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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-0519.REG.MINMINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 19, 1998 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., Civic Center Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Wheeldon and DeBoer were present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting of May 5, 1998 were accepted as presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS 1. Presentation by RVTD regarding proposed new bus route. Sherrin Coleman of the Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) publicly thanked the City of Ashland for support, and stated that she looked forward to a good relationship in the future. Scott Chancey, also of RVTD, presented details of a proposed bus route for East Main Street. Noted that this new inner city loop would begin service on July 6th, and would cost $0.25 as the other routes do. Also stated that limited Saturday service would be reinstated at that time, with the new route running along with a single route combining both routes 5 and 10. Noted that there would be no additional costs to the City of Ashland, explaining that federal monies and increased operational efficiencies made a new route possible and Ashland was chosen based on its ongoing support of RVTD. Confirmed that bus routes will be staggered every 7½ minutes to prevent any negative impact on downtown traffic. Stated that Council would receive a final map of the proposed route when all stop locations have been finalized. Public Works Director Paula Brown provided an update on the status of the new bus shelters. Noted that funding had been received for seven new and revised shelters. Currently working with RVTD, looking at options for ready-made structures and comparing to original designs. Will have two of the new shelters up, at Southern Oregon University and the Ashland Public Library, with all amenities during the next fiscal year. Confirmed that designs will be brought before Council as soon as they are finalized. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees. 2. Authorization for Mayor and City Recorder to sign Quitclaim Deed releasing existing access easement off Ditch Road. Councilor Reid questioned whether Ditch Road has a public easement out to Grandview. It was confirmed that there is an easement. Councilors Reid/Hagen m/s to accept the consent agenda. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consideration of adoption of "An Ordinance Amending Section 9.08.060.J of the Ashland Municipal Code Relating to Trackout Restrictions." City Council Meeting 05-19-98 Consideration of adoption of "An Ordinance Amending Ashland Municipal Code (AMC) Chapter 9.24 and AMC Section 10.30.010 by Incorporating the Provisions of the Model Woodheating Ordinance and Repealing Ordinance No. 2555." Conservation Manager Dick Wanderscheid briefly noted the history behind these two proposed ordinances, which are part of air quality plans to be implemented statewide. Explained that the Mayor, Council and staff had expressed concerns at previous meetings concerning issues around transportation and industrial regulations. Noted that City Attorney Paul Nolte has prepared ordinances based on the models provided. Explained that implementation and enforcement will be handled by existing staff, and the exemptions process will be through ACCESS, Inc. Also stated that the City is currently looking at the possibility of funding alternate heating sources, weatherization, and wood stove replacement programs. After tracking sole-source exemptions for the first year, the Conservation Division will request block grant monies next year for woodstove removal and weatherization. Wanderscheid also noted that a draft letter, outlining the Mayor's concerns to the Department of Environmental Quality, was included in the packets. Stated that staff recommends that these ordinances have their first readings in June, and that staff would welcome any comments from the council or the public. Wanderscheid explained that the proposed trackout ordinance would give more leeway in enforcement as it applies to more than merely construction sites. Discussed keeping trackout out of the right-of-ways, including city crew procedures such as street sweeping and debris removal. Noted that the proposal strengthens the City's current trackout ordinance and would help to educate the public. Discussion of the special/temporary exemption included in the proposed ordinance. Wanderscheid explained that this exemption could be applied for people who had an alternative heat source being repaired and needed to use wood heat until the alternative source was repaired. Noted that it could also be applied to medical exemptions. Mayor Shaw stated that in the draft letter, at the end of the first paragraph, "country" should be changed to "nation". Discussion that certified woodstoves would be allowed to burn, as long as no visible emissions are present, even on red days. Also noted that in the proposed ordinance, the opacity standard had been set at 40%, where the county model allows 50%. Wanderscheid explained that 40% was a voter-approved standard and had not been changed. Councilor DeBoer questioned the proposed ordinances' similarity to the models, stating that he hoped to ensure county-wide consistency. City Attorney Paul Nolte noted that he could provide copies of the models to the Councilors. Stated that there were some differences as the proposed ordinances under consideration were more stringent