HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-1005 Study Session PACKET
CITY OF
ASHLAND
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CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
AGENDA
Monday, October 5, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way
5:30 p.m. Study Session
1 . Look Ahead Review
2, Discussion regarding the Summary of Citizen Feedback on Council Goals, Values,
and Vision and the Next Steps [30 Minutes]
3, Discussion regarding Fire Prevention and Life Safety Inspections [30 minutes]
6:30 p.m. Executive Session - to consult with legal council regarding real property
transactions pursuant to ORS 192,660(2)(e).
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),
COUNCIL IVIEETINGS ARE BROADCAST LIVE ON CHANNEL 9
VISIT THE CITY OF ASHLAND'S WEB SITE AT' WWW.ASHLAND.OR.US
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
Meeting Date:
Department:
Secondary Dept:
Approval:
Study Session - Fire Prevention/Life Safety Inspections
10/12/2009 Primary Staff Contact: John Karns
Fire Department E-Mail: karnsj@ashland.oLus
None Secondary Contact: None
Martha Bennet Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Question:
Does the Council wish to schedule a resolution for a Fire Prevention/Life Safety Inspection Program
and fee schedule pursuant to AMC Chapter 15.28,160 for an upcoming council meeting?
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the Fire Prevention/Life Safety Inspection Program and fee schedule resolution
be placed on the agenda of an upcoming council meeting,
Background:
. There are two types of fire prevention/life safety inspections normally conducted by other departments,
The offices, retail businesses, and multi-family residences are inspected on a periodic basis, usually
annu.ally or semiannually, These normal business and multi-family residence inspections are typically
conducted by suppression personnel. Businesses or multi-family residences that have a higher than
average fire hazard or life safety exposure are inspected by the Fire Life Safety Division due to greater
expertise in advanced code enforcement.
Ashland Fire and Rescue suspended regularly scheduled basic fire prevention/life safety inspections
over 10 years ago. However, this is an expected function of a fire department in Oregon (see Attorney
General Opinion attachment), Suppression staffing levels drove the decision to suspend such
activities. Though some target hazards are inspected from time to time, current staffing provides for
sporadic, at best, inspections, There is currently no fire prevention/life safety inspections of the
common businesses and multi-family residences conducted in Ashland.
The jurisdiction of these fire prevention/life safety inspections is defined in ORS 476.150:
476,150 Entry and inspection of premises; interfering with or preventing entry prohibited, (1)
The State Fire Marshal and deputies, at all reasonable hours, may enter into all buildings and
upon all premises, except private residences, for the purpose of inspection to ascertain if fire
hazards exist therein or thereon. Owners of private residences may request a fire inspection of
their property.
Staff proposes a fire prevention/life safety inspection program to inspect all businesse's and multi-
family residences in the City of Ashland, 'Target" hazards will be inspected by the Fire and Life
Safety Division and the remainder will be inspected by suppression members of the department.
Though annual inspections would be preferred, current staffing levels provide for inspections of non-
target hazards semiannually. There are approximately 1800 occupancies that are currently identified
for inspection,
Page 1 of2
~.1II
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
If the City adopts this program, staff further recommends the Council change fire inspection fees, A
tiered fee schedule will be implemented based on the size and occupancy/hazard classification of the
buildings and businesses inspected, There will also be a non-compliance fee associated with the
program when building owners or business operators fail to correct the hazard or condition after a
reasonable amount of time,
Prior to the implementation of the inspection program, there will be a multi-faceted education and
training effort targeting the building owners and business operators having questions regarding the fire
code,
Fiscal Impact:
The required training of suppression personnel is currently being conducted "in-house" and has no cost
associated with it. There will be some cost for printing of inspections forms and purchasing of various
supplies that are needed, Total cost is estimated at $800 to $ I 000,
The estimated revenue for both inspections fees and non-compliance fees will be $80,000 annually,
Related City Policies:
Section 15.28,010 of the AMC deals with the adoption of the 2007 Oregon Fire Code. Section
15.28.160 of the AMC allows for a fee schedule for code compliance inspections by resolution of the
City Council.
15.28,010. Adoption of the Oregon Fire Code:
The 2007 Oregon Fire Code and appendices A through L & SR are hereby adopted, except
where specifically excluded or modified by this section. The 2007 Oregon Fire Code and all
adopted appendices, as excluded or modified by this section, will be referred to in the Ashland
Municipal Code as the Oregon Fire Code, One copy of the Oregon Fire Code and appendices
shall be filed in the office of the City Recorder,
15,28.160, Code Compliance Inspection - Fees:
The schedule for fire code compliance inspections shall be established by resolution of the city
council,
Staff Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation to direct staff to proceed with the proposed fire prevention/life safety
inspections program and prepare items for further Council action,
Council Options:
Council can direct staff to:
. Schedule the proposal for Council Action
. Revise the proposal prior to Council Action
. Table the proposal
Attachments:
1. Attorney General Opinion
2, Fire Prevention/Life Safety Fee Schedule
. .
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Page 2 of2
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FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY AWARENESS I
ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINIONS
OP - 6491
MAY 13, 1968
January 16, 1968
Honorable Robert Y. Thornton
Attorney General
Supreme Court Buiiding
Salem, Oregon 97310
Sir:
We would like an opinion from your office as to the degree of authority and responsibility conferred upon fire
officers of local government under ORS 476.030 and 476.060.
Specifically does a fire officer of a subdivision of State government when aware of a violation of State
Fire protection statutes have authority and responsibility to:
1, Take action to correct such violation?
2, If so, what degree of action must be taken to discharge any responsibility?
3. Does any such responsibility vary with the officer's knowledge, training and opportunity for fire preven-
tion activities, i.e" as part time volunteer chief who supports himself with a full time job not connected to
the Fire Service, and with his Fire Service activity limited to response during times of emergency if he is
available and on occasional organization meeting, perhaps only once a month?
Would any such authority and responsibility conferred by statutes also apply to State fire protection regulations
'adopted by this office under administrative rules?
This problem has created confusion and has been of considerable concern to this office and local fire officers for
many years, This has resulted in instances where local officers ailhough aware of conditions seriously violating
State statutes did not take action because of the opinion that this was a responsibility of the State only.
Similar instances have occurred in other states such as the Indiana Ice Rink Explosion involving illegal (under
State regulations) use of LP, Gas where a number of lives were lost and subsequent grant jury investigation
indicated both local and State fire officials for improper actions,
There have also been instances in Oregon when violations known to local authorities continued without abate-
ment efforts such as hotels having fire escape exits but without balance stairs as required by ORS 479.020-
479.050, and dead end corridors of 80' or more, or corridors with more than one intervening room, 479.060.
Most recently there have been many instances of structures build without approval of this office prior to con-
struction as required by ORS 479.155 ailhough such construction was known and approved by local authorities,
Any clarifying opinions in this area will be much appreciated.
Very tru Iy you rs,
C, Wailer Stickney
State Fire Marshal
CWS:maf
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11
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY AWARENESS I
ROBERT Y. THORNTON
ATTORNEY GENERAL
STATE OF OREGON
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
SALEM
May 13,1989
Me. C. Walter Stickney
State Fire Marshal
668 Church Street N.E.
Salem, Oregon 97310
No. 6491
You ask what is the "de9ree of authority and responsibility" conferred upon fire officers of local
government under ORS 476,030 and 476.060. Specifically you wish to know (1) whether a fire officer of a sub-
division of state government when aware of a violation of state fire protection statutes has the authority and re-
sponsibility to take action to correct such violation, and (2) if so, what degree of action must be taken to dis-
charge that officer's responsibility.
As examples you note that there have been instances in Oregon when vioiations known to local
authorities have continued without direct efforts by local officials to personally abate such conditions such as
residential occupancies having fire escape exits but without balance stairs as required by ORS 479.020 to
479.050, or with dead end corridors of 80 feet or more and more than one room intervening between the corri-
dor and the fire escape in violation of ORS 479,060 (3).
ORS 476.030 (1) provides in part as follows:
"The State Fire Marshal shail enforce ail statutes, and make rules and requ-
lations relatinq to:
"(a) The prevention of fires,
"(b) The storage and use of combustibies and explosives,
"(c) The construction, maintenance and regulations of fire escapes,
"(d) Over seeing the safety of and directing the means and adequacy of
exits in case of fire from factories, asylums, hospitals, churches, schools, halls, thea-
ters, amphitheaters, all buildin9s except private residences, which are occupied for
sieeping purposes, and ail other places where large numbers of persons work, live or
congregate from time to time for any purpose, " (Emphasis supplied) ,
ORS 476.060 (1) provides as foliows:
"All fire marshals in those governmental subdivisions havinq such officers.
and where no such officer exists, the chief of the fire department of every city or rural,
fire protection district in which a fire department is established. The marshai or chief
or chief of police. officer of anv citv or town in which no fire department exits, and the
constables within their districts outside of cities and towns shall be. bv virtue of the
offices held bv them. assistants to the State Fire Marshal without additional recom-
pense, subject to the duties and obligations imposed by iaw, and shall be subject to
the direction of the State Fire Marshal in the execution of the provisions of this sec-
tion and ORS 476.070, 476,090, 476,090 and 476.210," (Emphasis supplied)
The above statute makes all local fire chiefs and marshals and alllocai officers where there is
no fire department by virtue of their office "assistants to the State Fire Marshal" and "subject to the direction of
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12
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY AWARENESS I
the State Fire Marshal" in the execution of the mandate of the statute and "subject to the duties and obligations
imposed by law."
The purpose of the above statute is not obscure. Fire is an ever-present hazard which is eve-
rywhere, The conditions that produce fire or safety hazards are also state-wide.
The legislature deemed that the most efficient way to control fire and safety hazards was to put
the fire marshal in charge of fire prevention, protection and safety on a state-wide basis, ORS 476.030 (1), su-
pra, but at the same time to require local fire chiefs and marshals and other locai officiais to be, by virtue of their
office, his assistants for that purpose. ORS 476.060, supra,
- Accordingly, the duty of the State Fire Marshal to enforce statutes as set forth in ORS 476.030
(1), supra, pertaining to (1) the prevention of fires, (2) the storage and use of combustibles and explosives, (3)
the construction, maintenance and regulations of fire escapes, (4) overseeing the safety of and directing the
means and adequacy of exit from buildings in case of fire, aiso becomes the duty of the locai fire officer in those
local subdivisions not exempt from regulations by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 476.030 (4).
Similarly, any regulations enacted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to ORS 476.030 (1) also
have the effect of law and the fire marshal is under a duty to enforce such regulations, And, again such duty
becomes the duty of the local fire officer by virtue of his office.
It is obvious that if the State Fire Marshal is under the obligation to perform these duties of fire
prevention and protection and if the local fire officers are the fire marshal's assistants and subject to his direc-
tion and control, ORS 476,060, supra, then the local fire officers must also perform such duties,
Such legal responsibility means that if the locai fire chief for example discovers or knows of a
three-story frame building with only one fire escape which is obstructed in violation of ORS 476,060 (4), such
officer cannot ignore the hazard and fail to promptly order and effectuate the elimination of the fire safety haz-
ard on the theory that the State Fire Marshal has a duty to enforce ORS 479,060.
For as an assistant to the State Fire Marshal the local chief himself is under a legal duty to the
public in his local community to promptly order and effectuate the elimination of the first safety hazard, ORS
476,060, supra,
Failure of the fire chief to so perform that duty or negligent performance of that duty could re-
sult in personal liability of the fire chief in damages to any member of the public injured by the chiefs failure to
perform his duty or through the chiefs negligent performance of his duty.
Thus in Svenson v, Brix, (1937) 156 Or. 236, 241-242, 64 P. (2d) 830 the court said:
" . . . The only ground on which there is an allemptto hold the superinten-
dent of banks liable is that he failed to perform some duty imposed upon him by law.
In other words, he is charge with nonfeasance in office,
"In Throop on Public Officers,S 724, it is said:
"With respect to officers exercising ministerial powers, the rule of law is well seWed,
that where an individual sustains an injury bv the malfeasance. misfeasance. or non-
feasance of such an officer. actinq or omittinq to act contrary to his dutv. the law
Dives redress to the iniured person bv action for damaDes, The officer is liable for
nonfeasance. that is. for an omission to do his dutv. on Iv to the person who has a
special interest in the performance of that duty; as where a sheriff, or other officer
having corresponding functions, fails to fulfill the directions of the process delivered
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13
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY AWARENESS I
to him; in which case he is liable oniy to the party interested in the execution of the
process, But for misfeasance. or nealiaence in the performance of his dutv. and also
for malfeasance. or excess or abuse of his powers, his is liable to anv person who
sustains injury therebv." (Emphasis supplied)
And in Antin v, Union High School District No, 2, (1929) 130 Or. 4761, 478,
280 P, 664, the court said
" . . . A public officer. however. is responsible to a private partv for his own
negligence or wrongful acts when acting beyond the scope of his authority, or when
acting within the scope of his authority if the wrong done is not a vioiation of a duty
which he owes soiely to the public. If the duty is solely a duty which the officer owes
to the public, then the officer is not subject to the suit of a private party, even though
it has resuited in injury to such party. But if the dutv is one which the officer owes
both to the public and to a private individual, and the private individual is iniuriouslv
affected special lv, and not as a member of the public, then for such violation the in-
jured partv mav sue for the wrona done, . . . " (Emphasis supplied)
In the case of State ex reI. and to the Use of City of SI. Louis vs, Priest,
(1941)348 Mo,37, 152 SW, (2d) 109,112thecourtsaid:
" . . . But negligence on the part of an officer consists only in a failure to use
that degree of care which an ordinary reasonable and prudent man would exercise
under the same or similar circumstances and conditions. A reasonable effort to per-
form he duties pertainina to such office is all the law requires, . . . (Emphasis sup-
plied)
Thus, generally speaking, local fire chiefs or other local fire officers are not only a legal duty to
enforce the statutes and regulations of this state pertaining to fire matters, but also they may be subject to per-
sonalliability for the failure to perform or the negligent performance of that duty, See also ORS 30.260 et seq.
However as the just quoted Priest case states "A reasonable effort to perform the duties per-
taining to . . . [their] office is all that the law requires,"
You mention the situation of structures being build without the plans having been first approved
by the State Fore Marshal as required by ORS 479,155 "although such construction was known and approved
by local authorities:'
ORS 479,155 (1) requires that prior to the alteration or construction of certain buildings outside
of an area exempted from fire marshal regulations the owner
" . . . shall submit to the State Fire Marshal two copies of a pian or sketch
showing the location of the building or structure with relation to the premises, dis-
tances, lengths and details of construction as the State fire Marshal shaH require,
ORS 479.155 (4) provides as follows:
"The State Fire Marshal or his staff shall be furnished with not less than two
accurate copies of the plan or sketch and detaiis for the purpose of ascertainina
compliance with applicable fire prevention and protection statutes and requlations.
The pian examiner shall indicate on the plan or sketch in writing his approvai or dis-
approval and conditions for approval of the construction or alteration. . . . No build-
inq or structure shall be erected or constructed without approval by the State Fire
Marshai or his deputv if the buildina or structure requires approval. . . ." ( Emphasis
supplied)
The policy expressed by the above statute is clear. Certain buildings must be located and con-
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14
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY AWARENESS 1
structed in such manner as to effectuate fire prevention and safety principles.
To accomplish this the legislature requires that the plans for the buildings in question must first
be submitted to the fire marshal for his approval before the building is constructed and altered,
And no such building requiring approval of the plans therefore by the fire marshal shall be
erected or constructed without such approval. ORS 479.155 (4), supra.
Accordingly, in view of the plan terms of ORS 476,060 and 479.155, supra, local fire officials
are not only under a positive legal duty to require the plans for local construction subject to ORS 479.155 to be
submitted to the State Fire Marshai, but also such local officials are prohibited bv ORS 479,155 (4). supra, from
approvinq or permittinq such locai construction prior to fire marshal approval of the plans therefore.
In conclusion and in answer to your question it is our opinion that local fire officiais by virtue of
their office are not only assistants to the State Fire Marshal, but also along with him are personally under the
legal duty to take whatever action is reasonable necessary to correct or prevent violations of fire prevention and
protection statutes and regulations.
It is also our opinion that such duty must be personally discharge by such local officers or by
their assistants unless relieved therefrom by order of the State Fire Marshal.
Very truiy yours,
ROBERT Y. THORNTON
Attorney General
BY~/~<~~
Peter S, Herman
Assistant
PSH/jk
Resources I.doc 5/20/2009
]5
Is';"all Business
Ashland Fire Rescue
Fire Prevention/Life Safety Inspection
Fee Schedule
Retail, Large Business
Occupanycy Type A '
Qccupancy Type B
. ....."...... .. .........~..
Occupancy Type E
i<>'........ ........:;..",'.....,
Occupancy Type F
Occupancy Type H
OCcupancy Type I
Occupancy Type M ,
(..;;:Ls"...." "/ii-'
Occupancy Type R
Occupancy T~pe S
Occupancy Type SR
, Occupancy Type "B"
Fire Prevention/Life Safety Inspection
Initial Inspection (First Reinspection Included)
0-1000 sf
1000 - 3,000 sf
3,001 - 10,000 sf
10,001 - 20,000 sf
Over 20,000 sf
Non-Compliance afte~nd Inspection
Non-C ceo aft 'IQspect'OIl>dd.
NPD:S> ~~l~ IQ~RJi~il5ilililm>L~
Occupancy Type "A, E, F, H, I,M; S"
Fire Prevention/Life Safety Inspection
Initial Inspection (First Reinspection Included)
0-3,000 sf
3,001-10,000 sf
10,001-20,000 sf
Over 20,000
Non,Comll" aile
''''"-,;,,,,<>.'<:3; IlHid;;>>
NOIl-Gql'iiBll~iiEl, ..5.. ....,
Nqn:..,corl'li:>lial1ce, after:~ .I~~peclio
"Occu anc Ty e "R, SR"
Fire Prevention/Life Safety Inspection
Initial Inspection (First Reinspection Included)
3to 10 Units
11 to 40 Units
41 to 70 Units
Over 70 Units
N~n-Co']t)lj~nS~.I~flerl~~,~Llnsp":Sli9nl:i'"i.r."
I)lOQ-C()']p!!l3.Q"~l3,,ft nspe ..t
oll,Com"'liance'a'ft 'e d S
$32,00
$48,00
$96.00
$144,00
$192,00
, $50.00
10~,,,~
.J.82-_
$48,00
$96,00
$144,00
$192,00
$48,00
$96,00
$144,00
$192,00
Places where 50 or more gather for dining, drinking meeting, worship,
instruction.
d' "';::t "> '''?it,' ,;00;;;;."
Business offices, proff8ssional services, resturantslbars with 'less than
Educational facilities/schools for K&12 and non.residential day care.
." - j:,,:-..::;:'
"PFactories, :It)du~trlal. nl~Ufa~turing-",;'n
: Places with a high fire, exptoston, or health hazard. Major repair garages
.m and HazM"lIFlammabl".Illaterlals storage In qual1!i!Y.
if,;", 1 _,;<> <\0<<>;:: '. :;f;:r<
........ .,::>,...... ". ,,:;.... ....".... .:;../..... ...
'Hospitals, nursing homes with medlc.I,care, prisons, mentalfaellltles.
