HomeMy WebLinkAboutComp Plan CH 09Chapter 9
Public Services
Parts:
9.01 Public Services
9.02 Sanitary Sewer System
9.03 Water Supply and Service
9.04 Electric Service
9.05 Storm Water Drainage
9.06 Solid Waste
9.07 Schools
9.08 Police Service
9.09 Fire Service
Part 9.01 PUBLIC SERVICES
Sections:
9.01.01 Introduction
9.01.02 Assumptions
9.01.03 Goal
9.01.04 Policies
Section 9.01.01 Introduction
The permanence and stability of urban areas are greatly affected by the quality and extent of public services, improvements and conveniences. Usually a full range of services is eventually
required for an area, even if the need is not immediately pressing.
Traditional public services are water, sewer, police, fire, electricity, street lighting, cable television, and others may also be provided.
The cost of services has been increasing at a rate equal to or higher than general inflation figures. Costs are of special concern when continued growth requires new capital expenditures,
such as enlarging the sewer treatment plant. Formulas have been developed which attempt to relate the increase in population to the expected increase and cost in services and facilities.
One method of keeping costs down is centralized developments, which reduce the amount of facilities and travel. Where services are available, but no development occurs (as in vacant
lots), a public investment is being under-utilized. Another way to lower costs is to have all services provided simultaneously, through coordination between the agencies and departments
providing these services. One method of removing some cost burdens from current City residents is to have new developments pay for the extension and provision of their services.
Public services, especially those using poles and above-ground facilities, affect the appearance of an area. Placement underground represents a higher initial cost, but usually lower
maintenance costs. Some public services will require sites within a neighborhood (e.g., an electrical substation or fire station).
Section 9.01.02 Assumptions
Residents will continue to demand services similar to those they receive now, while the scarcity and cost of materials, labor, and resources will force re-evaluation of traditional methods
of providing service.
There will be increased secondary costs (transportation, energy, etc.) in developing peripheral areas.
Services have a major impact on urban design and on the effect of urbanization on the environment.
Section 9.01.03 Goal
Provide Public Utilities, Services and Facilities in an Orderly, Efficient and Environmentally Sensitive Way and in Sufficient Quantity to Meet City Needs Now and in the Future.
Section 9.01.04 Policies
1. Provide urban areas with the level of services appropriate to the density of settlement and resultant service demand.
2. Provide services in a timely, coordinated, and orderly manner that minimizes costs and inconvenience, and prevents premature, incomplete development.
3. Prevent urban sprawl and "leap-frogging" by providing full services in a staged manner: first to areas within the City limits, then to the area within the Urban Growth Boundary.
4. Encourage the underground placement of utility lines, with any above-ground facilities designed to fit the landscape.
5. Encourage early planning and acquisition of sites for needed public facilities (e.g., fire stations, schools, roads, parks, etc.).
6. In conjunction with studies of housing, land use, downtown policies, etc., identify and implement innovative service techniques in anticipation of major trends, needs, and economic
or environmental changes, rather than waiting to react when all options are closed.
7. Use Capital Improvement Planning to ensure that long-term public facility planning be as cost-effective as possible.
8. Consider system development charges to fund large capital costs caused by growth.
Part 9.02 SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
Sections:
9.02.01 Introduction
9.02.02 Assumptions
9.02.03 Goal
9.02.04 Policies
Section 9.02.01 Introduction
The Ashland sewer system contains approximately 420,000 lineal feet of concrete and clay pipe of which the majority is 6 inches in diameter. The largest size is 18 inches. Sewers were
first constructed in the City in 1906, and, until 194l, they were generally made of clay. After 194l, concrete pipe was used. There are no combined storm water and sanitary sewers
in the City system. The system serves approximately 3200 of the 3800 acres within the present City boundary. Because of the generally steep slopes and relatively minor infiltration,
the system has capacity for additional flow from areas that are yet to be developed.