in some areas. Discussion of requiring paving of private driveways for new construction. Wanderscheid noted that other planning requirements could require paving as well. Explained that under the proposed ordinance, these requirements are for new development and would be primarily complaint driven. Public hearing opened at 7:24 p.m. Myra Erwin/300 Grand View Dr./Conservation Chair of the Rogue Group Sierra Club/Congratulated City on its efforts. Feels that proposed ordinances are excellent, that they fit well with county-wide efforts, and she supports the draft letter. Public hearing closed at 7:25 p.m. City Council Meeting 05-19-98 PUBLIC FORUM None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Written briefing regarding the Year 2000 computer problem. City Administrator Mike Freeman noted community interest in this issue, and assured the Mayor and Council that the City is working to identify those instances where the Year 2000 problem will be an issue for City operations. Proposed solutions will be brought to Council at a later date. Explained that the biggest issue for the City is the Electric Utility system, and stated that there will be periodic briefings about progress made in this area. Mayor Shaw suggested that staff consider including an informational article on how the Year 2000 issue would affect city residents in the next issue of the "Ashland City Source". City Recorder Barbara Christensen confirmed that an article of this nature is planned for the next issue. 2. Memorandum from Public Works Director regarding Oak Street Pedestrian Access and Traffic Calming Project - Final Approval and Financing Option. Public Works Director/City Engineer Paula Brown thanked Assistant City Engineer Jim Olson for his work on this project. Noted that Council has been provided copies of the original grant request, along with new drawings of changes that have been made. Explained that the latest design shows general community and neighborhood consensus. Noted that designs will be sent to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for final approval. Pointed out sidewalks and traffic calming features that are included, such as speed humps/speed tables and raised crosswalks. Noted concerns over the possibility of increasing traffic on nearby streets. Explained that traffic calming measures were to provide pedestrian safety and access and limit speeds to their posted levels. Will look at traffic counts to monitor traffic effects on nearby streets and make changes as necessary. Mayor Shaw noted the likelihood that people using Oak Street as a bypass might switch to North Main, but stated that residents were not likely to change their behavior. Mayor Shaw pointed out that the second paragraph of Brown's memo on this subject notes the possibility of traffic shifts if speed is reduced. Shaw emphasized that the traffic calming measures are not about changing the posted speed limits, but to slow the actual speeds driven down to these limits. Brown noted that the project area will be a shared facility, which allows autos and bikes to share the road because of the speeds driven. Mayor Shaw questioned the wording on the second page of Brown's memo. Explained that in the top paragraph, the wording that receiving the grant meant an LID was no longer an option was incorrect. Brown explained that an LID had been discussed, but alternative financing was found and this was the preferred option. Mayor Shaw emphasized that an LID was, and still could be, an option. Discussion of whether a Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities Grant would be given when no bike lanes were included. Brown confirmed that this was a possibility as this is to be a shared facility. Discussed the use of the term "avenue" in reference to Oak Street, when other terms have been used in past. It was explained that this is the term used in the Comprehensive Plan's Transportation Element to classify major collectors. Further discussion of the use of "avenue" as a street classification. City Council Meeting 05-19-98 Brown explained some of the possible financing options. Noted that the total project cost is $145,700, and the grant from ODOT is for $100,000. This leaves $45,700 to be financed. Stated that ODOT requires a 20% local match as a condition of the grant. Explained that neighbors have looked at funding the project through voluntary contributions, and have pledges for close to $20,000. Brown clarified that staff time to date for administrative services and engineering (approximately $13,250) can be applied as a "soft" match to cover a portion of the city's contribution toward the remaining $45,700. Explained the options available as: 1) The City could mandate an LID for the entire $45,700. 2) The City and the neighbors could split those costs, meaning that the neighbors would have to raise roughly $3,000 more. 3) The City and the neighbors could proportionally split the costs. The City would provide the "soft" match for $13,250 with the balance to be raised by the neighborhood. This would require about $12,000 more than the neighbors have already raised. 