'. Sale of goodslmercha!1dise, department stores, markels-pub!le accessible.
14::J:x <!ii'#!" \,~~~;,j '~;;; ; }!;<:;
;:;'.' .:;:;.. ,'i
Residential places Including hotels, motels, home based liCensed care
facilities, (Units=rooms for hotels/motets)
".$torage fa(;~I!ties not diHirted as H o<:!iupllncles,waiehouSfl; basie auto
. 'care, parking garage~..'''''' "
SpeCial assisted living self-preservation occupancies where personal care
,is, rovldedfo residents.d.
1
2
(
3
4
5
6
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
Meeting Date:
Department:
Secondary Dept.:
Approval:
Study Session - Summary of Citizen Feedback on Council
Goals, Values and Vision and Next Steps
October 5, 2009 Primary Staff Contact: Ann Seltzer
Administration E-Mail: seltzera@ashland.or.us
None Secondary Contact:
Martha Benn Estimated Time:
30 minutes
Question:
Does the Council have questions about the summary of citizen feedback on Council goals, draft Values
and draft Vision statements? Does the Council have any changes to the proposed next steps?
Staff Recommendation:
Staffrecommends Council review the summary and then proceeds with the next steps outlined below,
Background:
In June, the Council adopted fifteen goals for 2009-2010, During the goal setting retreat in April the
Council also drafted a values statement and a vision statement. For the past three months, Council has
actively sought citizen input and feedback on the goals, values and vision,
The Mayor's outreach letter (see attached) stated:
"The values are meant to represent what is most important to us as a community.
The vision statement describes the long term direction towards which Ashland
should be moving. And the two-year goals are concrete policy actions the Council
expects to focus on through July of 20 I I,
Ideally all three (values, goals, vision) would be completely consistent with each
other. In the real world, however, there are often tensions among the three, It is the
purpose of community dialogue to refine, clarify and better align these three
elements,
The Council will gather public input through September 21, 2009 review the input
and adopt a final Values and Vision Statement in November. The council will
review the feedback on the goals in January 2010 prior to beginning the budget
process for FY201 I,"
A separate feedback form was created for each component. The forms were available as a hardcopy
and electronically on the city's website. While the majority of respondents completed the feedback
forms a number ofrespondents simply submitted an email with comments,
The process to solicit public feedback was not designed as a statistically valid survey and should not be
interpreted as such.
Page I of4
~~,
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Public Outreach
. Letters were mailed to all City of Ashland key institutions, grant recipients and City
Commissions asking for feedback
. Oral presentations were made by Mayor and Council liaisons to City commissions
. Oral presentations by Mayor and Council members to local service groups/organizations
. News article and feedback forms posted on the City's website
. News release to general media
. Program underwriting on JPR July 13 through September 18
. City Source article
. Town Hall
. Mayor's Slog
Feedback Summarv
The attached summaries reflect both the online and hardcopy forms, All comments that relate to the
specific statement are included, City Commissions responded either as a full commission, or
separately as individual commissioners/citizens,
Goals
A total of 67 feedback forms were received either as hardcopy or electronically, plus approximately 13
emails with comments, Not every respondent replied to each goal and some checked more than one
box for a given goal.
The form provided a check box for responders to indicate if the stated goal was important, not
important or if they had no opinion. It also provided space for a comment for each stated goal a space
to add "other goals", In addition, a number of respondents included "other goals" for Council
consideration and comments received by email are included at the end of the summary document.
Generally the majority of the responders were supportive of the stated goals, Three goals did not
receive overall support, the two Social Equity goals and the plan to replace Fire Station #2.
Social Equity Goal #1: Complete the development of affordable housing on the Clay Street
Property, Yes, important = 30, No, not important = 20, No opinion =14.
Social Equity Goal #2: Conduct a comprehensive study of Ashland's homeless.
Yes important, = 28. No not important = 24, No opinion = 9.
Public Facilities #1: Develop a plan to replace Fire Station #2.
Yes important = 22 No not important = 17, No opinion = 23
The attached Goals Summary includes the tallies of each returned form, the comments associated with
each goal, the list of "Other Goals" and all goals-related comments submitted via email.
Values
A total of 98 feedback forms were received either as hardcopy or electronically, Not every respondent
responded to each value and some checked two boxes for a given value.
Page 2 of 4
....
r_~
CITY OF
ASHLAND
The forms provided a check box for responders to indicate if the stated value was important, not
important or if they had no opinion, It also provided 'space for a comment for each stated value, In
addition, a number ofrespondents included "other values" for Council consideration.
Generally the majority of the responders were supportive of the stated values. Written comments
generally were directed to a specific value. For example one respondent stated his objection to leaf
blowers and noise pollution in the value comment section under Natural Environment. Other written
comments suggested the use of different words for a stated value e.g, replace the word 'efficient' with
'sustainable' under the value Responsible Land Use,
The attached Values Summary includes the tallies of each returned form, the comments associated
with each value, the list of "Other Values" and all values-related comments submitted via email.
Vision
A total of 63 vision feedback forms were received either as hardcopy or electronically. Not every
respondent responded to each vision statement, and some checked two boxes for a given statement
others did not check a box but wrote a comment.
The forms provided a check box for responders to indicate if the stated vision paragraph was
important, not important or no opinion, It also provided space for a comment for each vision
paragraph,
Generally, respondents were supportive of the six vision paragraphs. Some written comments suggest
the respondent may not have understood this was a vision statement for the future not a statement
about Ashland today. A number of respondents provided comments under Other Vision Statements.
The attached Vision Summary includes the tallies of each returned form, the comments associated with
each vision, the list of "other vision statements" and one vision-related comment submitted via email.
Next Steps for Values and Vision
Goals: Council should review and consider the responses to the goals in preparation for
Council Goal Setting in January 2010 for FY 2011.
Values and Vision: Council should review and consider the responses to the vales and vision
statements and then adopt a final Values and Vision Statement prior to Goal
Setting in January 20 I O. Staff suggests the Council form a sub-committee to
review the feedback and to develop a final draft Values and Vision Statement
for adoption by the Council.
Council Options:
This presentation is for informational purposes only. Council is encouraged to discuss the process for
developing and adopting a final Values and Vision statement.
Potential Motions:
No action is required.
Pagc3 of 4
r.t. ,
Attachments:
1. Summary of Goals Feedback
2. Summary of Values Feedback
3, Summary of Vision Feedback
4, Outreach letter from Mayor Stromberg
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Page 4 of 4
~.l'
City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
ECONOMY Yes this is an No, this is not an No Opinion
im ortant 20al im ortant goal
1. Develop arid implement a comprehensive
economic development strategy for the pnrpose
of:
51
3
2
. Diversifying the economic base of the
community
. Supporting the creation and growth of
businesses that use and provide local and
regional products
. Increasing the number of family wage jobs in
the comfTIunity
. Leveraging the strengths of Ashland's
tourism and repeat visitors
55
6
2
54
5
1
52
8
o
46
7
6
Comments on this goaL
All of these sound good but each one needs to consider the impacts. An effort to diversify could attract businesses
detrimental to the environment. In some cases growth might not be the best thing for the community in terms of
water use etc. A plan is a good idea but there are many things that can change the picture that may not be
anticipated, A comprehensive plan needs to have the flexibility to adjust to unforeseen (unforeseeable) future
conditions,
Our economy relies too heavily on discretionay income which will be in much shorter supply in future,
http://www.amazon.com/Your-W orld-About- Whole-Smaller/dp/1400068509
Green jobs including manufacturing and recycling facilities,
I am still unsure of the value of the meals tax vs. the number of visitors/potential residents it may repeL That is
why I am more neutral about "leveraging our tourism."
sometimes the goals for ashland as a town independent of our thirst for tourism creates CONFLICT, tourists
increase the demands for water infrastucture locally produced food. some would say that tourism helps support
many businesses AND the reality is that there are negative impacts- including but not limited to more car
traffic(pollution) waste water treatment water for example.
I agree with this as being a very high priority, I wrote the following on another section of this survey but feel it
fits here better. Because of our close proximity to California and the many businesses that are wanting to leave
California because of the economy Ashiand could benefit by attracting those businesses here. We could diversity
the economy and create jobs. Diversifying the economy would also help existing businessowners in Ashland that
struggle during the slower winter months.
Page] of 40
Goals Feedback
City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Encouraging businesses and services that meet the needs of a community that is increasingly a retirement
community.
OSF is the engine that drives this part of the valley.
I think there needs to be something that addresses how local businesses are supported (or not) as they are a
cornerstone of tourism. For instance a year of fighting over whether a business can have a stone lion or an angel in
front of their business (and the press and energy devoted to that) does not incline people to visiting and enjoying
Ashland in my opinion, Also making it difficult/punishable for businesses to park to unload is counterproductive
as welL And this is just two of a number of things I actually paid attention to, For the record I work from home.
It's just something [ notice having moved here from out of town. This is an AMAZING town with lovely
businesses. I think part of strengthening tourism is strengthening the support of local businesses and business
people. One final thought along that vein. I'd love to see a form of information (newspaper website etc) that is
easily accessed that prints GOOD news and events; upcoming and current so that someone who is staying here in
Ashland can attend events regardless of whether they have friends who know of events. The paper waits u~til it's
too late (the day of) to announce pertinent events such as parades park events. Passport2Ashland is inadequate,
Ashland Res~urce Network is expanding but still bent toward the artist/"hippie" side.
b-and resources c-Iiving wage not family wage d-What is meant by "leveraging the strengths"?
[ think the most important goal should be to promote a local and sustainable economy,
But I'm deeply concerned about the actual future value of that Visitors's Center. And I'm concerned about the
potential disturbance and loss to the homeowners near that location.
o will be helped by repealing the food tax.
We need 7 day a week public transportation..,even though this is a regional need it is very important
This is a lofty goal way too lofty for this or any single counciL You must provide an evolving plan so that as
others take over council seats these visions don't get stagnated due to confusion.
I think Ashland stong schools are a draw for family that have some economic freedom of geography. [ have not
heard of any city/school partnerships.
a, and c. highest priority
Not sure what d. means b is #1
I would generally agree that these are all valid goals but they need to be prioritized. Not all can be accomplished
at the same time,
Technology jobs!
[ support many of these goals except for the fact that economic development strategies are the purview of
individuals and their personal choices and needes not governments.
Page 2 of 40
Goals Fccdb<lck
City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Good to promote economic growth and foster environment for new businesses.
The best way to improve Ashland's prosperity is' to empower private industry to freely compete by protecting
businesses from state/federal restrictions and burdensome taxes.
The comprehensive economic development strategy should be to further a resilient local economy assisting
development of local businesses and existing sectors, Assessment of leakages and import substitution
opportunities should be done and programs to increase local money recirculation created based on the results.
Assessment of any economic development proposal should include calculation of the local multiplier or absence
of the same as well as triple bottom line accounting. Businesses that increase selfreliance in food energy and
general supplies should be supported. Tourism should include experience of the natural surroundings ofthe City
and education in our sustainability initiatives.
Establish the value understanding and business practices of the Triple Bottom Line (People Planet Profit) in
businesses and organizations functioning within Ashland. This is a proven way to greater economic health and
overall sustainability,
A "lifestyle" not based on making-a-living by making-money, but upon making-a-Iife with direct pay-off, also said
as "life's work" OUf economy has over blown the idea of "jobs"
1) Tourism should only be one part of a 3 legged stool. The City should help 2) SOU with promotion as a 2nd leg,
And 3) light manufacturing should be the 3rd leg
We need to provide a economic base so families can live and work in Ashland. NOT food service jobs.
ECONOMY Continued Yes this is an No, this is not an No Opinion
im ortant goal im ortant goal
2. Complete Croman Mill Master Plan and
develop an implementation strategy for funding
and infrastructure for Croman,
25
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16
Comments on this goal
Over the past 10-15 some odd years we have planned, replanned, preplanned this property how many times? Is it
a worthy goal? Unknown!! Will dome development happen there some day? Maybe, and if it does it might as
well be planned.
Manufacturing yes housing no.
The importance of being creative and really thinking through the long-term impact of developing this large tract of
land is so important. it seems that diversity in the types of development and consideration for providing for some
of the "needs" of people on that side of town will help reduce road miles and help that side of town become more
self sufficient
Yes but this feels like more of a long-term (ten years or more) goal than anything that needs to be done very soon.
Fracturing the commercial base of Ashland between Croman and Main Street given the current economy is a
Page 3 of 40
Goals Feedback
City of Ashland.
Goals
Summar'y of Feedback Forms
October 2009
mistake in the short term.
I'm not informed enough about this goal.
As this is private property the property owner/developer should be responsible for this plan. The City should not
be funding this nor spending a b'feat deal oftime on it. Question? How much should the City be involved in this
The Croman property should be 100% light industrial. Offices and housing should not be permitted at alL There
is no other place to put this zoning, once called "M". Long term use of space instead of short term development of
uses (offices and housing), that diffuse the City core,
What happens here is critical to the future of Ashland, However nothing can be done' until Comp Plan and Code
are revised, Because all the goals depend on planning nothing can be done until the code is clear. The code
should address transportation building guidelines land use expectations as well as water and other utility limits.
Nothing can begin until the comp plan is complete.
I don't know what Croman Mill is, A link at this point would be helpful.
,..while at the same time acknowledging a vibrant healthy working farin (Village Farm) on the property that is
soon to be developed. I suggest timing the bulldozer to coincide with the end of the b'fowing season next year.
I'd rather see us take better care of what we already have before getting spread even further.
About time,
I live near this proposed development & would like to see some positive action from the council. Plans seem to
invite a quandry for the Council. The processes drag on!
I don't know what the "Croman Mill Master Plan" is.
Not sure that this is the job of the city,
Anything that supports access to natural resources for the purpose of local manufacturing and ultimately
exportation will reinforce Ashland's economic development and viable sustainability.
The Croman Mill Plan is a serious misdirection of energy, Consultants who created this plan came in with
preconceived ideas for a transportation solution and did not have supporting data for their economic
recommendations. REcommendations were based on "conventional wisdom" which is worthless in the current
economic climate. Staff members are the only people I've spoken to who think the public process was
"responsive" or "legitimate", The last thing we should do is support extensive infrastructure on the edge of town
with city monies, It doesn't matter if they're borrowed/bonded or based on reduced fees--it's still our money
going for an ill-conceived project benefitting primarily a single landowner. Before this plan is approved or public
money spent a full economic analysis should be done which shows conclusively that creating 2 000 jobs would be
a benefit to the community. We have no reason to think these jobs would be awarded to current Ashland residents.
If they go to university students these are essentially new residents as they will be replaced by other students.
IMO the most likely outcome is the need for lots of additional housing or providing employment for residents of
the greater Rogue Valley. We should spend no money to coax businesses here from the outside which willlik;ely
only stay until such subsidy runs out and move on. Our analysis should include an investigation of whether the
increased land values resulting from implementation of the plan make it out of reach for local businesses, Where
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will we have our lumber yards sorting yards expanded recycling rail freight delivery wharehouses and so on?
Our analysis should identify where these use can be located if we are to give up the area zoned for such use now.
Plan for businesses mixed use and light industrial that embrace the Triple Bottom Line (people planet profit) and
contribute to developing a Culture of Sustainability,
The Groman property should be 100% light industrial. Offices and housing should NOT be permitted at all. There
is no other place to put this zoning, once called "M", Long term use of space instead of short term development of
uses (offices & Housing), that diffuse the city core.
ECONOMY continued Yes this is an No, this is not an No Opinion
important goal im ortant goal
3, Increase the clarity, responsiveness, and
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certainty of the development process.
Comments on this goal
Certainty? How can you increase certainty?
The city needs to develop a less cumbersome permitting process, Public input is good but can be too extensive,
Council deliberations are to lengthy. The process needs to recognize the good for the majority and not necessarily the
good for the vocal minority,
Clarity and responsiveness are important. so is taking the time needed to adequately research review and think
outside the box to create the Best Possible Plan. measure twice cut once
Development of what?
We need more development but the main thing is that the process needs to be straight-forward easy to comprehend
and plan to and not capricious. Streamlining the planning codes is the priority here.
Need for speedy responses so that developers can get the job done,
The Development process allowing one year plus on 18 month extension is sufficient. Otherwise speculators will
take up a lot of time with no results,
Once again this is part of a comprehensive plan and land use code, So things will continue to get bungled up in
planning until these documents are revised,
Yes even if the goal of Ashland is no developemant the process should be clear.
I am assuming by development process you mean the City permitting process.
The signage was a debacle - having the bear waiter etc. forcefully removed was a waste of time. The Council's lack
of action to undo this cost time and money in moving us on to more important projects and it lessened the charm of
our plaza. Shame on you.
While this is a great goal reality is that it is near impossible to implement. Clarity is important but how do you
make it clear to someone that is a first time applicant while at the same time insuring that frequent users do not use
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the simplicity of a regulation to there benefit. Additionally certainty of the development process is almost never
within the City's control. To suggest that it is will make it unclear to the general public the Planning Commission
and the Council.
rieeds c1arity,..all you have to do is see the development meetings to know this needs work
Stipulating government's decrease in the affairs of commerce will have far-reaching benefits,
Staff should be directed to use their discretionary areas to further goals of the community and council not their
personal opinions.
Continue with solid planning that looks "seven generations out" consciously considers the Triple Bottom Line
(people planet profit) and contribute to developing a Culture of Sustainability
Take/Make a study of Tort Laws (codes), the effect costs in building & health care particularly where dollar values
are a measure of the "good life."
ENVIRONMENT Yes this is an No, this is not an No Opinion
important oal im ortant goal
1. Develop an integrated land use and 50 4 1
transportation plan to increase the viability of
transit, bicycles, walking and other alternative
modes of transportation.
. Reduce per capita automobile vehicle miles 46 12 3
traveled
. Provide safe walking and bicycling routes to 58 5 0
home, work, shopping and schools
. Implement environmentally responsible
53 7 3
design standards
. Minimize new automobile.related 38 17 6
infrastructure.
Comments on this goal.
Need to reduce auto use but there are needs to address parking on our XX driven economy.
There still needs to be a mechanism for meeting needs of people who can't walk or bike. Already there are not
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enough handicap parking spaces in downtown,
The goals presented do not recognize the needs of an aging population. Bikes buses and walking will not work in a
city with such a wide variety of steep terrain. The needs of tourists will not be met without additional parking being
made available in the down town area. The lack of parking also hinders the older population.
Discourage cars downtown, Encourage electrified trollies pedaled surreys bikes etc
Have a trolley or small bus service in town, It would add to the atmosphere for tourists too. Don't make more roads'
Skinny streets and pervious paving
It will be hard to achieve these goals without massive changes to the way we live. Not clear this is achievable.
Support the purchase and use of energy efficient vehicles used by the city, Encourage and support city and citizens to
use plug in electric cars around town. give priority parking to the small efficient vehicles especially plug ins,
consider photovoltaic on downtown covers roofs to cool parking and generate electricity
#1 Too many cars on "A" Street. What about making it a walking biking only street. #2 Make "A" street a one way
street. As it is now too crowded for cars going both ways with parking on both sides. Would be conducive to being
one way starting at Oak down to 4th or 5th, Example is I st street being one way and works very well. Make larger
lane for biking. For pedestrian crosswalks: I was recently in upper Midwest Minnesota and Wisconsin. They have
pedestrian cones placed in the middle of the road at each crosswalk telling autos it is the "law" to stop at crosswalks
when occupied seemed quite effective and visual to me. What about a light rail through Ashland on the existing
railway??? Develop more bike paths..,how about out to Emigrant Lake?? (not within city however) But would
promote the city by encouraging bikers both locally and for tourists
Work to get rail service in Ashland!!! High priority!!
