Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.03.17 Council Meeting rn Council Business Meeting Agenda ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Council Chambers,1175 E Main Street Live stream via RVTV Prime at rvtv.sou.edu or broadcast on Spectrum 180. Public comment is welcome on public forum topics and agenda items. To speak electronically during the meeting or to submit written comments in advance, please complete the online Public Comment Form by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting. 6:00 p.m.Regular Business Meeting I. CALL TO ORDER a. Land Acknowledgement** II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. ROLL CALL IV. MAYOR'S/ CHAIR OF THE COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENT a. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Proclamation V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Minutes of the March 2, 2026—Study Session Meeting b. Minutes of the March 3, 2026—Business Meeting VI. CONSENT AGENDA a. Appointment to Housing and Human Services Committee VII. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. RVTD Levy Presentation Vill. PUBLIC FORUM IX. PUBLIC HEARING X. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS a. Second Reading of Ordinance 3282 Creating Section 2.55 of the Ashland Municipal Code: Disposal of Real Property b. Second Reading of the following Ordinance Language Changes: 1. 3288 AN ORDINANCE CREATING 15.04.270 TO PROHIBIT PERMITS WHEN CODE VIOLATIONS ARE OUTSTANDING 2. 3289 AN ORDINANCE UPDATING 15.36.030 TO CORRECT FOR THE PROPER DEPARTMENT THAT ASSIGNS FRONTAGE 3. 3290 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 9.08.170(3)—TO CREATE CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FOR HEAT PUMPS OR MECHANICAL DEVICES FROM NOISE REGULATION 4. 3291 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 13.16.035 TO REQUIRE PROPERTY OWNERS TO REMOVE OR PRUNE DANGEROUS TREES WITHOUT A PERMIT Page 1 of 2 Pagel of 146 rn Council Business Meeting Agenda 5. 3292 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6.50 TO REFLECT MARIJUANA RETAIL REGULATION C. Second Reading of Ordinance 3295 Amending AMC 14.02 Utility Systems-Customer Accounting Policies XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS XII. NEW BUSINESS a. Endorsement of 15-240 Rogue Valley Transportation District b. Approval of Pedestrian/Bicyclist Wayfinding Signage Design XIII. CITY MANAGER REPORT a. Look Ahead XIV. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS XV. ADJOURNMENT If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting,please contact Alissa Kolodzinski at recorder6oashlandoreaon.aovor 541.488.5307(TTYphone number 1.800.735.2900). Notification at least three,business days,before the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. * Items on the Agenda not considered due to time constraints are automatically continued to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting [AMC 2.04.030.(D)(3)] ** LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We acknowledge and honor the aboriginal people on whose ancestral homelands we work— the 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 indigenous inhabitants of the Shasta,Takelma, and Athabaskan people. We also recognize and acknowledge the Shasta village of K'wakhakha - "Where the Crow Lights" - that is now the Ashland City Plaza. ***Agendas and minutes for City of Ashland Council, Commission and Committee meetings may be found at the City website,ashlandoregon.gov. Page 2of2 OWFI Page 2 of 146 C I T Y O F ,AS H LA N D A PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK APRIL 12-18,2026 WHEREAS, public safety telecommunicators serve as the critical first link in emergency response, answering 9-1-1 calls, providing lifesaving instructions,and dispatching help with skill and compassion under intense pressure; and WHEREAS, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO 911) serves as the primary 911 Public Safety Answering Point and dispatch center for Jackson County Oregon, Crater Lake National Park,and over 30 partner public safety agencies, protecting more than 224,000 residents and countless visitors; and WHEREAS,these dedicated professionals at ECSO 911 demonstrate exceptional commitment, professionalism, and resilience in supporting our communities 24/7, often without adequate recognition; WHEREAS, National Public Safety Telecom municators Week,observed annually during the second full week of April, honors these unsung heroes who safeguard lives every day; NOW,THEREFORE, 1,Tonya Graham, Mayor of Ashland,on behalf of the the Ashland City Council,do hereby proclaim April 12-18,2026,as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Ashland,and extend our deepest gratitude and recognition to the telecommunicators of Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO 911) for their invaluable service to public safety. In Ashland,we are better together. DATED this 171" day of March 2026. Tonya Graham, Mayor Alissa Kolodzinski, City Recorder Page 3 of 146 ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES Monday,March 2,2026 Mayor Graham called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Council Present: Mayor Graham,Councilors Dahle, DuQuenne, Hansen, Kaplan,and Sherrell. Council Absent: Bloom. Staff Present: Sabrina Cotta City Manager Alissa Kolodzinski City Recorder Tighe O'Meara Police Chief I. Call to Order II. Reports and Presentations a. Amigos Club Update - Jay Tapp, President of the Amigos Club in Ashland, will provide an update on the Sister City program with Guanajuato, Mexico. Tapp presented (presentation attached) an update on Ashland's 55-year sister city relationship with Guanajuato, Mexico. He reported that over 1,200 exchange students have participated in the program between the University of Guanajuato and Southern Oregon University.Tapp highlighted 2025 activities including the renewal of the sister city proclamation during June visits to Guanajuato and the successful hosting of Guanajuato's delegation in Ashland during July 4th festivities.The club launched a new Amigo Club Opportunity Fund to support educational and cultural exchanges beyond traditional university pathways, already assisting two students.The Amigo Club is pursuing grants to expand programming and is planning the return of Guanajuato Nights as a fundraiser.The community ambassador program will continue selecting a 2026 representative,with discussions underway to expand it into a year-long leadership program. Tapp requested council members join the Amigo Club and collaborate on planning 2026 delegations for June and July visits. He emphasized the importance of maintaining visibility and alignment with city goals while strengthening the partnership. Council members who had visited Guanajuato praised the program's impact.The council expressed support for continued collaboration, and several members indicated interest in participating in future delegations. b. Information on the Deer Population - Mathew Vargas, Rogue District Wildlife Biologist, from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, will present on the deer population. Vargas presented (presentation attached) data on human-wildlife conflicts in Ashland,focusing on deer populations. His district receives several hundred wildlife conflict reports annually,with 2022 being the highest complaint year on record. Complaints primarily involve sick, injured, or dead animals,with human safety incidents spiking during June-July fawning season when does become protective. Ashland reports more deer-human safety City Council Study Session March 2,2026 Page 1 of 2 Page 4 of 146 calls than other regional cities, likely due to its proximity to forested and wilderness areas.Vargas outlined control methods, noting that relocation is ineffective due to high mortality rates and deer's ability to travel up to 40 miles.Contraceptives are not viable for open populations like Ashland's. The Oregon Urban Deer Pilot Program allows cities to petition for kill permits after adopting wildlife feeding ordinances and declaring deer a public nuisance. He recommended increased public awareness emphasizing that deer are wildlife, not pets, and promoting hazing techniques like sprinklers and noise makers to restore natural wariness. Enforcement of existing feeding ordinances (Class 1 violation with maximum $500 fine) was suggested for persistent violators. Council members expressed concern about potentially underreported incidents and discussed the need for comprehensive public education campaigns covering both deer and bear interactions. Discussion included potential mandatory bear-proof containers for areas with frequent bear activity, though concerns were raised about cost impacts on