4) The City could pay the entire amount from the arterial street and/or sidewalk fund. Stated that the staff recommends the City apply the "soft" match of $13,250, leaving an additional $12,000 to be raised by the neighbors beyond the current pledges of $20,000. Confirmed that the "soft" match covers a portion of the costs already included in the $145,700 total. Mayor Shaw noted while she has not been involved in the neighborhood's efforts, she is a resident of the neighborhood, has made a pledge and will pay in some manner regardless of the decision reached on this matter. Discussion of the Council's intentions in the past to provide up to $30,000 a year to pay for up to 25% of sidewalk installation costs in established neighborhoods. Noted that these funds have been set aside, but have not been used. Mayor Shaw noted that she did not see the possibility of using this money included in the options. Brown stated that in the fourth option, the reference to "arterial street fund and/or sidewalk funds" refers to these monies. Mayor Shaw suggested that these funds could be applied to 25% of this project, up to the $30,000 limit, by the City and the remaining balance could be paid from the funds raised by the neighborhood. Director of Finance Jill Turner noted that four years ago, the Council had adopted a policy of setting $30,000 aside each year for sidewalks. She believes that during one year since, funds were used on Tolman Creek Road, and one year they were used for bike lanes. Stated that there is now about $65,000 available. Noted that about a year ago, the arterial street assistance fund was created, and that fund includes the sidewalk money for this year. Discussion of whether those funds were tied to the LID process. Discussion, noting that these funds had not been tied to the LID process, but could be used as part of an LID. Explained that the intent of the assistance fund was to relieve some of the burden on property owners on owner-paid improvement projects on arterial streets, as costs were greater due to the streets being arterials. Turner stated that the remaining balance is around $65,000 as some allocation had been used on the Central Ashland Bikepath. Stated that this could be repaid. Councilor Hagen stated that Oak Street is an arterial, and calming measures are necessary due to this classification. Suggested that money from the arterial and sidewalk fund be used. Feels that neighbors are partly responsible for receiving the grant and have in a sense been a part of raising that $100,000. Councilor Hauck noted that $15,000 from the sidewalk fund could be used, along with the money raised by the neighbors and the City's "soft" match, to pay the entire amount without touching arterial street funds. Discussion of the design of speed tables/humps. It was noted that concerns had been raised over liability issues and over the possibility of excessive noise when unloaded trucks go over an area of a street that is not level. Brown noted that as far as liability was concerned, the designs have been updated many times over the years, City Council Meeting 05-19-98 and there is no adverse impact to cars or bicycles traveling at the speed limit. Stated that noise could still be a factor. Brown noted that these designs are in use throughout the state. Brown noted that due to liability issues, there are usually no mid-block crossings. There are mid-block crossings in this design due to the length of the block. Emphasized that the City has taken as many precautions as possible, including the planning of parking and placement of the crosswalks as close to intersections as possible. Noted that designs still have to go to ODOT for approval. Stated that there have been numerous changes since the original proposal, and that the final designs are those included in the packet information. Emphasized that these designs meet with the approval of the majority of those in the neighborhood, and that they have worked very hard to reach a consensus. Brown again commended Assistant City Engineer Jim Olson on his work on this project. Explained various elements of the project and their placement, looking at the final designs starting from the Hersey Street end, and noting the changes since the original proposal. Discussion that traffic calming measures serve as a pedestrian safety amenity, and allow use of the project area as a shared facility between automobiles and bicycles. Emphasized that the traffic calming aspect of the project should not be looked at as separate from the bicycle/pedestrian aspect of the project. Olson noted that a four-way stop was to be placed at the intersection of Oak and Hersey, which is a change from the original design. This will involve narrowing the lanes and adding multiple lanes. Explained that traffic volumes on Oak Street have decreased 2-3% while Hersey Street traffic volumes have increased by 30%. Traffic warrants, flow, slope, angle, and the number of recent accidents are all addressed with the proposed four-way stop with three lanes of channelized traffic, and the possibility of a future signal at the location without further changes. With the four-way stop, designs have been modified so that the sidewalk will be on the east side due to slope. This necessitated a crossing, nearly mid-block by Crispin Street. Between Crispin Street and Jessica Lane is the first of three speed humps. These will have no impact at twenty five miles per hour, but can be jolting at higher speeds. Further down, there will be a speed table and a reduction in total lane widths to 24'. The second speed hump will be placed further down, at a distance of 350-600 feet as recommended. Between Jessica Lane and Oak Lawn Avenue will be the first of three traffic islands. This island will measure about eight feet by thirty feet and will include street trees. This was not included in the original designs, but the neighbors were interested in this option. Explained that the island is to be placed slightly