I would agree that reducing car travel is important for the environment in general but the reality for senior citizens
and the disabled living in the hills of Ashland is that there are no viable alternatives to car travel to get around a
Ashland especially in the winter
Cars are going to be part of the transportation future. New fuels will replace and augment oil-based fuels but
enclosed four-wheel vehicles will remain. Better to accommodate parking using good design (underground behind
street-front structures) and encourage and fund mass transit but not accommodating cars is not logistically viable,
I agree with all this but am not clear about how this coordinates with increasing tourism? Making parking difficult
without offering more appealing options does not in my opinion support happy visitors.
b- I prefer the word pedestrian rather than walking so that skate boards scooters are included somewhere, Add other
uses of routes like services banks doctors dentists libraries, c- Develop and implement d- Improve existing streets
and parking....
Start the process of weaning people out oftlieir cars and into public transportation or walking biking etc, and
include plans for education about using all energy sources with more care.
Absolutely recognize the city is full of HILLS and many senior citizens who NEED individual transportation and
parking.
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see my response to no. I
This will take a lot of infrastructure changes and I'm not sure the consulting budget of $440000 includes any actual
work only a plan, How much will it cost to provide safe biking and walking routes in all neighborhoods? There are
very few bike friendly streets in Ashland and my street does not have any sidewalks nor do any other streets in
nearby neighborhoods, What constitutes an "increase in the viability" for bicycles and walking unless sidewalks and
bike lanes are part of the scenario? Once again a lofty goal for a single city counciL Once again this will require a
change in the building code.
Ashland should be a leading city in pro-bike planning we have the weather and the geography to make it possible. I
live in the Briscoe neighborhood and am not comfortable with biking to Helman or past the plaza with my children.
d, is highest priority
d. Only IF bus transportation can be more effectively marketed to locals. And can be increased to cover later hours
at night and on weekends.
Its the lack of secure bicycle parking that makes me drive -
There already are bike lanes, RV Transit runs 'through town already. I do not think the city should be involved in
telling folks to drive or not to drive.
I fail to understand how this goal can be accomplished for l)families with small children 2)the elderly 3)people
living in the hilly section of Ashland 4) people trying to carry out several chores at a single time
Again a great goal but very difficult to achieve, A classic case is "d". There are numerous business parking lots and
streets in town that be designed based on this purpose. I cannot tell you have many rear view mirriors I have seen hit
on "A" street because of the width of the street limited parking and the type of trucks that need to use the street to
make deliveries. While it is great to get us out of our cars sometimes we need our cars and trucks to go to the
hardware store and pick up large items the implementation of this goal has oftened forced me and fellow friends to
go out of town "Home Depot" rather than fight the traffic and'lack of adequate parking on "A" Street.
Our other goals cannot be realized with putting environment goals at top'oflist Don Morris
I am absolutely and profoundly opposed to all these "goals" as they will impoverish this community In every
conceivable way.
Agree that making it easier to ride a bike or walk is the way to go but disagree that making it more difficult to drive
a car is a worthwhile goaL
The transportation plan should work closely with land use planning to establish multi-use nodes with open space
between and around them. This can be accomplished with density transfer credits and the city should investigate
this,
The last 2 are not clear. You can't achieve this without considering how many people live up steep hills and on the
other side of the freeway. The mass transit system n'eeds to improve a LOT for this to become possible.
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Lower our carbon footprint while increasing the health of our citizens.
I tried walking from my home in the hills to the stores - I was unable to buy more than one meal worth of food that I
could carry back and nothing from downtown. Bus service unless able to drive up the hills and deliver people to
their doors is not a viable option if you want to buy anything downtown and get it back home.
The hilly landscape is a real problem!
Our greenway & City bike paths need improvement to the standard of smoothness of our streets (some) & highways.
ENVIRONMENT continued Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
important I:oal important I:oal
2, Adopt an integrated Water Master Plan that 51 2 0
addresses long-term water supply including:
. Climate change issues 54 11 4
. Security and redundancy 45 8 4
. Watershed health 61 3 0
. Conservation and reuse 60 2 0
. Stream health
51 5 2
Comments on this goal.
There has been too much waste of time in not completing the water intertie. Another source of water is needed to
insure a supply of water in emergencies (flood fire etc.).
Implement b'fay-water re-use as soon as possible.
Stop pesticide use and implement bioswales water catchment and grey water systems!
Hard to know what the climate change impact will be in such a localized fashion.
VERY IMPORTANT
i saw how water conservation water catchment got some important attention. There is a lower hanging fruit that has
not gotten adequate attention or follow through. Before catching the water---- the city needs to mark every single
storm drain "river to stream" and launch an ongoing educational outreach on storm drains. The pollution and regular
neglect are great. if we don't know where the water goes when it goes down the drain it is a LEAP to imagine
collecting this flow. lets do one thing really well and build upon it!
Control of deer population
Yes but if this is going to take the form of "rip up all the lawns" then I'm against it. We need people-friendly parks
( and a soft green lawn is about as comfortable as it gets. Using drought-tolerant landscaping where people don't
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directly contact the foliage--in medians and park rows along streets for example--is an appropriate use of those types
of plants.
These are all of the utmost importance. Probably the most important issue named here is WATER
f. - Expand our sources for domestic water
Educate all people on these subjects. Have speakers go into the schools and present to kids as they will usually pass
the word on
Got off the fence with going with TAP, or not!
Unless you tie into the TAP you need to restrict what people use and to restrict use you will need to monitor what
people plant. People don't like being told by their government that they can't plan a lawn for their children to play in.
If however you are going to restrict what can and cannot be include in a landscape plan then you'll need to make
sure every neighborhood has easy access to a park -- once again a change in the code and a huge change in
infrastructure.
Very important cluster of goals!
My goodness. You completetly overlook the fact that we are not connected to the Medford water system. We face
an immediate crisis and the city is silent on the issue.
Connect to the Medford water line!! It is called TAP I believe.
Security and redundancy???
Concern with future water supply is absolutely essential. Having lived through California droughts with water
coming from barrels this must be addressed.The other plans for the city are fine but won't be worth much if no
water is coming out of the taps.
This is long overdue and could have been partially addressed with the interconnection previously planned.
Continuing to change and do new plans with changes in administration is not cost effective.
Very important for all the other goals.
I can support these "goals" only if they will be accomplished through active and vigorous productive use and
management of our natural resources.
We need to tie into the Medford water system before it beomes economically unfeasible.
Protection/management of Ashland and Rogue Valley water as a valuable asset is necessary for a sustainabi1ity to be
viable long term.
This project should investigate and promote stormwater infiltration for environmental health and reduction of
irrigation needs. [am not a supporter of TAP and don't think we should do it anytime soon. We should live within
the water capacity of our own resources.
Conservation and reuse should be number one on the list to be studied and implemented.
. Utilize state of the art thinking on this.
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We must tie into the Medford water intertie. The recent fire shows us we could be without water for a significant
period of time if the watershed area has a large fire. This to me is the most important goal.
New codes on gray water use - would inhance water treatment & cool the effluent.
ENVIRONMENT Continued Yes this is an No, this is not an No Opinion
im ortant goal im ortant oal
3, Implement specific capitat projects and
operation programs to ensure City facilities
and operations are a model of efficient use of
water, energy, land, and other key resources.
Comments on this goal.
It is an important goal if the definition of "efficient" recognizes the rate of return on the costs of being efficient
51
6
4
This should have been done by now
it is critical that the City of Ashland is able to model to its citizenry smart use of resources--- how about how much
paper is used every month in the utility bills. that would be a !,'Teat place for the city to "walk its talk" for an
example. this is another low hanging fruit opportunity. in this case saving tree resources also saves dollar
resources!! !
However cost effectiveness of capital projects is a concern
Improve methods to produce quality & clean water. Encourage solar and wind energy sources and development of
them
Really look into the cutting edge and efficient use of resources means. Like where does Ashland electricity come
from water. Teach the kids what sustains them about the environment they live in
Capital projects should include wide use of windmills (more efficient than solar) on City land, SOU land and private
land.
Not something this council can achieve. Need to have a clear plan for others to follow.
This is important if you substitute "effective" for "efficient". "Efficient" too easily becomes cost reduction at the
expense of all else. As a general rule goals should strive for effectiveness.
You need to be more specific
This is the big one!
Capital projects and operational programs must be constrained to specific local public approval and funding; the city
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should not go into long-term debt.
Guidance without punishment should (wou1d)empower business owners to "do the right thing" while making a
profit.
Utilize state of the art thinking on this
ENVIRONMENT Continued Yes this is an No, this is not an No Opinion
im ortant goal im ortant goal
4, Adopt land use codes, building codes and
fee structures that creates strong incentives
for new development that is energy, water,
and land efficient and supports a multi-modal
transportation system.
49
7
4
Comments on this goal.
How about addressing alternatives like cob construction and composting toilets in the building code.
The goal was fine until the phrase "multi-modal transportation system" was included
Implement gray-water re-use as soon as possible
And remodeling too- it is even more important to work on existing structures. These should already be in place.
Passive solar is the first priority. Building codes should address this in siting a building- it should be required or
highly recommended to all.
Hard to be land efficient and get the needed density for cost effective public transit unless height and density
restrictions are substantially changed. The European model of small high density development interconnected by
high quality mass transit should be followed.
Try!
The code must be clear without a lot of "discretionary" vagueness. It should be written with step-by-step procedures
to follow so that when someone submits an application s/he will know it will be approved. A step-by-step model
will also make decision making a snap.
particularly the last phrase "multi-modal transportation system"
As long as it doesn't become cost prohibitive to build here ... building codes are very stringent already and I am
concerned that these "incentives" will really make building and renovations cost prohibitive.
But again reality of current conditions and needs should not be overlooked just because it is green. Perfect example
is the recent story about the supposed "green environmentally friendly" house on the east side of the freeway. While
it likely isn't in the City to say that it uses energy and water efficiently which it probably does begs to the point that
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it 5000 square feet were 2000 was probably adequate and clearly more efficent.
Absolutely not; such will impoverish the community in every conceivable way.
I've witnessed under-estimated transportation projects which have driven regional economies into abject poverty.
Getting from point-A to point-B is not as important as having a good reason to get to point-B (vis-a-vis good paying
careers).
This needs to include neighborhood stores cafes and parks. There need to be more buses with bike racks too.
Plan for businesses and organizations that embrace the Triple Bottom Line (people planet profit) and contribute to
developing a Culture of Sustainability.
ENVIRONMENT Continued Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
im ortant goal im ortant goal
5. Develop a strategy to use conservation and local
renewable sources to meet Tier 2 power demands
41
6
14
by 2014,
Comments on this goal.
low -temperature geothermal: http://newenergyandfuel.com/http :/newenergyandfuel/com/2008/0 I 13 I la -great-
geothermal-design- is-running -at -low -source-temperaturesl al gae:
http://www.startribune.comlbusiness/50805822.html?eh=KArks:DCiU I OiP:DiiUiD3aPc: _ Yyc:aUU
"-
More solar and wind. Make it easier and more affordable to put in panels. Passive solar is the first priority.
Building codes should address this
What are Tier 2 power demands
The best kilowatt is the one you never use. Dick Wandersheid said that once.
What I'm not seeing here under ENVIRONMENT is something that addresses local food supply as much a priority
as WATER I think. I think we need to support local growers particularly those who are growing organic and are not
participating in genetically modified thus not contributing to "drift" ofGM. Food and water locally along with
renewable energy source IS the priority
What is a tier 2 power demand?
First decid~ what the carrying capacity of the valley is before you spend money on strategy
This is possibly the most critical piece. Witpout an infrastructure to support these "sustainable ideas" they will
remain only as ideas. Adopting a language and process for decision making within the city is sooo important.
,
Codes that are overly restrictive increase expense in fees and building. This needs to be balanced with environmental
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concerns.
Encourage alternative sources for energy.
What I've seen time and again is how cities (including ours) will grant an exception to a developer who offers a
compromise. For example Palo Alto allowed a new four-story office building that didn't provide any (underground)
parking area because the developer donated street lamps and park benches. (This was 1999 before we had two new
parking garages.) Ridiculous! Ifwe set codes it must be for a reason and we must not vary from them. Similarly we
must avoid monster homes that make neighbors feel crowded or cut off from the rest of the neighborhood.
Get those windmills going like the small ones used on the Pierce hops farm (next to Ashland Greenhouse). Put them
on campus, on City land (lawns of some parks), etc.
This is a lofty goal.
What are Tier 2 power demands?
I don't know what Tier 2 means - I couldn't figure it out from the main document.
don't know enough about this
What are "Tier 2 power demands" and why is the year 2014 important?
Who's making the demand to meet Tier 2 power by 2014'1 Ifit's not the consumer then it's _bad_ policy period.
Not sure what that means. Conservation and local renewable sources need to be goals for everyone.
No recommendation
Water is our future crisis - is it renewable enough?
SOCIAL EQUITY Yes this is an No, this is not an No Opinion
important I(oal im ortant goal
l. Complete the development of affordable
housing on the Clay Street Property.
30
20
14
Comments on this goal.
The definition and understanding of what "affordable" means an expensive and misleading goal for tax payers.
We need manufacturing. Hemp and alpaca fiber clothing bicycles surreys local meat processing (so we don't have
to send cattle to Roseburg for slaughter) etc.
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Not sure what that means. Does it mean produce houses that have a cap on prices and grow only a certain rate per
year- if so I do not like this type of planning. Does it mean to make modest houses that will be less expensive.
This may be a good idea.
this is a long overdue goal for our city
I was against the purchase of the land at over-market prices. But now that it's done finish the job.
I am not educated enough about this issue to offer feedback.
This should be done with private developers' resources. The City has invested large sums that should be used
elsewhere.
Affordable non-toxic housing
Clay Street is a mess but Habitat is a better organization to work on this and get better "ownership" and
"stewardship" that city subsidized projects.
I still don't understand the affordable housing "crisis" here. The rental opportunities are vast and incredibly diverse.
Many families that need affordable housing should not be lured into home ownership if it's not fiscally right for
them. If renting works why is it so stigmatized? Is this really an astounding "crisis" as it's being made out to be?
Loca11andowners and businesses should determine what type of housing is developed not government.
Rentals are affordable housing. Over 55% of houses are rented.
Anything started needs to be finished and anything unstarted needs to be adjusted toward less-restricted PRIVATE
industry. The true rock stars in America are the small business owners so elected officials would serve their
constiuents best if they listened to the needs of small biz.
Current rental availability and prices do not support this need. What a colossal waste of money. I heard somewhere
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that a fraction ofihis money spent on public transit would benefit lower income people several times over a project
like this.
And elsewhere. Clay stre~t can't be the only pocket of affordable housing in Ashland.
What is affordable after last Fall? Has it not changed? When this topic came before the city in 1986 I was so
shocked at the definitions of affordable I lost interest. Why? I had just built a home for pennys-on-the-dollar that
was being discussed in council.
SOCIAL EQUITY Continued Yes this is an No, this is not an No Opinion
important goal important goal
2. Conduct a comprehensive study of Ashland's
homeless,
28
24
9
Comments on this goal.
Depends on cost of this goal. Would rather have a plan in place for homeless.
Require ID at food bank and limit use to locals. We had a car vandalized by what the police termed "spangers"
(spare changers). Make Ashland less attractive to their annual migrations up and down the "5".
Pick them up and move them somewhere to get training and care. It's sad but why isn't someone helping them? And
stop the panhandling downtown!
It is important to provide for the unfortunate in our community without becoming a magnet for the unfortunate.
Not sure. Would we do a study and then figure out how to help people? I am not sure why we would do a study
unless we were committed to improving the situation. I don't know enough to say except that I would think the city
could utilize the knowledge of our county who deals with these issues on a regular basis: What does Medford White
City Talent Phoenix ecl.. do?
Ashland needs to dean the campers out of the watershed first. Ashland does not need to model itself on San
Francisco and become a magnet for the homeless on this coast.
When' I first came to Ashland I really appreciated that anyone could be assured one healthy meal (that prol,'ram since
has folded I believe?) Have a place to get out of the weather (is there still a homeless camp in Talent?) and find
clothes at the recycle center on Hersey St. I would like to see Ashland become a model of compassion and aid to
those in need in a way that gave those who desired the opportunity to get back on their feet and back to a useful
purpose in the world. I know this is harder than it sounds and I'm not educated enough to offer possible solution.
Perhaps understanding the "problem" better would be useful but only if it's used to find some constructive solution-
based alternatives that work for both the working community and those who are looking to work out of
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home1essness. Those who consciously choose homelessness as a lifestyle are a different situation aren't they? They
should be.
Is this really a problem??? Is it even worth a study?
If the economy doesn't improve as predicted there may be more homeless show up. Better look at it now
I didn't check this one because I don't understand the value of this.
Ever since Reagan our nation's homeless problem has been an irrefutable issue. However a city as small as ours
cannot tackle it. Care and compassion and the offer of some day work to help the city (trash pick-up street dept.
Park maintenance planting in the medians etc.) Would be fine but I'm not seeing how a $IOOK+ study could possibly
have a strong long-term impact.
How can you separate out the summer "homeless by choice" folks? No way to tax payers wish to subsidize them.
The homeless population is ever-changing and never the same. What is the study planing to address? Who will
prepare and administer the survey and at what cost? Is this really necessary? Obviously more people are homeless
now due to the economy. But some of these people will choose to be homeless regardless of the economy. Do we
really owe those who choose an alternate lifestyle anything? After all it's their choice and they're only looking for
an easy ride on the tax-payer's dime. And who's to say any of them will even be honest after all most of them have a
great disdain for government.
Redundent use of city resources. in general 1/3 of the homeless population has drug/drinking addition. 1/3 have
mental health issues and 1/3 are making a lifestyle choice.
For what purpose??
Ask whoever is spearheading that study to open the process to local residents who can volunteer to help. (I'm one!)
SOU has two or three faculty with tremendous expertise in this area. Perhaps a graduate student or senior doing a
capstone would be a more cost efficient means.
While this again is a valid goal there likely has to be structural changes in our society and Federal gov't for this to be
worthwhile. Until we change the way we treat Veterans and the mentally ill and this cycles through our current
population making a significant i~pact on the local homeless will likely just mean more homeless.
I would consider this a negative goal -- do not do it
Absolutely not. Homelessness and hunger should be addressed by local churches and other charities and individuals.
I think this study is important but my concern lies on how it is done. There is an obvious problem how are we going
to positively change it.
Why is a comprehensive study or any study for that matter being considered to analyze this trend? The jobs are
gone or significantly reduced so
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They're here. WE know it. Use the money for assistance not studies.
There are many too many homeless in Ashland. That is a fact which needs to be dealt with NOT "studied". There is
a large "camp" near the Crowman site DO something about it before someone gets hurt! "Study" won't help.
