HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-0103 Council Mtg Packet
Barbara Christenson
City Recorder
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Meeting Packet
Important: Any citizen attending council meetings may speak on any item on the agenda, unless it is the
subject of a public hearing, which has been closed. The Public Forum is the time to speak on any subject not
on the printed agenda. If you wish to speak, please fill out the Speaker Request form located near the
entrance to the Council Chambers. The chair will recognize you and inform you as to the amount of
time allotted to you. The time granted will be dependent to some extent on the nature of the item under
discussion, the number of people who wish to be heard, and the length of the agenda.
AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
January 3,2006
Civic Center Council Chambers
1175 E. Main Street
7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. MAYOR'S ANNUAL ADDRESS: "The State of the City."
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES [5 minutes}
1. Executive Session Meeting Minutes of December 20,2005
2. Regular Council Meeting Minutes of December 20, 2005
VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
1. Mayor's Proclamation of January 7 as "Christmas Tree Recycle Day in Ashland"
[5 minutes}
VII. CONSENT AGENDA [5 minutes}
1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions, and Committees
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Testimony limited to 5 minutes per speaker, unless it is the subject of a
Land Use Appeal. All hearings must conclude by 9:00 p.m., be continued to a subsequent
meeting, or be extended to 9:30 p.m. by a two-thirds vote of council {AMC ~2.04.040})
None.
IX. PUBLIC FORUM Business from the audience not included on the agenda. (Total time
allowed for Public Forum is 15 minutes. Speakers are limited to 5 minutes or less, depending
on the number of individuals wishing to speak.) [15 minutes maximum}
X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
XI. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1. Future Study Session Topics [10 Minutes]
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XII. ORDINANCES. RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
None
XIII. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this
meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-
2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I).
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MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
December 20, 2005
Civic Center Council Chambers
1175 E. Main Street
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Morrison called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Councilors Hardesty, Amarotico, Hartzell, Jackson, Silbiger and Chapman were present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the Special Council Meeting of December 1,2005 and Regular Council Meeting of December
6, 2005 were approved as presented,
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
The League of Oregon Cities 2005 Middle School Poster Contest Third Place Award was presented to Neil
Presicci.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
2. Liquor License Application for Ploughman's Wine and Cheese Bar.
3. Agreement for Services RVTD.
4. Commercial Lease Between City of Ashland and the State of Oregon by and through the Oregon
Department of Forestry, for Property at 400 Mistletoe Road for Use by the Oregon Department of
Forestry.
Councilor Amarotico/Chapman m/s to approve Consent Agenda. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion
passed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (None)
PUBLIC FORUM
Brent Thompson/582 Allison St/Commented on possible amendments to the Sign Code.
*MR. THOMPSON'S WRITTEN COMMENTS WERE SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.
Tom Rose/430 Wiley St/Spoke regarding the accountability ofMt. Ashland Association.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None)
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1. Ashland Fiber Network Options.
Councilor Chapman shared his comments in regards to a Common Carrier or Open Network; the difference
between public non-profit and private networks; definition of Common Carrier and Open Network Options;
and the process the Council should take in order to make a decision regarding the Ashland Fiber Network. He
also provided revenue and expense figures associated with AFN.
Mayor Morrison noted the Council received a letter of interest from the JPR Foundation, which was submitted
into the public record.
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John Gaffey/637 Oak St/Stated that AFN has had seven years of documented failure and it has been given
more than enough time to prove itself. He questioned whether this Council and future Councils could
maintain daily operational control of AFN, cover its current and future operational expenses, and make it a
success. Mr. Gaffey stated that the AFN Options Committee already answered this question, which is City
Councils cannot operate high tech businesses. Mr. Gaffey noted the initiative petition he has been circulating
that would bring before the voters charter language that prohibits the City from owning a telecommunications
business and suggested the Council focus its efforts on the spin-off option.
John Bullock/565 Taylor St/Explained that AFN could be a very valuable asset to the City in attracting the
desired businesses to Ashland and stressed the value of the internet asset.
Jimmie Y oung/115I Tolman Creek Rd/Commented on the positive side of AFN and how he relies on AFN
in his profession as a book designer.
Cathy Shaw/886 Oak St/Stated that she is also speaking for Alan Bates, Peter Buckley, and Nancy Morgan.
Ms. Shaw noted that there is only a single line that runs to many houses in Ashland, and explained that if the
television portion of AFN collapses, AFN would also lose its data services subscribers in these homes. Ms.
Shaw gave a presentation on AFN and their closest competitor Charter Communications.
*MS. SHA W'S WRITTEN PRESENTATION WAS SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.
Charles Carreon/113I Barrington Cir/Noted the debt associated with Charter Communications and voiced
concern if the City were to sell AFN to this company. Mr. Carreon commented on his satisfaction with the
service of AFN and stated that what we have is an asset that cannot be measured in dollars.
Jim Olney/36I Wiley St/Spoke in support of AFN and noted his internet teaching business. Mr. Olney stated
that AFN had attracted him and would attract other businesses to the community. He requested that the
Council not sell AFN and stated that retaining AFN would be a way to attract young professionals to Ashland.
Ronald Kramer/120 Wimer St/Executive Director of Jefferson Public Radio and the JPR Foundation/
Noted the letter submitted to the City expressing interest in entering into negotiations with the City to require
responsibility for the operation of AFN. He stated that JPR believes that it is important for ownership and
control of AFN to remain locally vested and stated that they have the capacity to help the City resolve this
challenge. Mr. Kramer stated that JPR would continue the relationships with the local ISPs, assume full
responsibility for the system, and would help service the debt annually. He stated that if the City wishes to
make a change, JPR would preserve the core values for which AFN was founded.
Alan Oppenheimer/II 0 S. Laurel St/Thanked the AFN Options Committee for their work and commented
on the Common Carrier option. He voiced his support for retaining the internet service, but supports spinning
off the cable television portion of AFN. Mr. Oppenheimer stated that television is too expensive and too risky
for the City to provide as a fundamental service. He also commented on the benefits of an Ashland internet
utility and noted the benefits AFN has provided to the community.
Priscilla Oppenheimer/110 S. Laurel St/Spoke on behalf of all AFN ISPs, with the exception of Unicorn,
who could not be reached. She requested that if the City decides to purse a sale of AFN, that they do so solely
with parties who commit to preserve the existing access arrangements with the ISP partners.
*MS. OPPENHEIMER'S WRITTEN TESTIMONY WAS SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.
Jim Teece/864 Neil Creek Rd/President and CEO of Project A/Stated that they are at a crossroads and the
actions of the Council will determine the fate of the community as a whole for decades to come. Mr. Teece
voiced his support for the Options Committee's findings, but stated it was missing the element of client
apprehension. He encouraged the Council to act on the recommendations as long as the following are
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maintained: 1) the unique open network for ISPs needs to stay intact, 2) the new owner needs to have local
management and local oversight, and 3) the City needs to maintain ability and rights to the expansion and
future of the network. Mr. Teece encouraged the Council to make a decision tonight so this can be moved
forward.
Aldena Adame/BOO Eston Ct, Medford/Noted that she works as a cable installer for the City and
commented on the number of installs she has performed for AFN. Ms. Adame commented on the support and
dedication of the AFN Staff and commented on the importance of adding new services to the cable television
line-up that would make AFN more competitive in the Ashland marketplace. She noted the local customer
service AFN provides and stated that this is an important competitive advantage for AFN that should not be
overlooked.
Richard Ryan/SOt Enterprise Dr, Central Point/Owner of Hunter Communications/Stated that his
business built AFN seven years ago and commented on how Hunter Communications has grown due to this
service. Mr. Ryan voiced his concern if the relationships between the City and businesses change and stated
that AFN helps businesses to grow. He stated that the Council needs to determine whether they want to offer
a public service, a public utility, or run this as a business, and suggested that they consider serving the
community rather than trying to make a profit, as it was originally intended.
Michael Donovan/tt 0 Westwood St/Chair of the AFN Options Committee/Stated that he is speaking on
behalf of himself and commented on the recommendations brought forward by the committee. Mr. Donovan
stated that AFN is a tremendous resource that has brought many benefits to Ashland, and stated that the
central issue is the $15.5 million debt associated with AFN. He stated that this issue needs to be dealt with as
a community and the City cannot continue to obligate future councils with this debt. Mr. Donovan commented
on the Industry trend of bundling services and noted that the committee was informed that the cable television
and internet services could not be separated. He shared his opinion that AFN could survive as an entity
outside the city structure and encouraged the Council to not delay making a decision.
John Dowd/24S E. Nevada St/Noted the benefits he has experienced because of AFN. Mr. Dowd
commented on the ISP customers and stated that these subscribers are not the City's to sell, and questioned if
the ISPs and their employees are being considered. He noted the excellent customer service offered by the
City employees and the ISP businesses and asked the Council to exercise a little more patience and consider
the new information that has been presented tonight.
Ann Marie Huston/SSO Oak Knoll Dr/Explained that she is not opposed to AFN, but rather is opposed to
the City's ownership and commented on their inability to run this service.
Ron Roth/69S0 Old 99 Hwy SIProvided a copy of his comments submitted to the Budget Committee two
years ago. Mr. Roth suggested that those who are supportive of AFN should step up and work with the Council
and administration to determine what should be done. He also stated that even if AFN were saved, the City
would still be stuck with a substantial debt and suggested a moratorium on capital spending until the debt is
paid-off.
*MR. ROTH'S LETTER WAS SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.
Paul Mace/34S Clinton St/Co-Chair of the AFN Options Committee/Stated that he is speaking on behalf
of himself and commented on the findings of the Options Committee. Mr. Mace stated that the way cities
operate and the requirements of a high tech business are at constant odds with one another. He stated that a
new director or restructuring of reporting would not cure the difficulties associated with AFN and strongly
urged the Council to pursue the recommendations of the Options Committee.
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Christopher Briscoe/287 Fourth St/Spoke regarding the benefits of AFN and commented on the
PowerSchool program which he accesses through AFN. Mr. Briscoe voiced his support for AFN and asked
the Council what kind of legacy they wanted to be remembered for.
Councilor Hartzell stated that she was mildly interested in the spinning off, of cable television, but questioned
the difficulty of accomplishing this. She voiced her concern with taking steps in the direction of selling AFN
and stated that the Council needs to perform due diligence to determine the worth and not just the market value
of AFN.
Councilor Jackson voiced her support for the steps recommended by the Options Committee and stated that
these actions would produce valuable information that would assist the Council with their decision. She noted
that she is not interested in selling the hardware, but voiced support for instructing Staff to pursue the path
suggested by the Options Committee.
Councilor Hardesty agreed that obtaining a market evaluation would be helpful in making their decision.
Councilor Silbiger stated that looking at the sale option would not push them down the path to a sale of AFN,
and would give them an idea of where they stand and provide beneficial information. He voiced his support
for pursuing the sale and spin-off options and to direct staff to explore these further.
Councilor Amarotico noted the need to hire an IT Director as soon as possible.
Councilor Chapman stated that he is not confident that the City would receive an acceptable sale offer, but
believes they should pursue a sale in order to determine the market value of AFN. He suggested that they
approach this in two ways, selling only cable television and selling the entire system. He also voiced his
support for pursuing the spin-off option as well as determining the worth of AFN. He stated that all of this
information would be helpful towards making a decision.
Mayor Morrison noted the importance of establishing the market value of AFN, but also noted the need to
determine the value of AFN to the community. He voiced his support for pursuing the spin-off option and
stated that they need to further explore the issue of single wired homes. He suggested that Council direct Staff
to explore the spin-off option, establish the monetary and community value of AFN, further explore the
possibility of separating cable television, and move forward with the hiring of a director.
Councilor Hartzell requested a staff report on the issue of separating cable television, including: the potential
for separating the two services, the inherent problems, associated costs, and legal ramifications. She also
requested that Council articulate to Staff exactly what would and would not be for sale.
Several comments were made that the 'backbone' (fiber network) should not be for sale.
City Administrator Gino Grimaldi requested that Staff be allowed to go into the marketplace and work with
other entities to gather information for Council, rather than preparing the staff report first and then testing it in
the market.
Councilor Jackson/Hardesty m/s to direct Staff to pursue the Spin-off Option and to pursue the sale
values per the Options Committee's recommendation and informed by Russ Silbiger's email.