residents. Police Chief O'Meara confirmed existing protocols for lethal removal when public safety is threatened and noted ongoing collaboration with Oregon State University on community engagement surveys regarding wildlife feeding patterns. Graham summarized City Council direction for staff which is to proceed with developing a public awareness campaign aimed to educate and reduce deer and bear interactions with the public. III. Adjournment of Study Session. The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 pm. City Recorder Alissa Kolodzinski Mayor Tonya Graham City Council Study Session March 2,2026 Page 2 of 2 Page 5 of 146 . I / I • • . • A Guanajuato STRENGTHENING THE ASHLAND-GUAMAJUATO SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP PREPARED BY: JAY TAPP, PRESIDENT, AMIGO CLUB OF ASHLAND Ashland-Guanajuato Sister City Update Presented by.Amigo Club President, Jay Tapp March 2, 2026 • 2025 Activities • Exchanges • Cultural Projects • 2026 Events People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato The Amigo Club Today • Celebrating 56 years of Ashland—Guanajuato partnership • Mission: cultural exchange, educational opportunity, and community connection • New momentum through student programs, arts initiatives, and civic collaboration People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Amigo Club 2025 Key Activity Round up People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato "Amigo Mingle" Event • Wine Tasting, Tapas and Spanish Songs Sing-Along People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato June Visit to Guanajuato • Sister City Renewal—Celebrating 55 Years of - Sisterhood. ` • Official proclamations from Guanajuato. • Ashland City delegation and citizens delegation were ;; in attendance i I People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato July Visit to Ashland • Sister City Renewal-Celebrating 55 Years of Sisterhood. • Official proclamations from Ashland %y w • SOU welcome reception breakfast J ` • Guanajuato City delegation and citizens delegation were in 'W, attendance People-to-People Ashland y Guanajuato SalsAmigo Benefit Dance • Amigo Club Fundraising Event featuring local dance band sensation —Salsa Brava! 1 •• ,. 1 People-to-People Ashland y Guanajuato Amigo Mingle Event A Toast To The Turners—Honoring Mina and Kernan Turner • Recognized for 15+years of service to the Amigo Club • Leadership in strengthening exchanges, supporting students, and preservingthe sister-city legacy People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Amigo Club Opportunity Fund (ACOF) This fund is designed to support flexible, mission-aligned opportunities—including student exchanges, arts and theater programs, community sports initiatives, and other cultural projects—that reflect the values and vision of the Amigo Club. While our historic relationship with the University of Guanajuato remains vitally important,this fund expands our reach to include high school exchanges,community-based programs, and direct enrollment in Southern Oregon University exchanges, beyond affiliation with the University of Guanajuato. People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Amigo Club Opportunity Fund (ACOF) Two-track structure: • Educational Exchange Track-high school exchanges, SOU pathways, leadership development • Cultural Exchange Track-arts, music, theater, sports, civic collaborations Early impact: t Already supported two students who would not have qualified for SOU endowment scholarships: Karen Lopez Villanueva Sebastian Hicks Rojas • Ensures fairness, transparency, and mission alignment People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Grants to Help Our Mission Thrive! Pursuing Grants as a Core Strategy • One of our key focus areas is expanding funding through targeted grant opportunities • We have an active Grant Writing Committee dedicated to identifying and pursuing regional and national funding sources • The committee has consulted with longtime expert Debra Moon,whose guidance has strengthened our approach and competitiveness Progress to Date • Four grant applications submitted so far • Additional grants currently in development and scheduled for submission in 2026 • Goal: diversify funding to support student exchanges,cultural programming,and community initiatives People-to-People Ashland y Guanajuato Global Innovation Scholars Program (SOU-UG) • Launching Spring 2026 • Supported by SOU endowment • Focus: business innovation, leadership, cultural understanding Exchange Dates: • SOU students in Guanajuato: April 17-26, 2026 • UG students in Ashland: May 2-10, 2026 1 People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Global Innovation Scholars Program (SOU-UG) ® ` 4M 1 / People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Guanajuato Nights 2026 Saturday, May 9 • Rogue River Room, SOU • Theme:;Vivan Los Estudiantes! Program Highlights: • Celebrating 2026 GIS cohort of students • Student performance coordinated by Senora Chela • Live and silent auctions supporting student programs Honorees: • Juan Carlos Romero Hicks -Visionary Award • Dr. Richard Bailey-Visionary Award • Frances Seikman Romero- Benefactor Award People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Community Ambassador Program • Led by Senora Chela in partnership with Ashland High School • Selecting a 2026 Community Ambassador to represent Ashland in Guanajuato • Ambassador will participate in July festivities in Ashland • Discussions underway to expand into a year-long mentorship and leadership program People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Summer 2026 Sister City Exchanges June 17-26—Ashland Delegation to Guanajuato • Invitation of the Mayor to Ashland representative to attend Presa de la Oita festivities • Opportunities for civic, cultural, and educational engagement with Guanajuateneses • Delegation composition and logistics need timely discussion July 4 Week—Guanajuato Delegation to Ashland • Aligns with U.S. July 4th and 250th anniversary celebrations • Chance to highlight the sister-city relationship on a national stage • Planning needed for hosting, programming, and visibility People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Cultural Art Projects Guanajuato Heart Sculpture • Gifted during the July 2025 delegation visit • Final installation site in Ashland pending Cervantes Plaque Project • Led by the Ashland Playwright Art Walk Committee • Commemorative plaques honoring Miguel de Cervantes • Installations planned in both Ashland and Guanajuato AIFF and GIFF • initial working with Gary Kout on his idea of establishing a best of GTO films week People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Cultural Art Projects I People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato A History of Sister City Connection • Ashland Mayors Visiting Guanajuato since 1969: • Charles H. McKeen • Archie C. Fries • Gary L. Prickett • L. Gordon Medaris • Cathy Golden Shaw • Alan DeBoer • John Morrison • John Stromberg • Julie Akins • Tonya Graham People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato What We Need from Council • Support for 2026 delegation planning (June &July) • Coordination with City staff on hosting logistics • Visibility and alignment with Ashland's cultural and civic priorities • Continued administrative partnership in strengthening the sister-city relationship People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Closing Ashland and Guanajuato share a living, evolving partnership. 2026 is a year of opportunity, visibility, and renewed connection. Thank you for your support. People-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato .•- I .rel M EI . � 5 ems.: = �: �- ,y I ►a��q e , y YY Mathew Va rgas Rogue District Wildlife Biologist URBAN DEER IN OREGON Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FIAND WILDLIFE'S MISSION: Our mission is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. OREGON Fish &Wi ldlife WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT: ROGUE WATERSHED District Wildlife Conflict Reports 1400 1200 N L 1000 0 800 O v 600 E Z 400 2000 ■ . , , . ■ 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Calendar Year ■Total Reports ■Deer Reports WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT: ROGUE WATERSHED District Wildlife Conflict Reports by Species and Category (5 year average) 250 200 N N i E50 N 0 0 100 E 7 Z 50 0 Bear Cougar Black-tailed deer Raccoon Roosevelt elk Turkey All other species ■Human Safety ■Damage/Nuisance ■Sick/Injured/Dead Wildlife Page 18 of 146 WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT: CITY OF ASHLAND Ashland Wildlife Conflict Reports 180 160 140 N N 0 120 a v w 100 O a, 80 � 60 Z 40 20 ■ ■ ■ ■ 1 ■ ■ 0 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 All Other ■Bear ■Deer WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT: CITY OF ASHLAND Ashland Deer Conflict Reports 35 30 i 25 0 a cl� 20 0 a_ 15 z10 5 _■ ■ ■ ■ 0 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Deer SID Deer Damage ■Deer Human Safety Page 19 of 146 WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT: CITY OF ASHLAND Deer Reports by City 60 50 N V a 40 v 0 30 v E 20 Z 10 0 L N 0 L "O H 0 L H 0 L "O H 0 L N G s N C N � � Q N � � Q N � � Q N � � Q N � � Q N � � Q u u u u u u 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Deer SID Deer Damage ■Deer Human Safety CONTROL METHODS Aggressive - Deer are not •me people would • DangerousRelocation Dangerous for animals being moved • already _ areas where movedthey are being • becomeMay return May • _• problem UnfavorableLethal removal. perception _. Contraceptives Costly Not • _ populations Does nothing for deer already present Page 20 of 146 URBAN DEER PILOT PROGRAM Oregon Senate Bill 373 (2017) 4r!