How much would such a study cost?
We need to work with all people within Ashland boundries
ORGANIZATION Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
important goal im ortant goal
1. Develop plan for fiscal stability, manage costs,
prioritize services, and insure key revenue streams
for the City Parks & Recreation,
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Comments on this goal.
The Parks commission does all of this except "to insure key revenue streams." The City Council must address this
Issue.
My limited experience with Parks and Rec is that this organization is supported by public dollars and lacks any short
or long term vision for running our precious resources. When a parks commissioner was recently requested a I 5 and
10 year plan for the management of Daniel Meyer Pool the answer was there was no plan. Every public dollar needs
to be responsibly managed and accounted for. Every department ought be run as efficiently as possible and have to
answer to some body other than one of its own.
To prioritize services for seniors and disabled citizens in terms of recreation needs. To create more dog friendly areas
that are accessible for the elderly and handicapped who want to walk their dogs in areas that they as citizens are
paying for and do not have access to use.
What about other departments? Should they be included?
Sometime in the future you could talk about more volunteers to help with keeping Ashland beautiful.
Repeal the food tax.
This is why we elected John Stromberg.
The Park Dept, with the city, need to put in sidewalks in Lithia Park all the way to the 'swim hole: to keep people
from walking on the roadway.
the Parks Budget should completely under the City of Ashland with no separation.
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Yes I do believe managing costs n especially those your earmarking for outside consultants n must be a major
consideration. After all consulting is only the beginning of the process then we have to come up with the money to
see the goal come to /Tuition and I haven't seen any estimates for any of the actual work.
Use the meals tax for the improvement of those things that the tourists come to visit the City for not the treatment
plant.
This is an extremely important goal.
Manage costs while decreasing taxes and other inhibitors to prosperity.
Nothing specific
This goal needs restatement. "play", "fun", "recreation" are us in this country. Let us get real - & get a life!! Walk
the miles. They are satisfying in themselves. Don't ride the camel
ORGANIZATION Continued Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
im ortant ~oal im ortant goal
2. Address issues regarding the stability of the
organization including: 36 7 8
Employee recruitment and retention 10 0 2
.
. Succession planning 9 0 3
. Effective and increased use of citizen
volunteers 11 0 1
Comments on this goal.
I think this sentence may be incomplete.
Especially in a community with many retire citizens who are willing to volunteer.
Stop the politicians (City Council) from micromanaging the hired professionals. Either the Council trusts the
professionals they hire or not but hiring good people and then driving them out is not productive.
Also use private local businesses as volunteers
Yes!
Stop hiring outside entities to screen applicants. Save the money and let each dept. go through the applications and
make their own recommendations as THEY need.
Do we really need consultants to do the hiring? Why do we have city administrators? Shouldn't s/he be capable of
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hiring personnel?
Not sure what it means to "address" these issues.
A commendable goal but a little too much on the plate for right now I think. This issue alone is gargantuan. I think
getting a council that functions will address many a staffing issue.
While this is important givent the number of goals and issues the City has to address this should be placed on hold
Statement not clear.
I think this is important especially the citizen volunteers. I think they are one of the most important resources.
Make it worth the time of citizen volunteers by offering a tax rebate for their community service.
A sound organization and happy dedicated employees is good for all of Ashland.
PUBLIC FACILITIES Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
im ortant ~oal important goal
1. Develop a plan to replace Fire Station #2.
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Comments on this goal.
Try to replace without closing Sherwood park.
While this is an important goal we need to wait until the economy recovers to provide the funds to build it.
let it be a model for the rest of the community
Looks like this is too late to react to. We will be losing valuable park space.
Does it need replacing? If it works don't fix it
Again inadequate education to have an informed opinion. But if it is ultimately necessary then "yes".
Good idea.
construction should be in line with costs for other cities: i. e. at least Medford.
This fire station is disgusting. I applaud these people for going to work everyday in this deplorable facility. We owe
these men and woman a better working environment. Why is it we seem to have money for consultants but no
money to improve this facility? Why not get b'l'ant funding to fund the environment goal and use that money -- $440
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000 .. for a new fire station?
It is important city buildings set a standard for development in general but to uPb'fade the fire station in this economy
will require a discussion on how the upgrade will improve function not just ecstatic.
Absolutely! Its a blight to look at right now and our crews deserve better.
Rebuild existing structure.
After the last proposal and based on the edifice that the City approved for Fire Station #1 I question the decision
makeres ability to address this without building another monument.
Why?
Actually it's rather appaling that it is STILL being discussed. They are not asking for a mega-building but what they
need is a better environment then what they have.
Helping the local economy get back on its feet would be in my opinion more important for a win-win Development
Plan.
I don't know which station that is.
PUBLIC FACILITIES Continued Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
important I:oal important I:oal
2. Refine a long term strategy for the Ashland
Fiber Network that improves its financial
viability, provides high quality services to
residents, and promotes healthy economic
development.
Comments on this goal.
The city should get out of the telecom business. At minimum this should be spun off to separate entity like the
hospital was spun out years ago.
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long and short term strategies are usually a good idea
I am a huge fan of AFN. But it is becoming uncompetitive. The service really needs higher bandwidth to the home.
Jim Teece has bold ideas about IPTV but they will be stifled by an inadequate infrastructure.
This goes with being independent locally doesn't it. In my opinion however the AFN must be 1. Fiscally healthy 2.
Provide competitively better customer service(s) before I would be willing as a business person locally to support
AFN. As customer service improves so will support and health I imagine.
What is the present status of this? This should be a private entity. The city needs to get out of this business This
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should have been done years ago. Do The City should not get involved with wireless at this time.
Yes. And this is where you could marry volunteers taken from local Internet entrepreneurs former Silicon Valley
types who've become residents and smart marketeers to revamp this would-be-wonderful infrastructure.
. Get the AFN wireless up to snuff so more people like me can get it.
Money drain.
I don't understand why many in Ashland cannot receive AFN services.... if you don't have maximum customers how
are you going to get out of debt?
The network is a key to allowing people to live here without local jobs.
This implies there is a long-term strategy. Is there?
Its time to say "enough." I was ,an AFN user and supporter for years. I didn't want it disbanded. Now I think its an
albatross.
, How are we doing with that debt??
Advertize the many benefits to folk's changing from Charter to AFN.. What insentives rewards "patriotic" ideas
could be put out there ??
Financial viability is secondary. Internet is now an essential utility like electric or water. It also contributes to many
other goals (economic environmental living-wage).
Abso1uteiy not; this is the purview of private business.
I don't have an opinion on this because AFN should have never been started up in the first place.
If the model is not a success now I don't know how any form of government can help to make it succeed in the
future.
PARTNERSHIPS Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
important I:oal im ortant I:oal
1. Foster strong collaboration of the local
community, City, State and Federal leaders in
efforts to improve the health ofthe Ashland
watershed throngh reducing fire hazards and
restoring forest health.
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Comments on this goal.
This idea could provide jobs for youth and others.
This not an important goal as worded. It is worded in a manner that a vocal minority that does not appear to really
understand economics and ecology will play too big a roll.
Spraying pesticides/chemicals does not help the watershed!
Very important. While much has been accomplished I haven't yet seen an affordable plan that restores the watershed
to a sustainable healthy condition.
Absolutely imperative!
List County leaders also. This should include both public and privately owned lands.
BIG ISSUE.
Marty Main knows, listen! Get that cleaning done this winter. Let public in on obtaining firewood to help with the
clearing of the slash.
Keep Eric off the panel -- his only vision is not to cut any trees and let's face it trees will get cut.
Of high importance!
Yes Yes Yes!!!
No as there is no local state or federal commitment to truly reducing fire hazards and restoring forest health. If
Ashland truly wants to significantly reduce fuel loads thin forests and enhance water availability it will have to act
on its own.
The use of Coordination must be deployed for local action to have authority over state/federal policy. For more
in fo... http://www.stewards.us/strategies/frameset_strategies.htm
It's mess. Future fire will be devistating
Insist of sustainable forestry best practices. Use Lomakatsi.
Today's fire says it all.
PARTNERSHIPS Continued Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
important oal im ortant goal
2. Restore rail service to and through
Ashland.
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Comments on this goal.
Yes!
Maybe
It is a good goal as long as no significant costs are placed on the local tax payers.
Very important! Air service is doomed with fuel and economy issues.
We should have local rail service and light rail. It can't cost more than the constant paving of the freeways and
roads.
Yes! My family would use it!! Now you've got me all excited!!!
Much as I would love to have rail service both south to San Francisco and north to Portland I doubt this can be
accomplished given the current national rail situation and the reality of the backwater we live in. I'd drop this goal to
focus more on things that are more likely to actually, see results.
Not sure what the affect of this is. If you can improve Ashland business by doing this great. But if we just have
trains passing through and carrying product through our town then there is no advantage. Generally speaking If we
are going to recruit businesses that need .rail then it is a positive otherwise it is a negative due to the noise the rail
produces.
very exciting possibility to hook up with Eugene and Portland and of co!,rse our close neighbors to the north--- talent
phoenix Medford
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I!!!!
I would think this would help get more visitors to come to Ashland and allow senior citizens of Ashland access to
travel.
If this means passenger service this would be great! As a frequent traveler I would love to have this option. But I am
not in favor at all of increasing freight service even if this prevents development of passenger service.
I don't know enough about this goal. What's in it for Ashland? The average citizen? Businesses in Ashland?
From where to where? How does Ashland gain with freight passing through town?
Urge tourists to arrive by rail and residents to travel by rail
Sure! I'd gladly use it!
It really depends on what this means. Do we want a midnight train to Portland? No I don't think that ~nyone would
profit from it. How about twice weekly noon trains to Portland and San Francisco? Well maybe. But as with all
things it really depends on price. Compare the time and cost of driving to that of air travel and then to the proposed
train. How would you prefer to travel?
Very important.
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we would even utilize passenger service if it were available.
A lofty goal but if you get a committee to do this and not the council itself it may happen in the next ten years or
so.
Yes! Yes! How do we help? What are the next steps?
!!!
A pipe dream. It is just not going to happen.
Hooray Whee Cheers YES !!
The train service is cheaper & more efficient if it goes thru Medford to the coast & to the larger cities in the North &
west too.But that makes sense so it probably will not pass.
I understand that this would be prohibitively expensive.
Incentivize private industry to invest the risk capital with the city's promise to interfere only when asked and the
rail service restoration project WILL (I guarantee you) be a successful project bringing more tourism dollars to the
city and proving to other city's that a project's success does better if government stands at the ready without
interfering with the project's goals and objectives.
Keep our rail options open.
Is that over the Siskiyous? Are you talking freight? Will there EVER be passenger service?'
This could become a preferred mode of transportation.
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Please list other goals you believe should be considered.
Stop talking about being sustainable and then not acting on it. We are falling behind in being a sustainable and
environmentally conscious city. Medford and Grants Pass is starting to do better. We are stuck with too many
old timers who do not want to change. They are stuck in their ways and are afraid of losing their jobs rather than
doing what is right for the community. Can't we have both? If other cities can do it we can do it. Thank you. I
know most of city employees care but let's move more efficiently and get things done. There has to be creative
ways of generating revenue to support sustainability. Can we think outside the box beyond traditional ways?
Increase revenue by encouraging development and streamlining the process. Reduce the number of marginal
and redundant employees; sell 1/2 the city's truck fleet. Pass an ordinance which will empower the police to
transport vagrants and drug sellers elsewhere.
Raising revenues to fund more public art festivals (music and art) and cultivate Ashland's unique art education
offerings (SOU Dance programs music programs painting classes etc)
Developing services that serve the needs of the increasing population of retirees
As I said above support oflocal growers of organic foods is as important as WATER issues. Also prohibiting
Genetically Modified and wide scale chemical spraying is imperative. Finally I want to make a plug for making
Ashland a more "pet friendly" community. Look around there is a very high pet populace. I consider this an
indicator of the future. Pets are here to stay. More homes have pets than ever before. There is a reason for this.
Even so there needs to be responsibility for those pets. People who are afraid allergic or bothered by pets need
space to be "pet-free". Just so those of us who love the nature of pets and "pet-people" want spaces that we can
enjoy with pets. Couldn't we have just one "off leash" pet friendly trail park lake bike/walk path? Couldn't we
find some agreed upon guidelines that allow for those of us who are responsible to enjoy our pets and others'
outdoors but offer consequences for those owners who refuse to comply with the responsibilities (picking up
after your pet controlling around others etc)? That's my idea anyway a pet-friendly but still honoring of non-pet
people Ashland. Dcborah Ivanoff 83 N Wightman St Ashland 488-1678
I. All City Departments should form plans for being more efficient and productive. 2. Develop a
comprehensive plan for bicycle & pedestrian paths lanes and routes. 3. Assist in development of the recent SOU
master plan.
Take a good look at the arable land in the valley and keep it for future small farm production so the valley can
feed itself. Less development unless the developer provides land for food production and water retention and
low impact smaller denser building.
find other sources of revenue other than property taxes/ and taxes on home owner services...ie. sewer...etc.
Emergency planning' Ashland WILL.. again.. face natural and man-made disasters. Set as a goal that
emergency planning and support for emergency services including local volunteer services (CERT) will always
be considered among the goals and will continue to be funded at a level that precludes overwhelm and collapse.
Thank you for giving Ashland residents such a user-friendly way to have our say and participate meaningfully in
the governing of our City.
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Improvement of SOU/City relations.
Buses UP & down Mountain Ave. PLEASE!!
Until this depression is over I would like to see the Council make quicker decisions on everything that comes
before them rather than referring most things to some committe & report back in 6 months or so.
A functioning Community Competitive Swimming pool. This could be through Parks and Rec or at the high
school.
I. Create design standards for solar orientation for streets roofs and building layout. 2. Create standards for
rainwater infiltration that can be used by the general public without hiring engineering services. 3. Create a
Sustainability Plan or Sustainability Element to the Comprehensive Plan. Do scenario planning. 4. Create a
Dept. of Food Security and Soil Fertility.
lower the use of pesticides in public parks and schools and let the public know when an area is being sprayed
have more public art the peace wall is a great addition
Please consider learning about and embracing the Triple Bottom Line (people planet profit) for businesses and
organizations and create an overall vision and theme to create a Culture of Sustainability. This can be a
powerful value and vision people can rally around! Thank you David Wick
A lot of goals, given the number of staff and the budget restrictions, the time table in the overview make these
goals somewhat more realistic.
More emphasis on nutrition, food, & health. I understand that this survey addresses two & three year goals.
However goals derive. from visions (dreams) and values (as these are slow to change) require 30 ears - ifnot a
life time of experience. I see this at the age of 80+.
[These were sent to the Mayor, in response to his recent request for commentl
John,
Thank you for the chance to comment upon the Council's goals. I have gone through the three supplied
documents and, of course, find little to dispute. My issue is that while all of these are laudable goals, they are, in
some cases, at least potentially in conflict with each other and, more importantly, lack any sort of prioritization
or implementation strategies. For example, we are all for "increasing the number of family wage jobs in the
c
community" but I think it unrealistic not to acknowledge that it some cases that may require tradeoffs that at
least SOME people will think impact neighborhoods or maintains our architectural heritage. Life is filled with
trade-offs and I hope the Council will recognize that sometimes something has to give to achieve a larger goal.
How we achieve that balance is key. I read the "Vision" statement that "every resident can find shopping,
recreation and open space within an easy walk from their home" and wonder if you are going to consider
neighborhood commercial zoning within established RI or R2 districts in Quiet Village or Oak Knoll? I think
that would be a fine idea, and I think it should meet much of the City's intent to reduce reliance on cars but I
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expect such a proposal would be met with concern within those neighborhoods. In otherwords, saying that
wa1kable cities are a goal is fine, but what exactly is the City going to actually DO to encourage that sort of
development?
I appreciate that the Draft Council Vision is just that, a Draft. However I think that as a City we need to get
serious about how we are going to plan for the future and make some practical, realistic, decisions about what
we want thai future to be in recognition that we can't realistically please everyone all the time. I strongly urge .
Council to reduce its goals to two or three or five, even if they are interim goals with the existing framework,
and direct its efforts toward making measurable progress on them. Each goal must have a realistic operational
strategy behind it and provide Staff and the Community with direction as to how we can work together to
achieve short and long-term progress in that particular area.
George Kramer
Kramer & Company
386 North Laurel
********************************************************
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I would ask you to seriously consider having on your agenda for 2010 the matter of reducing pesticide use in the
city of Ashland and the Ashland city parks.
Respectively,
Carol Starr
546 N. Laurel St
********************************************************
I assume that keeping our water free from ski runs and flowing is still a top priority.
Please ask that the city pay attention to the reduction of pesticide use in the parks, schools and all community
areas. The 1996 city ordinance for reducin'g pesticide use needs to be implemented. The community needs to
know when pesticides are being used until such time that they can be replaced with something less harmful.
After this day of fires and trying to find up to the hour information, I would suggest that a community radio
station be know to all of us and that it truly be updated frequently.
On a lighter side I think public art should be encouraged. In a town know for it's theatre arts more public art
would be welcomed. I am thrilled about the peace wall that was dedicated today in front of the library.
Affordable housing for young people is also of interest.
Ashland is a great little town. Many thanks to all who work hard to make it that way.
Linda Merryman
***********************************************************
Hi, John,
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I did have it in my head that I would also submit the online forms, but I put it off until tonight, thinking the
deadline was midnight. Alas, the deadline must have been 5 PM because they are gone! C'est la vie.
Thank you for this opportunity to express my opinions about the City's Values, Visions and Goals.
To me, the most important value is grassroots participatory democracy from which all else flows, and from
which is derived lasting peace. In my vision of the future, all citizens are actively engaged in local politics. They
are equipped with sufficiently accurate and complete background materials to make thoughtful informed
decisions. Citizens have great fun engaging in discussions with equally passionate people with different views.
They work together to find common ground and win-win opportunities. Because all citizens have acquired great
communication skills, they are able to confront one another with opposing viewpoints while simultaneously
expressing love and compassion for one another. Hence, they form strong connections despite their differences.
Once they are able to dispense with or transcend the need to prove one another wrong or make other ego-based
accusations, people can talk about the things that really matter and get on with the business of building
community a
nd supplying city services, together.
To realize this vision, the city must establish as a goal the attainment of a higher level of communication among
all citizens. It could start with a commitment to do so at the council, top level staff and commission levels. It
could be accomplished with very little expense by assigning trained volunteer communication coaches to each
person within those bodies. We have a surprising number of highly qualified communications instructors in
town who I believe would love to do this work pro bono (at least for a while, and perhaps in a round-robin
fashion it could be done indefinitely). The main expense would be in providing the time for staff to confer with
the coaches on a regular and frequent basis. Peace House would be happy to flesh out a precise program for
doing this, perhaps as a pilot program.
I wish to comment on the City's goals that call for the eventual establishment of redevelopment or enterprise
zones. I think we need to proceed very very cautiously down those roads and consider long range effects (by
studying the long range effects on communities that have done those before us) and alternatives such as putting
similar effort and expense into boosting existing local businesses. Performing a comprehensive analysis of
import substitution opportunities, for exa~ple, might be more beneficial than anything we might do to lure
businesses to relocate here (usually temporarily and usually bringing their own employees from elsewhere for an
overall net job loss to the community).
