forced us to reconsider everything. Now is our opportunity to use the budget we have to
re-enforce the foundation of what makes a small town great. It has shown time and again that a small
town can be sustained through the very practices that nurture their residents. We already know just
how much Lithia Park means to us. We see everyone, young and old out enjoying the park, the trails, the
new Pickle ball courts. Even through the smoke. Sometimes, perhaps we are less aware of what else
Parks and Recreation brings to our tax paying, voting residents. The short list: Community Gardens
Needed now more than ever, in these trying times. Senior Center The lifeblood of the greater aging
community of Ashland. Daniel Meyer Pool An outdoor pool for all residents and guests alike from May
through August. Another small town feature that our town can be proud of. North Mountain Park An
educational gem that not all small towns can toot their horn about. Classes and Activities Just spend a
moment looking through the quarterly Parks and Recreation Play guide. Every one of these classes and
activities are filled to capacity each quarter. Great leadership comes from thinking outside the box and
es only the low
hanging fruit of cuts. The 2021-2023 Biennium Budget sustains the health of our residents. We know
each of you have chosen to serve on this Council and at the helm of mayorship for the betterment of our
town and residents. We know you will do the right thing. Thank you for your time and consideration,
Judy Blue
Re: Parks and Recreation Budget
1) First off, a question: If budget is so tight, why are we creating a new park on E Main St
when we can't afford the personnel to maintain what we have?
2) Use more volunteers. The Ashland Creek Park Community Garden has been able to
operate well this last year with personal time and funds donated by garden members. We've
taken care of a serious ground squirrel infestation, which cost us hundreds of dollars and
many hours of work. We improved the greenhouse for full spring use. We built a gazebo in
the Pollinator Garden and bought plants and fertilizers for the Pollinator and Children's
gardens. We also send our volunteers outside the garden fence to weed the fence line, the
circle rain garden and prune the lavender bushes.
3) Keep Park costs minimal: At the Community Garden, Parks pays for irrigation water and
spigot repair, green debris removal 2-3 times/yr, vandalism repair (recently a gate lock was
damaged), and the staff at N Mtn Park who administer garden wait lists, contracts, fees and
overall management.
4) Maybe this model of volunteers could be applied to other areas. One thought is to ask the
Ashland Garden Club or Master Gardeners to plant and maintain a perennial flower garden
at the triangle between Lithia Way and N Main at the entrance to the Plaza. In Pt Townsend
WA, where I am at the moment, the Master Gardeners maintain a beautiful perennial flower
garden at the entrance to town and it is stunning.
Thanks for your consideration of these thoughts for minimizing costs,
Carol Carlson
Ashland Creek Park Community Garden Co-Manager
Dear Council: I support whatever funding can be found to continue the invaluable work of the Parks & Recreation
Department. I have been a volunteer at North Mountain Park for over 15 years. Without such an outstanding
I know there is some ordinance or regulation that states there is to be a park within so many miles of every
neighborhood in Ashland.
ancially.
Please consider funding/supporting our parks, and especially North Mountain Park. Thank you in advance for your
consideration. Viki Ashford
Dear City Council,
I understand that you will be reviewing and making decisions on APR and I would like to add my
input.
After living many places in California & Hawai'i, I've made beautiful Ashland my home for 16
years now . I love Ashland because it has all the ingredients I love in a small town, particularly
the recreational aspects.
I have taken part or continue to take part in the following:
hiking all the Ashland trails (the exercise, beauty and natural surroundings have been so helpful
to my well-being especially in these Covid times!)
classes/events at N. Mountain Nature Park
concerts/events at Lithia Park's Band Shell and at the Pioneer Community Center
dance classes at the Grove
But the most satisfying and fulfilling recreational aspect has been being a member of the
Ashland Creek Community Garden for the last 15 years. Working with the soil to grow your
own food, harvesting it and having stored food available all winter really helps with my food
budget! Sharing with other gardeners in the maintenance and upkeep of our community
garden creates long lasting ties & bonds with fellow gardeners.
I appreciate all the time and energy you are putting in to creating a thriving, financially sound
Ashland and I hope that my input helps in that process.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Cramer
Dear Mayor and City Councilors:
I am very concerned about the future health of all the divisions within Ashland Parks and Recreation
(APRC). I understand that their budget has been approved for the first year of the biennium, but not for
the second year. I also understand that there seems to be an effort to cut back on the funding of this
important group.
I believe that cutting the funding would have a major negative impact on the livability in the City of
Ashland. I co-chair the Livable Ashland: An All Age Friendly City initiative that was approved by the
City Council and APRC. All the areas that APRC has are essential to the livability of our city. One of the
areas that is important to our group is intergenerational activities. Where better to have these than in the
parks. Grandparents take their grandchildren on walks and to the play equipment. These areas need a
budget to keep them looking nice and safe for all.