New development is predominantly on the southeastern side of the City. It can be assumed that the bulk of additional sewage flow in the near future will be generated from this area.
As more southeastern area sewers are constructed, the increased flow will begin to tax the capacity of the mains on Siskiyou Boulevard, Wightman Street and Morton Street. These sewers
are the main conduits transporting sewage to the collecting trunks (i.e., Bear Creek Trunk, Ashland Creek Trunk, "A" Street Trunk, etc., located on the northern side of town). The
trunks, in turn, convey the sewage to the treatment plant. These bottlenecks will have to be corrected in the future.
The recently remodeled sewage treatment plant should accommodate additional population growth beyond the year 2000. The design capacity of the plant is 3.1 million gallons per day,
or a population equivalent of 40,600, which still leaves an adequate margin for industrial use. Presently, the plant's average daily flow is 1.4 mgd.
Section 9.02.02 Assumptions
There will be higher standards for effluents, eventually requiring tertiary treatment facilities.
Individual treatment facilities will be improved, but still will not be as reliable as municipal systems.
Section 9.02.03 Goal
Provide Sanitary Sewers that Meet Environmental Standards for all Areas Within the City Limits.
Section 9.02.04 Policies
1. Encourage early planning for new sewage treatment facilities, outlining site requirements, use of sewage treatment by-products, costs and financing.
2. Where feasible, require all development within the City to use Ashland treatment facilities.
3. Encourage productive use of sewage treatment by-products.
4. Consider the modification of the City's sewage treatment facility to a tertiary treatment facility as part of the City's overall Capital Improvement Plan.
5. Require annexation or contract annexation in order to receive sewer service in unincorporated areas.
6. Size future sanitary sewers to provide for projected growth within the Urban Growth Boundary, based upon the City's Comprehensive Plan, and for anticipated future growth for the life
of the facility.
Part 9.03 WATER SUPPLY AND SERVICE
Sections:
9.03.01 Introduction
9.03.02 Assumptions
9.03.03 Goal
9.03.04 Policies
Section 9.03.01 Introduction
The City of Ashland owns and operates its own water supply and distribution system. The City's domestic water is primarily obtained from Ashland Creek, although in recent years provisions
have been made to treat irrigation water from the Talent Irrigation District (TID) for domestic purposes. The City has acquired rights to 156g acre-feet per year from the TID.
Reeder Reservoir, the primary storage facility for the City's untreated water, is formed by a dam across Ashland Creek. The reservoir stores excess runoff for use during periods of
low stream flow and has a capacity of approximately 860 acre-feet. There are two smaller covered reservoirs below it, Crowson and Granite Street Reservoirs, which store treated water.
In 1978, the City's water system supplied water to 15,193 persons. The average daily water production for 1978 was 3.04 million gallons. The City has adequately provided water for
the population in past years, but instances of conservation measures being imposed are becoming more frequent. In the year 2000, the daily average of water required is estimated to
be 4.44 million gallons. For the City to provide adequate water for the expected population of the year 2000, improvements to the existing water system will be necessary.
[City of Ashland Comprehensive Water Plan," R.W. Beck and Associates, Seattle, 1980, Table IV-3.]
A detailed study of the Ashland water system was prepared by R.W. Beck and Associates and submitted to the City in September 1980. The "City of Ashland Comprehensive Water Plan" thoroughly
studies the feasibility and costs of improvements necessary for the City's water system to meet the demands of the year 2000.
According to the Comprehensive Water Plan, the City will require 4,973 acre-feet of water in the year 2000. In a normal run-off year, the present Ashland water system would fall 140
acre-feet short of this supply requirement. During drought conditions, the system would fall 1340 acre-feet short. Storage deficits of this magnitude can be made up through the use
of TID water, but this would deplete water available for irrigation purposes within the City and conservation measures would have to be imposed. This shows the need for larger water
storage facilities.