As an immediate goal, I would like to see councilors, planning staff and certain commissioners become
experienced at future scenario planning. Ideally, this should be done alongside business and community leaders
including leaders in science and technology. The Ford Family Foundation can provide a one-day workshop on
future scenario planning, specifically for the Pacific Northwest, for less than $2,000 and of which at least half
could be funded by a I,'fant that they would help us obtain. So, the net cost would be less than $1,000. I would
very much like to put the person at The FFF in touch with Martha or other appropriate person to make this
happen soon. I could personally help make arrangements so as to alleviate staff time for doing that.
As you are aware, I have been working with Melanie Mindlin and others on our Transition Town Ashland
Initiating team to produce a rather detailed feedback document from the IT A perspective. I believe all the other
items that are important to me are covered therein. So, 1 will stop here.
Thanks again for this opportunity.
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Yours,
Pam
**************************************
Hello John
I'm writing in response to your forwarded email from Michael Cecil (to our Elder group).
My initial comment will be about health, which is conspicuously absent from the list. Then I will offer some
general comments on the main document.
Health
Despite pronouncements from the W.H.O., governmental reports, major hospitals and noted physicians, little to
no progress has been made in reducing the preventable chronic degenerative diseases like cancer, heart disease,
stroke,.diabetes, respiratory disease and obesity.
Three major factors contribute greatly to these illnesses: poor diet, stress and inadequate exercise. There are
others of course, but let's keep it simple for now.
Just looking at diet, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN ASHLAND IF 70-80% OF OUR POPULATION STOPPED
CONSUMING SUGAR AND PROCESSED FOOD???
If this "first step" were actualized, I'd predict a steep decline of these chronic diseases over a 10 year period. I
don't know what the direct financial impact of such a decline would be for the city, aside from a drop in
insurance costs and sick time for city employees. Other benefits might include, increases in productivity, overall
sense of well-being, greater resilience in the face of stress and better mood.
And if a large percentage of our population made healthier food' choices, the city-wide impact could be
considerable. Ashland could be the healthiest city in the US!
In respect of your time, I won't go on about this, except to suggest that a Health Statement be included in the list.
All of the other items would be enhanced by an increase in community wellness.
Personal Well Being might be modified to: Personal Health & Well Being. Here is my suggestion to modify the
existing statement (additions in bold):
We believe each person needs adequate food, clothing, housing, transportation, health care and personal safety.
We believe all people seek physical, mental, and emotional well-being when provided with adequate
information, education and community support. Therefore, we value and encourage healthy lifestyle factors such
as whole foods, exercise, rest, and spiritual pursuit.
I am interested in volunteering some time to explore the possibility and practicality of a community-based
education & support program to improve the lifestyle choices of our residents. I'm sure I could find some other
health care professionals who would do the same. Ashland i? unique in it's abundance of health professionals
who appreciate the value lifestyle in disease-prevention and well-being. Please let me know if you would like to
have a conversation about this.
Other Comments
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I prefer councilor Vi os in's alternatives, except for the last one, which, in my opinion, lumps too many things
together that deserve separate mention.
Independence (suggested change) . We value our ability to be innovative, to set our own course, and provide
appropriate public services to benefit our community in changing times.
I'm glad to see statements like this being supported by our city council. I hope the "will" is there to actualize
these intentions. I would hope that these statements, and actions to support their intention, will be developed
further in the future.
Thank you for your invitation to offer feedback!
Blessings,
Dane Roubos, D.C.
******************************************
John,
I send this in with great trepidation, because I am afraid that it will just
fall on deaf ears, but here is goes;
Every Council likes to think big and set lofty goals and have wonderful
vision of the future, but what I think needs to happen, especially during
these challenging times, is that the Council need to concentrate on is
getting the City's 'house in order'. We need to provide a secure source of
water during droughts and emergencies, by connecting the TAP pipeline. We
need to streamline our planning and building requirements so they make sense
and not counter-dictated themselves. We need to understand that supporting
the small business that are currently present is going to help our citizen
even more that trying to bring new companies to town. We need to grapple
with the ever growing budget, and need to look at what is truly needed and
what is not. I would also suggest that we need to look at exactly where we
are spending the citizen's money, and how we can deliever better services
without such high cost.
In summary, rather than look to some great change that is needed (because it
is not a bad place now, thanks to past City governments), we need to do some
house cleaning and strengthen what we already have.
Greg Williams
*******************************************
Good Afternoon John,
Thanks for including me in the request for opinion.
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I've reviewed your three attachments with the eye of a person who has lead and been a participant in many
planning processes for 40 or so years. Too often the resulting document is in a beautiful binder with colorful
charts. Later, a new CEO, Mayor, Manager, etc., finds the book beneath the dust of intervening years. I hope
that the goal of succession planning will help the Ashland Plan be alive and dynamic for many years.
Ten years ago the Chamber established the Economic Sustainability Committee. Then Mayor DeBoer and City
Administrator Gino, represented the City as Jim Teece led us through a SWOT exercise. Our values then are
much the same as those of the council today. Many of the economic development programs the Chamber
initiated are the results of goals we set then.
The Croman property was in question then. I am happy that we have gotten the state involved and that the plan
in moving forward.
The goals and values are all admirable. Many are works in progress, i.e. Clay' Street housing. Others require
change beyond our city limits, " Minimize new automobile related infrastructure."
Others are vague, such as increasing the number of family wage jobs. Does this mean recruiting businesses that
pay more or getting existing employers (public and private) to pay more, or both? What does "strong
neighborhoods" mean?
A final thought (though I'm sure that were we sitting over coffee the conversation could go for hours): Please
don't let the planning get in the way of attention to the many issues that are already on our collective plate.
Looking Forward,
Graham
****************************************
Oh, boy. This is a big chunk to bite into.
SHORT ANSWER:
Do not start talking about new values, visions, and goals until you have
written and approved an updated Comprehensive Plan, passed a
FUNCTIONAL Riparian Ordinance, cleaned up the land use code, and
taken care of any other unfinished business that is unexciting but more
important.
LONG ANSWER:
First, altho like most of us in town, 1 do "think about" the city government and
applaud their decisions or roll my eyes just like everyon~ else, I do not have
a clear idea of "how the city ought to be run". I also tend to have "pieces of
information" regarding issues the city council is considering or has voted on,
but I may be wrong about some things. I have no government experience,
but I worked for a land planner in Ashland for 5 years, and for a rural
municipal fire department in l1Iinois for three years.
o
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City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Because of your emails, I have now gone to the city website and skimmed
the vision statement and values. I don't understand if I am supposed to pick
one vision statement or if I can pick them all. The values ,.. well, how could
anyone argue about those?
So that leaves the "goals". Here is where I have issues. First, I always get
confused about the difference between goals and objectives. Are objectives
the ones that are supposed to be measurable and quantifiable? Because
these goals certainly are not that.
[ realize that the mayor and city council are supposed to provide "direction".
However, thisvalues/visions/goals thing seems like a way to avoid the
un glamorous work of cleaning up what is still left undone and thinking about
all the glittery, eco-cool things that are just over the horizon.
My main "belief" about the city's existing rules and regs is that many of them
(Land Use Ordinances, etc.) are written in vague language, they conflict with
each other, and no one really knows what many of them are or where to find
them because they are scattered about in various places in the
documentation. Writing more codes like that is not going to accomplish
. much except to add to the confusion. In my opinion, nothing new should be
contemplated until what you have is cleaned up.
If I remember correctly, the city's comprehensive plan is long past the
. deadline by which it was supposed to be updated. How can there be talk of
"visions and values" when important things like a comprehensive plan are
always pushed to the bottom of the to-do list? "Develop an integrated land
use and transportation plan ..." is one of the goals. But will it ever get done?
Isn't a comprehensive plan the first step?
Example of talk but no action: Riparian ordinance. I have no personal
involvement or interest in this ordinance, but people I know do. Apparently
this ordinance has been "in the works" since at least 200 I and was
mandated in 1996. The current ordinances that refer to riparian zones are
conflicting, not clearly defined, and buried in various parts of the city code,
such that no one could find or comply with them all. And yet the "new"
ordinance is still languishing. Meanwhile the city itself paved right up to the
bank of Ashland Creek when it created the skate park! Yet we call ourselves
a "green" and "progessive" town. We talk the talk, but we don't walk the
walk.
Sorry to sound so negative. I love Ashland, [ love living in Ashland and don't
plan to ever leave it. But asking me to "vote" on vague things like
"Implement environmentally responsible design standards" ... I just can't do
it. The amount of research and discussion involved just in agreeing on a
definition of "environmentally responsible design standards" seems
overwhelming.
Page 33 of 40
Goals Feedback
City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
I think all of the goals are just swell. But they seem very "Ashland" in that
they make people feel good, but are mostly intangible or unmeasurable.
Where is the data going to come from to prove that you have reduced per
capita automobile miles traveled? What is the per capita mileage now? How
much is it going to be reduced? What will be the cost? What is the total
environmental cost of auto mileage vs the alternatives?
How can you "Increase the clarity, responsiveness, and certainty of the
development process" without a new comprehensive plan and clean up of
the land use ordinances? (J believe I read that this was being reviewed, but
will it take 15 years forrevisions to get approved?)
Here are my votes:
Revise and adopt an updated Comprehensive Plan (which could include
many of the things on your wish list ... altho they would probably be vaguely
defined again).
Review the proposed Riparian Ordinance and anything else already on your
plate to make sure it is CLEAR, then adopt it/them. (Example: ifhow to
determine "high bank" and "low bank" are not clearly defined, the ordinance
will just cause more confusion and not be applied consistently, and you have
accomplished nothing.)
Only after the city council accomplishes those tasks, and can maintain a
balanced budget, should it take on new trendy tasks. And I want to see
measurable objectives (or whatever you want to call them) before I vote on
any of them.
Barb Barasa
262 W Hersey
***********************************
Dear John:
Thanks for asking!
Here are a few of my ideas, prefaced by some general precepts.
1. Our nation is increasingly dominated by corporate values, to the detriment of people and the environment.
2. Due to the war-based economy, there is less money for human services, environmental protection, municipal
services and projects.
3. Our planet is facing ecological disaster in the next half century from global climate disruption, pollution, and
related military actions to secure increasing scarce resources.
4. Ashland has the potential in terms of geographic, human and natural resources, and values - to be a self-
sustaining model to other communities.
Suggestions:
These are ideas that will not cost large sums of money, since that seems more realistic in the current economic
climate.
Page 34 of 40
Goals Feedback
City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Goal: increase local food production and consumption
1. transform 1/3 of public parks, golf courses and other public lands to food production
2. tap into state funding to train young farmers and put them to work on these new farm lands
3. require food markets to mark locally produced foods prominently as such.
4. educate citizens as to the value of buying local foods.
5. decrease the cost of city water to local food growers
Goal: Make Ashland affordable to low and middle income citizens. (increasingly service workers in Ashland
must commute from Medford and elsewhere due to the high cost of living in Ashland)
I. require all new housing to be affordable to low and moderate income families (under $200,000)
2. redirect food and entertainment taxes. to fund improved public transportation (more busses, more hours of
operation) , free bikes, etc.
3. reward local businesses that offer aliving wage and health benefits to employees.
4. massive public education program regarding the economic value of BUYING LOCAL.
5. no national chain stores in Ashland (starbucks, mc donalds, walmarts)
Goal: Protect our water supply
I. no more building or forest clearing that thrcatens our watershed
2. require replanting of forests destroyed by private or public logging.
Goal: Health Care: provide single payer health care to the citizens of Ashland.
1. work with State and federal public health prol,'fams and services, as well as clinics, the hospital and private
providers to develop a plan to expand care here to all residents.
2. develop a health care fund administered by the City, by redirecting money now being paid to private health
insurance companies (20 - 30% of which goes to obscene profits and lobbying elected officials to vote against
single payer plans). Ifhalf of Ashland businesses and residents who now pay private insurance companies for
health care that is expensive and spotty, at best, redirected these funds, there should be enough money to begin
this process of developing a model single payer system here.
3. fund preventive and early intervention services which will reduce the cost of expensive treatment, by keeping
residents healthy, and treating problems before they require high cost tertiary care.
4. reward health care providers who employ middle level care providers (nurse practitioners, midwives,
physician assistants, dental assistants, etc).
Goal: Make Ashland more sustainable
Eliminate state and local regulations that impede sustainablilty:
1. increase height of deer fencing (so people can grow more of their own food)
2. composting toilets (save water)'
3. grey water collection systems (save drinking water)
4. curbsite post consumer food recycling (to provide carbon to our soils) requires changes in State regs...
5. reward bike riders and users of public transportation
6. work with the County building code requrements to allow alternative building options (Class K owner builder
permits)
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City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
7. subsidize alternative energy installations in private and public buildings.
8. use federal green jobs funds to hire local people to make our building more energy efficient.
John: I forgot one thing: Require all new building and renovations to install roof top solar hot water heaters.
***************************************
Having read the vision statement PDF, I am very impressed. This is a
community I want to live in, as envisioned in your statement. I would only
add that its budget is balanced and taxes are not prohibitive. Families of
all economic levels are able to live in this blissful place.
Thank you for doing this, John, and Councilors. Keep up your good work.
Sincerely,
Nancy Parker
456 Euclid St., Ashland
***************************************
Dear John:
You know I'm not computer friendly, but I couldn't connect with the newspaper listing for Vision goals listed as
www.ashland.or.lls/Section-lndex.asp?ScctionID=7 .
So', Visions to share with Council and Planning peoples:
I). I'm really upset how the Crowman Property Proposal has developed. The light industrial zoning is down to
22%. When I was on Planning Comm., we wanted to keep it at 100% because there was NO OTHER PLACE
TO PUT IT in the long term. WE DO W ANT SUSTAINABLE LIVING WAGES HERE. This idea of offices
and housing is absolutely short-sighted. The owners of the property probably like the current ratio because it
would be easier to sell small parcels for those two zonings soon, than to wait for the light industrial development
which might take years to develop. As Michael Dawkins says, the current ratio dilutes the core of the City. And
the idea of a park there that drinks water is ridiculous. Any open ground should absolutely be used a windmill
site to power the industry within the zoning!!! (As in "sustainable")
2) Windmills. I've just become acquainted with the windmills that Randy Warren is installing. Take a look at the
one on the Pierce hops farm on Butler Creek Rd, one dirt driveway past the dirt road to the new Ashland
Greenhouses. These are only 30 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide. They opereate on low winds, 4 miles per hour. THEY
MAKE NO NOISE. Our Planning Dept. must be directed to immediately begin preparing ordinances/codes that
apply to residential sized windmills. There will soon be a bIg demand for them!! We realize that the City would
rather keep the "customers" for their own utilities, but that is short-sighted if "sustainable" is truly a goal. Look
into these windmills the acreage the City owns across the freeway for immediate installation.
3) The SOU 10 year proposed plan is way overreaching in the amount of housing they want. The City is
currently full of rentals at reduced prices. As I wrote to Carol Voison and to the SOU administration, their
partnership with the town, (old fashioned "town and gown"), would be compromised by their setting up a ghetto
like district. In that plan, they have housing on land close to the Science Museum. THAT site should be put in
windmills and solar collectors to run the campus as well as be accessible for science education.
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City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
4) Neither you or the Council appear to grasp the angst of the community in regards to the manner in which you
choose to spend tax payer's monies while steadily increasing fees and taxes of all sorts!!! This latest $25,000
expenditure for a hiring firm for the AFN position is case in point. YOU GUYS REFUSE TO ADJUST TO
THE CONDITIONS. For starters, to show that you are really trying to keep down costs, there should be a full-
out MORITORIUM on all consultants & travel for conferences. People say that the City is not being managed
as a personal business would with real limits on spending.
5) Too much time is spent on nudity-like issues rather than real problems.
Hey, John, thinking of you. Rarely get to meetings anymore, but thinking.......
Respectfully,
Marilyn Briggs
*************************************
Dear Mayor Stromberg-
My wife and I moved to Ashland three years ago. The quality of life,
the beautiful location and the enormous public asset of Lithia Park
were factors in our decision. We spent (and spend) a great deal of
time in the park, unaware of the extent of pesticide/herbicide use.
Recently we saw a map of the chemical applications in the park, many
in the riparian zone, so we wanted to walk in a way to avoid
exposure, but without signage, we have no way of knowing where it's
applied, what is applied, or when. We have noted the signs posted
for poison oak, hazardous creek water, bears, and yellow jackets, but
never any notification that chemicals were being applied. We think
the general public is as unaware as we were. As a matter of public
health and safety, that seems an oversight.
We have been glad to see your emphasis on sustainability for the city
and the impact it's having, but reviewing the City Council's
2009-2010 adopted goals, and the Draft Values and Vision document,
there is no mention of the issue of pesticidelherbicide use, or the
elimination of them.
Arcata, California has been pesticide free since 2000 and there are
dozens of pesticide free parks in Oregon and the Northwest. Since it
is so achievable and successful, why would Ashland not see pesticide
free status for itself as a desirable goal as part of its
sustainability vision?
Allan Peterson, 807 Beach Street, Ashland
**********************************************
INPUT TO COUNCIL VISION & GOALS DOCUMENTS
D. Montgomery
Page 37 of 40
Goals Fccdb:lck
City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
September 21, 2009
Hi John
In response to your request for input to the Councils vision and goals documents, I've drafted a few comments
based on my views for the city in the decade ahead. I've concentrated mainly on goals since I'm not much of a
visionary, but, maybe some of my comments could find their way into the vision document.
The comments below are in no particular order and are arranged as I've thought of them.
GOOD GOVERNMENT:
Form of Government: From our previous conversations, you're
aware of my position regarding the form of government for
Ashland. As a goal, there should be a revisit to the City
Charter, which is woefully out of date, and an opportunity
for the citizens to assess and vote again on the advantages
of a City Manager form of government. This will require
strong and continuing support from the Council and City
staff, especially up to and including the ballot measures
and a deflection of scare tactics pursued by a vocal
minority. (Nuff said)
City Leadership & Staff: There should be initiatives to
upgrade the skills and capabilities of the city staff,
especially in areas involving technology. An inordinate
amount of money is spent on consultants (including search
firms/"head hunters"), which is probably a reflection of a
lack of capability within the ranks of city staff. And, it
'seems that the results of consultants work is often
mediocre at best. The last time I checked there was only
one staff member with a degree in a field of engineering or
science. In the decade ahead new and innovative
technologies will be required to address energy
efficiencies, water quality, data management, climate
change effects, sustainability, to mention a few. City
staff, especially in public works, the electrical
department and IT group will be called upon to both
evaluate and selectively adopt new technologies appropriate
to the needs of the city. This capability should reside in-house. Requirements for new hires should include an
undergraduate degree appropriate for the position. Present staff should be encouraged to obtain an
undergraduate degree as a condition for promotions. Key staff members, including the City Administrator (or
Manager) should have a degree in public administration or management with an emphasis on the public sector.
Monies now spent for consultants should be used to establish a tuition support program whereby staff can
pursue a degree, part-time, taking advantage of on-line or local courses and with city reimbursement for tuition.