� , Urban deer pilot program under ORS 498.012 ODFW Commission developed rules under OAR Chapter 63S, Division 43 635-043-0250 635-043-0260 635-043-0270 635-043-0280 635-043-0290 URBAN DEER PILOT PROGRAM HISTORIC i �J �014 City can petition ODFW for kill permits after: / (JELCOMES ya \ 1. City adopts and enforces an ordinance restricting placing, depositing, storing or — r a. scattering food,garbage, or any other attractant so as to knowingly constitute a lure, attractant, or enticement for deer or ' J elk. 2. Adopt an ordinance, resolution or order 1 declaring that deer or elk populations have f risen to levels that constitute a public nuisance. OAR 635-043-0260 URBAN DEER PILOT PROGRAM ODFW Responsibilities AN AGGRESSIVE DEER WAS REPORTED IN THIS AREA Designate dates when take is allowed ON Determine the number and sex of deer or elk to be taken IF YOU ENCOUNTER AN AGGRESSIVE DEER: Issue the appropriate kill permits to the city STOP.Neverappreachadeeratany time for any reason.if you see fawns in the ,�•„ area be aware that proteRrve does(female deer)may be nearby. GIVE IT SPACE:Give any deer you encounter space to escape.Step off the trail `\•`� or path and walk away. City Responsibilities KEEP PETSAWAY:Aggressive deerare likely to attack your pet,es II Il do pecia ysma gs,and have been known m attack people. KEEP CH TDREN CLOSE:Always keep smallchild,n closewh-you know an aggressive Designate areas within the city limits where deer or elk are to be taken deer is in the area. IF A DEER ATTACKS YO U: Designate the manner of taking deer or elk,which may be by use of firearms FIG HT BACK:In the unlikely event that you a re attacked,fight back;shout be aggressive,use a you ha han wh p racks,ticks or by live capture s and hands,escae to cover en ve cce. BE PREPARED:If you know you are going fora walk or hike in an area with human habituated deer carry a walking nick,whirtle or other noise maker,leave small dogs at home and consider hiking with two or three others. nrmnreinfnrmatinnnnlrvingwithdeergntn' elk asp Any deer or elk taken,to the extent feasible,shall be salvaged and delivered to a www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living with/deer "food bank or other charitable organization" for distribution.Any processing and Reportaggressiveanimals in residentf Fi,h nd Wild asmyour Local Police Department,Oregon St distribution fees shall be at the expense of the city. ate Police or Oregon Department of Fish alife. r� SUMMARY/RECOMMENDATIONS BE ADVISED! Increase public awareness and knowledge AGGRESSIVE DEER IN AREA. Date: Recommend and conduct aggressive hazing Aggressive deer have been reported in the area. activities Please follow these safety tips "Deer are not your pets" ® VIEW WILDLIFE FROM KEEP DOGS ON LEASH A DISTANCE. Your dog Is safer Utilize Ashland Municiple ode N_raPp,-hdeer nnaI-h. Feeding of deer, raccoon, wild turkey, and potential 9 (9 6 habituation of wildlife prohibited within the city limits of LEAVE THEM pf RE DONTFEED WILOLFFE STAYALtd Don't pickup fawns. beer fed by people can Especially,dawn hoes protect their become aggressive. antl tlusk. fawns and wILL return Ashland. If problem persists ODFW will assist the city in am acquiring kill permits under the Urban Deer Pilot Report aggressive deer to: Program Page 22 of 146 ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES Tuesday,March 3,2026 I. EXECUTIVE SESSION 5:00 p.m. To conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(e). In attendance were Mayor Graham,Councilors Sherrell,Dahle, Bloom, Kaplan,DuQuenne,and Hansen. Staff present were Sabrina Cotta,Johan Pietila,Alissa Kolodzinski, and Scott Fleury. Representing the media was Emma Maple from the Daily Courier. II. Business Meeting Council Present: Mayor Graham,Councilors Sherrell, Dahle, Bloom, Kaplan,DuQuenne,and Hansen. Council Absent: None Staff Present: Sabrina Cotta City Manager Johan Pietila City Attorney Alissa Kolodzinski City Recorder Tom McBartlett Electric Director Jordan Rooklyn Deputy City Manager Bryn Morrison Interim Finance Director Graham called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. a. Land Acknowledgement" Hansen read the land acknowledgement. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Sherrell led the pledge of allegiance. IV. ROLL CALL V. MAYOR'S CHAIR OF THE COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENT Graham began with an acknowledgment of the recent tragic accident in the community. She expressed gratitude to first responders and community members supporting affected families. Graham announced that the "If I Were Mayor"contest deadline is March 13th and encouraged young people to submit their ideas about what they would do as mayors. Women's History Month Proclamation - the proclamation was read into the record. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Minutes of the February 2,2026 - Special Study Session Meeting b. Minutes of the February 3,2026 - Business Meeting Dahle moved to approve the minutes of February 2 and 3,2026.Bloom seconded the motion. Business Meeting March 3,2026 Page 1 of 9 Page 23 of 146 Roll Call Vote:Sherrell,Dahle,Bloom,Kaplan,DuQuenne,and Hansen-YES. Motion passed. VII. CONSENT AGENDA VIII. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. 2200 Ashland Street Ad Hoc Committee: Progress Update and Direction Cotta introduced Noah Werthaiser, chair of the 2200 ad hoc committee,to present updates and gather council feedback.Werthaiser stated that all concepts were preliminary and not yet finalized. The committee divided their work into two groups: one focused on site planning and development,the other on services and accountability.The site planning group explored models such as tiny home villages and multi-unit apartments to serve various income levels and developed guidelines with considerations for minimum unit sizes and design compatibility. Council sought clarification on how housing models aligned with initial recommendations and zoning allowances. No maximum density cap was determined as it would depend on housing type. Discussion clarified separate processes for building / site development, and expectations for contracted services to be provided at the site. The services and accountability group proposed a "coordinating agency model"with a single master lease and a good neighbor agreement to manage conduct expectations. Self-accountability practices and a draft list of service categories were discussed. Under the coordinating model,the contracted agency would handle all aspects from appointment scheduling to security. Flexibility in setting performance standards was considered important. The committee's outreach work included planned public meetings and an open house on April 8,2026 at the 2200 Ashland Street location. Discussion emphasized integrating feedback from upcoming community collaboration into the good neighbor agreement. IX. PUBLIC FORUM- Citizens expressed alarm over national reports of law enforcement officials concealing their identities and emphasized the urgency of enacting policies to prohibit such actions, aligning with House Bill 4138. Concern was expressed regarding Ashland Community Hospital's sustainability amid broader systemic challenges. Criticism was also presented regarding missteps in the budget amendment process that allegedly violated legal statutes. X. RESOLUTIONS a. Resolution for electric rates McBartlett was joined by Mike Johnson from Utility Financial Solutions and provided a presentation (see agenda packet). McBartlett explained Resolution 2026-02 sets electric rates for three years,and involves an increase for average residential customers starting just under $3 and rising to $3.23 by the third year. Despite these