HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-1115 SS MINCITY OF ASHLAND
Council Study Session
November 15, 1995
Meeting called to order at 12:10 p.m.
Attendance: Mayor Golden and Councilors Thompson, Hauck, Wheeldon and Hagen;
Budget Committee members Regina Stepahin and Martin Levine. Attending Department
Heads; Lovrovich, Wooalley, Turner, McLaughlin, Clements (for Brown), Christiansen, Staff
Diane Burnett. City Administrator Almquist and City Recorder Christensen. Representative
from local newspaper.
A. Fire Department Facility Plan-Fire Chief Woodley and Theodore Mularz, Architect.
The study was commissioned by the City of Ashland to determine space needs for the two
City of Ashland Fire Stations. A study submitted by Urban Planning Associates, Inc.
determined that these locations are optimum, with regards to fire department response times,
and relocation to other sites would produce little or no improvement in those response times.
Because of this, the study addresses the use of existing sites with consideration of additional
land acquisition.
It is noted that this study was done with intention of satisfying the community needs for at
least 30 years. And, the study dealt primarily with space needs and not costs.
Determining space needs for Fire Station No. 1 indicated numerous deficiencies noted in the
study. The existing building is poorly situated on the site and there is no possibility for
modification to accommodate the Program requirements as outlined in the study. It has
outlived its usefulness and should be demolished and replaced in its entirety. To try to
rectify the deficiencies within the building as it exists would be costly and wasteful.
Recommendation that additional land be acquired to accommodate the footprint of any new
building. Acquisition of properties to the east will allow access from East Main and, with
modification of site grades, allow drive-through and exiting onto Siskiyou Boulevard. If Fire
Station No. 1 is to remain at this location it is recommended that action to acquire the three
adjacent properties as outlined above begin as soon as practical and possible.
Determining space needs for Fire Station No. 2 indicated numerous deficiencies noted in the
study. To retain the existing building will require major reconfiguration. Ceilings in the bay
apparatus area are low and barely accommodate the engine bay doors. In adding a second
floor as Programmed, it will be necessary to remove the entire roof structure and reconfigure
it to provide a floor surface, taller ceilings in the engine bay areas, and to provide for
building footprint expansion. It appears that the engine bays might be better positioned
where the Kitchen and Day Room are presently located to facilitate access.
With a major recon~guration as indicated by the Program Requirements, it would be more
cost effective to entirely remove the existing building to allow construction of a new facility
without the impediment of trying to salvage and upgrade what little might be left of the
existing structure.
Recommendation that additional land be required to accommodate the footprint of a new
building. The acquisition of property to the east and south will allow expansion and "drive-
through" access for the engine bays. To satisfy the Program requirements for Fire Station
No. 2, it is recommended that action to acquire the two adjacent properties described in
study as soon as practical and possible.
B. Council Role in Upcoming Emert, ency Preparedness Exercise - Fire Chief WoodIcy.
It was explained that the Council's role in an emergency is critical and cannot be provided by
anyone else.
There was question as to what extent the Council would be involved and if the Council
should be in the Emergency Operation Center.
It was decided that Council should be able to observe and not be isolated. Council felt that
they need to see the effort and coordination by staff. They felt they should be able to meet
to execute any emergency orders and then have access to the EOC for observation.
There was discussion as to whether Council and key staff members should have photo ID's.
C. Schedule for Hillside Development Plan-Planning Director John McLaui, hlin.
McLaughlin presented current projects that the Planning Department is working on and
requested guidance from the Council for priorities.
Stated that the Hillside developments concerns would mean an ordinance amendment.
Suggested that the Planning Department could do an inventory of how many lots are
remaining that are being allowed one building and appropriate way to address concerns.
Stated that there had been a study session with the Planning Commission addressing these
issues.
Staff will put the current project list together with approximate dates of completion for
Council review.
Council accepted comments from citizens regarding their concerns on Hillside Development.
Some of these concerns included bulk scale; aesthetic quality; impact on surfaces and fiscal
impact. It was suggested that a decision of what is needed be made before setting standards.
Meeting adjourned 1:45 p.m.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
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