off-center to slow traffic. Near Oak Place and Nevada Street, there is to be a raised, decorative speed table to provide a gateway to the neighborhood which will also serve as an introduction to the traffic calming area. Discussed concerns over the placement of a four-way stop at Oak and Hersey. Suggested that with traffic calming measures, warrants should drop dramatically. Brown explained that warrants were due to increases in traffic on Hersey Street, which now carries nearly as much traffic as Oak Street. Discussed concerns that stops are difficult for bicyclists, and that another stop could encourage bicyclists to break the law. It was noted that of the eleven accidents at this intersection, several were caused by running the stop sign on Hersey, and numbers were split equally between north and south. Discussed possibility of a three-way stop, with concerns that motorists would anticipate a four-way stop anyway. Questioned the need for Oak Street stops as drivers will respond to the traffic calming measures. Olson explained that bump-outs had been considered, but these would likely have to be taken out within five years to City Council Meeting 05-19-98 add a signal. Concerns were raised that addressing issues only from an automobile standpoint by adding lanes does not improve the quality of life of the neighborhood. It was noted that the recent developments on Mountain Avenue and Hersey Street would lead to a further increase in traffic on Hersey Street to an even greater degree, and a four-way stop is warranted. Further discussion of the Oak and Hersey intersection relating to lane width and parking. Noted that the speed humps/tables are separate from crosswalks in the design, which could result in some drivers accelerating after the last speed table into a crosswalk. Suggested that tables, humps and neck-downs should coincide with crossings to ensure traffic calming. Olson explained that the location of driveways and proposed driveways had made this sort of placement of the traffic calming features impossible. Questioned the possibility of a speed hump just north of the main pedestrian crossing to slow traffic going into crosswalk. Suggested looking into the possibility of a raised crosswalk. Olson stated that this was possible. Discussion of where raised crosswalks can be viewed. It was noted that they are common in Eugene and Portland, and that there is a raised crosswalk on Fordyce Street, and possibly one in Medford but they may be of different designs than those proposed here. Brown stated that staff would check into whether the same type of crosswalks and tables can be viewed anywhere in southern Oregon. Discussed placement of the island relative to the driveway at 880 and 886 Oak Street. Mayor Shaw pointed out that the design drawing was not exactly accurate in its depiction of the driveway location relative to this island. Opened discussion to public comment at 8:25 p.m. Greg Williams/744 Helman St./Stated that residents applaud this plan. There are some concerns about potential changes in traffic flows to Helman and/or Laurel, but they are pleased that monitoring will occur. Also brought up the issue of weight restrictions on Oak, which could be removed now as trucks will be slowed by the proposed traffic calming measures. At the present, trucks must go around Oak, going by an elementary school in an area where the streets have no sidewalks. Presented a petition from forty five concerned area residents. Also cited concerns over the Hersey Street stop signs. Stated that he is a bicyclist, and he feels that a four-way stop would be the safest option. Jack Blackburn/805 Oak St./Echoed Williams' concerns about changes in traffic flows and traffic monitoring. Questioned the installation of traffic calming measures to achieve speed limit compliance. Feels that reconfiguring the street is not the way to accomplish this, and it is not a good precedent to set, as traffic calming could more appropriately be accomplished through the proper enforcement of the posted speed limits. Joy Downey/915 Oak St./Explained that she has been involved in this process since moving in on Oak Street. Concerned, and wanted to create a safer neighborhood for pedestrians and children. Stated that she has spent a good deal of time calling the police to deal with speeders, but feels that the efforts to take responsibility for the street to accommodate pedestrians, bicycles and automobiles is the way to do this. Continned that neighbors have raised $18,700 from the thirty seven families in the neighborhood. Proposed that Council accept these funds, which would nearly fund the project when combined with the "soft" match. Supported proposed change for a raised crosswalk to be placed at Crispin Street. Cathy Scott/719 Oak St./Would like City Council to look at the possibility of funding this project based on what has been raised by the neighborhood to date. Public comment closed at 8:40 p.m. City Council Meeting 05-19-98 Councilor Reid discussed this project serving as a model for similar designs in other neighborhoods, and suggested matching the pledges raised by the neighborhood. Explained that while she has design questions, she does not want to redesign the project. Acknowledged that the neighborhood has expended a great deal of effort to get the design they want. Councilor Hagen noted his concerns with traffic moving to Helman Street, and with the Crispin Street crossing, which he felt should ideally be a neckdown. City Administrator Mike Freeman noted that a discussion of the four-way