increases,Ashland's rates would remain about 40% less than neighboring utilities.The necessity of rate increases is due to Bonneville's 18% transmission cost and three-year wage hikes, limited deferred maintenance, and recommendations for substantial capital investments Business Meeting March 3,2026 Page 2 of 9 Page 24 of 146 requiring engineering work. Reserves are needed for emergencies and financial health for potential debt financing. Councilor discussion included Pacific Power's low-income assistance charges compared to Ashland's, future assistance program reviews, and monitoring funding adequacy while remaining supportive. Public comment questioned non-mention of fiscal impacts from rate increase and utility tax funds generating additional revenue for the general fund. Additional Council discussion highlighted Ashland's rate stability,28% lower total costs than Pacific Power, and efficient energy sourcing. Emphasis was placed on the need for resilient infrastructure investment amidst federal uncertainties with predictions of slower strategic responses from agencies like FEMA. Kaplan moved to approval of resolution 2026-02 titled"A resolution revising rates for electric service pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code 14.16.030 and repealing resolution 2021-08.Bloom seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote:Kaplan,Bloom,Sherrell,Dahle,and Hansen,-YES. DuQuenne- NO.Motion passed. XI. PUBLIC HEARING Order of the agenda was rearranged to accommodate speakers. a. Consideration of the Proposed Sale of 380 Clay Street Cotta introduced the item and Rooklyn explained the December 2nd council discussion about surplusing the property and following the Oregon statute process.The property contains a derelict single-family residence eligible for removal and a large,old Fremont Cottonwood tree. It's zoned R2 for residential use.The city appraised the property at $250,000. In response to questions about the tree's history, Rooklyn explained that in 2009,a subdivision application marked the Fremont Cottonwood for preservation. In 2015-16,the city applied for a tree removal permit that was denied by Planning Commission for not meeting hazardous tree or development prevention criteria.The housing authority built 15-17 affordable housing units on the back portion after splitting parcels. A city arborist's recent drive-by assessment found the tree healthy though trimming would maintain health. It was clarified that regardless of future development scenarios,a tree removal permit would be required should there be an interest in removing the tree. Public Hearing open Samara Burnett opposed the sale,calling the tree the "Tree of Hope" and stressing community opposition. She mentioned its 250-year history, successful preservation efforts,and its potential to live for 200 more years. She proposed splitting the lot, selling the house, and keeping the tree as a park. Brian Holly supported saving the "tree of hope," noted its cultural significance per indigenous wisdom, and highlighted strong community interest shown by Nextdoor engagement. He suggested council consent to heritage status and creating a city park. Business Meeting March 3,2026 Page 3 of 9 Page 25 of 146 CeCe Brown backed the prior views stated and recalled past planning commission concerns and promoting its heritage significance. Alan Sandler addressed rumors regarding his intentions for the property and clarified his interest in purchasing the lot is because of the tree as a major asset. He emphasized his appreciation for the tree and plans either 4-6 low-cost townhouses or 6-7 unit low-rent apartments and assured that precautions for the well would be taken. Public Hearing closed Pursuit to AMC 2.04.050 (I)(1): Dahle moved to extend public hearing agenda items until 9:30 PM.DuQuenne seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote:Sherrell, Dahle,DuQuenne,Hansen,and Kaplan -YES.Bloom - NO. Motion passed. Councilors discussed the potential for a deed restriction to keep the tree. Pietila expressed concerns about deed restrictions related to living organisms and refrained from providing specific advice without research. After extensive discussion about process and a withdrawn amendment,the following motion was adopted: Bloom moved to authorize the sale of 380 Clay Street and restrict the proceeds to the capitol fund. Seconded by Dahle. Roll Call Vote:Sherrell, Bloom,Dahle,and DuQuenne-YES.Kaplan,Hansen - NO. Motion passed. Recess - five minutes b. First Reading and Public Hearing of Ordinance 3282 Creating Section 2.55 of the Ashland Municipal Code: Disposal of Real Property Pietila presented the ordinance consolidating relevant portions of chapters 2.71 and 2.21 of the Ashland Municipal Code (AMC) for administrative efficiency and transparency.The ordinance incorporates home rule changes at section 2.55.02 and adds non-exhaustive factor lists for future council guidance.The statute itself provides limited definitions, but previous discussions established framework. Councilors asked how this ordinance would affect the potential for a sale of city hall. Pietila confirmed it would follow the same process as any other property disposal. Public Hearing open No Speakers Public Hearing closed Dahle moved to approve First Reading of 3282,an ordinance creating Section 2.55 of the Ashland Municipal Code:Disposal of Real Property and move to second reading at the March 17 meeting. Seconded by Hansen. Roll Call Vote:Hansen,Sherrell, Dahle,Bloom,and Kaplan-YES. DuQuenne NO.Motion passed. Business Meeting March 3,2026 Page 4 of 9 Page 26 of 146 c. First Reading and Public Hearing of Ordinance 3295 Amending AMC 14.02 Utility Systems - Customer Accounting Policies Pietila explained this ordinance streamlines delinquent account processes, bringing procedures in line with Oregon Administrative Rules requirements while accommodating new billing software.The municipal court judge would handle appeals and delinquency issues noted in quarterly financial updates were addressed while maintaining compliance and operational effectiveness. Concerns were raised about the notice process,questioning whether the ordinance creates a single- step process compared to the current two-step procedure,and asked about restrictions on terminating service before weekends or holidays. Morrison clarified that current 7-10 day notice periods remain unchanged,and door hangers would be replaced with official letters sent via customers' preferred communication method. Bills show a past- due status as the first notice,followed by delinquent processing with a 10-day notice for setting up payment arrangements and/or assistance,and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems continuing notifications.Weekend/holiday restrictions and cold weather moratorium policies remain.Council discussed effectiveness of staff policies versus council resolutions, noting post-COVID utility billing practice revisions balanced extended payment plans for customers while maintaining fiduciary responsibility. Public Hearing open No Speakers Public Hearing closed Bloom moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 3295 and to move it to the second reading at the next scheduled meeting. Seconded by Dahle. Roll Call Vote:Hansen,Sherrell, Dahle,Bloom,Kaplan and DuQuenne-YES. Motion passed. d. Public Hearing and First Reading of the following Ordinance Language Changes: 1. 3288 AN ORDINANCE CREATING 15.04.270 TO PROHIBIT PERMITS WHEN CODE VIOLATIONS ARE OUTSTANDING Pietila explained this ordinance change prevents building permits from being issued when active code compliance issues exist to ensure projects maintain compliance during development and to mitigate situations where properties received new permits despite outstanding code violations. Councilors asked about the ordinance language related to circumstances like fence permit violations preventing HVAC replacement. Staff confirmed that letter C allows permits when necessary to abate hazardous or unsafe conditions. Public Hearing open No Speakers Public Hearing closed Business Meeting March 3,2026 Page 5 of 9 Page 27 of 146 Bloom moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3288 An Ordinance Creating 15.04.270 to Prohibit Permits When Code Violations are Outstanding.Seconded by Sherrell. Roll Call Vote:Sherrell, Bloom,Dahle,DuQuenne,Hansen,and Kaplan -YES.Motion passed. 2. 3289 AN ORDINANCE UPDATING 15.36.030 TO CORRECT FOR THE PROPER DEPARTMENT THAT ASSIGNS FRONTAGE Pietila explained this removes the"Recorder"designation, leaving assignments to appropriate city departments (public works or community development) rather than the City Recorder. Public Hearing open No Speakers Public Hearing closed Sherrell moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3289 An Ordinance Updating 15.36.030 to Correct for the Proper Department that Assigns Frontage and move to second reading at the March 17 council meeting.Seconded by Dahle. Roll Call Vote:Sherrell, Bloom,Dahle,DuQuenne,Hansen,and Kaplan -YES.Motion passed. 