Page 38 of 40
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City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
PARKS: Ashland has some of the finest parks in the state, if not
the country. This comes at a price, and one must ask if
this can be sustained over the next decade. Some ten years
ago a citizens group advocated a park within one-quarter
mile of every Ashland resident. This has been adopted by
the Parks Commission and the Department is headlong into
it's implementation. Many "pocket parks" are relatively
unused today. It's time to reassess this goal and detennine
if it is appropriate and affordable over the next decade. A
more reasonable approach may be to set a goal for open
space within city boundaries, and acquire land commensurate
with that goal- but limit the development of this land
into parks so that the need to increase parks maintenance
staff is restrained and the parks budget is constrained to
remain within the overall city budget without raising taxes
for support. As the cost of energy and it's affect on
utility rates in the next decade increases, the city may
not be able to sustain a parks program as it now exists,
(the meals tax may not survive over the next decade).!t
will prudent to examine the viability and affordability of
maintaining the autonomy of the parks department. An
efficient and cost-effective city government may well
demand that the parks director report directly to the City
Adminisirator (Manager) with the Department aligned with
other city departments.
HOMELESS POPULATION: There is an ever present population of
homeless individuals in Ashland - they are an element of
the city rather than members of the community and there is
no evidence that this population will not continue to find
Ashland a desirable destination. They are underserved and,
as such they represent a threat to our watershed (fires
and camping), react negatively with the tourist population
and business community, and are unable to contribute to
the community. In the near term of the decade, a program
must be developed, with the aid of a county/affected
cities coalition, to provide limited stay shelter(s),
food and counseling to the homeless individuals such that
they are not diverted to the watershed, bridges, and
streets etc. and are provided with an opportunity to give
back to the city through work-related and volunteer
programs.
***********************~******
Submitted by the Conservation Commission:
Council Goals
Page 39 of 40
Goals Feedback
City of Ashland
Goals
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Environment: Adopt land use codes, building codes, and fee structures that create strong incentives for new
development that is energy, water, and land efficient and supports a multi-modal transportation system.
Encourage Alternative Methods of Rainwater Harvesting Systems--educate appropriate City
staff & community toward implementation including incentive(s).
Water conservation is standard practice in all buildings and in landscaping.
Street traffic is reduced by 40%.
Environment: Adopt an integrated Water Master Plan that addresses long-term water supply including climate
change issues, security and redundancy, watershed health, conservation and reuse, and stream health.
Stream health beginning with storm drains.
-,
Page 40 of 40
Goals Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
a. Transparent, honest, responsive 92 1 0
b. Strong, creative leadership 84 6 3
c. Excellent public service 83 3 2
d. Stewards of public resources 88 4 1
e. Active, intelligent respectful citizen 87 4 2
involvement
f. Volunteerism in government and community 83 4 4
Other suggested values for Good Government
Strong ethical behavior
Strong creative leadership got us into AFN. Steady careful thoughtful leadership is more my style. -John
Gaffey
Strong creative leadership should include "receptive and adaptive to public input" because ifleadership is too
strong this becomes the few leading the many where they don't want to go. It happens. I see "responsive"
above but 'responsive' includes answering 'no' to public input. An example could be a city waiving a traffic
study for a big box despite significant public opposition. I personally don't prefer the term "Good Government"
because it used to be a partisan political slogan at one time .
How would anyone not value these?
These are not values which are held by the present council members judging by their attitudes toward business
citizens (listen and ignore them at meetings) extravagant expenditures on a multitude of studies surveys and
reports by outside agencies or individuals. Use the talent of your citizens to produce policy papers. Listen to
the constituents
Fiscal discipline needs to be high on this list of priorities
A government that carries through with it goals plans and visions
Often times there is much public talk, make that listening at hearings and discussions to the leaders with very
limited public input. Then, don't be repetitious, just make a decision and go!
Wow really do this. Leave this.
You need to appoint more committees to do what you're suggesting consultants do. You need to draw from the
local pool of experts first. Give the locals a chance to come up with a plan to works for the people it will
serve.
Page 1 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
councilors that abide by the ordinance and laws of the City of Ashland.
To create an environment where discussions are civil and respectful of diverse opinions. Ranting shouting
and general nastiness not acceptable.
Diligent FOLLOW THROUGH on goals set in alignment with shared values
I like the proposed re-wording by V oison.
Hiring locally. Spending locally. Banking locally. Investing locally. Remembering the economic multiplier
effect in all things...as the city is our town's largest economic engine.
The city should fairly represents all interests of community members not just the most influential.
I'm confused as to why strong and creative were lumped together. I see our city and citizens as creative but [
don't really value that in my council. The council should listen and lead the people should offer creative
solutions. In my city council I DO value strong leadership. This is a very strange and very skewed survey. The
opinion "NO I don't value" is highly loaded and negative whereas a response of "this is LESS valuable than
other qualities" is more appropriate. You're only going to get from this survey what you want to hear.
I would also vote for the flag motherhood and apple pie. These are worse than softball questions. These
brainless options make the city think it did something when it did not.
separate church from state particularly in our schools
I had to stop supporting different survey "values" as you've combined too many undefined terms and options.
In future surveys please don't lump several choices in any of your "values" and define vague terms such as
"stewards" "enhance" and "treasure."
LESS government (reject the federal and state bribes!) releasing private industry to responsibly compete for a
better consumer value.
Compassion and understanding for citizens and employees in the daily conducting of business.
Solutions often requirer hard questions and answers. Not just surface feelings that often change due to
uninformed opinions. Often it's not enough to make decisions educate with facts for support.
There is a difference between holding public h~arings and collaborating with citizens in decisions or making
policy direction. Despite the attempts at allowing public access there is a perception (legitimate in my
opinion) that this is pretty much lip service and decisions have been made in advance. For example the city
was telling people for a couple of years that they were going to do a Visioning Process involving the
community and set aside funds to do so. Now we have a questionnaire created by city officials and staff on
which people are invited to vote yes or no. This is not my idea of involving the community in formulating a
vision of the future of Ashland. City Council is overworked with a myriad of important issues to consider.
This means they have little time for substantive consideration of many matters relevant to the future of our
town. Still they discourage leadership from the volunteer commissions. This should change to a more
Page 2 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
collaborative process.
More community involvement
Frugality in the matter of materials (this is an age of wanton waste) by citizens & leadership.
V oisin's version is cleaner, less verbose
Natural Environment Yes, I value No, I don't value
a. Beauty and Quality 86 6 0
b. Enhance quality of air, water, land, open
spaces, wildlife habitat 84 5 4
c. Treasure parks, natural areas and
recreational opportunities 87 6 1
Other suggested values for Natural Environment'
I am concerned about the ubiquitous use ofloud polluting devices like leaf blowers. Walking in Lithia Park on
some mornings it is deafening to pass by a leaf blower or mower in use. The same is true walking downtown
and in many neighborhoods. The blower operator often does not recognize when someone is passing by and
there is a hazard of debris blowing into the eyes or hitting the body of the passerby. In my own neighborhood
gardening services working across the fence create such a painful roar that I must retreat from my garden. I
understand that these small motors create more air pollution than cars. I would like to see some restriction on
this type of air and noise pollution in Ashland for the benefit of our air our ears and quality of life in general.
Thank you.
Would like to see "Water supply never released to private resale" language, of some sort; needs comma "water
land open..." "water land
b. put comma after water
Work with FS to thin dense forest ingrowth
Would like to have dogs allowed in parks
I value our ability to enhance areas such as Guanajato ('I) Way giving pleasure to the many visitors and
residents who enjoy the comfort and beauty of our outdoors
Keep the few remaining farm land on East Main and other places. Farms next to city boundries are a necessity
to a sustainable future. Keep a firm growth boundry; no more suburbs and sprawling development. Kathleen
Page 3 or 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Meagher
I do not believe that the park department values the needs of all of the citizens in Ashland. The parks have NO
ANIMAL signs posted in the parks. There should be an exception which states that service dogs are allowed.
Currently these signs are not in compliance with federal Law (ADA) which allows service dogs to be with a
person with a disability. The areas that are listed as dog friendly parks are not designed to allow access for a
person with a disability. They are not accurately identified as to location in the parks recreation guide
published for the current year. There is a deer overpopulation problem in Ashland which is effecting the
natural beauty of our town.
If we are going to have the above resource values we need to take action in areas which have long been a
problem in Ashland. Number 1 the deer. The are rats with hooves. Every one complains no one dooes
anything. 1. Make it a crime to feed them with a LARGE fine ($1000. each offense) if you do. 2. Round them
up and cull - stock the food bank and soup kitchens. No kidding
Making the permanence of Lithia Park and other core natural resources part of the city charter would still be a
good thing. We are currently relying on the state for that check and balance; this goes against the value of self-
reliance (below) and is easily remedied.
This should be our highest priority
recreational opportunities for all
We are not in favor of councilor Voisin's choice of wording. It would leave open the opportunity for some to
put more value on an area of dried brush rather than on the safety of our citizens from fire. It could legitimize
valuing a bug or a tiny minnow over watering crops or saving people's Iivli~ood. We have all seen it before.
Maintain it'
Looks good now, but not to exclude humans.
I value a identifying the natural resources of the city and value goals sustaining ofthe natural resources of the
City of Ashland.
Ways to support these? Through taxation?
Water conservation and optimization Soil protection and enhancement Restore and maintain native ecologies
Forest restoration.
BUT that don't require many homeowner associations in order to get those natural areas.
Particularly value natural area of North Mt. Park
Again I like V oison's proposed language better.
Promote gardens for all. Require green (not gravel) by homeowners on streetscapes.
Page 4 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
The city should encourage home water use to go toward sustain ability gardens not lawns.
Again because many of these variables are lumped together I cannot accurately respond.
We need a large community center with lots of meeting rooms and parking maybe near the Science Museum.
preserve flyways and watering areas for mi,,'fatory birds; encourage local bird & animal popluations via
plantings vehicle traffic curtailment preservation of interstitial parklands and waterways (sometimes just a
little bit of green space inbetween urban development can make a big difference)
I would like to see more emphasis put on public transportation. Right now the city bus routes though more
,
frequent since September are still limited in location. There needs to be coverage of streets like N Main and N
Mountain perhaps B street...this is good not only for low-income people and people who choose to live
without cars but also for the environment.
Ditto above comments.
Allow 'the people' to access 'public lal)ds' FREELY by not allowing private environmental groups like KS
Wild to lock up OUR natural resources. We need what springs forth from this earth to survive so any intrusive
restriction on access to public lands is an assault on humanity.
I beleive in case by case judgement not cookie cutter answers that don't take into question the whole picture.
No herbicides and pesticides: educate the public and create an integrated pest management plan that will wean
the Park Dept. from using toxic materials. There is a waiting list for community gardens; make more of them.
We don't need more ball fields; the national statistics for number of ball fields per population don't apply to our
community with its low number of children and should not be a priority just because Parks staff thinks they're
a good idea. No building in the bottomlands/tlood zone--this land should be used for local food production.
Maintain meals tax to support parks
I value above but carbon taxes terra forming State and Federal government owning lands that people can't use
takes away the people's opinion.
Re-visit the idea of dogs being banned from our parks. Require leash usage and proper clean-up. The list of
"No's" at the entrance of each park around this two just makes me mad! (Not to mentioned I know what tat
signage cost.) I've lived here almost 3D-years and for what we pay in taxes for the parks ... I'd really like to
be able to walk my dog somewhere beyond the Dog Park. More recycle cans located around town like the
ones located at the Butler Band Shell. Make recycling easy for everyone. Bags and disposal cans for dog
waste (similar to the Dog Park) these are commonly found along walk-ways in Corvallis.
We need to clean up the Plaza. Get rid of the 20+ newspaper stands. Consolidate all the stands in one area
away from the Plaza. Get some nice benches and maybe a water foundtain in the plaza. Make it a place where
locals and tourists want to sit and relax.
Although I do value these things environmental issues are currently way over valued. Environmental
Page 5 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
restrictions have been holding the property rights of individuals families and the future heritage of their
children hostage. Unfortunately many have been hanned by this financially as they are forced to go through
the court system and spend thousands of dollars years of hard earned money or heritages until their funds run
out and they're forced to give up. Even when they're able to keep going they're forced to continue waiting as
the issue sits at the state level. This is highly unreasonable unfair and unbalanced.
Voisin's version is cleaner, less verbose
Responsible Land Use Yes, I value No, I don't value No opinion
a. Development that makes efficient use of 87 4 2
land, water and energy
b. Development that maintains our 67 14 10
architectural heritage
c. Development that protects our 81 7 3
relationship to nature and emphasizes
quality design 79 5 9
d. Strong neighborhoods
Efficient public infrastructure and public 86 4 1
e.
servIces
Other suggested values for Responsible Land Use
It's possible to imagine a time soon when Ashland's not very old or especially efficient architectural heritage is
going to hold Ashland back. Looking at the Standing Stone Brewery who would guess that it used to be a
wood shop? There is nothing currently there to suggest the building's fonner lives. John Gaffey
reo a: would rather see some kind of "sustainable" word rather than "efficient" because there may be some
development that is efficient that we don't want at all. An efficient privatization of water rights is not
acceptable. re d: didn't answer don't know what "strong" means in respect to a neighborhood? reo e: Not if
"efficient" means "less." Unfortunately "efficient" is often used in context of public services to mean "less."
Would change to add Efficient "and adequate" perhaps? "Effective?" "Efficient" depends on the level of
outcome to inputs not just "less services." = Mention that somehow?
GREEN sustainable
There needs to be a balance struck which allows development to proceed without breaking the bank or forcing
lengthy processes to complete projects. So many times requirements are imposed which appear to be "job-
justifying" rather than having any useful purpose
I value a bus route that better serves more areas than the current route
Page 6 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
To pay for all of this: pressure on and support for the state legislature to pass a state sales tax. We are ajoke a
fool to many people for being an economically poor state and can't pass a sales tax- not even for 3 cents.
Homeowners I am one are beginning to get very upset having the deficet continually unloaded us. Kathleen
Meagher
What exactly does #C mean? When building we are creating un-natural environments
Making the permanence of Lithia Park and other core natural resources part of the city charter would still be a
good thing. We are currently relying on the state for that check and balance; this goes against the value of self-
reliance (below) and is easily remedied.
quality design and construction
Again we prefer the wording submitted by majority of the council rather than that of councilor Voisin.
"green" is a fad word. Conservation and improving alternative modes of transportation are implied and don't
have to be singled out
Develop a usable comprehensive plan and building code.
I value implementing goals developed from a comprehensive plan for land use. [value sustainable
development rather than growth.
Work with groups like Nature Conservancy American Forests Wildlife Federation.
strong neighborhoods is not something the city can really help with. Encourage development of edible
landscape. Promote biological diversity through urban habitat enhancement. Rezone for group house.
community structure.
Efficient use of in town property for AFFORDABLE HOUSING for young families and elders alike
[ftransportation is considered infrastructure then Ashland fails there. For there to be no bus line using
Mountain Ave is an unfortunate error. Your elderly cannot walk to places necessary to them - and you don't
seem to care.
[f transportation is considered infrastructure then Ashland fails there. For there to be no bus line using
Mountain Ave is an unfortunate error. Your elderly cannot walk to places necessary to them - and you don't
seem to care.
Re a. and e: [STRONGLY prefer "effective" over "efficient". The latterrefers to economic goals the former
can include a wider range of goals not just $$$.
[ do not value land sprawl of developers in area abutting Ashland city limits
Promote public gardens especially in or near schools.
Page 7 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Making sure land can be well used by having good public transportation.
I would like to see mo"re small homes built with alternative sustainable materials. What is the smallest legal
size a new house can be built in Ashland? What ever it is shrink it.
Supporting public services so we will have the best quality of care!
Ensure that it is safe for kids to walk and bike by lowering speed limits to 25 mph in dense residential areas.
Encourage gardening so the city is greener everywhere.
Strong neighborhoods does not mean "in fill"! Chopping our residential neighborhoods and individual
residential buildings up with multiple dwellings destroys the residential character of the neighborhoods. Need
need to save our neighborhoods just as we need to prcserve our historical heritage and natural environment.
Our neighborhoods help make Ashland a special place to live. Once you chop up a neighborhood you cannot
reclaim it.
I value quality design but think there needs to be adjustments made to enable low- and fixed-income people
improve their dwellings. For example right now the city building code for things like room additions don't
take mobile home situations into account. Homes in parks are not allowed to add on permanent (foundation-
built) structures yet the city code ONLY allows for those kind of addtions instead of the kind that work with
mobile homes. As a result I'd like to add an addition to my mobile home in Wingspread but cannot do it in a
way that both the park management and the city will allow. This is overkill on the part of city building codes.
I do value some historical preservation however the architectural 'heritage' of city is almost nil consisting
mostly of crappy 60's and 70's trite poorly laid out development environmentally destructive and generally
not worth preserving and creatin headaches for homeowners and developers.
I've been curious about the language used in this survey but "Strong neighborhoods" ...Huh? Government
must empower developers to apply creativity to attract a $value-driven consumer and the best way for
government to do that is to get out of the way-period.
Sensible growth and stewardship should be rewarded. Use what we have resposibly before adding to the
public burden. Enlist an active citizenery to achieve local goals... So them the beniftts and rewards of
achievment.
There are implications to these items that are not clear in this survey; they mean different things to different
people. I think in order to have efficient public infrastructure we should have more dense neighborhoods.
These could be strong; I have no idea how the city creates "strong" neighborhoods: However we want to still
have access to natural areas and gardens. We can accomplish this by creating multi-use nodes with green
space in-between that is walking distance from every home; green space with natural amenities play areas and
community garden space for all. Our architectural heritage is considered a gem however I don't think we
should let it stop us from developing a more dense and vibrant downtown core. Additional stories set back
with roof gardens and parking underneath would not be historical but would be beautiful and enticing. New
development should have state of the art energy land and water efficiency. Despite claims by some staff that
we cannot have code requirements greater than the state [believe that such can and should be requested. We
can increase our code requirements for any land that is annexed or rezoned and we should do so. We should
have top notch easily followed desib'l1 standards for solar orientation and rainwater infiltration that do not
Page 8 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
require expensive professional services to implement.
Continue to fund library and schools...basic infrastructure!
I value these but all your questions are biased towards sustainable development Agenda 21.
d. A strong neighborhood includes a neighborhood store so that people don't have to drive to Safeway etc. e.
Efficient public infrastructure includes a bus system that reaches outlying areas.
Encourage the use of altemative energy - not only solar but ALSO the new Wind Spires. It's my understanding
to-date that these are not permitted within the Ashland City limits? They "should" be everywhere!!!
Require homeowners to have defensible space. Do spot checks. We'll all pay in the end if their homes bum
up.
Public services and infrastructure have always taken more money out of taxpayer pockets. Regulations and
restrictions will also create an unfriendly environment for small individual and family business enterprises
which more fully support the community by creating many more jobs. On-going future cost increases will be
needed for city infrastructures and services. This will shrink the citizen's paychecks and budgets further. Our
local economy will never get back on track this way or return to the prosperity it once had only a few years
ago.
An emphasis on protecting our resources Prudent use of our resources--e.g. limiting water usage rather than
providing unrestricted access to water through TAP
empty
See the note II frugaliti' on II good government"
Prefer Voisin's version - less verbose, also ~leaner
4. Free Expression Yes, I value No, I don't value No opinion
a. A creative climate that invites an open
exchange of diverse ideas
b. The social, economic, and creative
contributions of the arts, cultural activities
and community events.