DISCUSSION: Councilor Jackson clarified her motion for the Council and voiced her support for placing
this back in the hands of Staff to continue to investigate the options so that Council can make a better informed
decision. It was questioned if the motion includes the suggestions made in Councilor Silbiger's email.
Jackson clarified that the motion states that Councilor Silbiger's email would taken under advisement.
Concern was voiced with the clarity of this motion and comment was made that it could have been worded
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better. Motion was withdrawn.
Councilor Jackson/Chapman m/s to direct Staff to follow the three pronged approach recommended
by the AFN Options Committee, including pursuing a Spin-off Option, the sales values, and including
the Common Carrier concept. DISCUSSION: Comment was made questioning the issue of what is and is
not for sale. Jackson clarified that Staff has been given clear guidance related to not selling the backbone of
AFN and stated that she did not wish to enumerate every possibility in the motion. Suggestion was made for
Council to direct Staff to head in the direction of an evaluation that is not driven by AFN's competitors.
Comment was made that that value of AFN needs to be explored in every capacity, and in no way does the
exploration of value indicate any predisposition to an actual sale. Mr. Grimaldi stated that Staff understands
Council's concerns regarding not selling the backbone, but noted the importance of determining what the
entire system is worth. Suggestion was made for Council to direct Staff to begin identifying and documenting
the other aspects and values of AFN to the community. No opposition was voiced for Staff to include this in
their evaluation. Council briefly commented on the issue of negotiation and what Staff is being asked to do.
Mr. Grimaldi requested that Staff be given the opportunity to explore the different options, and stated that he
did not believe this characterized negotiations. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Amarotico, Hardesty, Chapman,
Jackson and Silbiger, YES. Councilor Hartzell, NO. Motion passed 5-1.
Mr. Grimaldi presented the background information on the recruitment for an IT Director. Finance Director
Lee Tuneberg noted the staff shortage in the IT department and stated that Staffs recommendation is
reactivate and complete the interview process for the hiring of a new IT Director.
Mr. Grimaldi clarified that three finalists had previously been identified and Staff would like to complete the
interviews with these candidates. If necessary, Staff could then determine if this position needs to be re-
advertised. He also clarified that regardless of whether AFN stays withm the organization, the IT Director
would still be needed, as the information technology portion of their duties would remain. It was also clarified
that this position is included in tbe budget.
Support was voiced for the hiring of an IT Director. Comment was made questioning the job description that
was prepared. Mr. Grimaldi pointed out that this description applied at the time this process began and stated
that if Staff is permitted to move forward with the candidate interviews, the focus will change.
Councilor Chapman/Amarotico m/s to direct Staff to pursue with the recruitment for an IT Director.
Roll Call Vote: Councilor Amarotico, Jackson, Silbiger, Hartzell and Chapman, YES. Councilor
Hardesty, NO. Motion passed 5-1.
Councilor Hartzell/Amarotico m/s to extend the meeting until 10:30 p.m. Voice Vote: Councilor
Hardesty, Amarotico, Hartzell and Chapman, YES. Councilor Jackson and Silbiger, NO. Motion
passed 3-2.
2. Acceptance of Audit Committee Report and the June 30, 2005 Comprehensive Annual Fiscal
Report.
Finance Director Lee Tuneberg presented the Comprehensive Annual Fiscal Report and pointed out the
important aspects of the report.
Councilor Jackson/Chapman m/s to accept Audit Committee Report and the June 30, 2005
Comprehensive Annual Fiscal Report. V oice Vote: all A YES. Motion passed.
Councilor Jackson left the meeting at 10:08 p.m.
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3. Budget Committee Appointment for term to end December 31, 2006.
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Councilor SilbigerlHartzell mls to appoint Dee Anne Everson to the Budget Committee for a term to
end December 31, 2006. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed.
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
1. Second reading by title only of "An Ordinance Amending Chapters 18.24, 18.28, and 18.88 of the
Ashland Municipal Code - Land Use Ordinance, Regarding Conservation Density Bonus Point
Calculations for Residential Development".
Item delayed until future council meeting.
2. Reading by title only of "A Resolution Setting A Public Hearing To Hear A Petition For And Any
Objections To The Vacation Of An Unopened Alley Between Ditch Road And North Street
(V aca ted)".
City Engineer Jim Olson presented the Staff report and provided the background information. He explained
the positive benefit to the City by approving this request of .38 acres of property donated to the Parks &
Recreation Open Space Program. Mr. Olson stated this land would be very useful in constructing the trail
system and noted the support of this action by the City's Parks Director. If this vacation is approved, Staff
recommends that a 10ft. wide public utility easement be reserved over the vacated portion of the alley, which
would protect the existing sanitary sewer line. The grant for open space should also be made a condition of
approval. Mr. Olson stated that in order to proceed, a public hearing will need to be held and January 16,2006
has been suggested as a possible date.
Councilor Amarotico/Hardesty mls to approve Resolution #2005-47. Roll Call Vote: Councilor
Silbiger, Amarotico, Hartzell, Chapman, and Hardesty. YES. Motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS (None)
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 10: 13 p.m.
John W. Morrison, Mayor
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
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MINUTES FOR THE STUDY SESSION
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
December 15, 2005
Civic Center Council Chambers
1175 E. Main Street
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Morrison called the meeting to order at 5 :00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL:
Councilors Hardesty, Amarotico, Jackson, Silbiger and Chapman were present. Councilor Hartzell arrived at
5:22 p.m.
1. Ashland Fiber Network Contractinl!: Review
Finance Director Lee Tuneberg presented the background information and explained that the current audit
firm used by the City was engaged to review the past three years of contracting for Ashland Fiber Network.
The following are the eight areas identified by the audit firm:
1. Small purchases in a year not bid as a whole;
2. No city employee certification regarding conflicts of interest;
3. Purchases of similar services from multiple vendors marked as sole source;
4. Confusion regarding department responsible for contract negotiation and management;
5. Confusion regarding tracking and renewal of contracts;
6. Insufficient detail provided on requisitions and purchase orders;
7. Insufficient data to substantiate sole source determination on purchases; and
8. Confusion regarding exemption from bidding certain services.
Mr. Tuneberg summarized the review and stated that it is staff's goal to train, document and improve
purchasing guidelines, policies and processes. He also noted the problems associated with the level of staff to
complete the municipal requirements.
Councilor Hardesty noted his experience with technical editing, and voiced his objection to the use of
collective nouns in a passive voice. He requested that future information more clearly identify who is
responsible for which actions.
Councilor Hartzell arrived at 5:22 p.m.
Councilor Silbiger questioned why AFN has so many problems with contracts not associated with the other
city departments. He commented on the history of this issue and stated that responsibility for contracts was
addressed in a 1999 letter from the auditor and the Council previously discussed the creation of a centralized
system for contracts back in 2000. Councilor Silbiger also cited the issues associated with the Qwest contract.
Mr. Tuneberg agreed with Councilor Silbiger's comments on the Qwest contract and clarified that city
contracts are being entered into the LaserFiche document imaging system; however staff also prepares manual
purchase order lists and contract lists.
Councilor Hartzell suggested strengthening the recommendations brought forward by staff and stated that
there could be additional safeguards included. In regards to the conflict of interest issue, she stated that it was
important to have this under control and expressed her concern that signing off on a form might not
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accomplish this. She also suggested that it may be beneficial to have one person within each department
designated as the contract specialist and have them participate in training and regular re-training.
Mr. Tuneberg noted that the Ashland Municipal Code addresses conflict of interest; however there is a
question of how often employees refer to this. From the auditor's perspective, they felt that having a form
reviewed annually by the purchaser would inform them of the procedure and the responsibility that goes with
it. He stated that following this recommendation would help to educate employees that are in a purchasing
capacity. Mr. Tuneberg also clarified that the City does have a purchasing manual and the Finance staff
provides training on this subject. He added that they could offer this training more frequently, but noted the
staffing issues.
City Administrator Gino Grimaldi pointed out that the auditors did not find a conflict on interest; but rather
have recommended action steps to ensure that employees understand the rules in a way that is documented. He
stated that the Council needs to be careful to not put policies in place that would take up a lot of time, and
stated that this area is not as broken as the Council's conversation is implying.
Mr. Tuneberg clarified that the auditors only reviewed the AFN contracts. He also offered an explanation as
to why these problems are not associated with other city contracts. He stated that AFN is different because it is
a fast moving industry and often a lot of things need to happen quickly. Mr. Tuneberg noted his request for an
AFN Director to be brought on board to help assist with this department. In regards to the previous director,
Mr. Tuneberg stated that regardless of the talents of a director, if you spread them out too thin, some things are
going to go undone. He stated that AFN needs to have a dedicated manager who knows the business and can
take the great ideas and work with them within our model. He also clarified that there is no trade in dollars for
some action that did or did not get done regarding AFN.
Request was made for future reporting to not include names as previously suggested, but to include a
description of the type of staff, such as administration, technical or AFN. Suggestion was made that instead
of requiring employees to sign a piece of paper regarding conflict of interest; they should have to sign a letter
stating they have received training or have read and understand the rules. Comment was made regarding the
need for a citywide centralized database and it was questioned if the Eden or LaserFiche systems could
accomplish this. Mayor Morrison commented on the need for a systematic process for monitoring City
contracts. In regards to conflict of interest, request was made for the Legal Department to review any proposed
system to ensure that it is not only educational, but also legal in nature and requires the employee to
acknowledge that there will be consequences if procedures are not followed.
Council briefly discussed their role in this issue. Concern was expressed that there is a fine line between
setting policy and entering into personnel matters.
Mr. Grimaldi summarized the Council's discussion. He stated that Council wishes staff to implement what is
in the report; however there are two areas they want staff to go further. He noted that one of the two areas that
generated the most discussion was the conflict of interest issue. This is an area where Council wants a more
systematic approach, much beyond just the signing off on a form. The other area is the centralized
maintenance of contracts and Council would like staff to look into this; and Staff will report back in 3-4
months. Mr. Grimaldi also noted that there was quick discussion about staff coming back to give a progress
report and requested that Council provide a time frame for this action.
Mr. Tuneberg clarified that there are some things that can be done right away and suggested providing some
information to the Council within a week or two and then providing a full report by March 31, 2006 that
addresses what has been accomplished and identifies other things that can be done and associated budgetary
implications.
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2. Public Contracts for Ashland Fiber Network
Mr. Tuneberg explained that AFN has some exemptions from the public contract purchasing rules and
requested Council's input on this subject
Councilor Amarotico left the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Tuneberg noted the Exemptions to the Formal Competitive Selection Procedures that fall into the
telecommunications category:
L Contracts for purchase or sale of water, electricity, cemetery lots, cable and telecommunication
services, including internet bandwidth, and the sale of telecommunication materials or products or
other services, material or products traditionally provided by the City;
R Contracts to purchase specialized cable television equipment and related components, connectors
and hardware through the National Cable Television Cooperative and its approved equipment
manufacturers and supplies for the Ashland Fiber Network cable television system;
S Contracts for the purchase of cable television programming for the Ashland Fiber Network cable
television system.
Councilor Silbiger commented on the 'R' exemption and suggested moving this to the three quotes
requirement. He also commented that 'R' should not be completely exempted. Mr. Grimaldi clarified that the
two phrases that seem to be causing concern is the broad term "hardware" and also "approved equipment
manufacturers". He suggested possibly revising the sentence to read "Contracts to purchase specialized cable
television equipment and related components." Mr. Grimaldi stated that staff could work on this and bring
something back for Council for review. He also clarified that staff would work on removing exemptions for
equipment that would normally be purchased through the regular purchasing procedures.
Councilor Hardesty left the meeting at 6:38 p.m.
Mr. Tuneberg provided a brief explanation why requesting quotes is not necessarily part of the process for
certain projects. He also clarified that staff is not asking for an exemption for AFN construction projects, and
stated that they are currently creating an RFP for this.
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
Respectfitl(v submitted,
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
CITY OF
ASHLAND
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
HEARINGS BOARD
NOVEMBER 8, 2005
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER - Commissioner Michael Dawkins called the meeting to order at 1 :35 p.m. at the Ashland Civic Center, 1175
E. Main Street.
Commissioners Present:
Michael Dawkins
Mike Morris
Allen Douma
Jack Hardesty, absent
Maria Harris, Senior Planner
Derek Severson, Assistant Planner
Amy Anderson, Assistant Planner
Sue Yates, Executive Secretary
Council Liaison:
Staff Present:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND FINDINGS
Douma/Dawkins m/s to approve the minutes of the October 11, 2005 Hearings Board. The minutes were approved.