3. 3290 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 9.08.170(3) -TO CREATE CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FOR HEAT PUMPS OR MECHANICAL DEVICES FROM NOISE REGULATION Pietila explained this creates exemptions for heat pumps and air conditioners not generally manufactured to meet required decibel levels, particularly problematic in areas with close houses or small lots. Public Hearing open No Speakers Public Hearing closed Dahle moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3290 An Ordinance Amending 9.08.170(3)to Create Certain Exemptions for Heat Pumps or Mechanical Devices from Noise Regulation and move to second reading at the March 17,2026 city council meeting.Seconded by DuQuenne. Roll Call Vote:Sherrell, Bloom,Dahle,DuQuenne,Hansen,and Kaplan -YES.Motion passed. 4. 3291 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 13.16.035 TO REQUIRE PROPERTY OWNERS TO REMOVE OR PRUNE DANGEROUS TREES WITHOUT A PERMIT Pietila explained this change removes permit requirements when the city directs tree pruning or removal,eliminating situations where the city required actions while also charging permit fees. Public Hearing open No Speakers Public Hearing closed Business Meeting March 3,2026 Page 6 of 9 Page 28 of 146 Hansen moved to approve first reading of 3291 An Ordinance Amending 13.16.035 to Require Property Owners to Remove or Prune Dangerous Trees Without a Permit and move it to second reading during the March 17,2026 Council Meeting.Seconded by DuQuenne. Roll Call Vote:Sherrell, Bloom,Dahle,DuQuenne,Hansen,and Kaplan -YES.Motion passed. 5. 3292 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6 TO REFLECT MARIJUANA RETAIL REGULATIONS Pietila explained this removes "medical"and adds "retailers"throughout the code, updating regulations since the original code implementation. Despite council preference for "cannabis" terminology,the ordinance maintains "marijuana"due to Oregon Liquor Control Commission and State references until official terminology changes. Public Hearing open No Speakers Public Hearing closed Kaplan moved to approve Ordinance 3292 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 6.5 to Reflect Marijuana Retail Regulations and move to second reading at the next meeting.Seconded by DuQuenne. Roll Call Vote:Sherrell, Bloom,Dahle,DuQuenne,Hansen,and Kaplan -YES.Motion passed. XII. ORDINANCES,RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS Council agreed to consider the items as a group,except for Ordinance 3287 which required separate consideration due to amendments. a. Second Reading of the following Ordinance Language Changes: 1. 3271 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AN OFFICE OF THE CITY RECORDER IN THE CREATION OF AMC 2.28.530 2. 3283 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND UPDATING CHAPTER 2.29 - PUBLIC ART 3. 3284 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AMC 2.54.010 TO ALIGN WITH PROCUREMENT LIMITS 4. 3285 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AMC 2.62.030 TO PROVIDE FOR A CHAIN OF COMMAND IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY 5. 3286 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 9.08.120 TO PREVENT PROPERTY OWNERS FROM KEEPING HAZARDOUS OR INFESTED TREES 6. 3293 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 9.08.170.D.2 TO REFER TO 9.16.070 FOR DOG NUISANCE MATTERS 7. 3294 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 9.16.070 TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN DAYTIME VERSUS NIGHTTIME DOG NOISE Bloom moved to approve second reading of the following Ordinances: 3271 an ordinance establishing an office of the city recorder in the creation of AMC 2.28.530, 3283 an ordinance amending and updating chapter 2.29- public art, 3284 an ordinance amending AMC 2.54.010 to align with procurement limits, Business Meeting March 3,2026 Page 7 of 9 Page 29 of 146 3285 an ordinance amending AMC 2.62.030 to provide for a chain of command in the event of an emergency, 3286 an ordinance amending 9.08.120 to prevent property owners from keeping hazardous or infested trees, 3293 an ordinance amending 9.08.170.d.2 to refer to 9.16.070 for dog nuisance matters, 3294 an ordinance amending 9.16.070 to distinguish between daytime versus nighttime dog noise Seconded by Hansen. Roll Call Vote:Kaplan,Sherrell,Bloom,Dahle,DuQuenne,and Hansen -YES.Motion passed. 8. 3287 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND UPDATING CHAPTER 14.12 - ELECTRIC SYSTEM REGULATIONS, with the adjustment in 14.12.020, as read by staff. Pietila spoke to the adjustment in section 14.12.020 regarding temporary service fees for new construction. Councilors asked if the temporary fees apply only to new structures versus existing permanent structures,which Pietila confirmed.The ordinance references the electric service manual instead of spelling out requirements,as the manual is updated regularly and provides current requirements. Dahle moved to approve second reading of Ordinance 3287 Amending Chapter 14.12 Electric System Regulations with the change to section 14.12.020 adding temporary service charges for new construction requiring service drop and meter setting in amounts set by council resolution. Seconded by Bloom. Roll Call Vote:Kaplan,Sherrell,Bloom,Dahle,and Hansen -YES.DuQuenne- NO.Motion passed. XIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS XIV. NEW BUSINESS XV. CITY MANAGER REPORT- a. Look Ahead Cotta requested to postpone the scheduled March 16th Budget Committee reconvening with Council to May 4th due to significantly higher than estimated preliminary insurance renewal numbers. She explained the need for a clearer financial picture before difficult mid-budget discussions regarding staffing and service delivery. Councilors did not have concerns with this postponement and confirmed that any increase in health insurance costs would go into effect January 1,2027. b. March Report 2026 Cotta outlined upcoming agenda items will include strategic plan update on the public engagement process with consultants via Zoom,wastewater and stormwater rate discussion, multiple second reading ordinances, RVTD levy presentation,and wayfinding sign design choices. Cotta thanked the Streets Crew for its excellent snow event response and provided a reminder that City Councilor Office Hours are at the Grove with City Manager hours by appointment only.The spring Business Meeting March 3,2026 Page 8 of 9 Page 30 of 146 play guide is available online, and the city received grants for new washers and dryers at Fire Station 2 for firefighter gear cleaning.Cotta also welcomed new Deputy Police Chief John Lorfink who will oversee operations,while Deputy Chief Moulin will handle records and administrative functions. XVI. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS DuQuenne will not be available for her usual office hours on March 51" Graham announced attending the next meetings via Zoom while at the National League of Cities Conference,with Council Chair Dahle leading meetings in mid-March. XVII. ADJOURNMENT Bloom moved to adjourn.Seconded by DuQuenne All Ayes. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m. City Recorder Alissa Kolodzinski Mayor Tonya Graham Business Meeting March 3,2026 Page 9 of 9 Page 31 of 146 From: norenly(&civicol us.com To: Ashland City Recorder Subject: Online Form Submittal: City Council Public Comment Form Date: Wednesday,February 11,2026 10:07:40 AM [EXTERNAL SENDER] City Council Public Comment Form Public Comment Use this form to submit public comment for City Council meetings. This form must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting to be on the record. If you wish to speak to the Council in person at a meeting, you must fill out a Speaker Request form available on-site. Do not use this form. Full Name Angelina McClean Meeting Date 2/11/2026 Email Address Are you a City of Yes Ashland resident? Indicate if you want to Written provide written testimony, or if you want to speak via Zoom. Which agenda item Public Forum would you like to address? Comments (Leave this I am emailing ahead of tonight's joint session regarding the section blank if you are spraying glyphosate in the city's medians and am asking the requesting to speak Parks Commission to consider rescinding the waiver allowing electronically.) spraying of pesticides, namely glyphosate in the medians. Because the medians are city property and Public Works and the City Manager were