The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2026-03-02 Study Session MIN 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 If. 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 I of 2 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 1 Ashiany. Guanajuato STRENGTHENING THE ASHLAND-GUANAJUATO SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP PREPARED BY: JAY TAPP, PRESIDENT, AMIGO CLUB OF ASHLAND 0- Ashland-Guanajuato Sister City Update Presented by:Amigo Club President, Jay Tapp March 2, 2026 • 2025 Activities • Exchanges • Cultural Projects • 2026 Events L I o le-to-People 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 V 1 People-to-People j Ashland y Guanajuato Amigo Club 2025 Key Activity Round up 1 People-to-People ( Ashland y Guanajuato "Amigo Mingle" Event • Wine Tasting, Tapas and Spanish Songs Sing-Along Aw. i I People-to-People ( Ashland y Guanajuato June Visit to Guanajuato .ti • Sister City Renewal—Celebrating 55 Years of Sisterhood. _ • Official proclamations from Guanajuato. a • Ashland City delegation and citizens delegation were in attendance. _ I le-to-People Ashland y Guanajuato July Visit to Ashland Y • Sister City Renewal—Celebrating 55 Years of Sisterhood. ^^ • Official proclamations from Ashland LIVW, ► M ,�; _ u • SOU welcome reception breakfast • Guanajuato City delegation and citizens delegation were in attendance 1 l People-to-People i Ashland y Guanajuato SalsAmigo Benefit Dance • Amigo Club Fundraising Event featuring local dance band sensation —Salsa Brava! i a AF c- v l people-to-People i 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 preserving the sister-city legacy lie l ople-to-People ( 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. l - o-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: ¢ • 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 l 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 l People-to-People i 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 ogle-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Global Innovation Scholars Program (SOU-UG) r ` le-to-People ( Ashland y Guanajuato Guanajuato Nights 2026 Saturday, May 9 • Rogue River Room, SOU • Theme:i 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 ( 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 eople-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 eople-to-People I Ashland y Guanajuato Cultural Art Projects i I Pod% t 1 � N People-to-People 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 eople-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 ( 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. eople-to-People ( Ashland y Guanajuato URBAN ■■ . • IN OREGON f . , . Mathew Vargas _ f v _. . Rogue District Wildlife Biologi' -- --- _ Oregon Department of Fish an OREGON DEPARTMENTOF MISSION: habitatsOur mission is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their •r use and enjoyment by presentgenerations. Lei REGON Fish &Wildlife WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT: ROGUE WATERSHED District Wildlife Conflict Reports 1400 1200 N L 1000 0 800 0 a 600 E Z 400 200 IN 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Calendar Year ■Total Reports a Deer Reports WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT: ROGUE WATERSHED District Wildlife Conflict Reports by Species and Category (5 year average) 250 200 L E50 0 4-- O go E Z 50 0 Bear Cougar Black-tailed deer Raccoon Roosevelt elk Turkey All other species Human Safety Damage/Nuisance ■Sick/Injured/Dead Wildlife WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT: CITY OF ASHLAND Ashland Wildlife Conflict Reports 180 160 140 N L o 120 a N Q� 100 w O 80 z3 60 Z 40 20 11■ ■1■ 1 1 1 111 ' ■ ■ 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 ■All Other ■Bear ■Deer WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT: CITY OF ASHLAND Ashland Deer Conflict Reports 35 30 (N 0 25 a 20 0 v 15 Z10 5 _■ . ■ _■ ■■ 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 0 Deer SID 0 Deer Damage ■Deer Human Safety WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT: CITY OF ASHLAND Deer Reports by City 60 50 CS-40 v 0 30 L N E 20 Z � I0 0 ' (d O d C'L > ro O a, j a, .> 3 > d C C L C t C L C t C t Q O ti O N O N O H O N O C � Q � c Q v Q � - Q Q ro u u v u u u 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 's Deer SID ®Deer Damage ■Deer Human Safety CONTROL METHODS Aggressive Deer are not pets,but some people would think so Relocation Dangerous for being moved Dangerousfor individuals already residing in areas where they are being moved to May return May become • • problem CostlyLethal removal Unfavorable public perception Contraceptives Not open populations Does • for deer already present" URBAN DEER PILOT '? e PROGRAM 1 1 ri°er" vr, URBAN DEER PILOT PROGRAM • . . a y HISTORIC / ��ELCOMES 5/OU \ I. City adopts and enforces an or � �1 i8� restricting placing, depositi - �:;�� - :. ► : .- tattering food,garbage, or ` : _ . ._ ttractant so as to Knowingly constitute.... ;;,,� - • ._ -,-- lure, attractant, or enticement for deer �' 2. Adopt an ordinance, resolution or orde declaring that deer or ells p e t 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:Never approach a deer at any time for anyreason.If youeee lawns in the a,a area be aware that pm—[-does(female deer)may be nearby. GIVE IT SPACE:Give any deer you encounter spate to escape.S[epof the trail �•�� nr path antl walk away. KEEP PETSAWAY:Aggressive deerare likely In attack yourpet,especiaysm Ilall dogs,antl City Responsibilities I,—been known to attack people. I,, KEEP CHILDREN CLOSE:Always keep small children close when you know an aggressive Designate areas within the city limits where deer or elk are to be taken doer is m the.— IF A DEER ATTACKS YOU: Designate the manner of taking deer or elk,which may be by use of firearms FIGHT BACK:In the unlikely event that you are attacked,fight back;shout be aggressive,use tptka.:elks andhande,escapetocoverwhenyouhavea<name, or by live capture BE PREPARED:If you know you are going fpr a walk or hike in an area with human habituated dee any I—Ming stick,whistle or other noise maker,leave small dogs at home and consider hiking with two or 11,—alM1ers. ormore'nformahonnnhnngw"hdeergo`a: Any deer or elk taken,to the extent feasible,shall be salvaged and delivered to a www.djw.state.ar.us/wiltllije/livin9_Ivich/dcrr_elk.asp "food bank or other charitable organization"for distribution.Any processing and Reportaggresr 0,,g imalsinrezitlentialareasmildih.<al Police Departmenp Oregon distribution fees shall be at the expense of the city. Slate Police or Oregon Department of Fish and WilGlife. 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 la safer Utilize Ashland Municiple Code 9.08.280 Never.ppmach deer. on aleaeh Feeding of deer, raccoon, wild turkey, and potential ® �' habituation of wildlife prohibited within the city limits of LEAVETNp f. 0—fd y WILDLIFE STAYALERT Don't pick up favors. Dear fed try people can Especially at darn Does proact their become aggrasehre. antl dusk. Ashland. fawns and Wit If problem persists ODFW will assist the city in daft acquiring kill permits under the Urban Deer Pilot Report aggressive deer to: Program