The Soil Conservation Service concluded in 1959 that a 100-foot high earth-fill dam was feasible at the Winburn site on the west fork of Ashland Creek. The dam would form a reservoir
of approximately 54 acres, with a capacity of about 1600 acre-feet. A dam 80 feet high at the same location would form a reservoir of approximately 38 acres with a capacity of about
850 acre-feet. The lower dam would cost 25% less than the larger dam but would supply little more than half the capacity.
[Water Resources Management Plan and Facility Study, James M. Montgomery, Consulting Engineers, Boise, l977, pp. 7-2 to 7-5.]
Increased water supply for the City could also come from acquiring more water from the Talent Irrigation District. The State of Oregon plans to review the water rights associated with
TID reservoirs and to perform a proof survey of these rights. Once the rights have been vested, the City can possibly purchase an additional 1500 acre-feet per year, according to the
TID.
The Comprehensive Water Plan also studied the efficiency of the City's water distribution system. It was found that this system is in need of upgrading and improvement. At present,
28% of the water released from the water treatment plant is lost throughout the distribution system. A normal system in good condition can expect 10% system losses.
Overall, the City's water system is in need of improvement to adequately supply the residents in the years to come. Improvements will be costly and large capital expenditures should
be planned for as part of the City's overall Capital Improvement Program.
Section 9.03.02 Assumptions
The City will continue to utilize Ashland Creek water, but will need alternative sources to meet future water demands. There will be continued pressure for more residential development
above the gravity-flow system.
Section 9.03.03 Goal
Provide Sufficient Water Supply for Ashland Residents.
Section 9.03.04 Policies
1. The City should continue to acquire priority water rights on Ashland Creek as they become available.
2. The City should attempt to purchase additional Talent Irrigation District water from confirmed owners.
3. The City should further study the construction of a new impoundment on Ashland Creek at the Winburn site to augment the City's storage capacity in the watershed.
4. The City should prioritize and implement needed water system improvements, as identified by the City Water Plan, as part of the City's overall Capital Improvement Plan.
5. The City should develop water conservation measures, which can be implemented in critical water years.
6. The City should exert pressure on the U.S. Forest Service to manage the watershed in ways, which are compatible and not detrimental to Ashland's future use of the watershed as the
City's water supply. Uses of the watershed, which caused increased sedimentation in Reeder Reservoir, should be very strongly opposed by the City.
7. Ensure that the City's efforts to remove sediment from Reeder Reservoir have as little harmful environmental impacts on Ashland and Bear Creeks as possible.
(See Chapter IV, Water Resources.)
Part 9.04 ELECTRIC SERVICE
Sections:
9.04.01 Introduction
Section 9.04.01 Introduction
The City of Ashland owns and operates a municipal electric system, which served approximately 6700 customers in 1980. The system includes a 12.47 kv switching station and overhead and
underground distribution facilities. Power is presently bought from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and resold to Ashland residents.
The City's Electric System Study, completed in 1976 by R.W. Beck & Associates, indicated that peak demand has been increasing at an average rate of 3.6%, with energy consumption increasing
at an average rate of 5.3%. This rate of growth is expected to diminish or reverse due to energy conservation. The system's annual peak typically occurs during December, January or
February, with the magnitude of the peak directly related to climatological conditions. Changes in yearly weather patterns have resulted in as much as a 10% difference between successive
annual peaks.
The City's service area lies within the City limits. PP&L service area surrounds the City; however, in certain areas, due to lack of PP&L distribution circuits in areas immediately
outside the City limits of Ashland, PP&L has constructed lines as extensions to the City's lines to serve its customers. The system provides excellent service to its customers and
has a very good operating record.
(See Chapter XI, Energy.)
Part 9.05 STORM WATER DRAINAGE
Sections:
9.05.01 Introduction
9.05.02 Goal
9.05.03 Policies
Section 9.05.01 Introduction
The City of Ashland has an underground storm water drainage system throughout most of the City. There are no combined sanitary sewer/storm water drainage facilities in the City. All
new developments, which create new roads, are required to install storm water drainage facilities in conjunction with the new roads. The City has no overall Master Plan for storm water
management at present, so storm water drainage is dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the City' s Public Works Department.