There were no findings.
TYPE I PLANNING ACTIONS
PLANNING ACTION: 2005-01496
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 640 Tolman Creek Road
OWNER/APPLICANT: Kurt Brombacher/Batzer Inc.
DESCRIPTION: Site Review approval for an office and warehouse addition to the rear of the building located at 640 Tolman Creek
Rd. The addition will be approximately 9,000 square feet in size, and used for warehouse and print production by the I.P.C.O.
Printing Company. An Administrative Variance to the Site Design and Use Standards is requested to expand an existing site and
building without bringing an equal percentage of the site to comply with the Site Design and Use Standards (Standard II-C-1 g).
This action was approved.
PLANNING ACTION: 2005-01704
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 145 East Main Street
OWNER/APPLICANT: 145 E Main Street LLC/Northwest Drafting & Design
DESCRIPTION: Land Partition to divide a lot into two parcels for the property located at 145 East Main Street.
This action was approved.
TYPE II PUBLIC HEARINGS
PLANNING ACTION: 2005-01474
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 893 Hillview
OWNER/APPLICANT: Medinger Construction Co.
DESCRIPTION: Request for a Land Partition to create a flag lot from the rear of the property located at 893 Hillview Dr.
Site Visits and Ex Parte Contacts
Morris read the October and November packets and watched the video from the October meeting. He had a brief conversation
with Matt Warshawsky. Morris is prepared to participate in the hearing and there were not objections from Dawkins or
Douma.
Dawkins has gone by the property since his last site visit.
Douma visited the property last month. He had no ex parte contacts.
Dawkins said the public hearing had been closed at the last meeting. However, there were submittals turned in by the applicant
at the beginning of this meeting, therefore Dawkins will re-open the public hearing.
STAFF REPORT
Anderson showed the applicant's original application, or Option 1. She showed Options 2 and 3. All options are outlined in
the Staff Report Addendum dated November 8, 2005. The direction the Hearings Board decides to take is dependent upon the
direction the applicant wishes to take.
Other issues raised at the last meeting requesting further information are as follows:
· Determination of Physical Constraints Review is dependent upon the classification on which the land is placed
according to ALUO 18.62.050. This lot is not regulated under that ordinance.
· Ground water collection is not regulated by the local land use regulations but by the Oregon Building Code. There
has been no evidence of a private easement addressing the existing French drainage system submitted to Staff. The
Stormwater Master Plan does not identify issues with storm water collection in the vicinity of this property.
· ALUO Chapter 18.76.060 requires the partition to be in conformance with the Street Design Standards outlined in
ALUO Chapter 18.88. The generation often vehicle trips per day will not have a negative impact on traffic
generation on Hillview Drive.
Harris said shortly before the meeting, the City's Legal Department let the Planning Staff know that in their review of the
materials, they do not believe that Option 3 is something the Hearings Board should consider. They felt the interpretation and
opinion they had given in their memo (included in packet) is the only choice the Hearings Board has in terms ofreviewing the
ordinance. Staff recommends the Hearings Board not entertain Option 3 or discuss it and limit their review to Options 1 and 2.
The Legal Dept. has interpreted "front lot line" as requiring a Variance for having a lot width greater than its depth so the
applicant would need to agree to continue the application and amend the application to include a Variance. Or, Option 2 is not
wider than it is deep.
PUBLIC HEARING
LARRY MEDINGER, 115 Fork Street, just heard about the communication from the Legal Dept. He would be willing to continue
the hearing in order to prepare further. He'd like to come back with something as polished and workable as he could.
After reviewing the video, Morris noted this is not the place to decide whether or not infill/density is right. Medinger is close
with his site plans. Planning is not a science, it is an art.
Medinger said he would prefer continuing this one more month. He'll bring another site plan and a Variance request. He still
thinks the best land use planning for this lot is Site Plan A. Morris said he would prefer not to have to make a choice. He
would rather just see one application.
The Commissioners favored a continuance and leaving the hearing open.
Medinger said he would submit additional materials by November 23rd.
ADJOURNMENT- The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
Respectfidly submitted by
Susan Yates, Executive Secretm)'
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
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NOVEMBER 8, 2005
MINUTES
2
CITY OF
ASHLAND
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 8, 2005
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER - Chair John Fields called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the Civic Center, 1175 E. Main Street, Ashland,
OR.
Commissioners Present:
John Fields, Chair
Russ Chapman
Olena Black
Michael Dawkins
Allen Douma
Dave Dotterrer
John Stromberg
Mike Morris
Jack Hardesty, present
Bill Molnar, Interim Planning Director
Maria Harris, Senior Planner
Mike Reeder, Assistant City Attorney
Sue Yates, Executive Secretary
Council Liaison:
Staff Present:
ANNOUNCEMENTS - The deadline for applying for the vacancy on the Planning Commission is Friday, November 18th.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 27, 2005 - Continuation of Northlight Hearing - Black asked under item 4 where she spoke, to delete "it" and add "the
Design Standards." Dotterrer/Douma m/s to approve the minutes as corrected. Voice Vote: The minutes were approved.
October 11, 2005 - Regular Meeting - Douma/Dotterrer m/s to approve the minutes. Voice Vote: The minutes were approved.
PUBLIC FORUM
COLIN SWALES, 461 Allison Street, showed a color coded map of lots in the downtown and discussed where he felt it appropriate to
have 40 foot buildings in the downtown. He said we should preserve Primary Contributing buildings and those buildings on the
National Register. The non-compatible, non-historic, and non-contributing could be remodeled or tom down and rebuilt. Build
smaller buildings on smaller lots, not maximizing at the 40 foot height, leaving the larger lots for larger buildings also recognizing
the bulk and scale of the neighboring buildings. The color coded map is available at the library.
TOM GIORDANO, 2635 Takelma Way, felt strongly that we need to have an urban design form for the downtown, looking at the
downtown in a comprehensive way. Dawkins noted the Commissioners that are working on the Downtown Plan are looking at
that.
TYPE II PUBLIC HEARINGS
PLANNING ACTION: #2005-01674
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 11 First Street
OWNER/APPLICANT: Ron & Carrie Yamaoka
DESCRIPTION: Request for reconsideration of the Planning Commission decision reached at the October 11,2005 Planning
Commission meeting requesting Site Review approval for a three-story, mixed-use building comprised of restaurant space,
office space and two residential units for the property located at 11 First St. The proposed building is approximately 4,500
square feet in size, and is located in the Downtown and Detail Site Review zones. A Tree Removal Permit is requested to
remove four trees sized six inches diameter at breast height and greater.
Reconsideration
Fields, as guided by the City Attorney, has concluded this action should be reconsidered and continued at next month's
meeting because of an error in the ordinance interpretation. A revised plan has been submitted by the applicant
addressing the vision clearance issue. This will also give the Historic Commission an opportunity to review any revisions
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the applicant may make. He added that the action was approved by the Commission, but due the vision clearance
problem, it will undoubtedly be appealed to the Council and they will be forced to deny it.
Molnar said the action has been noticed and the public hearing can be opened at this meeting. The Commissioners could discuss
some of the concerns that the Historic Commission noted at their November 2nd meeting.
Stromberg/Dotterrer rn/s to take up the reconsideration at the next regular Planning Commission meeting. Molnar noted they have
allocated time at this meeting to tlush out any design issues. There appears to already be a full agenda next month. Stromberg
withdrew his motion and they proceeded with the hearing.
Site Visits and Ex Parte Contacts
Douma and Dotterrer had a site visit awhile ago.
Black, Chapman, Stromberg and Dawkins had no additional site visits or ex parte contacts since the last meeting.
Morris read last month's packet, watched the meeting, and watched last week's Council meeting and asked if he could be a part
this hearing. He thought he could be fair and objective. There were no objections from the other Commissioners.
STAFF REPORT
Harris showed the new site plan that has been submitted showing the vision clearance triangle drawn in. The building has been
angled back to the full height of the building to stay out of the vision clearance area. She showed the new elevation. Some of the
details have been changed. The arch is gone from the window, some recessed panels on the columns have been removed and the
window type and size has changed because of the new angle of the building. The planter has been lowered to follow the grade.
She showed the alley elevation. The archways have been removed and the column panel removed. The other two elevations
haven't changed.
The Planning Commissioners were given a copy of the November 2,2005 Historic Commission draft minutes outlining their three-
part recommendation. They said they'd like to see the original design retained, if possible. They feel a three-story building is
appropriate in this area. They have recommended denial of the angled design, particularly because it wasn't compatible with the
traditional design approach that had been taken. They suggested five items for the applicant to consider in redesigning the
building.
Rob Saladoff, member of the Historic Commission, is at tonight's meeting to answer questions. Harris said if the Commission
decides to approve this application, there are 26 attached Conditions to the Staff Report Addendum.
Molnar explained that Staff focused on the setbacks in the Downtown Design Standards. Rather than the design showing any
entryway features through the use of recesses or alcoves, this is more a tapering of the building and this could be found to be in
contlict with the Downtown Design Standards.
Does the vision clearance have to go all the way up the building? A section of the ordinance allows trees in the vision clearance
area, but they have to have a canopy height of eight feet.
PUBLIC HEARING
TOM GIORDANO, 2635 Takelma Way, said some of the suggestions from the Historic Commission such as pushing back the entire
front far;:ade do not work. Every square foot of the building counts. Switching the front door to the north does not work because
oftloor heights. His hope is that the Commission could approve the project tonight subject to conforming to the vision clearance
standard and let the applicant work out the design with the Historic Commission. They are prepared to show some options and
how they can mitigate some of the pedestrian safety concerns. He reminded the Commissioners that the Historic Commission
recommended retaining the Planning Commission's approval.
BILL EMERSON, 90 Fifth Street, showed the original design but he moved the tree planter down extending it down another two feet,
and moved the ramp over creating a needed buffer for pedestrians. Emerson eXplained the drawback to cantilevering the building
is in contlict with the Design Standards in this style; pushing back the front far;:ade would not allow for any restaurant seating. He
showed some alternate designs.
Reeder said other jurisdictions define the vision clearance from lot line to lot line just as the City does.
COLIN SWALES, 461 Allison Street, said he is using Mr. Neely's five minutes, if needed. The rules of the Planning Commission
have not been made available to the general public, therefore, the decision-making process is skewed because the applicants as ex-
planning commissioners have inside knowledge regarding the process of reconsideration. He does not believe reconsideration is
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
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2
appropriate for a quasi-judicial process because ofthe way the rules are written. In his view, the only way to reconsider is if a
mistake is made at this level, then the application can be appealed to the Council.
With regard to the application, Swales said there is nothing in the Land Use Ordinance that says the building has to be next to the
street. The ordinance states it should be adjacent to the sidewalk. He showed examples of buildings that are set back from the
street (Soundpeace and Starbucks). There is no reason this building cannot be set back l6 feet with a front outdoor area for tables
and chairs.
ERIC NAVICKAS, 711 Faith Avenue, believes this is a well-scaled building, showing it is economically feasible to do small buildings
in our downtown. He hopes the designers don't do a "kitsch" historic fayade. Wrapping the comer is appealing to him.
ROB SALADOFF, 1290 Munson Drive, liaison and member of the Historic Commission, reported there was unanimous rejection by
the Historic Commission of the alternative design and they came up with five alternatives. They had no preference of one over
another. They looked at the design and how it fit into the downtown. They liked the original design. The Historic Commission
had problems with angling the building. It left a narrow fayade, pushing one bay back and weakening the presentation of the
fayade to the street. Saladoffbelieves the building should have square comers. He feels the Commission can take on the design
decision, if the Planning Commission so chooses.
Staff Response - Though Molnar is confident if this is continued the applicants will be able to work it out with the Historic
Commission, he would like it to come back to the Planning Commission.
Reeder recommended continuing this meeting to a date certain, with the understanding that the applicant can take it back to the
Historic Commission with a modification. The hearing would be continued with the record remaining open.
Rebuttal - Giordano does not agree with setting this particular building back. Emerson passed out design options that showed
outdoor seating.