involved in these median projects, I am addressing this to council as well. We would like this decision in maintenance to be reviewed and a halt to the spraying in the medians to occur in the meantime. There are a lot of citizens who do not approve of pesticide use Page 32 of 146 and would prefer we revisit this maintenance plan and find a safer option. A petition circulating has 424 signatures as of today asking for the halt of the gyphosate use. I know this decision was made with worker safety and efficiency in mind, but I believe that we have better alternatives as well as resources in the valley available to help with this. In light of recent news about toxicity, I believe this is the best path forward. Here is the petition: https:Hc.org/nV4tZtm6SF Thank you for your time and your consideration, Angelina McClean Ashland Upload a file or image Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. Page 33 of 146 From: - To: City of Ashland Public Testimony Subject: Input on Ordinance 3282 on 2/17/26 Agenda Date: Monday,February 16,2026 1:13:18 PM [EXTERNAL SENDER] Mayor and Councilors, Your last Regular Meeting ended before you were able to consider changes to Ordinance 3282. As you consider adopting changes, please consider the following suggestions for revision of this Ordinance. While your current revision may just be a proposal to add a title and a few phrases, it prompted a closer reading of it and I was left with the following concerns: 2.55.020 1 a. Notice Requires: publishing a notice of the proposed sale of "any City-owned real property' in a manner consistent with Public meetings & at least once during the week prior to the public hearing Suggestion: Require a minimum of 7 days before the public hearing; this increases trust from citizens that transparency is valued. The current language ("during the week prior') allows notice on a Saturday before a Tuesday meeting. 2.55.020 1.c. requires a minimum of FIVE days between the day of notice and the public hearing. The two sections should at least be consistent. Suggestion: Require a two-tiered system tied to value of property being sold, so that citizens are have more notice of the proposed sale of property with significant value or importance without causing extra work or cost for property that's regularly sold as a matter of course. 2.55.020 1.b. Substance of Notice Suggestion: 2.55.020 1.c. requires that "an appraisal or other evidence of the market value of the property shall be fully disclosed by the City Council during the public hearing." That information should be disclosed at least as early as the Council packet for a public hearing, but it's hard to understand why the Notice wouldn't also contain that information. If Council believes it necessary to retain that critical information before the actual public hearing, please state that reason during your consideration of the ordinance change on 2/17/26. 2.55.020 c. Public Hearing "Not earlier than five days after publication of the notice, the public hearing concerning the sale SHALL BE HELD at the time and place stated..." Page 34 of 146 Suggestion: Consider adding COA an exception in case the notice prompts the presentation of information that changes the decision to sell in the timeframe stated; sales involving real estate can be complicated. 2.55.020 2. City Council Determination "If the City Council provided guidance in initiating a sale, like selling to the highest bidder, the City SHALL follow through with that process. For sales of real property that do not involve the highest bidder, the City Council may consider the valuation factors listed in Section 3 below." Suggestion: Require staff to rewrite this for clarity: the phrase "like selling to the highest bidder" reads like an example of guidance that restricts the Council's decision making. The second sentence clarifies that there are no other examples of when Council would be required to follow it's "guidance" to staff. Suggestion: This City Council should discuss the restriction on decision making that this Ordinance places on City Councils. Suggestion: If City Council chooses to adopt this restriction, require that the City Council's decision to sell to the highest bidder be made in a Regular or Special Meeting, not a Study Session. Study Sessions typically restrict public input. The current language allows Council to give staff"guidance" to sell a piece of property to the highest bidder in a Study Session. That "guidance" then requires Council to sell to highest bidder, making it a legally binding decision regulating the sale of property, NOT 'guidance.' Further, as written, that "guidance" would have happened outside of a regular meeting and prior to a Public Hearing. Public Hearings are presumed to be an opportunity for citizens to provide input to influence decision makers. If Council guides staff that the decision will be based on the highest bid, there's no need for a Public Hearing. 2.55.020 3. Allows City Councils to "consider public interest and community benefits not reflected in market price." A Public Hearing is an important opportunity for the public to provide information about interest and community benefit. Deciding to sell to highest bidder should be made after the Public Hearing, not before. Suggestion: If federal, state or local law prohibit a City Council from advertising a sale to the highest bidder but making the ultimate decision based on other factors, please cite that law in this ordinance to explain why that is the only valuation factor that binds Council. Page 35 of 146 From: norenly(&civicol us.com To: Ashland City Recorder Subject: Online Form Submittal: City Council Public Comment Form Date: Tuesday,February 17, 2026 8:25:29 AM [EXTERNAL SENDER] City Council Public Comment Form Public Comment Use this form to submit public comment for City Council meetings. This form must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting to be on the record. If you wish to speak to the Council in person at a meeting, you must fill out a Speaker Request form available on-site. Do not use this form. Full Name Lauri Hoagland Meeting Date 2/17/26 Email Address Are you a City of Yes Ashland resident? Indicate if you want to Written provide written testimony, or if you want to speak via Zoom. Which agenda item Public Forum would you like to address? Comments (Leave this I want to keep the Ashland Community Hospital front and center section blank if you are of council business. The changes that Asante is proposing will requesting to speak have an impact on the health of community members. Given the electronically.) snowy conditions of today, I would not be able to safely get to Medford in an emergency. We do not need to dumb down our medical services at this time in our history. One fatality that could be prevented is too many! Our country is in the middle of a health care crisis. I believe we can turn this around with good leadership. Oregon is developing a state universal health care plan right now! In the interim we need to prepare for a better moment. Ashland needs to insist on the $4 million from Asante and place the money in an account where it is available for Page 36 of 146 hospital services. We CAN NOT let go of this valuable essential service in our rural community! Upload a file or image Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. Page 37 of 146 From: To: City of Ashland Public Testimony Cc: Ashland City Recorder; Bob Kaplan;Tonva Graham;City Managers Office Subject: Tree of Hope I Sale of 380 Clay Street Property Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 1:40:55 PM Attachments: 18.4.5.060 Heritaae Trees Ashland Land Use Ordinance.webloc [EXTERNAL SENDER] Hello, City Councilors and Mayor Graham, I recently emailed you on December 15 and December 31, 2025 about the above-referenced tree and property. I did not hear back from any of you except Bob Kaplan,who invited me to coffee. At that meeting,I shared with Councilor Kaplan my concerns that the current city council and top city staff knew nothing about the citizen effort to protect this tree,but made a decision to sell it without any of the info. He was glad to learn more of the details,many of which were in my two December emails.Mr. Kaplan reassured me that this sale of surplus property would go forward in the normal manner with all the normal procedures, and that it would come before Council again when citizens could again weigh in. It appears,however,that this normal process Mr. Kaplan referred to is not happening. Instead,we are hearing that one person in town has made one offer on the property and you are ready to accept it. I truly hope that this is not accurate, as it means that the normal process of putting the property on the market and receiving