The Ashland Senior Center is a vital link to the large population of Ashland that is over 65. During the
Covid-19 time the Center has reached out to especially vulnerable people to make sure they are well. Now
the Center staff have enacted the Phone Buddy program (of which I am a volunteer) to continue to
address the important problem of loneliness in our community.
All the recreation activities that the division oversees (especially in a non-Covid time) are important to
young and old. It would be a shame to have to curtail these because of budget costs. This would make our
city less livable.
I would like to see the APRC budget increase, as it has been decreased over the last several years. They
have made do, but that will not work forever. Please consider seriously how you fund APRC for the
future.
Thank you for reading my input.
Sandy Theis
RE Agenda Item: Winburn Way, Ad Hoc Committee, Final Report
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
My name is Dale Shostrom. I am currently a member of the Ashland Historic
Commission and have served the City as a commissioner for over 22 years, where
ntegrity of our historic
structures and resources. I am speaking to express some thoughts and concerns
regarding the proposal submitted by the Winburn Way ad hoc Committee.
Because the Historic Commission has not met since the proposal was submitted, I
am speaking on behalf of myself and not the Commission as a whole.
I have worked as a designer/builder in Ashland since moving here in 1974 and
have collaborated with many structural engineers during my career. In the early
spring of this year, by previous order of the City Council, I was invited by the
Public Works Dept. to provide technical expertise and community representation
in the evaluation of Engineering and Architectural firms that had submitted
proposals to provide comprehensive evaluations of Pioneer Hall and the
Community Center. During this process I developed a robust understanding of
the condition of these structures via on-site visits with architects and engineers
and I thoroughly reviewed all the documents, architectural drawings, engineering
reports that pertain to these buildings.
In my opinion these buildings have some serious structural deficiencies and
deferred maintenance issues. Pioneer Hall has been well investigated in recent
years, whereas the Community Center has had only a preliminary report on the
structural deficiencies of the roof and north wall of the main hall auditorium.
-open these buildings. I
whole heartedly agree with the need to get these buildings open for public uses
-cost
historic restoration.
Page 2 of 2
My major concern is with the Community Center auditorium ceiling and the
proposed fix, by the installation of a steel moment frame. The existing curved
vaulted ceiling covers an open floor area of 30 feet by 40 feet. The ad hoc
steel beams, headers, and post (wrapped in drywall) that will completely
overpower and interrupt the historic openness, simplicity, and detailing of this
beautifully vaulted auditorium.
Further, this utilitarian retrofit support system will complicate or permanently
eliminate future opportunities to restore the north wall and roof systems, without
the additional wasteful expenditure that will be needed to remove the steel
restrict or preclude future repair of the sagging floor and compromised
foundation, the outward leaning windows and wall, and the 15-inch-deep belly in
the exterior roof plane. The consensus engineering solution, to remedy all these
problems, has been to remove the existing roof structure and rebuild with new
wood trusses. I believe the proposed steel moment frame is a totally
unacceptable solution, both aesthetically and historically.
As a next step, we need to develop cost-effective design solutions that address
safety concerns, longevity of the structure, and preservation of key historic design
features, as previously directed by Council. By incorporating the ad hoc
cause the City may need to re-open a competitive solicitation process
for engineering services regardless of the path forward, a more economical
opportunity to better assess the long-term needs of these buildings is not likely to
occur again soon. This phase should facilitate public input, needs analysis, and
restorations will enable Council and the community to better prioritize which
actions should be performed over time.
These buildings are nearly a century old. It is time for a detailed evaluation that
will guide decisions to ensure our historic public resources will serve the Ashland
community for another 100 years.
Respectfully,
Dale Shostrom
Thanks for considering this.
Marc Heller
Dear City Councilors, Ashland
Chicken Little, the sky is falling!
Or is it?
I know that all of Ashland is struggling. Challenges include the smoke season, the shutdown of OSF and
other live theatre, and decrease in tourists from pandemic and smoke. If the parks department is cut
going forward, we will gradually lose much of what makes Ashland special.
I am writing to urge you to fund APRC, Ashland Park and Rec Dept. Beth and I have lived here in Ashland
for 41 years, and we really appreciate what APRC adds to Ashland, both parks and recreation
components.
We use the outdoor pool. We take APRC sponsored classes. We appreciate the pickleball and tennis
courts. We love Lithia Park. We love the neighborhood parks. We walk in Oredson Todd, and the other
Ashland trails. So much of what makes Ashland special, is in our outdoor parks and recreation, which has
been so important during the pandemic. When I visit other towns, I always appreciate the ones that
properly fund and support their Parks and Rec Departments.
I know you face pressure from a vocal minority who are saying, cut the budget, cut services. I know that
PERS is an 800 pound gorilla that stresses public budgets. But is cutting parks the right answer? I think
not.
Please keep the existing 2021-2023 Biennium Budget so that Parks can operate in a dependable,
planned manner based on what they expected and were promised by the last elected City Council. I get
that the Council needs to focus on ways to keep the Parks budget intact and sustainable over the long
want to live in a town, where the parks are dying.