Section 9.05.02 Goal
To Provide An Adequate Storm Water Drainage System Throughout the Entire City of Ashland.
Section 9.05.03 Policies
1. The City should fund and develop an overall storm water management plan for the entire City.
2. Ensure that all new developments include a drainage system, which protects adjoining property as much as possible.
3. Encourage drainage systems that utilize natural drainage-ways and minimize the amount and rate of surface runoff.
4. Consider necessary improvements to the City's storm water system as part of the City's overall Capital Improvement Plan.
5. In all new developments, discourage the pumping of storm water drainage, including the use of sump pumps.
Part 9.06 SOLID WASTER
Sections:
9.06.01 Introduction
9.06.02 Assumption
9.06.03 Goal
9.06.04 Policies
Section 9.06.01 Introduction
Solid waste disposal is a regional activity, which is regulated by Jackson County (which has been working on a regional solid waste plan) and the State of Oregon (which has established
environmental standards). The Ashland site for solid waste disposal meets or exceeds regional and State guidelines.
The City of Ashland franchises the Ashland Sanitary Service for waste collection. Solid waste is disposed at a 120-acre site located approximately five miles from the City center on
Valley View Road. The site consists of clay and sandstone formations, which help provide good surface runoff conditions. Two diversion ditches surround the site.
In 1976, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a five-year permit on the solid waste site with the following conditions: blowing paper be controlled; wastes be compacted
and covered daily; a caretaker be on duty; fire prevention equipment be available; and a suitable access road be provided. All of these conditions are being fulfilled by the Sanitary
Service.
The Sanitary Service attempts some resource recovery operations, dependent on the market value of those resources. Some local groups have attempted resource recovery operations, but
have been hampered by the general difficulty of persuading residents to separate waste and by the economic uncertainty of marketability.
Section 9.06.02 Assumption
There will be increasing emphasis on recycling and resource recovery as natural resources are depleted, but there will continue to be a need for landfill sites.
Section 9.06.03 Goal
Provide Systematic Control of the Solid Waste Process from Collection to Storage, Emphasizing Efficiency, Resource Recovery and Environmental Protection.
Section 9.06.04 Policies
1. Encourage opportunities for recycling and resource recovery in all solid waste collection programs.
2. Encourage high environmental and aesthetic standards in the collection, resource recovery and disposal of solid waste.
3. The City shall coordinate with Jackson County on the provision of solid waste disposal sites to meet current and long-range needs.
Part 9.07 SCHOOLS
Sections:
9.07.01 Introduction
9.07.02 Assumptions
9.07.03 Goal
9.07.04 Policies
Section 9.07.01 Introduction
As in other communities, education programs and the general educational level are valuable resources in Ashland. Educational facilities such as playgrounds, gymnasiums, and meeting
rooms are important to the schools, but can be an asset to the whole community after school hours. Conversely, the City of Ashland has some resources, which are useful to the School
District. Southern Oregon State College, with its special offerings and opportunities, is a very important asset, as students and faculty contribute their efforts to solving Ashland's
problems.
The number of children in the Ashland School System has not changed much despite increases in general population. As has been mentioned before, the demographics of immigrants may account
for this trend. (See Table IX-1, Ashland Public Schools Enrollment.)
The location of the student population is shifting toward the areas of newer construction southeast and northwest of the City center. One result of this shift in student population
is that the schools located in these areas have almost reached the limit of their capacity. Table IX-2 indicates that Bellview and Helman Schools are already at a critical capacity
level. (See Table IX-2, Ashland Public Schools.)
