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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-14_Planning MIN Planning CommissionMinutes Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any PlanningCommission meeting is encouraged to do so. If you wish to speak, please rise and, after you have been recognized by the Chair, give your name and complete address for the record. You will then be allowed to speak. Please note the public testimony may be limited by the Chair. July 14, 2026 REGULAR MEETING Minutes I.CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernercalled the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.at theCivic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street. Commissioners Present: Staff Present: Lisa Verner Brandon Goldman, CommunityDevelopment Director Jay Lininger Scott Fleury, Public Works Director Susan MacCracken Jain Derek Severson, Planning Supervisor Russell Phillips Aaron Anderson, Senior Planner John Maher Michael Sullivan, Executive Assistant Kerry KenCairn Absent Members: Council Liaison: Eric Herron Jeff Dahle II.ANNOUNCEMENTS 1.Staff Announcements Community Development Director Brandon Goldman made the following announcements: The Manufactured Home Park Zone ordinances passed the first reading and are set for final adoption by City Council on July 21st.A modified ordinance for Manufactured Home Park Tenant Protections will also have its first readingBy the Councilon July 21st. The City's long-range strategic plan is nearing completion and will go to Council for adoption later in the summer. The August 11th regular meeting will include two ordinances: o Implementation of Senate Bill 974 o Addressing flag drive variances for grades over 18%. The Community Center will hold a ribbon-cutting and opening on Wednesday, July 22nd, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. TheCommission’sJuly 28th Study Sessionwas cancelled. 2.Advisory Committee Liaison Reports–None Page 1of 3 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, pleaseemail planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). Planning CommissionMinutes III.CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes 1.June 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Commissioners KenCairn/Liningerm/s to approve the consent agenda as presented.Voice Vote: Commissioners KenCairn, Maher, Lininger,Phillips,MacCracken Jain,and Verner:AYE. Motion Passed 6-0. IV.PUBLIC FORUM–None V.DISCUSSION ITEMS 1.Transportation System Plan & Public Engagement Plan Update Mr. Goldmanprovided an overview of the Transportation System Plan (TSP) update, with Public Works Director Scott Fleury providing additional information via Zoom. The TSP is a state-required, long-term plan for all transportation modes, last updated in 2013. The current update seeks alignment with new state rules, including climate initiatives. Funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Alta Planning and Design leads the project, with Fehr & Peers handling traffic analysis and emergency evacuation. Starting on June 29th, the project spans two years, with public engagement in fall 2026 and a draft planned for mid-to-late 2027. The Commission will serve in dual roles: overseeing public engagement and conducting public hearings on the TSP, forwarding recommendations to the Council. Topics discussed included integrating parking management into the TSP and coordination with existing advisory committees rather than forming a new committee. There are two additional focuses: wildfire evacuation analysis and enhanced trail network connections. 2.Planning Commission ORS Research and Legal Resources Senior Planner Aaron Anderson outlined legal research resources for Commissioners and the use of external information, especially in quasi-judicial contexts. He noted that while law research is finefor Commissioners to engage in, introducing outside evidence in such proceedings can lead to remand. General knowledge of existing conditions is acceptable; however, independent site investigations or receiving testimony outside public hearings are not. The presentation covered variousonline resources, including the Oregon Legislative Assembly website, relevant ORS chapters (notably ORS 197), Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 660 and 661), and the LUBA website's headnotes and opinions. The U.S. Supreme Court's archive for cases like Nollan and Dolan was also highlighted(see attachment #1). Page 2of 3 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, pleaseemail planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). Planning CommissionMinutes VI.OPEN DISCUSSION 1. Planning Commission Annual Retreat Initial Discussion The Commission discussed potential agenda topics, with interest expressed in incorporating Transportation System Plan-related discussion, particularly as the project will be further along by fall. The Commission generally favored a fall date, consistent with last year's October retreat. Staff will coordinate availability and bring forward a confirmed dateat a later meeting. VII.ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:53p.m. Submitted by, Michael Sullivan, Executive Assistant Page 3of 3 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, pleaseemail planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).