Dear Councilors and Mayor,
Thank you for your service.
Per item VIII, 2 on the agenda of the Sept. 21 Council Business Meeting, I implore you to reject
for enactment of an ordinance requiring that the total amount of City funds allocated to the
APRC be equal to the amount of funds that would be produced through the application of a
$1.89/$1,000 property tax
for a contract with the City to provide APRC with central services
designation of APRC as a Local Contract Review Board
Thank you for your consideration.
Elin Silveous
!
specifically about the Parks &
Recreation agenda item discussing current and future funding for Parks & Recreation.
the facilities associated with parks
umbrella, I am especially focused on North Mountain Park and the Nature Center.
I have been a volunteer at NMP for 20 years. I attended meetings when NMP was going
through planning stages, passed along input and celebrated with all involved when NMP was
A few years
later, the Nature Center building was approved for a remodel and, though it has been closed to the
public for a couple of years due to Covid-19, it is a tremendous resource for exploration and learning. I
hope it can reopen soon.
Past staff and the two remaining staff members--Libby VanWyhe and Jennifer Aguayo--have
done a stellar job during non-Covid years by making the Nature Center a hub for volunteers, K-
grounds. -of-
town guests enjoy throughout the summer, the fall and once again in the spring at the NMP
entrance or while touring the park. North Mountain Park is unique and Ashland has no other
park like it.
I firmly believe the Parks and Recreation Department and especially NMP needs to be
supported now and in the future so young people can learn the importance of how Climate
Change and the natural world plays a vital role in their life today and how it will play an even
more important role in the years ahead. Classes held at NMP with many supported by K-12
community teachers, local SOU students and volunteers were the catalyst for successful nature-
related classes in the past (pre Covid-19). Many classes served adults as well and are again
being offered this fall.
The City of Ashland needs to find a way so learning can continue to be funded and ongoing at
NMP as soon as it is safe to do so.
Councilors, Mayor, City Manager Pro Tem,
At a recent City Council Meeting, the suggestion was made that much emphasis has been
made about the Climate and Energy Action Plan(CEAP) and not enough discussion of other
priorities that are to be discussed and acted on.
Our community should have an ultimate concern for the goals that have been established by the CEAP.
Every aspect of the decisions you make regarding land use, our transportation network, housing, water
and wastewater treatment, are inherently embedded with our ability to adapt and mitigate emissions
and their consequences.
Ashland has instituted policies that help our citizens with concrete steps to help us be resilient.
Our Climate Page, https://ashlandor.org/climate-energy/ has information to Prepare, Rethink,
Switch and Renew. I know that this has helped me understand what things I can start doing to
will make that will affect generations is essential.
Thank you for your dedicated service to our community.
Linda Peterson Adams
Councilors:
I am bringing this letter to you wearing several hats.
First, I am a relatively new resident of Ashland - since 2014. A primary reason for moving here
is because we were willing to pay the taxes to enjoy - and ensure - that Ashland is a livable and
sustainable community for all.
Personally, I believe that the North Mountain Nature Center is key to that phrase - "livable and
sustainable". With this letter, I am bringing to you my concerns about the future of Ashland. In
all of the writings I have seen about the budget, our wonderful parks were put forward as the
reason to continue APRC funding. But I have not seen or heard enough about other services
that also need to be supported. I understand the value of all of our parks and I want them to
continue.
And there needs to be some way to make sure that we find the funding to continue
the operation of the North Mountain Park Nature Center.
I am also part of the Bee City USA Ashland subcommittee under Parks and Rec. I feel that our
town is better and stronger because of our Bee City USA Ashland status and I can say
personally with feeling that Libby Van Whye is a critical part of our team, and the reason we
now have over 75 Bee City USA Ashland designated pollinator gardens, and several pollinator
gardens on park property.
I, along with many many others, value the North Mountain Park Nature Center in many ways.
Either personally because of the classes taken or taught, or because we know how many lives
are touched through their amazing educational programs with schools throughout the Valley, or
because we want to make sure other organizations can continue using the grounds to teach
about fish, acorns, birds and more, or just because we love the place for walking and
experiencing the natural world, a world that is fast disappearing, even in Ashland. Both Ashland
and the Rogue Valley need this place.
What will happen if the Nature Center goes away? What will happen to the visitors who come
here to visit the Nature Center and stop to shop and eat? What about our air quality and the
quality of our Bear Creek and other waterways? What will happen to the Center's amazing
gardens and open spaces? What about all the volunteers who are tending the grounds, not to
mention Libby and Jen?
We need amazing and inspiring places to teach our residents about the wonders of birds,
skunks, fish, crevice nesting bees, beavers, and more, not to mention our native trees, shrubs,
and flowering plants that are so fast disappearing everywhere. of the natural world. This is a
place to learn about the keystone oak tree and all it provides, our native grasses, camas, and
tarweed, the practices of the indigenous tribes, how and why salmon spawn in Bear Creek, and
--- well, I could all go on.