The ability of the existing school sites to accommodate additional enrollment should be gauged by present State and local standards for such educational facilities. For elementary schools,
the, Oregon State Board of Education recommends five acres plus one additional acre for each 100 students as a site standard. The Ashland School District uses a standard for future
elementary schools of a maximum enrollment of about 500 students, which indicates a site size of ten acres. For junior high and high schools, the Oregon State Board of Education recommends
ten acres plus one additional acre for each 100 students. The Ashland School District uses a standard of 1000 student limit for junior high schools and 1500 student limit for high
schools. This indicates a site size of 20 acres for junior high schools and 25 acres plus for high schools.
[See Table IX-1 "Ashland Public Schools; Population - School Enrollment" & Table IX-2 "Ashland Public Schools - February, 1977." on Comp. Plan Page IX-8 and Map IX-1"Public Parks and
Schools" on Comp. Plan Page IX-9.]
Comparing the above school site standards to anticipated and projected areas of student population indicates expansion and possible acquisition of several school sites will be needed.
In the immediate future, for example, Bellview and Helman elementary schools will need to add more classrooms or significantly change district boundaries in order to accommodate anticipated
enrollment.
In new areas of development, existing schools will not be able to absorb additional students. Briscoe and Lincoln elementary schools, for example, are already below the recommended
site standards. Thus, in order to accommodate even a modest increase in students over the next 23 years, expansion of existing facilities and/or acquisition of new school sites (especially
elementary school sites) in the urbanizable area may be necessary. (See Map IX-l, Public Parks and Schools.)
Section 9.07.02 Assumptions
There will be an increased demand for the multiple use of school facilities.
Student population will continue shifting with future annexations. Such shifting will necessitate school district boundary changes.
Continued population growth will eventually increase the student population, creating a demand for additional school facilities in the future.
Section 9.07.03 Goal
Make Maximum Effort Toward Utilization of Present and Future Educational and Recreational Facilities and Resources Through Public, Private, and City Cooperation.
Section 9.07.04 Policies
1. Encourage cooperation between the City and School District when new school facilities are considered or when City action affects the School District.
2. Encourage early acquisition of school sites of sufficient size for school/park facilities.
3. Assess the impact of large-scale proposed developments and their effect on the schools, which they impact.
Part 9.08 POLICE SERVICE
Sections:
9.08.01 Introduction
Section 9.08.01 Introduction
The staff of the Ashland Police Department consists of the Chief of Police, Lieutenant, four Sergeants, three Corporals, two detectives, ten Patrol Officers, six Clerk/Dispatchers, and
an Executive Secretary.
The Department operates four marked patrol units and four unmarked units, and is responsible for the enforcement of Federal, State and local laws within the incorporated limits of the
City of Ashland. At the request of the Jackson County Sheriff or the Oregon State Police, City units will assist their agencies with incidents occurring just outside the City limits.
The City's Dispatch Center is responsible for dispatching of all police and fire/rescue calls. The Dispatch Center is in radio contact with police agencies in Jackson and Josephine
Counties through the JO-JAC radio, and, in the new expanded facility, is in radio contact with other fire and ambulance services in the Ashland area. The "911" emergency number was
implemented in early 1981 in the 482 and 488 telephone prefixes to ring into the Dispatch Center.
Part 9.09 FIRE SERVICE
Sections:
9.09.01 Introduction
Section 9.09.01 Introduction
The staff of the Ashland Fire Department consists of one Fire Chief and 21 additional paid personnel. The Department instituted a volunteer program for 15 volunteers in September 1981.
The Department operates five motorized fire-fighting apparatus with one in reserve. They consist of one 750 gpm pumper, one 1250 gpm pumper, one 1500 gpm pumper, one 2000-gallon tanker,
and an ambulance. The total water carried on all apparatus is 5220 gallons. Also, the Department operates two specialized four-wheel-drive grass and brush units. The Department has
15 self-contained breathing apparatus, one breathing air compressor, three portable electric generators, and three smoke ejectors. The Department operates out of two fire stations
and provides fire protection service to the Ashland City limits. The Department has also entered into mutual aid agreements with the other fire departments in the area. Fire dispatching
is done through the City Dispatch Center.
ASHLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Page 13 of 13