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Planning CommissionMinutes
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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
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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).
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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
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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).