COMMISSIONERS' DISCUSSION AND MOTION
Molnar suggested requesting an extension to the 120 days from the applicant if the Commission decides on a continuance. On
January 22,2006, the 120 days is up.
Morris/Dawkins m/s to continue this hearing.
Fields recommend the applicant work with the Historic Commission and come back to the Planning Commission with the Historic
Commission's support for their design.
Dotterrer/Dawkins m/s to amend the motion guiding the applicant to return to the Historic Commission for advice and return with
a design supported by the Historic ,Commission that will satisfy the vision clearance as well as the Downtown Standards.
The next meeting might be changed to Monday, December 12h. The action will be re-noticed. Giordano said he will give approval
for the 60 day extension.
Roll Call: Douma, Stromberg, Dawkins, Dotterrer, Fields and Morris voted "yes" and Chapman and Black voted "no."
PLANNING ACTION: #2005-00084
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 165 Lithia Way & 123 N. First Street
OWNER/APPLICANT: Archerd & Dresner, LLC, and Redco, LLC
DESCRIPTION: Request for reconsideration of the Planning Commission decision reached at the September 27,2005 Planning
Commission meeting requesting Site Review approval of a mixed-use commercial and residential development to be located at 165
Lithia Way and 123 N. First St. The proposal includes two 3-story mixed-use commercial and residential buildings. In addition, six
row houses are proposed. A total of approximately 14,700 square feet of retail and office space and a total of 41 residential units are
included in the proposed development. The site is located in the Detail Site Review Zone, and is subject to the Detail Site Review
Standards and to the Downtown Design Standards. In addition, the proposal is subject to the Large Scale Development Standards
because it exceeds 10,000 square feet in size and includes buildings greater than 100 feet in length. An Administrative Variance from
the Site Design and Use Standards is requested for the distance between the buildings. A Tree Removal Permit is requested to
remove four trees on site. The applicant has applied for a lot line adjustment, changing the configuration of the lot lines of the two
parcels.
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
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NOVEMBER 8, 2005
3
Reconsideration
Fields decided not to exercise his power to ask for a reconsideration of this action because he does not believe any new
information has emerged. Fields would like the Commission to instruct Staff as to what standards and what issues should be
included in the denial.
Douma/Dotterrer m/s to reconsider. Roll Call: Dotterrer, Morris, Douma voted "yes" and Dawkins, Black, Fields, Chapman and
Stromberg voted "no" to reconsider. The motion failed and the action will not be reconsidered.
The Commissioners discussed at length whether or not they should give Staff guidance for the findings. During deliberation of
this action at the September 27,2005 Planning Commission meeting, there was no clear consensus on each separate issue. Fields
asked each member to voice any reasons they might have had for denial that were not part of the motion at the meeting on the 27th.
Chapman voted for denial because the project was represented as two lots and it failed to meet the commercial requirement on the
back lot.
Black voted to deny because it did not meet four of the criteria of the Downtown Design Standards. The setback issue was not
clear. She had problems with the height, stepping back and staggering of the buildings as well as the 80 foot building width and
lots greater than 80 feet in width. She had concerns with the setback on the comer, the sense of entry at the comer of First and
Lithia Way as well as not maintaining the rhythm of buildings. She did not have enough information about the future of Lithia
Way.
Dawkins did not like the bulk and scale of the building. There were no real differences in the height of the buildings. He objected
to the building being three stories high and as long as the buildings on the Plaza. An approval would have overturned the setback
already established on Lithia Way. The setback should be protected for the future.
Fields said he would like to see a good sized sidewalk and the building built to the street. His reasons for denial were keeping the
entire ground floor commercial and bulk and scale of the buildings (articulation, building height and size). It would make sense to
have six residential live/work units. The buildings have more glass than building and that much glass does not complement the
downtown. The public needs to be able to see into the commercial areas.
Douma denied the project because there are two lots and one did not meet the requirement ofthe zoning district. He had concerns
about bulk and scale.
Dotterrer concurred with Chapman and Douma.
Stromberg voted for denial because the balance between residential and commercial went too far and it was difficult to determine
if the project was considered one or two lots. There were several aspects of the Design Standards that were not met, including
bulk and scale. He did not like the sense of entry. If the front yard setback is along First Street, then the setback should be 20 feet,
if the plain language of the ordinance is applied. Though minor, the project doesn't satisfy the vision clearance. He does not
believe the case was made that the transition from the townhouses to the adjoining neighborhood was made. He felt the purpose of
the separation between buildings was not met as it was intended to reduce the mass, not making the separation wide at the front
and narrow at the back. He did not like the height of the tower. The variation in heights did not meet the burden of proof.
Morris agreed with Chapman, Douma and Dotterrer with regard to the commercial versus residential after the lot split. There was
not adequate discussion of the bulk and scale during the Commissioners' discussion.
PLANNING ACTION: 2005-01476
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 290 Skycrest Drive
OWNER/APPLICANT: Brian & Diane Smith
DESCRIPTION: Land Partition to divide one existing parcel into two parcels including one flag lot for the property located at
290 Skycrest Dr. The application includes a proposal to vacate the existing public alley right-of-way to the north of the
property. A Variance is requested to minimum lot width requirement and the minimum lot size. The minimum lot width
required is 100 feet, and the proposed lots are irregularly shape with portions under 100 feet in width. The minimum lot size
in the RR-.5 zone is .50 of an acre, and the proposed lots are .36 of an acre. The eastern portion of the property,
approximately .38 of an acre, is proposed as dedicated open space. A Physical Constraints Review Permit is requested to
create a parcel with slopes 25% and greater and remove three Black Oak trees greater than 12 inches diameter at breast
height in Hillside lands.
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
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NOVEMBER 8, 2005
4
Site Visits and Ex Parte Contacts
Chapman walked the site a couple of months ago and a gentleman on site identified himself to Chapman. Today he walked the site
down the back slope.
Black walked the site a couple of months ago. He met the owner and they talked about how to identify a white and black oak tree.
She has since had communication with the owner on Comprehensive Plan issues. She believes she can be unbiased.
Dawkins, Dotterrer and Fields had a site visit.
Douma and Stromberg had nothing to report.
Morris had a site visit. He reported that he just completed a job that Kerry KenCairn was working on at the same time. He did not
believe he had a conflict of interest.
STAFF REPORT
Harris said there are two pieces to the application. The bulk of it is a land use application. The second piece is a request for a
vacation of an alley.
The land use application has three components. The first is a request to create a new flag lot. Secondly, there is a request for two
Variances - 1) the middle lot width of 100 feet and 2) for the minimum lot size. Third, there is a request for a Physical Constraints
Review permit to remove three trees greater than 12 inches diameter at breast height in Hillside Lands and to create a new lot that
is in Hillside Lands.
Harris gave the property description and location. The Tree Plan identifies 118 trees with three black oak trees slated for removal.
All of the land is considered Hillside because it slopes 25 percent and greater. There is an existing single family home in the
southwest comer of the property. She described the proposed partition by way of the site plan. The partition relies on the vacation
of the alley. The alley right of way width is 20 feet.
The main discussion point is granting of the two Variances. The Staff Report discusses them in further detail. The lot width is
calculated by averaging the different areas. Each lot size is a minimum one-half acre. Staff has taken a conservative approach.
The applicant has argued the site is unique or unusual because it is surrounded by lots that are smaller than one-half acre. It is
unique because it is a large lot but one of the only ones in the area that could have possibly two home sites. Staff may not agree
with the applicant's argument that this application is a benefit because it is using the property to its intended density. Goals and
policies in the Comprehensive Plan talk about looking at lower densities in areas that have physical constraints. There is always
the balancing of what makes the most sense. However, the obvious benefit is the public open space and use of the property in a
trail dedication whether it is through an easement or a lot.
Harris showed the alternative scenario as discussed in the Staff Report. This scenario assumes the alley vacation would
not happen, leaving a relatively small area to build on. Would that be an adequate area upon which to build?
PUBLIC HEARING
LARRY MEDINGER, 115 Fork, said he is the technical person, builder and friend of the applicant. He outlined the buildable
area on the site plan. There is a sewer line easement across the slope going over to the alley and down to Ditch Road.
Dotterrer/Black m/s to extend the meeting to //:00 p.m. Everyone approved.
Medinger said he believes the plan they are presenting is the best planning for the site. They are proposing two lots at .36
acres and one at .4 acres. They are proposing to set aside a significant amount of open space at the bottom of the
property. They are trying to relate to the other lots in the neighborhood. The distance from the south property line to the
north property line is 68 feet, making for a nice sized lot. The solar access is governed by a 16 foot solar fence, allowing
for a substantial house. He showed the proposed dedicated open space and trail. Their map says "easement" but the idea
is to dedicate that area, including the applicant's one-half of the vacated alley to the City.
BRIAN SMITH, 290 Skycrest, stated they are proposing the partition so they can ultimately build a small, modest house and
dedicate the lower portion to the City. He noted that by dedicating the lower portion of the lot, a hiker, jogger, trail user
can traverse the slope and at some point tie into the Hald trail system. It gives more options to walkers and joggers.
There is another neighbor who is not willing to dedicate the property that would be the connecting piece.
Smith mentioned a letter from David Chapman endorsing the vacation of the alley only if the Smith's offered a trail
easement to the City. There is also a letter from Don Robertson, Parks and Recreation Dept., favoring the alley vacation
as long as they can have the trail option. There was a letter from Jim Olson, City Engineer. There was a letter from Rob
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
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NOVEMBER 8, 2005
5
Cain, President of the Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association giving support of the alley vacation in exchange for a
trail easement.
Medinger said the Variances are minor and the sizes are well within the mid-range lots in the Skycrest subdivision. This
lot is unique because it is the only lot over one acre that has two building sites that can be developed.
Staff Response. Harris said looking at the alternate scenario, the dimensions average 67 feet. The assertion by Medinger
that this proposal could come forward and not require Variances is probably not accurate.
Rebuttal. Medinger said you don't average the flag drive in the lot width.
COMMISSIONERS' DISCUSSION AND MOTION
Douma/Black m/s to approve PA2005-01476 with the attached 19 Conditions of approval. Roll Call: Unanimous.
Douma/Stromberg m/s to recommend to the Council vacation of the alley right of way to the north of 290 Skycrest. Roll
Call: Unanimous.
OTHER
Meeting Date Change - The December Planning Commission meeting will be held, Monday, December Ith at 7:00 p.m.
The Hearings Board will be held on the same date at 1 :30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Dotterrer will be absent.
The Commissioners were asked to keep their packets from this month for the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 11 :00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Susan Yates
Executive Secretary
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 8, 2005
6
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING
ASHLAND FOREST LANDS.COMMISSION
November 9, 2005 - 4:30 PM
Community Development, 51 Winburn Way
MEMBERS PRESENT: Frank Betlejewski, Richard Brock (Chair), Jo Anne Eggers (Vice Chair), Dan
Maymar, Joseph Vaile
Members Absent: Anthony Kerwin, Diane White
Staff Present: Keith Woodley, Nancy Slocum, Marty Main
Non-Voting Members Present: None
I. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Brock called the meeting to order at 4:31 PM in the Siskiyou Room.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Eggers/Vaile m/s to approve the minutes of October 12th with three
minor changes. Motion passed unanimously.
III. PUBLIC FORUM: None
IV. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA - None.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. AFRCA T Update- Brock asked if the Forest Service's Northern Spotted Ow 1 modeling map
was complete. Main said perhaps by the end of November when the preferred alternatlve is
drafted. The Forest Service invited Main, Rorgias and a representative from the City to an all-
day meeting to help draft the preferred alternative. Duffy asked Woodley to serve as the City's
representative, but Woodley needed to hear back from Mayor Morrison.
Eggers suggested opening the meeting to other AFRC A Ts that would like to attend in order to
share information and build community support for the project. Linda Duffy had indicated that
F ACA restrictions on meeting with special interest groups may prevent this. Brock said that
collaboration on a preferred alternative was unprecedented. He suggested asking Duffy when
others from the Commission and/or AFRCAT would be able to sit in on meetings. Vaile
suggested asking the City Attorney whether F ACA would apply to the upcoming discussions
with the City's (AFLC) liaisons.
Maymar was in favor of continuing with the same liaisons (Main and Borgias) and obtaining
frequent feedback. Vaile said the open comment period is over and said the implementation
phase is the most critical. The public can give input, but there was no recourse.