stop at Oak and Hersey was not directly related to the project being considered. Suggested that staff could bring options back to council at a later date to deal with this issue. Confirmed for Council that Chief of Police Scott Fleuter would be involved in any consideration of this intersection at the staff level. Councilor Hauck stated that the four-way stop must be part of the discussion due to the design of the lanes at the stop and the proximity to the project under discussion. Councilor Reid suggested pulling the proposed four-way stop and looking at it as a separate project. Councilor DeBoer stated that the Traffic Safety Commission should deal with this issue, and suggested that there should be a commission to look at street redesigns. Pointed out that Oak Street is the only street leading into the City when Highway 99 is closed, and that the street was originally widened for that purpose. Concerned with the traffic calming measures being discussed due to issues of noise, pollution, and safety. Stated that grants are routinely given every three to four years by ODOT, and that by choosing this project to receive grant funds the funds will not be available elsewhere for three to four years. Emphasized that he supports the sidewalk portion of this project, but questions the use of sidewalk funds in LIDs. Also questioned how this project differs from other LIDs, and asked why the City is considering contributing funds. Suggested that a decision should be avoided until further notice can be put in the paper about the proposed changes to a collector street. Councilor Laws stated that nothing is out of the ordinary with this project, but he feels that a final design decision is premature without approval from ODOT. Also expressed concerns over the Council micro-managing neighborhoods. Stated that Council can deal with the project in concept, but should stay out of the details of the design. Emphasized that Council concerns have been adequately explained to allow staff consideration. Emphasized that Council should not have to decide the small details of project design and engineering, and should approve the project in concept and discuss financing methods. Can approve the idea, possibly excepting the Oak and Hersey intersection. Stated that any inconvenience caused by traffic calming is counter-balanced by increasing the safety of the neighborhood. Also noted the need to balance issues for bicycles, cars, and pedestrians. Suggests approval in concept, directing staff to look at south end crossing problems and bringing back options for the Oak/Hersey intersection, and make a final determination at that time. Would also approve sending to ODOT now, allowing staff to make revisions. Councilor Hagen questioned the removal of the previously planned neckdown at the Nevada intersection. Olson said constraints with driveways and existing features made impossible. Emphasized that he is not unhappy with the design, but feels initial design was stronger. Stated that he is disappointed that Hersey Street neckdown was removed, as neckdowns provide a consistent constriction on traffic. Discussion of whether debate was appropriate, with Mayor Shaw requesting that staff bring back options to next meeting. Requested calling a halt to further discussion, so that staff could seek traffic counts and prepare options. Brown confirmed that final designs must be approved by ODOT in October. Stated that designs would be finalized and go to ODOI in September, so Council approval would be needed by the first meeting in August. Councilor Hagen stated that he would like to see work done with the neighbors at Crispin and a street hump added at Hersey City Council Meeting 05-19-98 Councilor Wheeldon brought up the need to decrease traffic speeds going into the Hersey/Oak intersection. Explained that as a resident of Oak Street, she has been involved in this process all along and has written in the local newspaper on the subject for the past three years. Stated that she has continned with City Attorney that there is no conflict in her voting on this item as it is a large project involving many people. Noted the need for sidewalks around all schools. Stated that Oak Street neighbors must frequently call the Ashland Police Department due to speeders, and feels that maintaining a police presence in the neighborhood costs more than the amount being considered here. Councilor Hauck questioned intersection options, asking whether alternatives could be presented to council. Inquired as to whether this portion could be made into a separate item of discussion, or if it was necessary to wait to proceed until an intersection option is approved by council. Brown stated that it would be simpler if the entire project were submitted to ODOT after a final decision from Council. Mayor Shaw discussed the fact that LID controversies often relate to new development. Emphasized that the funds that have been set aside for sidewalks are for developed neighborhoods, whether or not they are collectors. Noted that this is one difference between the LID process and a matching fund arrangement such as this. Explained that the City does not have a street design committee, as non-residents should not dictate design standards to a neighborhood. Commended the efforts of those in the Oak Street neighborhood. Councilor DeBoer questioned whether these methods have been tried on a collector street before. Discussion noted that these methods are common elsewhere, but have not been used in Ashland previously. Councilors Laws/Reid m/s