bids will be skipped and Mr. Kaplan's reassurances will be void. The lack of memory by the City and breakdown in historical continuity about this Tree is sad. When we originally got active to save the tree,we ended up with over 1,000 signatures on our petitions. That represents about 1/20th of Ashland's total population. When I posted the December 15th email I sent you on Nextdoor,within about a week that post had received over 2,000 views,about 1/IOth of Ashland's total population. You've heard a lot about citizens feeling unheard by both the appointed staff whose salaries they pay and the elected officials whose votes they required to gain their office. So it makes me wonder what percentage of Ashland citizens would it take for all of you to vote the way that percentage wanted?Is it 1/IOth? Or 1/20th? What about if it was 1/3rd or 1/2? Or is there no number that would be high enough to sway your opinions and compel you to vote as the citizens hoped you would? If there is no number, it raises serious questions about whether Ashland's government and city staff are operating as a democracy, or more like a monarchy that decides for itself what it will do,regardless of citizen wishes. When I served on the Tree Commission in the early 2000's, I was proud to be part of a body that created the current AMC code informally referred to as the Tree Ordinance. We spent several years gathering all the disparate tree language from all over AMC, added some new policies based on need, and then took the whole thing to the public. In hearings,there were strong disagreements about some of our proposals, so we removed them. The planning commission also had some issues with language and so that was changed. When it got to Council,they,too,had changes they made. When the dust settled, council had voted 6-0 to vote in favor of a new Tree Ordinance, in other words,new legal language that protected trees and the right of trees to live here in our city. In that effort,we addressed the concept of Heritage Trees, something many states and cities have as part of their own tree protection efforts.I am attaching a link to that section below. That section says: "Any person may nominate,with the written consent of the property owner, a mature tree for consideration as a Heritage Tree."That means that any councilor,the council as a whole, or city staff could nominate the Tree of Hope as a Heritage Tree,because although it requires permission of the property owner,you are the current property owner and you could grant yourself permission to do Page 38 of 146 this.Please note that we were wise in this section to include a process to take a tree off the Heritage Tree list if circumstances warranted that. Given that you are now the second city council since 2020 to take up the issue of selling this property without full knowledge of the citizen effort to protect this tree,it seems like it would be reasonable and honorable for you yourselves to split this property, sell the portion with the biohazard house on it,and protect the tree going forward as a Heritage Tree. A thousand people who signed the petition would be grateful, all the many bird species who use the tree would be thankful,the insects and fungi the tree supports would continue to live, and at least one citizen,me,would be reassured that the City I worked so hard for as a Tree Commissioner still recognizes that a tree is a living being,not a dot on some planning map. Please do not sell this property tonight to the only person,who has a questionable attitude toward trees based on my observation of him for 30 years,who has made an offer. Split the property,go through the normal process and nominate and declare the Tree of Hope as a Heritage Tree. Please. Respectfully, Bryan Holley P.S. Having examined the recent appraisal, I find it very questionable, done by someone who doesn't even live in Oregon,with comparables that aren't really comparable and if I were you, I certainly wouldn't rely on it as a professional document. Page 39 of 146 From: norenly(&civicol us.com To: Ashland City Recorder Subject: Online Form Submittal: City Council Public Comment Form Date: Thursday,February 19,2026 6:19:00 AM [EXTERNAL SENDER] City Council Public Comment Form Public Comment Use this form to submit public comment for City Council meetings. This form must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting to be on the record. If you wish to speak to the Council in person at a meeting, you must fill out a Speaker Request form available on-site. Do not use this form. Full Name Alexandra Paul Meeting Date next meeting Email Address Are you a City of Yes Ashland resident? Indicate if you want to written provide written testimony, or if you want to speak via Zoom. Which agenda item The cottonwood tree on Clay St would you like to address? Comments (Leave this Please preserve that beautiful tree, so that no development plan section blank if you are can get rid of it. Thank you. requesting to speak electronically.) Upload a file or image Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. Page 40 of 146 From: To: Plannina Commission-Public Testimony;Ashland City Recorder Subject: February 17,2026 Meeting Written Testimony—Roca Canyon/Transit Triangle Date: Thursday, February 12,2026 8:34:46 AM [EXTERNAL SENDER] To the Ashland City Council and Planning Commission, My name is Jacob Kaminker, and I am a resident atEM . I am writing regarding the proposed Climate Friendly Area(CFA)implementation anWtepotential sale of SOU surplus property in the "Roca Canyon" area. While my property is located above the primary Transit Triangle rezoning, I am directly impacted by the potential loss of the pedestrian shortcut through the university-owned land connecting Roca Street to the Siskiyou/Ashland St. corridor. I urge the Council and Commission to consider the following: 1. Preservation of Connectivity: This shortcut is a primary pedestrian link for uphill residents to reach the Transit Triangle area. Allowing this land to be sold to private developers without a dedicated public pedestrian easementdirectly contradicts the state's Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) mandate to improve walkability and reduce vehicle reliance. 2. Infrastructure Balance: As the city removes parking requirements in the Transit Triangle, pedestrian "shortcuts" become critical infrastructure, not optional luxuries. Forcing hilltop residents to take longer, less direct routes via Normal Avenue will increase local vehicle use. 3. Public Acquisition: I strongly support the Parks & Recreation Commission's interest in acquiring this land to ensure it remains a permanent natural area and public thoroughfare. If the city moves forward with the Transit Triangle density, it must protect the existing pedestrian veins that allow residents to access it without a car. Please ensure that any sale or development of the Roca Canyon parcel includes a permanent, recorded public access easement. Thank you for your time and for protecting our neighborhood's connectivity. Sincerely, Jacob Kaminker, Ashland, OR Page 41 of 146 From: norenly(&civicol us.com To: Ashland City Recorder Subject: Online Form Submittal: City Council Public Comment Form Date: Monday,February 16,2026 5:20:20 PM [EXTERNAL SENDER] City Council Public Comment Form Public Comment Use this form to submit public comment for City Council meetings. This form must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting to be on the record. If you wish to speak to the Council in person at a meeting, you must fill out a Speaker Request form available on-site. Do not use this form. Full Name Angelina McClean Meeting Date 2/17/2026 Email Address Are you a City of Yes Ashland resident? Indicate if you want to written provide written testimony, or if you want to speak via Zoom. Which agenda item Potential Sale of 380 Clay St Property would you like to address? Comments (Leave this I am writing in regard to the City considering selling the property section blank if you are at 380 Clay St. As you are all now aware, there is a large, at requesting to speak least a century old Freemont Cottonwood tree on the property. electronically.) And, hopefully, you are also aware of the over 20 year history that the citizens of Ashland have taken the initiative on to protect this tree, (informally named The Tree of Hope) from damage or removal by developers. Petitions, a documentary, rallies and communications with past Councils and hours of volunteer work, including by a respected and knowledgable local arborist, all came together to keep this tree protected. It has a plaque in front of it naming it the 2013 Tree of The Year. It is just as valuable historically as a 200 year old building would be, and in addition