So I will just end with my statement that The Nature Center is a
critical component to ensure our city, both now and in the future, continues to be a
liveable and sustainable Ashland. And I hope you will insure that the budget reflects
this asset to our City.
Thank you for your support.
Kristina Lefever
Ashland
RE: Parks and Recreation budget.
I am an Ashalnd resident and strongly support continuing a strong Parks and Recreation department and
expanding recreational opportunities for residents. I do not support reducing parks and recreation
budget and opportunities. I believe the City Council needs to think more fully, broadly, and critically at
both sides of the budget equation. Budget is a balance of income and expenses, but some Council
members appear to have a singular focus on only the expenses side of the equation. This problem
demands looking at both sides of the budget equation and not assume that cutting expenses is the only
option. It clearly isn't and Council members need to expand their thinking around this.
I and my family use Aslhand parks daily, sometimes twice per day. And we need more parks and more
amenities at parks, not less. We need to ask why Ashlands residents choose to live here, knowing that
housing costs are more expensive, property taxes are higher, and utility costs are higher than elsewhere
in the Rogue valley and the region. Residents have chosen to live in a more expensive place because
they think it's worth it. And expense is relative. Some who would oppose a small increase in fees
through utilities or property taxes are already spending thousands per month on other expenses.
Please think more fully about this problem and increase parks budget and find a way to make that
happen.
--
Bill Kuhn
To the Mayor, Councilors and Mr. Milliman
I would like to address the issue of the proposal to redefine how the F&B Tax is to be used.
The F&B Tax was established for purposes of acquisition, planning, development, repair and rehabilitation of City
parks by APRC.
To now claim that the term rehabilitation is subject to interpretation and would include maintenance is simply not
convincing. Mowing lawns, garbage collection, irrigation, cleaning bathrooms, etc. cannot, in any way, be included in
between capital and operating costs.
F&B tax was never meant to be an ongoing revenue stream, but only a one time tax to address long term debt and
CIP with a sunset date.
Redefining the purpose of F&B tax, appears to be an attempt to skirt the issue of having this change come before the
electorate, which is clearly required.
APRC had been funded historically with a portion of the property taxes from the General Fund. But in the 2021-2023
finding appropriate places to cut, the solution was to fund APRC from a source other than the General Fund - with the
F&B taxes. Thus, between this switcheroo and the injection of Federal COVID Funds, the $2M deficit that was
mentioned
Years of refusing to make any budget cuts, allowing salaries and benefits to get bloated and the APRC to continue to
acquire more parks land with the corresponding increased operating costs (even though acquisition had not been
considered essential), lead to the aforementioned deficit. Cuts, especially in higher salaried management, were off
the table.
It also cannot be ignored that soon after the budget was passed with this dubious change in funding, COLA raises
were also passed, increasing the budget by an estimated $135K. We can assume that next years budget will also
definitively.
Instead, to regain trust and address the issues at hand, I would like to suggest cuts outlined below to immediately
address underlying issues:
1. Place a temporary freeze on all non union salaries / benefits (est. $145K). Renegotiate other salaries / benefits
asap
2. Immediately cut auto allowances ($70K)
3. Review and cut other discretionary allocations (for instance: $500K to Chamber of Commerce)
4. In addition to the above, require all departments (excluding the Police Department and Fire & Rescue) to cut 5% of their
budget, WITHOUT CUTTING SERVICES.
And in March, we could take a vote to have a temporary re-assignment of the F&B tax code back to the General
Fund. Given that this has been discussed much throughout the budget process, as well as current study sessions
and Council meetings, 6 months for the education of the voters would be sufficient. These steps are a good start to
proving to the voters that the City / Council is now taking this budget seriously.
I recognize that due to all the years of not making these cuts makes it now a very painful and difficult task, but one
which must be done.
I beg you to consider both excluding the Police Department and Fire & Rescue from budget cuts as well as any
attempt to outsource them, unless expressly recommended by the Department Chiefs. We cannot afford to cut these
essential services.
Thank you all for your hard work.
Leda Shapiro
Madame Mayor and Esteemed Councilors:
made his recommendations to the Council, and on the whole, they are solid and sensible.
He says NO to the idea of allowing APRC to act as its own Contract Review Board.
He says NO WAY to the idea of allowing APRC to contract directly with third parties, circumventing
Council oversight.
Both of those should be obvious to anyone who has the best interests of the city in mind.
funding mechanism that garners the most discussion, and raises the greatest concerns.
The current biennial budget was recommended by the Citizens Budget Committee as written with only
one amendment: to reduce expenditures or raise revenues by $1M. This was the wholly inadequate
response to the news that the budget has an overall structural deficiency, and will be in deficit by the
end of this budget period. The shortfall was estimated at $3.5M. It is a legal requirement that the city
budget be balanced.