to approve funding of the project by accepting grant funds and the money raised by the neighborhood, using "soft" match funds based on Engineering Division work to date, with the City to pay the balance remaining from appropriate funds, with the designs for the project to be finalized. Discussion: Councilor Laws explained that this is a pilot project for Ashland, to be learned from and to provide a model for future designs, and as such it merits a greater share of taxpayer money than subsequent projects might. Roll call vote: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, and Wheeldon, YES. DeBoer, NO. Motion passed 5-1. Councilor Wheeldon clarified that the 25% match from sidewalk funds does apply to LIDs, when they are in established neighborhoods, but was not intended to apply to newly developed subdivisions. (Councilors Laws and Hagen exited) 3. Letter from Oregon Association Chiefs of Police announcing Chief Scott F!euter's appointment to serve on Oregon Association Chiefs of Police Board of Directors. City Administrator Mike Freeman explained that this was an informational item for Council. 4. Request from Assistant City Engineer to Cut Moratorium Protected Pavement on Leonard Street. Councilors DeBoer/Reid m/s to approve this request. Roll call vote: Reid, Hauck, Wheeldon, and DeBoer, All YES. Motion passed. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS 1. Second reading by title only of "An Ordinance Adding Section 11.48.025 to the Ashland Municipal Code Authorizing the Code Enforcement Officer and Community Service Officer to Issue Citations." Councilors Hauck/Wheeldon m/s to adopt ordinance #2817. Roll call vote: DeBoer, Reid, Wheeldon, and Hauck, All YES. Motion passed. City Council Meeting 05-19-98 (Councilor Laws returned.) First reading by title only of "An Ordinance Authorizing the Municipal Court to Require Mediation in Certain Cases." Councilors Hauck/Wheeldon m/s to move the ordinance to a second reading. Roll call vote: Hauck, Laws, DeBoer, Wheeldon, and Reid, All YES. Motion passed. Councilor DeBoer requested that City Attorney Paul Nolte confirm the legality of requiring mediation. City Administrator Mike Freeman stated that he had already confirmed with Nolte, and that mediation can be required. First reading by title only of "An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13.24 of the Ashland Municipal Code Regarding Standards for Naming and Renaming Streets." Councilors Wheeldon/DeBoer m/s to move the ordinance to a second reading. Roll call vote: Reid, Laws, Hauck, Wheeldon, and DeBoer, All YES. Motion passed. Reading by title only of "A Resolution Transferring Appropriations Within the 1997-1998 Budget." Councilors Hauck/Reid m/s to adopt Resolution #98-07. Roll call vote: Laws, Wheeldon, Reid, DeBoer, and Hauck, All YES. Motion passed. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilor Hauck stated that the contract to administer the new Housing Commission renter and homebuyer assistance programs had been awarded to ACCESS, Inc. The first meeting had a large turnout, and anyone interested in the program was directed to contact ACCESS, Inc. or the City of Ashland's Community Development Department. Also stated that a homebuyers class would be conducted in early June, and a homebuyers fair would be held at the Medford Armory after the class on June 5th. Councilor DeBoer reminded viewers that a City Council Study Session will be held on Wednesday, May 20~, 1998, at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers for follow-up discussions of the Electric Department's Cost-of- Service Study, the Ashland Fiber Network and City Hall office space/space needs. Councilor Wheeldon noted that the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission was seeking to schedule a joint study session with the City Council for further discussion of improvements to Calle Guanajuato. City Administrator Mike Freeman stated that he would coordinate with the Parks Commission to schedule this sometime in the next two weeks. Councilor Wheeldon noted that she had spoken with John Scully and Carl Oates, and that they had expressed concerns about the Wastewater Treatment Plant spray irrigation plans. Their concerns are with possible evaporation leading to the return of less water to Bear Creek, and they would like to see more wetlands used to ensure the return of adequate amounts of water to the creek. Noted that a hearing was scheduled for June 11-12 as part of the sewage treatment permitting process, and that she has requested that Scully and Oates make a presentation to Councilors prior to the hearing date if possible. Discussion that Council shares these concerns, and is committed to returning or replacing Bear Creek waters. City Council Meeting 05-19-98 Noted that permits will not lock City into spray irrigation, and that if the wetlands project works as expected spray irrigation will not be necessary. Must move ahead with permitting process as part of the overall Wastewater Treatment Plant improvement plan. Further discussion of the possibility for scheduling this at a study session, possibly the half-hour before the first Council meeting in June, with concerns that the complexity of the issue and the June 1 1-12 dates would make a half-hour study session difficult. City Administrator Freeman stated that he would look into possible times for scheduling a meeting on this issue. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m. Barbara Christensen, City Recorder Catherine M. Shaw, Mayor City Council Meeting 05-19-98 10