Brock wondered how to create a "feedback loop" between the City and the Forest Service.
Would a formal process be in the form of an updated Memorandum of Understanding or
written into the FEIS? Main thought the Forest Service was the ultimate decision maker. The
question becomes: How much did the Forest Service Supervisor value our input? Vaile
suggested asking for an annual review of the project. The commission agreed.
Brock wondered about the time line for the FEIS and ROD. Main reported that the Forest
Service stated the FEIS is due mid to late January. Brock asked Main to convene an AFRCAT
meeting to update them on his meeting with the Forest Service.
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Vaile asked for a joint field trip or a presentation to the AFLC from the Forest Service within
the next two months. Main will ask Duffy.
Main asked Slocum to send out a message to the AFRCA T list serve to gain input for his
upcoming meeting with the Forest Service. The questions for feedback include: 1) What are
your ideas on how to blend the two alternatives and 2) How do we optimize a post-ROD
interactive "feedback loop" (for monitoring, modifications, etc.) with the Forest Service? How
would that be staffed and funded? Main would like comments by November 14th.
B. Winburn Parcel- Woodley is currently reviewing Main's draft prescriptions. Slocum will
email a version to the Commissioners for their review and comment.
C. Finalize Three Year Commission Goals - Commission reviewed the objectives for Goal 2
(updating the MOU). Betlejewski would have a draft ready by the end of November. Goal 3
(updating the Forest Plan) would consist of reviewing the terminology and tracking any
changes. Betlejewski would complete these objectives by Spring, 2006. Commission reviewed
Brocks objectives for Goal 5 (creating riparian management strategy). The commission
attached timelines to the above goals and tabled the rest of the discussion until the December
meeting. Slocum will make the changes for December's packet.
D. Monitoring on City Owned Land - Tabled.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Update Commission Glossary - tabled.
VII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS - None.
VII. ADJOURN: 6:03 PM
Richard Brock, Chair
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy Slocum, Clerk
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 21, 2005
CALL TO ORDER - Vice Chair Matt Small called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.rn. at the Community Development and Engineering
Services building, 51 Winburn Way, Ashland, OR.
Commissioners Present:
Council Liaison:
Staff:
Matt Small, Vice Chair
Alice Hardesty
Carol Voisin
Don Mackin
Jennifer Henderson
Bill Street (arrived at 7:00)
Faye Weisler
Liz Peck
Cate Hartzell, present
Brandon Goldman, Housing Specialist
Sue Yates, Executive Secretary
Absent Members:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Voisin/Hardesty m/s to approve the minutes of the October 17, 2005 meeting with corrections. Under "Staff
Present: Goldman, Goldman" should read "Brandon Goldman." Correct the spelling of Carol Voisin's and Cate Hartzell's names.
Approve the minutes of the October 24,2005 meeting with corrections. Correct the spelling Voisin's name. Voice Vote: Approved.
PUBLIC FORUM
HUELES spoke about zero net energy homes and buildings that don't have utility bills and don't pollute. He said a zero net energy home
pollutes considerably less than a standard code home. .
AARON BENJAMIN, attended a joint meeting of the Parks Commission, School Board and City Council last week. The topic covered
cooperation and use of surplus lands owned by the Parks, Schools and the City, particularly land made available by school closings.
Agreement was reached and a resolution adopted on the possibility of joint utilization of surplus school playground lands. Benjamin is
concerned there has not been adequate publicity given to this joint agreement and resolution.
Hartzell said the resolution that passed had more to do with the playgrounds and the playing fields. Hartzell said Bill Street attended and
brought up the housing problem, thereby keeping Housing's foot in the door. The group will continue to meet to talk about what playing
fields need to be reserved and what other lands in and around schools can be used for other purposes. The next meeting is scheduled for
January 19,2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Street is the usual liaison to the Parks Department and Hardesty is the school
liaison.
UPDATES
Subcommittee Reports
Education - Voisin said they are set for the Employer Assisted Housing on December 2, 2005 from 9a.rn. to 2 p.rn. The invitations have
gone out. They have lined up four case studies and panelists. Mayor John Morrison will emcee the meeting. The Chamber is co-
sponsoring the event and sent out a notice to their 700 members and invitations to 130 businesses. Goldman has received six RSVPS'.
Finance - Small said the committee phoned the author of the handbook concerning trust funds for help with setting up our trust fund.
The author, Mary Brooks who is with Center for Community Chage, a national non-profit organization was informative, answering
general questions about how to establish a trust fund, who the players are, and possible sources of funding. The committee also spent
time establishing priorities, as listed in their handout.
Henderson said Mary Brooks would come to Ashland and do some work for free provided another community organization asked for her
to come. The timing would be good because Oregon Action recently received more funding to put energy back into housing as part of
next year's efforts. Henderson said she would be willing to assist in this and to contact Rich Rohde, Oregon Action. Brooks would
probably meet with various groups rather than just the Housing Commission.
Land Use - Henderson said they set priorities. She handed out "Housing Commission Priorities 11-21-2005". Time permitting, they can
discuss it tonight. If not, it can be discussed at the next meeting.
ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
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1
Liaison Reports
Council - Parks, School Board and Council meeting as noted above.
Parks - Street - no report
Schools - Parks, School Board and Council meeting as noted above. Hardesty had a written report from "Save Our Schools and
Playground" task force. Workforce housing is mentioned in this impressive report and noted as follows: (1) Possibly opening up available
land for workforce housing, (2) explore the idea of workforce housing on public land that does not currently house a playground or
playing field, and (3) encourage the donation ofland to the City or School District for the purpose of workforce housing. The Finance
Committee and Land Use Committee might consider taking this on. Hardesty e-mailed the recommendations from the report to the
Housing Commission. One recommendation of the report is that the Chamber of Commerce should consider discontinuing the
advertising in retirement magazines entirely and start advertising in family oriented publications. The report points to several case studies
finding out what other schools and communities have done when they have had to close schools. A copy of the report can be obtained by
e-mailing:-.\.Ww.S()...it.~l!g.
Street arrived at 7:00 p.m.
PlanninQ - no report (Peck is liaison)
Conservation - no report (Weisler is liaison)
Parks - Street said he went to the joint meeting (as stated above) and spoke about workforce housing. He felt the group was receptive.
The task force will meet with Don Robertson, Parks Director, to better define by July 2006 what they want to preserve as parks and what
might be available as workforce housing land. Street will let the Housing Commissioners know when a meeting is scheduled.
OTHER BUSINESS FROM HOUSING COMMISSION MEMEBERS
Hartzell said they are continuing to work on the Lithia Way lot. Negotiations are proceeding. Goldman said Sam Fung [a Certified
Commercial Investment Member] has been hired to do a "valuation" of the property in terms of the land area as well as the commercial
space using an income approach as well as a comparable value approach. He'll be providing an opinion of value from looking at other
commercial property in the downtown and income potential. Goldman hopes to come back to the Council in January with a negotiated
agreement.
NEW BUSINESS
Willowbrook Subdivision Presentation - Mark Knox, land use consultant, 320 E. Main Street, Suite 202, said he worked for the City of
Ashland as a land use planner for 12 years and has appreciated the work of the Housing Commission.
He introduced Doug Irvine, owner of a ten acre parcel on lower Clay Street and Mark DiRienzo, land use planner in his office. They are
requesting annexation ofthis property.. The property is zoned R-2 with a base density of 135 units. Knox said the project will consist of
a total of 72 duplex units and 44 units in the fourplex buildings ranging from 500 to 700 square feet. There will be 500 square foot units
built over the garage. Mixed housing types make the best neighborhoods. There are 58 one-bedroom, 500 square foot units proposed and
58 two-bedroom units.
Knox spoke about the benefits of the location of this housing. It is within walking distance to the YMCA, restaurants, shopping, movie
theater, etc. Mass transit is on Ashland Street in front of the old McDonald's. The project will connect with the Barclay Square project,
for use by pedestrians, bicycles and automobiles.
Goldman interjected that this project has already gone through Site Review approval. The layout of the buildings and streets has already
been approved by the Planning Commission. The next step is to seek approval from the Council for annexation of the property. He
recommended directing comments to the applicant that would pertain to annexation. He noted that Hartzell, with regard to ex parte
contacts, would be able to reference this meeting's minutes as to what deliberation she heard. The Planning Commission has looked at
the number and location of units, but not necessarily size of the units.
Irvine briefly shared his background. He lives in Ashland and his children have gone to school here. He is involved in the community and
he is a developer, developing mostly in California. He's always talked about giving back to the community. Ashland is losing
government employees, teachers, police, actors, and artists. Eighty percent of those that work her can't afford to live here. They have
been priced out of the market. He feels this project will present the opportunity for ownership for some.
The affordable units in this development are in the fourplex units with a mix of the one and two bedroom units. Not one fourplex is
completely affordable. There will be a total of 17 affordable units. Knox asked the Commission for guidance - does the project have too
many one and two bedroom units? The affordable units are 60 percent of median family income. For a family of two earning $25,000 the
units would be priced at $57,500. Rent would be $480 per month.
ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
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2
Forty-four units are "condo-ized." It doesn't mean they still won't have to meet the definition of the affordable program. The duplex
buildings are one lot. One unit will be market and the other guaranteed rentals. A mix of "for sale" housing and a mix of "rental
housing" is guaranteed. Knox explained further that 80 of the units can be sold. Thirty-six cannot. Of the 80, they are locking into 17
affordable units. They don't know if they will be for rent or for ownership, but either way, there will be a deed restriction on the unit
itself once it is established concerning which units are affordable. Rentals are looking better with regard to financing. They could be
sold, then rented.
They have talked about going down to 80 percent of median income, the equivalent of about six units. They wouldn't change the design,
but take six ofthe duplex units and not do the unit over the garage. Those would be three-bedroom units, but not affordable. Henderson
asked if they could have a three-bedroom affordable unit. She applauds the applicants because she knows how hard it is to get the one
bedroom buyer.
Knox envisions that at some point having to choose the 17 units. Do they really want 17 different landlords? Developers end up backing
off from the program because it is complex.
Goldman briefly explained the deed restriction that is placed on an affordable unit. It establishes that whoever is an occupant of the
building is qualified under the program. Whenever there is a transfer of ownership, the deed restriction is assumable for the subsequent
qualified buyer.
Knox said there is a big disparity in "for sale" units versus the rental units. The rental amount seems to be close to what the market is
bearing.
Goldman noted that annexation establishes affordability for 60 years on the project's affordable units.
Hartzell asked about homeowner's association fees. DiRienzo said the rentals would not be required to pay anything for homeowner's
association fees. She reminded everyone this is a glitch in the program that needs to be fixed.
Will there be playgrounds? Knox said there will be some type of tot lot area. Hartzell said it is not a requirement but she has wanted it to
be a requirement for a long time. Knox said there will be a gate from the area to the Y soccer fields.
Street asked if they had considered having more than 17 affordable units. Knox said if they went to an income qualification of 80 percent
they would end up with 23 units. Street hopes they will look at all the possibilities and that they are aware of the specific need in the
community.
DiRienzo said with a project of this size, it's easy to use the 60 percent and deal with the potential sales prices and low rents. On smaller
projects that are two and three units, the land cost will be higher as well as the overall construction costs. The per unit cost is so much
higher, that you'd likely get more people interested in the smaller projects.
Street wondered what could persuade them to go to say, five three-bedroom affordable units. Knox said it's the 90 percent. They might
not have to change the design significantly if they did the unit over the garage. He is concerned because he doesn't want the Council to
change their plan. If the Council would want three bedroom units, that would work. Street wondered if they are still concerned about
ending up with an older age group of people seeking this type of housing and missing young families altogether.
Recommendations
Small believes there is an issue of ownership and rentals for the affordable units. He would like to see ownership of all the affordable
units for workforce housing. The rent prices are not that much different than what you can find elsewhere in the City. Knox said that is
burdensome. To build the units costs about $90,000 plus. If they sell for $57,000, the developer ends up losing a total of about $600,000.
It would be easier to add additional square footage for a three bedroom and lock that in as ownership. Hardesty said she hopes they can
see this as giving a gift to the City. Most of the Commissioners were in agreement.
Small also recommended that all the affordable units are at least two bedroom units. Two bedroom units will help get families back into
Ashland.
Hartzell stated if there had been a vote on these recommendations, she would have abstained. She wants to protect her ex parte contact
history. She stated that she did not participate in any discussion toward a decision.