This is the
task facing the council. funding
mechanisms, since our tax rate is maxed out.
MEANWHILE, APRC is whining about their budget being cut AT ALL. Instead of thinking of the overall
welfare of the city and its residents, it can only think of funding its own projects. No wonder people
appropriately accuse APRC of empire building!
APRC has thrown around a lot of misleading figures to try to justify its insatiable appetite for
funding. But here are the facts: -22 is 22.2% greater than it actually
spent for 20-21, and its budgeted funding for 22-23 is a whopping 53.6% greater than budgeted for 21-
22. -23 is 87.6% greater than their actual
expenditures for 20-21.
\[All data is sourced from the 2020 Ashland Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the 2021 Ashland
Fourth Quarter Financial Report, and the 2021-23 Budget.\]
HOW DARE APRC COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR FUNDING? Still, they persist. They demand a guaranteed
level of funding, when the rest of the city is in need of cutting back.
APR also has very healthy ending fund balances. The graph below shows the growth of the total of the
ending fund balances of the three funds that under which APR operates: APR General Fund, APR Capital
Improvements Fund, and APR Equipment Fund. As of the last quarterly report, that total stood at
$3,934,047.
But all of this is not enough! APRC has got their sights on the Food & Beverage Taxes. Somehow, they
talked the previous Finance Director and City Manager Pro Tem into including a change in the current
budget.
administering the taxes. They would take tax money that has been specifically dedicated to Streets
funding by an ordinance approved by a vote of the citizens about five years ago. This ordinance was
worded specifically to prevent the use of the FBT for any uses not specified without a confirming vote of
the electorate.
So therein lies the rub. The City Manager wants the Council to consider the level of funding for
APRC. His recommended option is to place the question of dedicating 98% of FBT before the voters next
spring. HOWEVER, he leaves open the option of Council attempting to OVERRIDE the FBT Ordinance
with a resolution designed to twist the intent of the FBT Ordinance right now.
THIS MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN!
Ordinance 3133 is unambiguous:
C. The taxes collected by the City under this chapter shall be used as follows:
5. d. Except as provided in subsection4. 020.34. D, any remaining amounts shall be
appropriated for purposes consistent with this chapter unless other purposes
are approved by a Council-adopted ordinance enacted by a vote of the
Ashland electorate.
D. The council may decrease the rate of the tax or eliminate the tax described in
subsection4. 020.34. A.and B.after a public hearing. Notice of the hearing shall be
given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City at least 10
days prior to the date of the public hearing.
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO JUSTIFICATION FOR INCREASING APRC FUNDING OR FOR VIOLATING THE
TERMS OF ORDINANCE 3133 AT THIS TIME.
Thank you for your consideration.
Dean Silver
Hello City Council,
As a citizen of Ashland for over 13 years, I am writing in support of adequate program funding
for North Mountain Park Nature Center staff and programs. Did you know that the nature
center trains, supports, and connects hundreds of Ashland citizens with meaningful civic
engagement and community building? Did you know that these volunteers and staff educate
thousands (literally) of young school children every single year? Yes, these are the young people
that are our current and future water and climate protectors. Clearly, engaging them in activities to
learn about the natural world and deveop a sense of place is critical. Do you agree that this is
important? Thank you for your future transparency, integrity, and trust in continuing what works -
educating young people! Restore and maintain programming and funding at North Mountain
Park Nature Center.
Thank you for making budgetary decisions that make sense and reflect care for our whole
community,
Mary Ann Perry
Dear Council Members,
I am concerned about Ashland parks because I have heard various friends discussing the possibility that
The Ashalnd City Council may vote to defund some of the branches of this organization, namely the
"rec" branch. There appears to be a limited understanding of what "rec" refers to in this organization. It
isn't just the golf course, the pool, the tennis courts, the golf course, the ice rink. It also includes North
Mountain Park and The Senior Center.
I want to speak about North Mountain Park.
I have been going to North Mountain Park for over 10 years and almost every day for the past 4 years
since I currently live across the street. I couldn't believe the increase in walkers and parents with kids
once we were in lockdown last year. People love the place and it has given them respite during
the extremely troubled times we are living in.
This park offers so much diversity to the community. The bird watching there is rich, the gardens (cared
for by volunteers) are stunning, the delightful children's play area, a recent addition, is a huge draw for
laughing children and parents. Walkers and runners abound at all times of the day. Bear Creek is magical
with many birds and other wildlife. There are many places to have picnics all around the park. There are
the athletic fields which are heavily used. In the past (pre-Covid) there have been many educational
programs for students at the rate of over 1000 a month being served. There have also been many
classes at The Nature Center, an amazing resource. Unfortunately because of Covid the center is closed.