Page 42 of 146 provides shelter and habitat to owls and other birds and creatures. I am concerned that certain people will see this tree as an obstacle to be removed in the name of maximizing development on the property. This tree is valuable and beloved to the citizens of Ashland and deserves continued protection. If the City does decide that it is necessary to sell the property at 380 Clay St, please commit to place restrictions on any sale to protect the tree and its underground roots, at the very least to the drip line. This is not a large plot of land, so it will not solve the city's budget issues or concerns about affordable housing, but we have the opportunity to continue to preserve something of value to Ashlanders,which is history, habitat, and natural spaces. Even one tree makes a difference. Thank you. Upload a file or image IMG 0243.0peg Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. Page 43 of 146 From: norenly(&civicol us.com To: Ashland City Recorder Subject: Online Form Submittal: City Council Public Comment Form Date: Saturday, February 28,2026 10:19:41 PM [EXTERNAL SENDER] City Council Public Comment Form Public Comment Use this form to submit public comment for City Council meetings. This form must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting to be on the record. If you wish to speak to the Council in person at a meeting, you must fill out a Speaker Request form available on-site. Do not use this form. Full Name Rich Rohde Meeting Date March 3 2026 Email Address Are you a City of Yes Ashland resident? Indicate if you want to Written provide written testimony, or if you want to speak via Zoom. Which agenda item XIII A Special Presentation 2200 Ashland St. Ad Hoc Committee would you like to address? Comments (Leave this Mayor and City Council. I have read the report from the 2200 section blank if you are Ashland St Ad Hoc Committee. The report does seem to leave requesting to speak many of the key issues still open for decisions, but much of the electronically.) recommendations are heading in the right direction. I do have some questions/recommendations: 1. 1 recommend there be a standing committee of unhoused to be able to give advisory recommendations and feedback about program. and 2. 1 would like to see a clear understanding of the permanent space and program for Emergency Weather Shelter at this site. I don't want to go back to a time when we could not find space for emergency weather ( cold, summer heat or smoke). If 2200 is not going to permanently fill that role there should be a clear plan and Page 44 of 146 provided space now for those emergency times. Thanks for your consideration. Upload a file or image Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. Page 45 of 146 From: norenly(&civicol us.com To: Ashland City Recorder Subject: Online Form Submittal: City Council Public Comment Form Date: Monday,March 02,2026 10:10:33 AM [EXTERNAL SENDER] City Council Public Comment Form Public Comment Use this form to submit public comment for City Council meetings. This form must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting to be on the record. If you wish to speak to the Council in person at a meeting, you must fill out a Speaker Request form available on-site. Do not use this form. Full Name Valerie Rogers Meeting Date 03/03/2026 Email Address Are you a City of Yes Ashland resident? Indicate if you want to written provide written testimony, or if you want to speak via Zoom. Which agenda item Proposed sale of property at 380 Clay St would you like to address? Comments (Leave this I support selling the property at 380 Clay St, especially for the section blank if you are development of additional housing within the city. I would like to requesting to speak request that the City Council find a mechanism to insure the sale electronically.) of the property preserves the heritage Fremont Cottonwood tree (aka Tree of Hope)that is growing on the property. Options include partitioning the property so that an area around the tree remains city-owned, or is formally placed into some type of conservation status via easement or other deed restrictions. There are other options as well. This healthy tree provides many ecological and human services and will be a huge long-lasting amenity to any future housing Page 46 of 146 development, as well as to the broader neighborhood. In short, it is an irreplaceable asset that must be retained. Thank you for all you do for our community! Valerie Rogers Upload a file or image Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. Page 47 of 146 From: norenly(&civicol us.com To: Ashland City Recorder Subject: Online Form Submittal: City Council Public Comment Form Date: Tuesday,March 03, 2026 8:04:35 AM [EXTERNAL SENDER] City Council Public Comment Form Public Comment Use this form to submit public comment for City Council meetings. This form must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting to be on the record. If you wish to speak to the Council in person at a meeting, you must fill out a Speaker Request form available on-site. Do not use this form. Full Name Joseph Lian III Meeting Date 3/3/2026 Email Address Are you a City of Yes Ashland resident? Indicate if you want to written provide written testimony, or if you want to speak via Zoom. Which agenda item would you like to address? Comments (Leave this The Cottonwood tree at 380 Clay St. I back the proposal to divide section blank if you are the lot at 380 Clay street in order to protect the 250 year old requesting to speak Fremont Cottonwood tree. Creating a small park there would electronically.) help mitigate the loss of open space caused by the big housing construction project on Clay street. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Joseph Lian Upload a file or image Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. Page 48 of 146 From: norenly(&civicol us.com To: Ashland City Recorder Subject: Online Form Submittal: City Council Public Comment Form Date: Tuesday,March 03, 2026 9:08:04 AM [EXTERNAL SENDER] City Council Public Comment Form Public Comment Use this form to submit public comment for City Council meetings. This form must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting to be on the record. If you wish to speak to the Council in person at a meeting, you must fill out a Speaker Request form available on-site. Do not use this form. Full Name Lizzi Meeting Date LoPresti Email Address Are you a City of Yes Ashland resident? Indicate if you want to written provide written testimony, or if you want to speak via Zoom. Which agenda item Protecting the 250 year old tree on Clay Street would you like to address? Comments (Leave this It has come to my attention that a 250 year old tree on Clay section blank if you are Street needs protection. I want to support making the area that requesting to speak includes this tree into a park so that it will be protected from electronically.) destruction by an individual that assumes ownership of that property. Upload a file or image Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. Page 49 of 146 From: norenly(&civicol us.com To: Ashland City Recorder Subject: Online Form Submittal: City Council Public Comment Form Date: Tuesday,March 03, 2026 9:59:39 AM [EXTERNAL SENDER] City Council Public Comment Form Public Comment Use this form to submit public comment for City Council meetings. This form must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting to be on the record. If you wish to speak to the Council in person at a meeting, you must fill out a Speaker Request form available on-site. Do not use this form. Full Name Angelina McClean Meeting Date 3/3/2026 Email Address Are you a City of Yes Ashland resident? Indicate if you want to written provide written testimony, or if you want to speak via Zoom. Which agenda item 380 Clay St would you like to address? Comments (Leave this I am writing in support of the citizen led initiative to ask the city to section blank if you are split the lot on 380 Clay St before selling it, and keeping the requesting to speak parcel with the Freemont Cottonwood tree on it (aka the Tree of electronically.) Hope). I also support the nomination of this tree to be added to the Heritage Tree List. This tree has a long history in the community, with citizens coming together several times in the past decades to preserve it and keep it safe. It is likely close to 250 years old, and deserves the respect of an elder tree. Because we do not trust developers to do what it takes to keep it safe, I agree with the citizens proposing that the lot be split. Please honor the legacy of this tree and the history of meaning it has within our community and protect it. If you are not aware of Page 50 of 146