86
3
4
88
4
o
Other suggested values for Free Expression
Small Business & Public Art. Let them coexist! Revisit signage rules & regs and find a way to encourage
diversity.
Page 9 or 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Safety; civility; protection for vulnerable speech and individuals which is sometimes lacking.
City government partner with organizations and individuals who promote these values.
I value allowing our many creative people the freedom to express themselves I value allowing local
merchants having freedom to represent themselves with symbols that add to the ambiance of our shopping and
dining areas.
A. yes but no (genital) nudity any where in town (not just school areas). My kids are not just in ive school
zones. Creative expression does not mean we have to live with every crazys expression.
Yes and no. There are cranks in any community; any community that is hostage to them through an
overdeveloped need for inclusiveness will not thrive.
Make the decision about nudity and get on with important problems.
The nudity thing needs to be addressed. Yes it's free expression but at what cost?
I don't understand why free expression is included. When did we not have free expression?
A mentoring program where artists in various fields are connected to students interested in those fields. All
the arts are interrelated--encourage the connections.
Associate cultural activities with seasons and local ecology. 'Acom festival'
Free expression should value the opinions of many but only in a mutually respectful way.
Strong facilitation of MEANINGFUL conversation around SHARED values not just airing of individuals'
private agendas
b. includes social and creative contributions as well as economic. That's why we need to be effective rather
than just focusing on efficiency.
nudity sidewalk displays...and other forms of 'free expression'.
But this also must be balanced with other values. I believe Ashland needs to be family oriented - especially if
we want to attract working family maintain our schools and retain age diversity. Free expression (such as
nudity) drives family away. It also has an adverse impact on our primary economic base - tourism - which
helps maintain our community. Individuals need to also respect the needs of the community as a whole.
This is the economic foundation of this town and the reason most people come to visit or live. We either
support it as a community or see the economic base of the town whither away.
We don't need government to form "A creative climate that invites an open exchange of diverse ideas"...nor do
we need elected officials spending tax money to promote "social economic and creative contributions of the
arts cultural activities and community events." If left alone to do just that we the people can do that far better
Page 10 of28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
-without- governmental intervention.
I appreciate the benifits of the artistic community when have and the cultural diversity but often I'm amazed
at the small mindedness of some of these same people.
Thank you for the public art commision
Please include support of the Ashland Public Library in any platform with respect to "free expression".
Libraries have been the bulwark/champions of free expression since the foundation of the Republic and were
practically the only institutional voice in opposition to the expansive nature of the Patriot Act which has
proven be a disaster for civil liberties writ large.
Is nudity really necessary?!
Continued support of our Libraries!! More recycle cans located around town like the ones located at the
Butler Band Shell. Make recycling easy for everyone. Bags and disposal cans for dog waste (similar to the
Dog Park) these are commonly found along walk-ways in Corvallis. Encourage the use of alternative energy -
not only solar but ALSO the new Wind Spires. It's my understanding to-date that these are not permitted
within the Ashland City limits? They "should" be everywhere!!!
What specifically is meant by this? Although I value the open exchange of diverse ideas I said "No" because
those that say they value these things often only give lip service. Cultural activities and community events
should not be tied to more government grant and subsidy limbos. Grants and subsidies have guidelines that
support specific and special interests. In the arts this subsequently minimizes the gifts of highly talented
artists who enjoy applying themselves to other genres. At the outset the guidelines are currently preventing
them from being recognized at many events and contests. This would not make for a diverse and creative
climate. Flexible and creative tax allowances would.
I don't know how to express it well in this format but essentially not letting fear and the behavior of a few
. individuals give rise to restrictive laws. Dealing with problems on a case by case basis rather than making a
law in reaction to an uncommon problem (I'm talking about the occasional nudist mostly but it is a bigger
concept).
How does this translate into action/regulation?
Diversity Yes, I value No, I don't value No opinion
a. A community that invites and respects
the individuality and contributions of all
people
Other suggested values for Diversity
The few should not direct the many
83
3
7
Page I] of28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
But it makes coming to a useful consensus about a community that can provide local government with
meaningful guidelines a dubious proposition.
Could add statement "...encourages diversity and contributions of all people [especially in government!
decision making]" or the like? I want to encourage non-wealthy non-white non-males into the policy process
which doesn't really represent me.
And to make a decision when the community needs need attending to over and above a few individuals private
interests. Community first individualism second. Kathleen Meagher
In truth I do not believe that we invite the contributions of people who have values that encourage hate
oppression and discrimination such as the Nazi Party or certain white supremacist groups.
What exactly does that mean? Ashland is not really that diverse.
Yes and no. There are cranks in any community; any community that is hostage to them through an
overdeveloped need for inclusiveness will not thrive
All must be welcomed and their gifts incorporated in our community
For the most part. We don't believe that this holds true for those individuals who don't want to work to
contribute. Life is hard work.
Public debates that encourage a synthesis of the two sides to a new understanding.
Strong compassionate facilitation of meaningful conversation around DIVERSE values finding common
threads.
See my above comment on infrastructure
Ashland doesn't LOOK like a diverse community. What can we do to expand our reach in this arena'!
I value the individuality and contributions of people that live in homes. I don't value the point of view of
people that live in tents and campgrounds in surrounding hills that lead to dangerous fires--i.e. the fire that
just occurred in the hills above Jackson Wellsprings.
Everyone forgets that cognition can be diverse accepted appreciated and included. My son is openly called a
"retard" in the community of Ashland and by adults as well as teens. If he was referred to as a "nigger"
everyone would be appalled. Diversity is more than sex race and religion.
Again this needs to be balanced considering not only individual interests but also community interests.
This is an American value.
Differences between people do not imply an injustice has been committed so human resources needs to repeal
Page] 2 of2R
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
all demographic quotas so we can respect each other for what we bring to the table...no matter where the
contributor comes from or what she/he looks like. A deep seeded human instinct is to expect colorblind justice
among and between neighbors without the involvement of elected officials (or their lawyers).
Tolorance of all opinion
use OSF as a successful model
This is not happening in Ashland. There are so many wealthy people who have bought homes that a large
number of "middle class" families have had to move out. (proof: 2 schools closed).
I value diversity. I don't value beggars downtown who to all appearances could be working (they seem to be
young & able). I also don't value council members who show disrespect to other human beings whom they
happen to disagree with. (I'm very liberal but throwing a shoe at a presidential portrait is a poor example to
young people). Participate in democracy in constructive ways! Just because it's legal doesn't make it right.
I'd say "Yes" if changes were made to make this possible.
How does this translate into action/regulation?
Yes, with the notation that an EXTREME diversity between the poor. & the money people is a desecration of
our values. Has to do also with economy.
,
Economy Yes, I value No, I don't value No opinion
a. A business community that is attuned 79 8 4
with our environmental and social
aspirations.
b. An economy that capitalizes on 89 3 2
community assets and allows our
homegrown entrepreneurs to succeed
c. An economy that creates community 88 5 0
wealth, supports arts and culture,
connects to Southern Oregon University
and supports high quality public services.
d. A diverse economy that provides 86 2 3
employment and economic choices for
individuals and families
Page] 3 of28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Other suggested values for Economy
I'm not sure how to express this but I would like to see the city support arts groups other than OSF and AIFF.
I understand the need for tourism to support the City but these two groups are supported at the detriment of
others. All are valuable
The term "capitalizes on community assets" is a red flag to me. It brings to mind cases in other towns where
the water resource has been sold to a private business which is able to "capitalize" on the resource at the
expense of the community and the resource. I think we need to be very cautious about this term and idea
our.. .social aspirations. ? Who is this "our" white man?" to butcher an on old punch line. One of Ashland's
not-too-former aspirations was to welcome and encourage diversity. Not sure that a really broad range of
opinions beliefs and lifestyles is going to be easily encompassed in your anodyne" our. ..social aspirations."
language. John Gaffey
Add statement "prioritizes consumption of local production rather than imports created under economic
conditions local businesses can't compete with" I know that's not the final language but it's the spirit of what
I'm trying to get at. I can't compete with producers with no minimum wage need help! On the demand side.
Also would like to see business community less responsible for local decision making because local
government is more transparent than the Chamber.
promote support of local businesses as a community value
The present council emphasizes sustainable and non-profit businesses rather than those which would create
profit and jobs and support the local economy. They are making the property tax structure so onerous that
only the rich will be able to afford to live here. Renters - who vote for those who pursue these policies - don't
realize that the cost of increased taxation is passed on in the form ofhigherrent and higher cost ofliving
C. I think - especially as a business owner- that we need to focus on the needs and aspirations of the other
business not the big three - OSF OSU Hospital.
An economy that values a diversity of economic entities commercial and industrial
An economy that supports existing as well as new businesses
We disah'fee with councilor Voisin's comment regarding businesses being committed to "diversity". Ifa
particular business owner doesn't support homosexuality for example he/she shouldn't be forced to.
Bring on light industrial-less dependence on tourism.
Don't vote down good ideas. Make the code so that homeh'fOWn entrepreneurs are allowed to flourish.
An economy that does not inflate for growth I value an economy sustain the existing citizenry. An economy
based on the the arts and letter.
Page 14 of28
V3]ues Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
. Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
A balanced budget a protected environment and a strong economy are not mutually exclusive. A focus on
green business green architecture sustainability can come together for the bottom line.
circulates dollars locally. Bank with local credit unions. Remove the individual rights of corporations.
Accountability of businesses for their pollution social degradation and economic bullying.
An economy that does not pollute our environment. An economy that has an emphasis on local sustainability.
An economy that is encouraged by local governments to be more "green."
An economy that pays a LIVING WAGE for work so that young families AND aging baby boomers are paid
enough to be able to afford to live here and contribute to the community.
Partner with Transition Town and Web Spirit Community to learn about support and promote local currency.
I am surprised that the City hasn't become more engaged in the financial hardships faced by SOU. The
university has laid off nearly lOa staff in the past 3 years - that's 100 individuals who leave the region don't
pay taxes and don't support local businesses. The university's salaries are so substandard that new staff are
moving to Medford. The City could be a better partner I'm just not sure how.
Government is inept at managing economic issues. Decisions should be made be people with money at stake
who have a real interest in the outcome. Governments roll should be to minimize abuse of "free" community
resources eg: clean air quiet waste dumping blocking views blocking sunlight excessive traffic etc.
I STRONGLY worry that our community is becoming one that only has room for the upper classes.and those
that service the small entrepreneurs (the clerks waiters etc.) and their families cannot enjoy the benefits of or
community. (As evidenced by the decline in our school attendance.)
As the major economic engine for our community make sure decisions to hire spend bank and invest locally
are top priority'! Talk to the state about including a priority for locals in the bidding process. .
Paying wages that city employees can afford to live in Ashland.
Per item "c" not just "connects to Southern Oregon University" but to "The Oregon Shakespeare Festival" as
well. OSF is a national treasure. We are so lucky to have this incredible talent pool in our community.
You did not mention the flip side ofthese questions. The community also needs to support our economic
. base. Ashland is dependent on tourism. That mean we as a community need to make sure we have an
environment where tourism related business can succeed. We also need to build other economic opportunities
so we are not entirely dependent on primarily one industry.
This must include measures to promote lower-income housing. Either that or watch our schools dwindle from
lack of students because young families can't afford to live here and watch the demographics become
increasingly one-sided towards wealthy retirees. That is not true diversity and that is not choice.
Again in "c." - too many options lumped together.
Page ]5 of28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Community wealth means economic prosperity through CAREERS; therefore debilitating environmental
restrictions on business must be lifted for the Rogue Valley economy to survive into sustainability. The other
option is to hope the current train wreck returns to the cliff it just departed.
But not at the expense of current viable businesses
I couldn't vote yes for d. because [ know this statement has certain implications that are not made clear. We
want this of course but that doesn't mean it justifies city actions that mayor may not be overall positive. I do
not believe we should be creating urban redevelopment or enterprise zones or spending city money to coax
businesses to move to our town. Programs that support growth from within locally owned businesses and
import substitution to increase the local multiplier get my YES vote.
,.
Partner with OSF they ARE successful!
[ think these are ideals which are not currently being met.
It'd be nice to have places to shop downtown that I could afford.
Southern Oregon University is backed by government grants so is not truly diverse in the arts. Again more
tax dollars will be needed to maintain more programs created as a public service. This would be unfair to
those whose interests in art and/or other areas don't reflect the grant requirements SOU must follow.
on c and d could we add something about "in the context of protecting our natural resources"
All of these values sound wonderful until you know the cost and other variables and what has to be sacrificed
. for these to come about. I find these values too undefined and of course it is easy to say I value all of them
until I see all the consequences of implementing them This goes for all the values on this questionnaire.
What is rare in a discussion of economic values is where measures other than dollar values has merit. Dollar
values can not be applied to air, human affection, emotional and psychological health, along with all qualities
not quantifiable. Also, some cities are models of a viable local currancy.
Prefer Voisin's - cleaner, less verbose
Independence Yes, I value No, I don't value No opinion
a. Our ability to be innovative, to set our
own course, to provide public services
and to meet residents' basic needs.
Other suggested values for Independence
Smaller Government
83
4
4
Page 16 of28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
As with many of the statements above this statement is too nebulous to know the actual thinking behind it. We
may have a variety of interpretation and those different interpretations may not be compatible.
I'm more inclined to favor what works. If that means that we copy something successful from somewhere else
then I'm all for it (e.g. a health care system from Canada Europe or Scandinavia.) We really don't have to
reinvent every wheel for ourselves just to reassure our collective Ashland ego that we're on Earth to show
everyone else how to do it. Ashland's own special City Upon a HIll mentality can be every bit as irritating as
America's similar over-arching sense of specialness. John Gaffey
I hope this includes independence from expensive distant consultants
And "interdependence" within our valley Southern Oregon and the wider community of Oregonians and
N.Californians. Sharing values we can support eacH other creating a synergistic and therefore stronger
community.
independence does not require a re-invention of the wheel in every case
Title might better be Interdependence
I value connectjng to the Medford water supply which might not be considered 'independent' but which would
assure our ability to sustain the growth that has taken place in the past 30+ years
Community first individual rights second
What does set our own course really mean?
Innovate??? Exactly what
Yes but these need to be balanced against fiscal prudence. I wouldn't be in favor of more city-funded solar
power for example until it will have a reasonable pay-off period ("never" is not a reasonable period).
All citizens have a responsibility to the community
I agree -- the basic needs clause should be stricken.
Increase use of solar energy for homes and business to remove reliance on the grid. To conserve water find
ways to change laws so that water collection systems be integrated into home architecture.
Freedom from reliance on federal level influences on our public infrastructure. Promotion of local citizen
empowerment to meet our own basic needs with local government support.
Bus or other local transportation service to more neighborhoods. A way to find out what public services are
needed.
See above comment. Provide public services - hah!
Page 17 of28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of feedback Forms
October 2009
[am really unsure at this point in our history about some of the tradeoffs that the adoration of "independence"
has led us to make. What about: a. Our ability as a community acting together to be innovative ... ??
Included in this idea is that of resilience. How can we strengthen resilience in our neighborhoods throughout
Ashland? With climate change and economic turmoil we might need to be a strong independent entity sooner
than we think. Suggestion: partner with support and promote and build on CERT's Map Your Neighborhood
program.
Public transportation is essential for this to succeed.
It would be much better for our families if teen infractions were dealt with in an Ashland juvenile court rather
than the juvenile courts in Medford.
But again it balance with all our other values. We clearly need to be innovative but our course needs to be set
considering a variety of objectives. We are also not an island. Ashland often seems to forget that it is part of a
larger community. We need to be good neighbors to other nearby communities. Not sit up on a hill like we
don't need to work with and respect the needs of Talent Phoenix and Medford. We ought to develop some
partnerships.
Too many options lumped together.
YES to Independence! Again we need government to get out of our way of our ability to be innovative to set
our own course to provide (public) services and to meet basic needs.
This is a grab bag that holds little true meaning. We should recognize our interdependence with each other and
the natural environment that supports all we are and do. We should set our own course if that course brings
well-being and promotes resilience and moves us towards peace and harmony.
HUH?
Would love to see something economical in the way of automobiles for our City. Big Jeeps and trucks are not
making the grade. Walk the talk. .
We need to look at models in other cities that aren't working and those that have shown a proven track record of
success. We also need to bring in free market advisers to look at other creative possibilities.
I agree with Councilor Jackson's suggestion of deleting the "to meet residents' basic needs phrase.
Page] 801'28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Personal Well Being Yes, I value No, I don't value No opinion
a. All people seek physical, mental and 73 6 9
emotional wel1,being
b. Each person needs adequate food, 76 9 6
clothing, housing transportation,
health care and personal safety
Other suggested values for Personal Well Being
Depends on where the money to carry this out is coming from
None of this Personal Well Being is any of the Ashland City Council's business: it's personal. You'll just create a
huge rat's nest trying to incorporate this language into the City's mandates. The town is full of people who have
fragile and demanding senses of well-being. Many ofthem show up to council and planning meetings.
Remember a few years ago the older lady who wanted the city police to provide taxis service for her because
she was afraid of the physical presence of some younger people walking past her house on the public sidewalk?
Another example: Ms. Rosen won't have emotional well being until the City passes her dog ordinances. Nor will
the Naked Bike Lady find well-being in Ashland without some significant changes in the community's attitudes.
Hell my own sense of well-being as well as my ability to provide food shelter etc has been under constant
attack these past fifteen years: four job lay-offs can really mess with a guy's head. What's the city council going
to do for me? And don't get me started on my medical and mental well-being. Stop trying to provide all things
to all people. It's not in-the city charter that the council has been established for that purpose; you shouldn't seek
to expand it in such a manner -John Gaffey
spell "emotional" wi '0' add financial security? add "and self-determination" ? not critical. b. Change "needs" to
"deserves" ? thanks
Neighbors who care about one another
Each person is responsible for providing his own food clothing housing transportation health care. The city
should put in place the agencies which guarantee safe pursuit of these desired ends. It is not government's role
to hand these necessities to its citizens.
Try: All people have access to physical.... Each person has access to adequate food...
Yes but not too many social programs to overly attract transients
The value of a good transportation system
What about spiritual well being? What is adequate health care mean at a city level?
a is not a city goal b. is this a city gov't. goal? Is that why all the transiants are here?
Pagel9of28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Adequate transportation is now a function of government? I'll go with acceptable minima for food clothing
housing health care and safety.
I agree with these values and am grateful to see them on your list. However I don't believe that government
should take on any responsibility for these Personal Well-Being values.
The levels of both the above vary by individual. Seek and adequate need to be defined and cannot be dictated
We disagree with councilor voisin's statement that food clothing healthcare etc. are rights rather than needs.
We know they are needs. To say they are rights gives a sense of entitlement.
You'll need a lot more than vision to meet this one.
value a good hospital and Doctors who don't have practice that are full and wont take new patients. I value a
stander of pay that feels the Medicare reimbursement is adequate.
Provide a shelter for the homeless which would include an education component job skills child care.
Personal well-being is overrated; it is inextricable with social well-being. Belonging is crucial.
See above
I don't understand a. Is this a "should" statement?