Buildable lands Inventory
Goldman gave the Commissioners a packet of materials addressing what is quantified as vacant or partially vacant lands. For example, if
you have a 9,000 square foot R-3 lot with a house on it, under planning rules a lot that size could have three units on it. That is considered
a partially vacant property and the gross acreage available would probably be 66 percent because it has an additional two-unit potential. It
ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
MINUTES
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3
is considered "net buildable." Deductions include areas within floodplains or steep slopes or areas that are otherwise unbuildable due to
other restrictions or constraints.
Between 1998 and 1999, the buildable lands inventory ofR-2 and R-3 zones (multi-family residential) was roughly 26 acres ofland
within the City limits. Currently, there are roughly 15 acres of land included. With nearly half of our multi-family land consumed within
the last five years, it is safe to say there is an issue of an adequate inventory of multi-family land.
Goldman said the Land Use subcommittee talked about land use modification in the future. Those would likely revolve around making a
determination of what the consumption rate more appropriately is, looking at demographic changes. Ashland has been seeing a decrease
in its persons per household over time.
The Planning Commission is reviewing the Buildable Lands Inventory tomorrow night. Staff can do a housing needs analysis update
after hearing the Housing Commission's evaluation and the Planning Commission's recommendation.
Everyone agreed to extend the meeting ten more minutes.
Goldman said the Housing Commission can discuss what they want to do with the BLI data. Hartzell wanted Goldman to convey to the
Planning Commission that the Housing Commission has just begun to look at the information and the Housing Commission would like to
participate in anything the Planning Commission might be doing or vice versa.
Vacation Homes Discussion
Hardesty talked with Mike Reeder, Assistant City Attorney, and he did not sound very optimistic. Goldman has some ideas and will talk
further with Reeder.
COMMISSION COORDINATION
Employer Assisted Housing Workshop - Diana Shavey will be participating in the workshop and the Housing Commission will be
engaging her for two hours of consulting after the meeting is over. Hardesty would like have the Housing Commission ask her about
strategies for placing affordable workforce housing on public property and what that could do for the entity that owns the property as well
as provide workforce housing to, for example, the schools. What could she recommend in terms of financing, general strategies to get this
accomplished. The meeting will run from 2:30 p.rn. to 4:30 p.rn. on Friday, December 2nd at New Place. Hartzell suggested sending any
questions to Hardesty to organize before they meet. Street would like to put aside some time to get Shavey's response to the workshop.
Council Presentation bv HousinQ Commission on January 17th
Goldman thought it would be an opportune time to consolidate their annual presentation along with the recommendation that the Housing
Commission be included n the planning process and make recommendations to the Planning Commission. That means a letter would
need to be drafted by that time to submit as a request.
Hardesty/Street m/s to ask the Chair to use the minutes of the October 24,2005 study session and to use his own understanding of that
meeting to draft a letter to the Council and get it to the City Administrator and get it on the Council agenda. Voice Vote: All favored.
The letter does not need to come back to the Commissioners for their review.
OTHER
Mackin suggested using a consent agenda with reports included in the packet. The reports are read before coming to the meeting.
Anything in the consent agenda that they want to discuss can be pulled from the consent agenda. Then it is one motion to adopt, saving
the Commission a half hour of discussion time. The deadline for the reports will be the Tuesday prior to the meeting. For December, the
reports are due December 13th. Mackin said normally there would be no subcommittee meetings that last week.
Hartzell requested Staff send out a notice in advance of the the deadline, reminding members to turn in their reports. Goldman said he
needs the reports five days in advance of the meeting.
The next meeting is December 19th at 6:30 p.rn.
ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.rn.
Respectfully submitted by
Susan Yates, Executive Secretary
ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
MINUTES
NOVEMBER
4
MINUTES
Charter discussion with Tom Sponsler and City Council
December 14, 2005
Siskiyou Room
1175 E. Main Street
Attendance:
Morrison, Chapman, Hardesty, Jackson, Amarotico, Silbiger, Hartzell
Grimaldi, Seltzer
Absent:
None
Guest:
Tom Sponsler
Mayor Morrison called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Charter consultant Tom Sponsler was introduced and gave a brief overview of his
background and work on city charters and the Oregon model charter.
He explained that the model charter is a starting point for cities and while some cities
adopt it directly, many cities add unique components to their charter that relate to their
community.
Over time state law has restricted the legal authority that cities have so the model charter
has evolved to reflect the legal authority that can be exercised by a community under the
state constitution. A charter says "whatever legal authority we can have, we want to
have". The charter defines who has that authority and how it is exercised. Voters hold
the council accountable and the council holds the manager or administrator responsible.
Including the manager/administrator duties in the charter focuses the attention on that
person and clearly shows what he is accountable for and what voters expect of that
position. To include those duties in an ordinance or resolution means that the council,
not the voters, determines what those duties are and what the position is accountable for
and means that the duties can change whenever the council decides to modify the
ordinance.
Most charters include a city manager which recognizes the complexities of running a city.
Even small cities need someone with the appropriate skills to manage the organization.
Only Beaverton and Portland have an elected Mayor who acts as the city manager.
Sponsler reviewed Ashland's charter and said it is woefully out of date.
Council members asked questions of Sponsler.
Morrison: Can you explain the delineation of specific powers within a charter?
Sponsler: The delineation of specific powers within a charter helps to avoid conflict.
Conflict can occur between a Mayor and the rest of the council, between members of the
council and between the councilor Mayor and the city manager/administrator. A charter
cannot make up for political issues and personality problems but it can make it easier to
resolve or address conflict when it is clear in the charter what the responsibilities are and
who is accountable. With regards to legislation only the council can exercise legislative
authority, it cannot delegate that authority to a manager or to the Mayor. The council as a
body has the ultimate authority. Each individual councilor can try to influence others and
can draft ordinance but only the majority of the council can pass/adopt that ordinance.
Conflict most often surfaces through administrative authority. Administrative authority
is either defined in the charter or defined in an ordinance. When the administrative
authority is defined in an ordinance, the authority is subject to change when a different
council comes in. When it is defined in the charter the duties and accountability are
supported by the voters and can only be changed by the voters. It is very clear and not
subject to change by the council. A council can add to the administrative authority
beyond what is defined in the charter but it cannot reduce the authority defined in the
charter.
Jackson asked Sponsler to comment on practice of the Mayor being able to hire and fir('
department heads.
Grimaldi gave the following example of why this is not a good idea: Assume the Mayor
has power to hire and fire department heads. If there is conflict between council
members and the Mayor and the Mayor is going in one direction and the council in
another, the Mayor could align himself with a given department head or all department
heads and give direction that supports his position not the council's and thereby
undermine the council. Giving that power totally to the Mayor you don't have a check
and balance system.
Sponsler: The theory of including city manager duties in the charter is that it focuses the
responsibility of the manager, including the hiring and firing of department heads and
everyone understands it. The citizens understand it. Ifthere is a problem with the
Manager you go to the council and the council looks to the manager ifthere is a problem
of any kind in the departments. The city staff knows that the manager is between the
staff and council. The buck stops with the manager. If a department head can go to the
Mayor or a councilor it tends to dilute the managers responsibility and leads to confusion
of who is responsible for what. Language could be inserted that the city manager hires
and fires department heads subject to the approval of the council. Council could not
initiate the hiring or firing but council approval could be required once the manager
initiates the process.
Chapman: It seems there must be a partnership between the Manager and the Mayor but
the language in the model charter does not specify what that partnership is.
Sponsler: A Mayor's duties are not that much different then council members other than
he facilitates the meetings and is likely to have a greater presence in the community and
at city hall. In Ashland the Mayor does not have a vote which is not the usual practice.
The perception is that the Mayor has greater authority than is actually the case.
The manager and the Mayor must get along because they do work closely together.
When the relationship is working nicely there are rarely problems, when they aren't the
manager or the rest of the council might work around the mayor. It is a not a good idea
for one member of the council, in this case the Mayor, to be privy to information that the
rest of the council does not have. All members should be getting the same information.
Mayor explained that the council decided it wanted Sponsler to draft a new charter that
reflects the recommendations of the CRC and then a separate document that explains the
duties of the manager.
Sponsler felt that that is easy to do and will prepare the two documents requested.
There was some discussion on whether the manger should be included in the draft charter
or as a separate measure. Sponsler explained that if the council wants it to be in the
charter it should be included in the draft. If council does not want the city manager in the
charter then present it as a separate measure for voters to decide. It is a political decision
not a legal decision.
The council will see a draft charter without the city manager duties and see the city
manager duties as a separate measure. The council will review those documents at a
special meeting on January 12.
Hardesty expressed that he doesn't like the idea of the Mayor voting explaining that it is
like the President going down to congress and voting.
Sponsler explained that this is a common misunderstanding of local government. The
Mayor does not have separate powers from the council; the Mayor is a member of the
council. The President has separate powers from the congress and a governor has
separate powers from state legislature. The council as a body has the authority but not
the Mayor as an individual. There is no separation of powers at a local level.
The theory of a city council under the model is that there are five or seven members and
the mayor is one of them. The mayor presides over the meetings but does not have
anymore power than any single member of the council.
Hartzell asked if having the city manager in the charter would change the role of the
council in regards to communicating with staff. Sponsler replied that the structure
shouldn't change that. Under any charter individuals councilors are entitled to
information and have communication with staff but they do not have the authority to
direct staff to do things. Only the full council can direct staff.
Sponsler explained that there is a provision in the model charter that prohibits council
from trying to coerce the manager in an appointment or removal of any city employee or
in administrative decisions regarding city property or contracts.
Amarotico asked Sponsler to comment on successes of charters passing in other cities.
Sponsler is not aware of a charter that has not passed. There are occasionally separate
measures, usually controversial issues such as term limits that don't pass but in his
experience complete charters pass.
Chapman asked for clarification of chapter IV, Section 16 part b stating that the council
may adopt an ordinance at a single meeting by the unanimous approval of at least a
quorum of the council.. ..Chapman commented that under that language if the mayor
can't vote and the mayor is a part of the quorum it's possible that two people could pass
an ordinance. Sponsler explained that if Ashland decides not to have the Mayor vote that
language would be changed to indicate how many votes are required to pass an ordinance
at a single meeting and that the presence of the Mayor does not count towards a quorum.
Sponsler pointed out: Why would someone who can't vote, in Ashland's case the Mayor,
count as a part of the quorum?
In the model, the Mayor is a part of the council and votes. If the Mayor doesn't vote, the
language would be changed.
Chapman asked where the appropriate place is in the charter to include language on
ethics. Sponsler thought it would be placed in Chapter XI, miscellaneous provisions.
Whatever is put in place, it cannot be less than required by state law. And if state law
changes the charter language would have to comply.
Some cities include language about conduct, ethics etc. in an ordinance or resolution. If
ethics language was included in the charter could council add additional ethics language
in the form of an ordinance? Sponsler said it's possible but you get into the issue of who
will enforce it. You don't need an ethical statement when you can have a recall.
Chapman explained that there is a group that wants to include an ethics statement in the
charter and suggests that something be included that the council is bound by the ethical
standards. Sponsler suggested that a sentence could be included that states all city
elected and appointed officials and city employees are required to comply with all state
ethics laws and any ordinances adopted by council. It would call to attention that there is
this obligation. Morrison asked if a violation occurred would the person be held to a
sanction at the state level and also some sort of sanction at the city level. Sponsler
suggested that there should be an ethics ordinance that defines what the sanctions and
process should be.
Hartzell asked about a preamble in charters. Sponsler said there probably are preambles
in charters, but the charters he is familiar with do not because preambles do not have any
legal the preamble is better as part of the measure. No harm in the preamble but doesn't
have any significant weight.
Sponsler explained that the charter gives authority is to the full council but that you hare
held ethically responsible as an individual.
Morrison thanked Sponsler for attending.
Audience member asked to speak. She explained that there are three citizen initiatives
and if one or all passed would it apply and the new charter did not pass would the
initiatives apply to the existing charter. Sponsler said it would but that he had never seen
a measure that amended a previous charter. Sometimes councils will take a citizen
initiative and try to make it work within the framework of the charter and may modify. It
was clarified that any citizen initiative to be a ballot measure it would have to include
charter language. If it passed it would apply to the current charter either a newly passed
charter or the existing charter.
