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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-0527 SPECIALMinutes of the Special Meeting Ashland City Council May 27, 1986 CALL TO ORDER U.S. FOREST SVC. Report - Ashland Watershed Mayor Medaris called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. on the above date in the Council Chambers. Present were Elerath, Reid, Bennett, Acklin, Laws and Arnold. Jurgen A. Hess, Forest Landscape Architect at the Rogue River National Forest, Medford, Oregon, introduced himself and said the presentation was from the results of a student project he was required to do while attending a Professional Development for Outdoor Recreational Management Program at Clemson University. He noted that the report in no way reflects U.S.D.A. Forest Service policy but are opinions expressed by himself. Slides of the watershed area, maps and graphs were shown and reviewed. Hess said Ashland residents were the subject for the survey and the study reflects collected and analyzed data to determine current and future visita- tion to the Ashland Creek Watershed. Hess reported that lack of information was the primary deterrent to usage and based on survey responses, a small to moderate increase in visitation is predicted to occur and a significant increase in use would occur if recreational opportunities were to be increased. He noted that residents were found to have a high level of concern for management of the area. Hess said the report indicates implications for management of the watershed, strategies are recommended for developing understanding and cooperation between different users. City Administrator Almquist voiced a concern on the impact, if people were encouraged to further use the area. He said it would create a problem for the City because it is the city's water supply. Acklin also expressed a concern and said she would be disturbed if the study was done to provide information for increased use. she said there is a need to increase people's sensitivity to this area because it is the city's water supply. Ev Elerath questioned skiing in the area and Hess said the ski area was not included in the report although it is in the watershed area. Bennett said she also shares Almquist's concern about further use if there were more roads and trails for people to use. Reid asked for a comparison of Ashland watershed and the District watershed and how cross-country skiing fits in both areas. Ron Waite, U.S. Forest Service, gave a size comparison and said there is indication that skiing has increased since Bull Gap parking area is getting fuller. He said the Forest Service has a concern for the watershed and do take into consideration the delicate nature of the area. Ash_ .~d City Council Special Meeting May 27, 1986 Page Tw~ Elerath noted that other Forest Servic~n~ar the watershed could be developed and this also could bring in more people. Laws said the percentages shown could be 10 points off due to the number-of people surveyed. Bennett thanked Hess and said the study was appreciated and it was hoped the Forest Service is aware of the importance of water over recreation. Reid asked if Reeder Reservoir was treated to avoid fish and Alsing reported that the reservoir has been treated in the past for algae which might have had an effect on the fish, but the present treatment is different and there are fish there. Alsing said he was concerned about increased usage due to the vandalism that occurs. He noted that even now there is damage to pipes, equipment, etc. Alsing said there is a need for increased awareness and education is a part of it. Mayor thanked Hess for the presentation and said the study would be helpful when the Committee sits down to draft strategy. PUBLIC HEARINGS Federal Revenue Sharing Budget 1986-87 Budget Officer Nelson reported that the budget reflects the same level to Social Services and acquiring a piece of heavy equipment to use in street chip sealing. Mayor Medaris opened the public hearing. There being no response from the audience, the public hearing was closed. Reid moved to approve the Federal Revenue Sharing budget for 1986-87; Bennett seconded, on roll call vote, all AYES. State Revenue Sharing Budget 1986-87 Nelson said a public hearing must be held on State Revenue Sharing budget and funds, like in prior years, have been allocated for Fire Department use. On question from Elerath on gasoline tax revenue, Nelson reported that the budget reflects 1% allocated for the bikepaths and the balance is reflected in the Street Fund. Medaris opened the public hearing; there being no response from the audience, the public hearing was closed. Laws moved to approve the State Revenue Sharing budget for 1986-87, Acklin seconded; on roll call vote, all AYES. Entire Budget 1986-87 The public hearing was opened by Mayor Medaris; there was no response from the audience, the public hearing was closed. 5/27/86 Page Two Ash_=nd City Council Special Meeting May 27,1986 Page Three ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS Approving Budget & Making Approp. Levying Property Taxes (1986-87) Adoption of Uniform Bldg. Code OTHER BUSINESS ADJOURN Reid asked where the budget reflected the property tax and Nelson noted it was on Schedule B in the back of the budget. Nelson reported that the recreation levy had passed in the May 20th election and the exact figures would be reflected. Reid moved to adopt the entire budget for 1986-87, Acklin seconded. On roll call vote, all AYES. A resolution approving the budget and making appropria- tions was read. Acklin moved to adopt; Arnold seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. First reading was given on an ordinance levying property taxes for 1986-87. Laws moved to second reading, Bennett seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Second reading by title only was given an ordinance adopting the 1985 Uniform Building Code, Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code. Acklin moved to adopt. Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Almquist reported that the Forest Service wants to take the Council Members on a field trip to the watershed and asked for a time that was agreeable to all. It was agreed to set up a morning trip on July 25th. A date was also discussed for a study session to be held on Capital Improvements and a tentative date of August 12th was agreed upon. Mayor said he had spoken with Paul Nicholson, OSFA, and he reported that the Shakespeare Theatre group performing at Expo 86 was attended on Oregon Day by the largest crowd yet. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M. Nan E.~Franklin City Recorder L. Go~o~r6nF~.~dari~s Mayor 5/27/86 Page Three