HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-1016 SS MINSTUDY SESSION
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
October 16, 1996
Mayor Golden called meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
I. Discussion re: Oak Knoll Water Well
In attendance: Council Members Laws, Reid, Hagen and Wheeldon;
Staff: Almquist, Nolte, McLaughlin, Lovrovich, Mickelson and
Scoles; local media.
Mayor Golden previously spoke to Tom Provost who was in
attendance and offered to share with Council his geological study
on the area that would be affected by a new ground well. He
stated that he had made a map with data based on 300 well logs
which he would share with the Council.
Advised Council that the problem of water varies in areas.
Ken Mickelson, Parks Director reported that the homeowners of the
property are willing to share the costs for the well. It was
reported that the well would be drilled on the homeowners
property.
City Attorney Nolte reported that the November 1st deadline
cannot be extended without a request of extension by the city.
The applicant can request to be re-notified which would result in
a minimum 45 day notice period. Nolte stated that the City would
not lose their priority date.
Council requested additional information from Tom Provost and
questioned how this information could be interpreted.
Chris Skrepitos handed out letter to Council from Water Resources
that supported information Nolte reported on the November 1st
deadline.
Council discussion regarding TID water, the use of irrigation
water, p0table water and the r01e that the h0me0wners play in the
use of this water for the pond.
Mayor Golden voiced concern that this issue had not come before
the Council previously if it had been being addressed for two
years. Felt that the neighborhood around the golf course should
be taken into account. Commented on how originally the golf
course had been framed as being self-supportive, but in fact may
not be due to the water issue and expense of the potable water
used to irrigate.
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Councilor Reid stated that Council should allow all sides to
voice their comments regarding this issue and the Council should
not micro manage the Parks Department.
Mickelson clarified for Council that purchasing potable water is
not a problem for the Parks Department. In analyzing the use of
water during drought years there was discussion as to whether it
would be more economical than using potable water and resolve a
very sticky neighborhood problem.
Mickelson stated that if the Parks Department had known drilling
a well would create such a controversy, they may have just
allowed the citizens to approach the Council and not gotten
involved. Further, he commented that in order to irrigate the
golf course they do not need the well, but it seemed to be a win-
win situation in that it would alleviate the problem with the
homeowners and allow the golf course to irrigate after TID season
with ground water instead of potable water.
Council directed Nolte to request extension and that additional
information be made available for their study.
II. Discussion re: Transportation
Councilor Laws reported on the loss of bus service in the Ashland
area from RVTD. Introduced Kelly Shane owner/operator of bus
service out of Grants Pass. Runs bus service for about $50,000 a
year, she feels there is a need to provide a service to Ashland.
Submitted three proposals to council. This service would allow
RVTD to come only to the Plaza or 3/4 mile radius. Stated that
without Ashland's support, she would not be able to lease buses
from RVTD.
Council requested that this item be put onto the next council
agenda.
Shane clarified for Council that drivers would not be union
drivers.
Laws suggested that there be a separate transit fee with transit
tickets to help fund the bus service.
Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
~arbara Christensen, City Recorder
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