Sponsler was asked if citizen initiative need to have charter language in it? Sponsler
replied that to be a ballot measure it would have to be in charter language? If it passed it
would apply to whichever charter passed.
Citizen asked if Sponsler could incorporate the initiatives into his draft. Morrison
explained that the council had already made its decision not to include the initiatives in
the draft.
The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Ann Seltzer, Management Analyst
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
Future Study Session Topics
Meeting Date:
Department:
Contributing Departments:
Approval:
January 3, 2006
Admin ~
None
Gino Grimaldi r
Primary Staff Contact: Gino Grimaldi
E-mail: grimaldg@ashland.or.us
Secondary Staff Contact: None
E-mail:
Estimated Time: 10 minutes
Statement:
The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the City Council with an opportunity to review the schedule for future
study session items.
Background:
The City Council recently adjusted the schedule for study sessions and increased the number of study sessions
available. Study sessions are intended to provide the City Council with time to explore issues in more depth than
time allows during a regular City Council meeting. Generally, two topics can be presented and discussed at one
study session. The City Council does not act on ordinances and resolutions a study sessions. Past practice has
been to not take votes at study sessions, however, the City Council does provide general direction to staff at study
sessions.
The attached schedule for study sessions extends into late spring. A listing of study sessions requested at the
last City Council goal setting but not yet scheduled is also attached.
Related City Policies:
None
Council Options:
No action is needed unless the City Council wished to modify the study session schedule.
Staff Recommendation:
None
Potential Motions:
None.
Attachments:
Study session schedule
Items Designated For Future Study Sessions
~~,
CITY OF ASHLAND
COUNCIL STUDY SESSIONS
February 9 - Study Session
1. Renewable Resource Purchase/Community Solar Project
March 9 - Study Session
1. Discussion of purchase of property north of RR District
2. Review L.l.D. process
April 3 - Study Session
1. SDC Review
April 13 - Study Session
1. Chamber Sustainability Presentation
2. Discussion of Ordinance regarding ethics
May 1 - Study Session
1. Support of cultural and arts activities
2. Review and Evaluate City Boards and Commissions
May 11 - Study Session
1. Homeless Issues
2. Discussion ofF&B/TOT Collection Taxes process
June 8 - Study Session
1. Evaluate TTPC Plan and Select Priorities
Date last Updated: 12/28/2005
ITEMS DESIGNATED FOR FUTURE STUDY SESSIONS
1. Growth and infill issues.
2. Act on a resolution requirinq that all future City-sponsored construction proiects meet LEED-
equivalent standards.
3. Study and adopt a fundinq plan for Open Space Fund and Housinq Trust Fund.
· Secure public support; initiate long-term funding mechanisms; identify funding sources.
4. Evaluate the benefits, advisability, and feasibility of the creation of a downtown police storefront
su bstation.
· Include panhandling issue in the discussion.
5. Identify and adopt policies and methods to increase the tree veqetation canopy cover inside the City
limits annually
· Plan to conserve energy and protect the environment through carbon sequestration.
· Begin with feasibility study and putting in place a monitoring system.
6. Proactively analyze Measure 37s potential effects both within the City and on adiacent land in the
County.
· Consider strategies and options for planning, services, and infrastructure.
7. Think qlobally, act locally, work reqionally.
· Cooperate to address regional problems: worker housing, water supply, transit development,
regional planning and transportation, industrial/commercial development, Measure 37.
8. Support and promote all forms of cultural and arts activities, especially off-season.
· Expand public arts commission into a cultural commission.
9. Promote hiqhly enerqy efficient automobiles.
· Example: Hybrid-only parking space on every block in downtown district (Review with
Conservation and Traffic Safety Commissions.)
10. Secure a method of maintaininq the current level of access, natural beauty, and value of the Bear
Creek Greenway.
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Memo
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
December 27,2005
Joe Strahl, Dick Wandersheid, Mike Morrison Sr. and Gino Grimaldi
Mike Morrison Jr.
Green Fleet Motion
We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with information on how the city fleet maintenance
division currently purchases and maintains our fleet. While the term "Green Fleet" is a new term, these
ideas are not new ideas to the city, and we appreciate the opportunity to share our current and future plan
with you. We have, over the past ten plus years, had efficiency as one of our leading priorities when it
comes to the purchase and maintenance of our city fleet. It has only been in the last couple years that
practical alternatives to conventionally powered vehicles have become viable. This has finally given us
more tools to improve the efficiency of our fleet, while at the same time maintaining the current level of
service that our community expects from us. The make up of our fleet will continue to change as new
and more efficient vehicles become available. City councilor David Chapman recently made a motion
to direct the city staff to design a green fleet program and report back to the city council for approval.
This type of strategy has been in place for some time now, this is however the first opportunity we have
had to put it into writing, and share it with you. We have responded to the example strategies that
Councilor Chapman has purposed and below is a response to each of those examples. Again, thank you
for the opportunity to share this information with you.
1. Collecting data. Catalog city vehicles and their fuel consumption (MPG). What is the total
cost of fuel in both money and environmental impacts.
We have been asked to show the efficiency of our fleet by reporting the miles per gallon, of
individual vehicles in our fleet. This would be a very labor intensive task and we feel this is not
an accurate way to demonstrate our improvements. The job performed by our fleet is different
every day, if the vehicle is required to pull a trailer, the miles per gallon will be much lower than
if the same vehicle is driven to Medford and back. Without giving a detailed report of what the
vehicle is being used for, miles per gallon is not an accurate way to report efficiency. Through
the course of a year, the amount of work performed will be similar from year to year. Ifwe are
able to continue to do the same, or even more work, while at the same time reducing the amount
of fuel used, this demonstrates that we are improving the efficiency of our fleet.
The graphs below show the amount of fuel used each of the last five fiscal years, and also
show the number of vehicles, both diesel and unleaded that the city has owned each of the last
five years. While the number of vehicles has gone up 4.5%, the amount of fuel used has gone
down 7.5%. The reason for this is that as vehicles are replaced, we evaluate the use of that
vehicle, and purchase the most efficient vehicle for that job. In several evaluations we have
Maintenance Dept.
90 N. Mountain Ave
Ashland, Oregon 97520
morrism@ashland.or.us
Tel: 541-552-2355
Fax: 541-552-2304
TTY: 800-735-2900
1W.1I
...11
found that a medium duty pick up is not capable of doing the job as efficiently as a heavier duty
pick up. We have replaced several medium duty unleaded pick ups, with heavier duty diesel
pick ups. Many of the jobs require the trucks to carry heavy loads, or pull large trailers. The
larger pick ups are able to do this much easier, therefore more efficiently than the lighter duty
pick ups, also in a safer manner. We have also switched several trucks from medium duty
trucks, to light duty trucks. If the primary use of the truck is to move people, we have switched
to light duty trucks like the Ford Ranger. We have considered cars for some of these positions,
but the small pick ups have some advantages that make them more valuable. Weare still able to
carry the tools and equipment necessary to do the job, also we are able to keep things out of the
passenger compartment, like ground marking spray paint, which we would not be able to do with
a car. We will continue to evaluate vehicle use as it comes time for replacement, and we will
continue to keep efficiency as one of our top priorities.
60,000 80
70
50,000
60
40,000
50
Number
Gallons 30,000 of 40
Vehicles
30
2000- 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004-
2000- 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
37665 37708 40276 37466 38569 8 Diesel 49 48 49 50 51
8 Diesel
56214 49362 48806 43945 48207 II Unleaded 72 73 74 76 76
II Unleaded
Maintenance Dept.
90 N. Mountain Ave
Ashland, Oregon 97520
morrism@ashland.or.us
Tel: 541-552-2355
Fax: 541-552-2304
TTY 800-735-2900
r~'
2. Optimizing vehicle travel, operation, and maintenance. This should include eliminating the
need to idle vehicles (including Police vehicles).
Part of the responsibility of the person planning ajob is to do it as efficiently as possible. This
means that vehicle travel is kept to a minimum, only necessary equipment is used, the fastest
route to and from the job is used, and when a piece of equipment is not in use, it is turned off.
We have had some special considerations lately with the police department. They added
computer to their cars in the last couple years, and because of this we have had some related
electrical issues with the cars. The computers are used to give the officers up to the minute
information on situations, including pictures of people they are looking for, and vehicle
information. In the event of an emergency, this information is critical, and can not wait for the
computer to boot up. It can take as long as five minutes for the computer to boot up and for the
officer to log in. The computer draws almost as much power as the head lights, if the officer has
to be out of the car, the car has to be left running or the battery will drain. This is why the police
cars have been seen idling. We tried two different remedies to this situation. We installed an
Optima battery into one of the police cars. This is a very heavy duty battery, that can be
discharged longer and still have enough power to start the car. The other option we tried is to
add a second battery, and a battery isolator to the trunk of the police car. This will allow the
computer to run off of one of the batteries when the car is shut off, and the car can be started
using the other battery. Both of the options require time and money to install, and both of them
have their own drawbacks. We gave both options a three month test period. The three months
was up in November. The option that proved most reliable is installing a second battery and
battery isolator in the trunk. Weare currently getting all the necessary parts together for the
installation, and coordinating with the police department to begin installation. Each car will be
out of service for three days as the upgrade is installed, we are working with the police
department so we don't interrupt their work schedule. There are times around the holidays when
they need every car available to them. Weare also replacing two cars in the next 4 months. We
are not going to install the upgrade into those cars; instead we will wait and install them into the
new cars when they arrive. We should have the upgrades done to the other five cars by the end
of January.
We will also send a memo to all department heads, from the maintenance staff, asking
them to remind all their people to keep idling to an absolute minimum.
Our maintenance program will continue to be proactive and prevent foreseeable problems
before they occur. We keep all our vehicles running their best, so they run as clean and
efficiently as possible. We also try to keep some continuity in our fleet, this way we can monitor
problems with vehicles, and anticipate similar problems occurring, in similar vehicles.
3. Substituting other travel modes, or reducing the need to travel.
In an effort to do things more efficiently, we have made a couple changes in our fleet. It used to
be common for someone to use a pick up to travel around the service center. The area to cover is
fairly large, and walking is not practical to do things quickly, or to move parts and equipment.
We recently replaced the use of that truck, with a much more efficient golf cart. We are doing
this on a trial basis, and if it works, we will continue to use the golf cart, therefore eliminating
the use of that truck. Our cemetery department uses a small, efficient cart to maintain the
grounds at the cemetery, rather than using the larger truck, to do the same job.
Maintenance Dept.
90 N. Mountain Ave
Ashland, Oregon 97520
morrism@ashland.or.us
Tel: 541-552-2355
Fax: 541-552-2304
TTY: 800-735-2900
r~'
We currently try to keep our travel to a minimum. We will save up items to make one
trip, rather than several trips to the same place. If two people need to go to the same place, they
will work it out with their schedule to go at the same time and ride together. The need to travel
is a necessary part of our job, we do try to do it as efficiently as we can, and will continue this
practice in the future.
4. Using clean fuels in existing equipment when possible.
We currently use oxygenated fuel in the winter to reduce emissions. We also have one truck that
is powered by natural gas. Unfortunately, do to the local infrastructure, there are only two places
in the valley to fuel this truck, therefore it is not practical for us to expand our natural gas fueled
fleet at this time. We also have a propane powered forklift, and a battery powered forklift.
We have looked into the use ofbio-diesel, but at this time we do not recommend the use
of this fuel. We have checked with every manufacturer of diesel engines that the city currently
owns, and all of them say use it in low concentration, and use it at your own risk. This means
use it at a 5% bio-diesel, 95% conventional diesel mixture, and ifthere are any problems caused
by the bio-diesel, they will not be covered by the manufacturers' warranty. The problems with
bio-diesel is that it does not store well, due to bacteria growth, it has reduced power, so vehicles
do not run as efficiently, and it has a tendency to get thick or gel, in cold weather, this can
prevent an engine from starting until the fuel warms up. We will not use bio-diesel in our
emergency equipment, like ambulances, fire trucks, and snow plows, and we would prefer to not
use it in the rest of our fleet at this time. We will continue to monitor the progress of bio-diesel,
and if the problems are corrected, hopefully in the future we can begin converting our fleet to
bio-diesel mixture of fuel.
5. "Right-Sizing" vehicle fleets by downsizing and eliminating vehicles.