North Mountain Park is vital to Ashland, a town which is losing many things which once made it an extra
special community. Let's keep our parks vibrant and funded as they should be. Covid has made life very
stressful for most of us. One of the best cures for stress is being outside. Being in the fresh air to run and
play is so necessary for children, the most damaged population due to the many Covid restrictions.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Gwen Oaks (North Mountain Park Volunteer and Concerned Ashland Citizen)
To City Council, Mayor, MR. Milliman:
I just recently read an email sent to you by Leda Shapiro on budget issues and the handling of F&B and
APRC funding requests. It is an excellent letter. She identifies many key issues and dynamics.
I support her recommendations for immediate cuts. She has good approaches she recommends. For
instance cuts of 5% to every department excluding police and fire and also excluding service cuts. I
always say fully fund Fire and Rescue but am agreeing with adding Police to the list. OUr town is
changing; our valley is changing. I also support her other suggestions. Some address cutting perks and
imbalances that have been identified for 4 or 5 years now by others who have studied our budget. I
second what she says.
I want also to mention that there was an article in the Sunday paper about the extreme stresses Mercy
Flights is currently under with the huge burden of our covid surge. They are having trouble keeping up
with the workload.
The workload is not likely to decrease any time soon...there will be a winter surge in our region that will
continue to stress our first responders and hospitals all over the NOrthwest. Flu season is expected to be
intense this year as well....rebounding and being above normal. So the ambulance companies and
hospitals could be in for a hard winter.
Now is not the time to make any changes to our Ambulance Services. Other companies will also be
stressed with the covid surge....and this will likely go on for months. Do not merge with anyone now or
turn over our ambulance services to anyone. As a member of Fire Med with Mercy Flights added on, I
have no idea if I needed Mercy Flights they will be able to respond. Covid may keep take up all their
capacity.
I believe strongly in keeping our Fire and Rescue department as is. We have an excellent department
with cross training and superb training standards. We also have a great response time. I do not want the
County to assume getting us contracts or setting standards for us.....there are more issues with the way
the County handles things than I can enumerate....very different standards and values than we have. I
do not want them in charge of our ambulance services or anything else actually. I also noted questions
about how outsourcing our ambulance services to other companies would affect our ability to finance
our fire department. Every budget letter I have written for 5 years or so now says protect our Fire
Department...usuallly right before the City did the most insane thing they could....cut right at the
beginning of fire season. It is time to reverse that trend and restore the Department ....and protect it as
our fire seasons will get worse. With 4 times the fires we have now predicted for our future, this will
remain the highest priority for decades. I fully believe that the connections between our ambulance
service and our fire department bolster both....they are inextricably intertwined. Keep them both
robust and connected and an Ashland department. Maybe at some point there is something we can do
with District 5 and the questions our Mayor articulated tonight....but only if our Department is fully
protected or enhanced. The County will absolutely not give us the quality services we have always had.
I missed the first part of the meeting and will catch up soon. Until then..thanks for reading this.
~Gwen Davies
Madame Mayor and Esteemed Councilors:
No one can understand why APRC wants the entirety of the FBT. APRC keeps saying they want
and need a dedicated, reliable revenue stream, but everyone knows FBT is neither of those.
It's all about the new pool.
APRC knows that the electorate will never approve a $5.5M GO bond for a new pool, but they
are determined to build it, come hell or high water.
The only way they can do it is to find a way to fund a revenue bond for that purpose, a bond
that won't need approval by the voters.
That explains why they are so desperate to get their hands on 98% of FBT. That entire 98% will
be available for servicing the debt on whatever size bond they wind up needing. They want that
money to be used "at their discretion".
Regardless of what APRC tries to make you believe, it has an ending fund balance in the Parks
CIP fund as of 7/31/21 of $1,708,410. That money, along with the proceeds of a $4-5M bond
might pay for the new pool. And the unrestricted FBT revenue will pay for that debt service.
THAT is why you see $7.5M in the budget for next year for the Parks CIP fund. They are
counting on the FBT and a big revenue bond.
They talked Melanie and Adam into this scheme, and staff rammed the budget through the CBC
with no hope of understanding what was going on, since it was a total subterfuge.
Don't fall for it, Councilors. Reject their demands. Focus on the ENTIRE budget.
Thank you for your consideration.
Dean Silver
The latest intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that if we wish to limit global warming
to 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) above the 1850-1900 level, we need to reach net zero emissions by no
later than 2030 - and that's just for a 50% chance. If we want a better chance, the deadline is
sooner. While Governor Brown's Executive Order 20-04 from March last year charges state agencies
with reducing emissions to at least 45% below the 1990 level by 2035, and at least 80% below the 1990
level by 2050. The critical phrase 'at least' gave the agencies the opportunity to impose emissions
reduction trajectories that are steep. Unfortunately, the program developed by DEQ to target fuel
suppliers and stationary (industrial) sources is simply not enough to meet the urgency of the
moment. Please contact DEQ during the 60-day comment period ending October 4th to urge the
program be strengthened commensurate with this urgency. I will circulate the address for submitting
comments and for a page where more information is available on the shortcomings of the DEQ proposal
in the chat."
\[The address for submitting comments is GHGCR2021@deq.state.or.us while more
information on the program and its shortcomings is available
at https://socan.eco/cpp-comments/\]
l ouise40208@gmail.com
Dear City Council:
Oak Knoll Golf Course is a true treasure.I have enjoyed it independently as well as a member of the OK
Women's Golf Association the many years I have been in retirement. It has been a safe location for all
ages during the pandemic -- for exercising as well as socializing, a boon to body and spirit. Furthermore,
it offers a large open space for birds and other animals. The whole course is beautiful, peaceful and,
thus, healthful. The course manager, Patrick Oropallo, has done a fantastic job in creating community.