This year we are going to remove an older water truck from service, it is not used as much as it
used to be, and is not a necessary piece of equipment for our city. We will be selling it in our
next sealed bid auction.
Weare currently replacing two outdated fire engines, with one newer, up to date engine.
One of the older trucks has already been sold, and the other one has been removed from service
in preparation for it disposal. We have had some difficulty if finding a suitable used truck, to
replace the two older trucks, but we hope to find something by the end of the fiscal year.
It has been the practice of the maintenance division to add only what is definitely needed
to the fleet. In most cases, if we purchase something new, something old is removed.
Our fleet has grown slightly in recent years, but this reflects the growth of our town. The
fire department added an ambulance to comply with federal regulations; they also added an
"Urban Interface" fire engine that was purchased with a grant. The police department has
increased the number of patrol cars by one. This allows them to have enough patrol cars, when
one car is out of service.
We continually monitor the needs of our city departments, and as vehicles become
outdated or unused, they are replaced or removed from our fleet. We have been doing our best to
purchase the most efficient vehicle for its intended use, sometimes this means a larger vehicle,
often times it means a smaller vehicle. We will continue to purchase the most efficient vehicle
for its intended use, and only keep equipment that is being utilized to its full potential.
Maintenance Dept.
90 N. Mountain Ave
Ashland, Oregon 97520
morrism@ashland.or.us
Tel: 541-552-2355
Fax: 541-552-2304
TTY: 800-735-2900
r~'
6. Purchasing the most fuel-efficient lowest emission vehicles and considering alternatively
fueled, hybrid and electric vehicles at replacement time.
In the past ten years, the city has owned an electric powered vehicle, a natural gas vehicle. We
have tested propane powered vehicles, bi-fuel (unleaded/natural gas) vehicles, and a different
brand, all electric vehicle. We had results at the time of testing that discouraged us from
purchasing those vehicles. It has only been in the last couple years that hybrid technology has
reached a point where it is reliable and practical. In November, the city received its first Hybrid
vehicle. So far the vehicle has exceeded our expectations as far as quality and power goes, we
are still waiting to see if the gas mileage is as good as expected. We have identified over 20
units in the city that could possibly be replaced by currently available hybrid vehicles, and if
something like a hybrid pick up becomes available, there are at least 15 other vehicles that can be
replaced by those. We will definitely consider hybrids as replacements. Attached is a
spreadsheet that identifies vehicles that can potentially be replaced by hybrid vehicles, along
with the year they are to be replaced.
The heavy duty trucks do not yet have a practical alternative. Weare limited to what we
can do with the larger trucks, as to what is available. With the heavy duty trucks, the newer we
can keep our fleet, the cleaner it will be. New trucks produce one eighth the emissions oftrucks
built fifteen years ago, and emissions regulations are getting more stringent all the time.
Unfortunately, the only options for cleaner trucks are newer trucks. Emissions and efficiency are
closely related, so newer cleaner trucks, equal more efficient trucks. We upgrade our heavy
trucks regularly, but do to their high cost, and long life expectancy, it will be some time until all
our trucks have been updated to meet current emissions standards. We do however maintain our
fleet to run as efficiently as possible, and will continue our maintenance program to keep
emissions as low as possible.
7. Investigating state fleet pricing for green vehicles. See the State of Washington's contract for
the purchase of 500 Toyota Priuses for local governments.
Currently, we are able to purchase Honda Civic hybrids, Toyota Prius hybrids, and Ford Escape
hybrids offofthe State of Oregon contract. The Ford Escape that we have purchased was
ordered using the State of Oregon contract. We are able to get very good pricing on all three of
these vehicles, they are however several thousand dollars more than the non hybrid equivalent.
Some of the cost is made up in fuel savings, and this will playa roll in our future evaluations.
Thank you again, for the opportunity to present you with our current vehicle maintenance and
purchasing strategies, and we welcome any input, or suggestions as to how we could improve upon the
way things are currently done.
Maintenance Dept.
90 N. Mountain Ave
Ashland, Oregon 97520
morrism@ashland.or.us
Tel: 541-552-2355
Fax 541-552-2304
TTY: 800-735-2900
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DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED AT THE
JANUARY 3, 2006
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1-":j.ILTr) l_. L\\\~. L(_~_';~':\-
"\--",:,'-'" -,
January 3, 2006
To: Hayor & City Council
Re.: Affordable Housing
Subjects: Failure of current structures CHousing COTIunission)
The pretexts, incorrect beliefs, the reasons why there is no
affordable housing
Choices
wny Is There an affordable housing crisis?
There is a lack of affordable housing in Ashland for many reasons, which
I will detail. All of them can be subsumed under one principle reason:
AFFOF~ABLE HOUSING IS NOT WANTED IN ASHLAND!
Despite all the pronouncements by caring citizens, elected and appointed
iC3fficials, and the ingenuous puzzlement over why such housing does not
erist and is not being created, the underlying reason why, this is the case
is that it has a long history of being unwanted, of efforts being sabotaged
of ideas and programs being ignored. In brief, there has been no political
will on the part of our elected leadership to demand that affordable
housing strategies be implemented and viable programs initiated.
But I am not here tonight to excoriate you, lecture you, or try to coerce
you in any way. What I am asking for is for the Council to make a forthright
conscious choice. Here are the alternatives:
1) Declare openly that affordable housing is not wanted or desired in
Ashland - that affordable housing is not a part of Ashland's needs
or future as our leadership envisions it.
And that's o.k.
2) Declare that affordable housing or the lack thereof is at a crlS1S
point, and that it is necessary, and that therefore the Council
and Mayor order and demand implementation of actions by staff
that will within a reasonable time produce affordable housing.
If ybu pick the second choice, then it is vital that you honestly confront
the obstacles - both structural and ideological. They are detailed
as follmvs:
Affordable Housing - City Council - 1/3/06 - p. 2
Structural
The Housing Comnlission was established in 1990 to d~velop affordable
housing. It is an abject~ impotent failure. Please refer 00 Citations~
attached. During the 15 years of its existence~ it can point to 27 units
(lO/not even built yet - Lithia vJay) that it can claim direct credit
for. This averages out to 1.8 units/year.
The Housing Commission~ though 15 years old~ is constantly blowing off
viable programs and ideas because "it is still in the learning process"
(quote from a letter received from the chair in 8/04). In 7/05 Darcy
Strahan~ Oregon Dept. of Housing Regional Rep. presented the Commission
with a list of dozens of programs - most of them in place for many years.
I am unaware that any action has been taken or \vill be taken to adopt
or implement any of them.
In August, 2004~ I presented one viable program: zero-coupon bonds.
After some 3 sub-committee meetings for which I provided hypotheticals _
and more hypothel:ical project budgets using the Commission's own
cost figures - I was blown off.
At the same time I brought a national expert on IRS-Code 42 - LIHTC
programs to the Commission. He did a superb pmverpoint presentations.
He was blown off. It is important to recognize that this program was
created in 1986, and in the State of Oregon has itself produced 24,382
units of affordable housing in Oregon (see Citation) as of 7/05.
None of these is in Ashland.
The Housing Commision is taking its lead from what it correctly takes
to be the dominant political dictum about affordable housing: none wanted.
It is an open secret that during their respective tenures, the City
Administrator (Brian Almquist) and the Planning Director (John McLaughlin)
made it clear to their staff and by their actions that affordable housing
was to be discouraged and subverted as much as possible.
The oppportunity to select a new Planning Director is a superb time to
turn this around - to give a clear~ strong message to staff that affordable
housing is a priority~ and that you expect results.
Hisperceptions/Hisindlormation /False Belief s
In 20 years of working in the tpe affordable housing scene in Ashland,
I have heard the following misperceptions and false beliefs advanced as
excuses for no affordable housing - or the failure to take public
action. :
1) Affordable housing has to come from "private sector initiatives".
"Private sector initiatives" such as they have been, fun the form
o~ density bonuses and SDC abatements translate into "developer
giveavlaYs." Ask staff how many of units achieved this way remain
in the affordable domain after, say, 10 years.
2) "The housing market" is a free-market economy - a sached free-enterprise
capitalist bastion which should not be tampered with.
This is untrue - nationally~ internationally, and in Ashland as well.
Our City government is constantly making policy and decisions that
affect the real estate market and affordability~ whether ot not
they q.re ~en as such., Unfortunately, they have all mitigated
Affordable Housing - Vity Council - 1/3/06 - p. 3
against affoordable housing:
a) There \Vas land (The priceless Hargddine parking lot) for an OSF
theater and a dmmtown parking lot - but no 1.omd:1 for affordable
housing.
b) The City committed us to a $657,000 note to pay for the structure,
but there is no funding for building affordable housing.
c) The City designated "historic districts" I fought this one for
5 years based on solid evidence from the National Trust studies,
that such designations force real estate prices to skyrocket
much more rapidly. Thus the historic designation of the Railroad
D'strict, a great resource for affordable housing in the 80s, has
converted it into a "yupscale" housing enclave and: ,destroyed
housing affordability.
Although perhaps not seen as impacting afEordable housing, these decisions -
and many more - are in effect policy decisions that lllitigate against
affordable housing and express different values that command valuable
resources.
3) "We need to ,;"ait for a developer to come forward "lith a proposal..."
No - this is being reactive rather than pro-active. We need to
choose viable programs and then put together the groups of people -
create the cooperative collaborations that will produce the housing.
WHAT'S TO BE DONE?
1) State openly and honestly that no affordable housing is wanted/desirable/
possible - or do something effective.
2) What will be effective vli:ll,.be based ant:
a) a workable and accountable structure.
b) an accountable staff.
c) an open, public, clear commitment to
(1) learning about 3
(2) applying - viable programs with proven successes.
(3) advocating for
ACTIVITIES
1) Review, learn about, reommend and implement localordinances/building
requirements that promote affordable housing.
example: developers routinely convert affordab~e rental units into
condominia, destroying affordable housing and profiting
from the conversions.
At the same time fraudulent and counter--productive ordinances
should be eliminated, viz. density bonuses for for-profit
developers.
2) Review, learn about, recommend,
There are still dozens of them.
an example.
and implement Federal and State programs.
l~ citation of IRS Code 42-LIHTC is
Aff@rdable Housing - City Council - 1/3/06 - p. 4
3) Review, learn about and advocate for implementation of local creative
ideas for affordable housing, viz. my example of zero-coupon bonds.
There are many creative, honest ideas to consider;; they are not
brought forward because many have "gotten the message" that affordable
housing is not wanted.
FINAL H1110ROUS CORROBORATION OF THE NEED FOR ACTION
Affordable housing has been ignored and passively or actively sabotaged
because it is inconsequentialttcJ) the middle class, ~vell-off citizens and
businesses in Ashland. But now the ironic chickens have come home
to roost.
I call your attention to the December 30, 2005 Ashland DT headline.
The designated Planning Director turned down the job because:
1) There is no affordable housing for him in Ashland..
2) His wife cannot find work as a teacher (two income families are de rigeur
for buying into Ashland now).
3) Even given a salary approaching $100,000.
4) Final irony: This sad situation is in large part a result of the work of
his predecessor.
Equally significant is the ever-widening circle of ills resulting from
the lack of affordable housing:
1) The loss of young families with children, anci thus -
2) More and more school closures.
3) Problems with our police - a recent survey shovJS that a minority live
in Ashland - a major source of behavioral problems.
4) Our service professionals - teachers, police, fire, health care - cannot
live here and so their commitment and behavior can be expected to be
different than if they lived among us.
PHILIP C. LANG/RUTH M. MILLER
(Developers/owners of affordable Rousing in Ashland -, with a curoulatiye
experience of 35 years of large scale/non-profit housing experience, as
well as 20 years in Ashland).
CITATIONS
Units for which the Housing Commission can take direct responsibility
(would not exist but for their efforts). Per Brandon Goldman - 7/05.
Location
Urii ts
Hersey street
Chatauqua Trace
Quincy Street
Garfield Street
Grant Street
Lithia Way
3
3
3
6
2
10 (to be constructed)
Ovmership (0) or Rental (R)
o
o
o
R
R
R
27
The State of)Oregon, throughL::RS Code 42-LIHTC Program has created
in all jurisdictions 24,382 units of affordable housing since
inception of the program in 1986. None in Ashland.
Source: .susan Bailey, Oregon Dept. of Housing 0 7/05.,
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