In short, Oak Knoll Golf Course is an asset to humans and animals and should be maintained in
perpetuity.
Amy Lepon
Dear City Council,
Oak Knol
valued OK course for many reasons.
It has preserved a breathtaking place of beauty for not only folks in this area, but also for our vital
tourist population. It is a well-maintained and affordable golf course that I have enjoyed as well as many
others. Patrick Oropallo has done an excellent job in running the course, including other Rogue Valley
golf club in activities and adding community/athletic events to extend the gift of this treasure to our
community at large. During the pandemic when many venues were closed, Oak Knoll golf course
provided an important place of refuge and reprieve when the Covid standards allowed its use.
In closing, I feel that supporting Oak Knoll golf course now and in the future is one of the most tangible
and uplifting uses of city funding.
Sincerely,
Barb Street
I wish to support the Oak Knoll golf course. Patrick Oropallo has increased the number of events at Oak
Knoll and new opportunities to learn the game. Golf has been my refuge during the pandemic - a safe
way to get exercise and be outdoors. It is also an activity that seniors can continue to enjoy as we age.
Please continue to support this wonderful community asset!
Phyllis Fernlund
for the last five years. This is my written testimony as I am unable to attend the council meeting. I
support keeping funding for the Oak Knoll golf course. Two reasons:
(1) some residents and some elected officials would like to eliminate the golf course because it is
financially not self-supporting. If that is part of the litmus test for parks and recreation facilities and
programs, then very few if any parks and recreation programs fully fund themselves. I encourage you to
use that litmus test when looking at the other facilities and programs, not just the golf course. For
example Lithia Park does not generate direct revenue. Why is that park more priority for receiving
funding than the golf course that actually partially funds itself ?
(2) it was noted by the interim city manager that our forefathers who created the parks commission in
the early 1900s probably did not envision a golf course as part of the parks program. He is likely correct.
Again if this is a litmus test then I doubt that our forefathers who founded the parks commission
envisioned a swimming pool or a senior center or many other programs than need outside funding.
Again I encourage you to use the same litmus test against other parks and programs that would receive
funding, not just single out the golf course.
Finally, I would like to commend Patrick Oropallo who has done an excellent job managing and
upgrading Oak Knoll Golf Course.
Bruce Boyd
I have volunteered at the NMP Nature Center since the first month that I arrived in Ashland,
September 2018. The existence of this Nature Center was a big draw for me, as it's existence
testifies to the foresight of the Ashland Community. There are only 23 nature centers in all of
Oregon, 4 in Southern Oregon, many operated by Federal and County agencies, and yet the
programming in our city -operated Ashland center is top shelf.
I have been involved in Environmental Education since the 1980's as a teacher who believed
that it was essential to bring children outdoors to start understanding the marevelous web of
nature that surrounds and supports us. I have led teams to create outdoor learning natural
areas in schools and been involved in the writing of much curriculum for those spaces. Coming
in to volunteer at North Mountain Park Nature Center, I was very impressed by the knowledge
and professionalism of the staff, and by the curriculum which has been written, tested, and
improved over the years at the Nature Center.. This curriculum is specific to this time and
place, developed by it's own staff, not just a generic off-the-shelf set of generic activities.
Having both a highly skilled staff and an up-to date-curriculum, and an excellent training
program for it's volunteer teachers, and the ability to organize the comings and goings of 100
busloads of children from the area... this is a community asset which is truly priceless. It is a
living asset... if the staff and programs are allowed to fade away, it will not simply be a matter
of dusting off the old curriculum and starting over. Programs of this quality are very rare, and
the greatest asset they have are their trained staff. I'm guessing that this is the finest nature
center and program run by any city in the state of Oregon, and comparable to top programs in
the country. .
Ashland clearly has a daunting fiscal crisis this year. And, we need to consider the values of our
community assets with the long term in mind. Given the environmental challenges we face,
especially with climate, we need to push ahead with educating ourselves and our children
about how humans can play a positive role in nature. Kids today more than ever need to be
outdoors in settings that make sense, to understand it, so that when they as adults are faced
with the environmental problems that will inevitably crop up, they will have a foundation of
understanding to build upon.
Jonathan Pope
Council,
The Oak Knoll course is a valuable asset for the city of Ashland. With the new management it is
getting better and better and becoming more and more popular with both tourists and locals. A golf
course and tennis facilities were both requirements for a city, when we were looking for a place to retire
to. Both are still a necessity for us. They are both keystones of a good parks and recreation department
and must receive adequate funding.
Please give them the support they deserve.
Thank you, Bill and Nancy Walz
September 21, 2021
My name is Liz Landreth and my husband and I have lived in Ashland for 8 years.
I'm a long-time school program activities instructor at North Mountain Park
Nature Center, and I speak tonight to voice my support for this valuable
community resource.
prices because we felt that the city offered an exceptional quality of life.
In this current difficult time for the city, I understand that the lack revenues have
put a severe strain on our budget and that changes have to be made that affect
the APARC.
just empty spaces, void of enrichment. We do things in parks.
So, when considering recreation activities and programs, I respectfully request
that you evaluate their impact on the community, which is definitely quantifiable.
For example, here are some stats (averages) from the North Mountain Park
Nature Center the last four years:
2276 students per year participating in over 100 K-5 inquiry-based,
standards-aligned outdoor education classes
1035 people of all ages attending other classes and events per year
369 volunteers of all ages donating 3736 hours to support NMP programs
per year
North Mountain Park Nature Center deserves its top ranking in the APRC
recreation budget. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely, Liz Landreth
Dear Mayor and City Council
I wish to express how very important North Mountain Park is to me and my family. We walk through and
enjoy North Mountain Park several days a week. We see the joy it brings to so many families and
individuals, and we see how it sustains many species of birds and plants as well.
For us it is an important place for exercise and for being in a natural setting.
Without the park and its programs, our quality of life in Ashland would be effected negatively.
Please support the long term continuance of staff and programs at North Mountain Park.
Thank you very much.
Miriam Sundheim
Land Acknowledgement (shorter version)
We acknowledge and honor the aboriginal people on whose ancestral homelands we
workthe Ikirakutsum Band of the Shasta Nation, as well as the diverse and vibrant
Native communities who make their home here today. We honor the first stewards in
the Rogue Valley and the lands we love and depend on: Tribes with ancestral lands in
and surrounding the geography of the Ashland Watershed include the original past,
present and future indigen m3 ous inhabitants of the Shasta, Takelma, and Athabaskan
people.
that is now the Ashland City Plaza.
Rolled Beam at Proscenium Arch
Councilors:
I am bringing this letter to you wearing several hats.
First, I am a relatively new resident of Ashland - since 2014. A primary reason for moving here
is because we were willing to pay the taxes to enjoy - and ensure - that Ashland is a livable and
sustainable community for all.
Personally, I believe that the North Mountain Nature Center is key to that phrase - "livable and
sustainable". With this letter, I am bringing to you my concerns about the future of Ashland. In
all of the writings I have seen about the budget, our wonderful parks were put forward as the
reason to continue APRC funding. But I have not seen or heard enough about other services
that also need to be supported. I understand the value of all of our parks and I want them to
continue.
And there needs to be some way to make sure that we find the funding to continue
the operation of the North Mountain Park Nature Center.
I am also part of the Bee City USA Ashland subcommittee under Parks and Rec. I feel that our
town is better and stronger because of our Bee City USA Ashland status and I can say
personally with feeling that Libby Van Whye is a critical part of our team, and the reason we
now have over 75 Bee City USA Ashland designated pollinator gardens, and several pollinator
gardens on park property.
I, along with many many others, value the North Mountain Park Nature Center in many ways.
Either personally because of the classes taken or taught, or because we know how many lives
are touched through their amazing educational programs with schools throughout the Valley, or
because we want to make sure other organizations can continue using the grounds to teach
about fish, acorns, birds and more, or just because we love the place for walking and
experiencing the natural world, a world that is fast disappearing, even in Ashland. Both Ashland
and the Rogue Valley need this place.
What will happen if the Nature Center goes away? What will happen to the visitors who come
here to visit the Nature Center and stop to shop and eat? What about our air quality and the
quality of our Bear Creek and other waterways? What will happen to the Center's amazing
gardens and open spaces? What about all the volunteers who are tending the grounds, not to
mention Libby and Jen?
We need amazing and inspiring places to teach our residents about the wonders of birds,
skunks, fish, crevice nesting bees, beavers, and more, not to mention our native trees, shrubs,
and flowering plants that are so fast disappearing everywhere. of the natural world. This is a
place to learn about the keystone oak tree and all it provides, our native grasses, camas, and
tarweed, the practices of the indigenous tribes, how and why salmon spawn in Bear Creek, and
--- well, I could all go on.
So I will just end with my statement that The Nature Center is a
critical component to ensure our city, both now and in the future, continues to be a
liveable and sustainable Ashland. And I hope you will insure that the budget reflects
this asset to our City.
Thank you for your support.