Again build resilience within the neighborhoods and city-wide (long-term goal) coupled with emergency
planning (short-term goal) through maintaining awareness of potential threats -- from nearby forest fires to flu
epidemics to watershed loss -- and partnering with local individuals and groups that are in planning stages and
already doing the work. Support and promote neighborhoodlbackyard gardens; neighborhood groups that look
out for each other and provide back-up for families with young children and help when needed for elderly or
frail residents; alternative as well as traditional health care providers who can teach preventative/wellness self-
care. Partner with Neighborhood Garden Project and local (Ashland-based) farms with Map Your
Neighborhood and with Transition Town health and wellness advocates and planners.
I particularly suggest that the necessity of public transport within Ashland need attention.
This feels like a slippery slope and could mean subsidizing expenses for the homeless thereby increasing our
homeless population.
I am the best judge of what is adequate for my well being. Government should keep me safe and otherwise stay
out of my life.
While I value "a" it should not be a goal of governement.
I think we tend to get too carried away with a need to provide affordable housing at the expense of other
community ,Values such as maintaining our neighborhoods and creating a sense of community.
Personal choice issues......not the purview of any other than each individual.
Page 20 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Again prosperity empowers people with the means to take care of one's self family neighbors...instilling a
well-deserved sense of accomplishment. =) Since the objective therefore is prosperity...the means to achieve
said objective is to get government out ofthe way period.
People should be taught the skills needed in life to succeed. If they can not we should take care of them if will
not that's not the same and a minimum of support should be given.
Who could think otherwise? This strange statement carefully stands clear of acknowledging any responsibility
for same. Shame on you. I value care of my fellows respect for their needs and aspirations and our inalienable
right to have reasonable acces to having these basic needs fulfilled.
Alternative means of transportation and review current $$ of bus ride!
Rely on charity rather that overbearing taxes
So you're going to "study" the homeless situation? And do something 'prior to the 201 I-budget? Go down to the
blackberry bushes and area around the Crowman site and study them. hmm. Go down to the Plaza and study
them. How about DOING something? How many more fires around town will it take for your studies to come
to some kind of conclusion?
There needs to be more resources for teens in crisis.
Over the years many have expressed bitterness anger disappointment because a diverse economy with
multiple avenues doesn't exist here in Southern Oregon. When people struggle for too long under these
circumstances they eventually give up on realizing their dreams. We have the tools but we've been almost
completely disconnected from developing our state's wealth of natural resources where creative opportunities
and jobs exist.
Agree only with last sentence, not sure what "all people" seek.
I am so very happy that after getting scant attention in the past that the food/nutrition/garden projects are getting
the attention of Ashland contingency. I have observed the increase over 23 years! Thanks city!! Ashland can
do no less than the FDA, with 103,000 offices, which have been directed to encourage food production at home.
Sense of Community Yes, I value No, I don't value No opinion
a. Strong neighborhoods, families and 80 5 9
communities of interest
b. Residents participate in community life 81 6 5
and feel a strong sense of belonging
Page 21 of28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Other suggested values for Sense of communi tv
B. is very subjective as is a number of statments in this document.
What is the city council going to do about strengthening families--provide marital counseling spiritual advice
and substance-abuse counseling? How do you define "strong neighborhoods"? Could those be based upon
insular ethnic/religious affiliations or economic/political affiliations like the "Good 01' Days"? -John Gaffey
No opinion because "Strong neighborhood" is ambiguous to me? What is the measurement! increment for that?
b. No opinion because some people want to be left alone/ too busy working to support family pay high rent! to
participate.
I am not sure what communities of interest really means.
Really? WOuld the city allow neighborhoods to experiment with desib'11 traffic etc. ? Our block has long
wanted to close the street and grow gardens on the very crumbling street (not ever fixed because we are mostly
renters). How about it?!!
Only if you let them. Continually hiring consultants to do what citizens can do doesn't help build a sense of
belonging.
I don't feel a sense of community in Ashland. My neighbors don't want to be involved with there neighbors. I am
cut short when I have a contribution in a public meeting.
Residents have a strong sense of community Ownership and beholding. Beholding means a love for the sacred
in the community and their place in it.
Can't participate - no transportation
Support every effort to set up dialogs in order for the community to become aware of and resolve issues between
diverse groups. Several organizations are already involved in this including Peace House. When the City
partners with the active individuals and groups less funding and less staffing are required to come out of City
resources.
. I don't feel that we are lacking because there aren't "strong" neighborhoods. I am ambivalent here because I
don't know what we really mean by "strong."
I value community. I value the free bookexchange. I value the dancing people concerts that involve the
community. I value the Christmas dinner at the armoury. Notice that none of these involve govemment.
Community gardens. Community banks. Community events (free or very cheap).
Again let me stress that the ability to participate in the community life may require public transportatio.
Make community events affordable for those on a low income. My son has a low cost bus pass but can't afford
any of the community leisure expenses because they are not low cost.
Page 22 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Broadcasting council etc. meetings on local TV is very helpful. Please continue. Thank you
- keep religious organizations separate from public schools - excellent support for parades and festivals - more
parks throughout town even if they are tiny - fold the south end of town (Bellview School Croman Mill) more
into central Ashland. Lots of p
Let's maintain strong neighborhoods and residential communities not chop them up destroy them with multiple
dwelling units on individual lots or turn single family homes into multiple family dwellings. We are starting to
create a mini-LA in our own city limits with wall to wall dwellings that do not resemble residential
neighborhoods.
sense of community "ownership".
What is a "community of interest?"
It is not government's rols to instill a strong sense of community; in fact the government has usurped / is
usurping citizen involvement. What the government needs to do is Stand Down by perhaps sharing examples of
other private (non-government lead) efforts to take pride in a territorial region even if it's a small neighborhood
on a square block or keeping a park clean in exchange for lower taxes.
Collaboration mutual assistance respect...
Maintain playground equipment & grounds at Lincoln and Briscoe so that there is a place for children in these
neighborhoods to play safely...
Neighborhood stores cafes and parks would really improve the feeling of neighborhood.
I'm not sure what this implies but strong neighborhoods and families are the necessary ingredients to a happy
and healthy life. We currently have great community - friendliness kindness sharing attentiveness to others. I
have a family. Like other families we tend to be busy and active. This maintains my focus purpose and well
being. Although we enjoy participating in community events we cherish our time together as a family and
pursuing personal interests and hobbies.
I agree with Voisin's proposed alternative.
Page 23 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Please list other values you believe should be added to the above list.
You are all doing an excellent job. We are luck to have civic minded leaders as yourselves in charge.
Thank You. Steve Wood, Oregon Stage works.
Goverment has grown and involved it's self in areas! activities it should not and has shown at great
expence it is unable to. Salaries are too large and the number of city workers too large. Scale back and
stay out of owning things. (Mt. Ashland Golf area Hospital ......enough)
A city government that recognizes the very real limitations it faces in a small community in southern
Oregon.
Commitment to balancing gentrification with family! single income-affordable housing and options;
Overt recognition that City's values are not necessarily those of the most wealthy few who can afford to
participate in decision making; Commitment to including diversity in government perhaps by a stipend!
waiver of some sort for participating for low-income; perhaps even a citizens' diversity committee of
some sort? Economic development commission on City level rather than giving -.25$M to Chamber;
Permanent protection at law of valuable scarce natural resources from private development; Dense
development supports public services which is good but not if the density does not have access to retail
schools parks police! fire etc but creates more traffic competing for existing resources. Thank you for
this opportunity to participate I feel I've been included- What I'm looking for is actual real commitment
perhaps this isn't the venue? Thanks for your public service which deserves honor and respect.
INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY PURSUIT OF A BALANCED BUDGET
DECREASED TAXES SMALLER GOVERNMENT.
These values are of the highest-- I think most would agree; it's putting them into action without politics
money and power interfering. In America individualism is the highest court. If we are to have true
community we need to change that. Look what is happening with trying to get health care for many
millions of Americans-- which is really a humanitarian issue. Kathleen Meagher
Community standards: Let's not get so wrapped up in personal freedom that the community standard of
safe streets and freedom from harrassment is lost. I am talking about public nudity and the transient! pan
handlers throughout downtown.
There's a bug with the two "Strong neighborhoods" questions--selecting a response to one clears the other.
But the two are redundant so maybe it's not really much of a problem.
City council and Mayor must lower cost of City govemment. They must stop hiring consultants for every
little item. Do you own hiring. Do your own transportation plan, after all, who knows getter than the
locals what is missing and needs to be put in place. City budget is not SUSTAINABLE your choice of
word.
I value a city council that abides by the laws and ordinance of the City of Ashland.
A citizen's list of skills that would be cataloged and could be used for volunteer matches
Page 24 of 28
Values Fl:cdback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Frugality. Citizen empowerment. Nourishment and attention for children. Support understanding and
wise guidance for youth.
Local sustainability. Fiscal responsibility. Valuing all ages young through seniors. Policies to
encourage more tlgreen" homes and businesses.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINED JOINT ACTION on projects that will manifest these values in
everyday life.
The value of a prepared citizenry linked through bonds of neighborhood family and friends given
opportunities to know and help each other and opportunities to help plan for emergency response.
Thank you for the chance to provide feedback.
Citizens are allow to live their lives and create community with minimal government interference.
Energy efficiency is a valuable resource Support renewable energy development by purchasing a
percentage of our power generated from renewable resources
Remember the huge value of the economic multiplier effect...and make decisions which will keep funds
circulating and recirculating in our community...instead of leaving for places far away wall street etc.
This will add value to all your other efforts.
Very good list of questions...all of this does not have to be done by government..but they should be aware
of it...thank you.
Supporting all employees and making sure they feeled valued and appreciated.
Too many values and no real focus. And with the way this survey is formatted you will find very few
able to dissent in a constructive manner.
This is a selfservingJist of non-questions. Everyone wants clean air pure water good schools nice
neighbors peace and justice. Trouble is we can't have it all for everyone. To brandish such a "survey" as
meaningful is false.
This was an odd survey. All of the questions were worded in such a way that most people would agree
with each individual statement. It does not allow you to find -out the relative importance of each item
compared to other that are on or not on the list. If everyone is for everything what have you learned?
How can you make choices?
Self-reliance. Liberty in use of private property. Freedom of choice in all aspects of life. Protection of
minority interests. Smallest possible government. Protection for our children from public nudity and other
lewd behavior in all public places.
Page 25 of28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Clearly the values are individually all desirable and hard to quarrel with. However collectively they are
Utopian vision which has to be layered on reality. Thcy represent an ideal to be strived but priortizing
with background of economic and environmental realities must be applied. Given the what appears to be
the near and far future it essential that basic services such water supply and energy must take
IMMEDIATE precedence because all the other values follow from it. Keep up the good work!!! don
morrIS
Values...responsibility freedom prosperity morality...Not one of these values can be improved with the
use of governmental intervention so stand down and tax less.
Living within the ecological constraints of our local area and the earth. We are far beyond this now and
need to find a way to get back in balance. Measuring our quality of life through a joy index not through
financial growth. We should get out of denial about climate change oil depletion and environmental
de6'fadation and make serious plans for the future under these conditions.
Business innovation and green economic development
Thank you for this opportunity!
I want yes to mean yes and no to mean no. The way you express your questions yes means no and no
means yes as I interpret them.
A city that offers and supports free open access to information via the public library
Thc survey is leading. You seem to only be asking questions in a way that is absolute. One of the most
poorly constructed I have seen. There are sane ways to improve the likelyhood that businesses want to
relocate or start here without being an environmental issue. We could have had Amy's Kitchen here
providing jobs for college students etc. but instead they are in White City. Make this city profitable.
Make it easier for business to move here and there will be more jobs. Play to the wimes of the
environmentalist groups who want this whole state to be a National Park.
If you are really interested in having less people driving around you will have to incorporate mass transit
into the outlying neighborhoods (outside the urban growth boundary). I mean mass transit that is quick!
There are many people in the outlying areas. Some of them might be more willing to use mass transit IF
it came out to their areas AND it were efficient- meaning it didn't take all day to get places. Otherwise
you'll have to be tolerant of people driving in from the outskirts to do whatever they need to do.
Responsibility Compassion Honesty
Safety--l want to be safe in my home. I also want to feel safe downtown on the plaza night and day. It'd
be nice to feel like my kids (young teens) could be safe alone in Lithia Park. That's not the case now. I'd
never let them downtown alone either which is sad because it's so nice down there. But the
transientldruggie population is inhibiting what we as a family do downtown and when we go there. Ice
cream on Saturday night? I don't think so.
I'm submitting this at night - I hope my input arrives in time'
Page 26 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
An OPEN well-staffed library is an essential part of this community. Libraries affect us in so many
ways--access to infoonation community meeting places creative forces and more. I hope you will find
a place to include open libraries as a value. We also need libraries staffed with people who are well-
trained for their positions and fairly compensated.
A creative "language industry" (non-paying) is an abstract value: We say, "I don't think," when actually
adding a thought. We think dollars when we hear value. Perhaps the teon treasure would move thinking
ahead: "What do I treasure'?" The PR industry - aka propaganda - is constantly changing old meanings to
befuddle the populace. It is drowning us. In good government we want transparency & honesty.
These are all fine - although they seem like motherhood & apple pie. I'm not sure how realistic they are
for translating into action/legislation.
***********************************
Submitted by the Conservation Commission:
Vision Statement
Ashland has vibrant neighborhoods. Young singles,..........
By 2030, all new buildings (Architecture 2030) and remodels are net energy producers and
built sustainably with cradle-to-cradle standards.
Ashland's residents treasure the natural environment... ...Population growth is aggressively managed,
making efficient use of land and ensuring the community is vibrant.
Support staff to implement new public greywater diversion regulations from waste stream.
The vision of the future, the City of Ashland obtains a minimum of 25% energy from new
renewable sources even at a premium relative to non-renewable energy. Energy self-sufficiency
is extensive, as evidenced by solar panels blinking from rooftops, and zero net energy homes
and buildings throughout the City. We live in relatively car-free nodes in which these nodes are
connected and access efficient transportation options for most shopping, jobs and services,
natural areas and community gardens on the periphery of each node. These nodes are
connected by public transportation, bike and ped paths, and delivery vehicles. Most vehicles will be
fueled by energy generated from new renewable sources.
Add drought tolerant and edible gardens, grace yards. (We are not a high desert (own: we are in a
Mediterranean and also a cold climate.)
Same paragraph, sentence: The community cleans and re-uses its stoon water and effluent so no drop is
waster in this high desert town.
Including implementation of new greywater and rainwater harvesting regulations.
Residents and visitors share Ashland's.................... ...ideas.
Ashland is a conscious, sustainable City that supports the three E's of sustainability: the
Page 27 of 28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
DRAFT Values
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
environment, the economy and social equity. Resource conservation and reducing the carbon
footprint of the City is a priority.
Ashland supports businesses...... ..ethic.
Add social equity.
The City of Ashland is respected in Oregon and the region....... ..government.
The City of Ashland is respected in Oregon and the region as an innovative, effective, and
efficient and a well run municipal government that makes everyday decisions taking into account
the environment, social equity and the economy.
Page 28 of28
Values Feedback
City of Ashland
Draft Vision
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
VISION STATEMENT Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
accurate vision accurate vision
for the Ashland for the Ashland
of the future. of the future.
Ashlandis a strikingly beautiful town,
nestled on the edge of the Siskiyou
Mountains. Ashland is a small, safe, and
welcoming place. Residents enjoy the
urban amenities of a university town and a
center for world-class outdoor recreation
and performing and visual arts.
52
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Comments on this vision statement.
Very concerned that declining availability of transportation fuels will severely impact future tourism.
"rewarding" employment? We need manufacturing! We need to sell what we produce locally. Very little
difference between buying a Chinese toaster oven from Walmart or a local retailer. Hope so. Concerned that
climate change and bark beetles will damage our forests.
Does this mean this is how we want to be? Because it is not how we are yet. ample regarding?
The city council and its actions are decidedly business UNfriendly. This should be corrected. Small businesses
should not suffer tax increases because the council cannot restrict spending. A catastrophic fire is only a short
time away if forest clean-up is not undertaken in a serious way by federal and state agencies. The lumber
industry should be seen as a partner in forest health not the enemy. The city council's antics and inaction have
resulted in the city being viewed as a laughing stock. Their interference and bullying have resulted in the loss
of fine professionals who should not have to be at the mercy of the whims of council members ever.
With the steady reduction of younger families and the increase in the senior/retired population I find this
statement a little misleading. The Chamber of Commerce has been consistently advertising Ashland as an
ideal place to retire which has partly contributed to its gentrification. This vision statement could use some
modification/qualification. I wouldn't say it's AS easy to bike in Ashland because of all the hills! Also I don't
think the transit and rail systems are strong. Bus routes are minimal and you have to go to Klamath Falls to
take the train. This vision statement could use some modification/qualification.
However as beautiful as it is the tolerance of young vagrants and their dogs besmirch the Ashland
landsape...encouraging the diversity..eg. public nudity (bicycling woman and older man)has been flawed...Our
beautiful Lithia Park still has cars with people living in them..dogs in the park...rules not enforced.... What
rail system is Ashland connected to??And the hoops the city puts new builders thru....we are lucky to have any
new businesses...Community gardens...many vagrants are taking what they please....in this utopia...it doesn't
work... Visitors to Ashland come for a long weekend to see plays...but to have to tolerate the eclectic and
funky perhaps is waht they would like to get away from....especially when teachers bring students to see
theater and wonder what is going on in the parks.. Eg...Allyson's....possibly out ofbusiness....restaurants come
in and out...many business complexes still need to lease their space... Very high taxes for a small
population...and wasting money ego counseling for the city council...When I saw Nivickus' ART GALLERY?
(George Bush shooting (shoe gallery) on Fox News...that did it! Embarrassing for respected Ashland and its
residents...
Page] of 20
Vision Feedback
City of Ashland
Draft Vision
Summary of Feedback Forms'
October 2009
Note the misspelling of strikingly and it's best to delete it. Nestled sounds too cutesie. Ashland a beautiful
hometown at foot of the Siskiyou Mountains is a cohesive safe and welcoming urban center with a university
world-class arts natural scenery and outdoor recreation. Ashland's neighborhoods are vibrant with diverse
families and individuals in an interesting and accommodating array of housing. Neighbors know each other
work or play together and care for each other. Kids walk or bike around town and to schools that are among
the best in the nation. An easy walk in most neighborhoods affords access to shops recreation open space.
Residents treasure the natural environment where salmon spawn in Ashland's creeks solar panels gather energy
on rooftops community gardens dot neighborhoods. Native plants grace yards parks and open spaces
conserving water. Stormwater is cleaned and re-used where appropriate. An easy walk or bike ride is often
more convienient than a drive. Ashland is connected to the Rogue Valley and the entire West coast through
strong transit system including rail. Local population growth is constrained but makes efficient use ofland and
ensures a more cohesive and vibrant community. Ashland's lively downtown is eclectic and diversity among
the population is valued. Visitors return year after year to retreat to hike bike and ski to learn and to enjoy
the arts. Community events and festivals engage locals regional residents and visitors, A walk from the
plaza leads to wild forests the stream and high mountains stewarded by the community and public and
private managers for diverse values and the special habitats of the Siskiyou Mountains. The community and its
stewardship of the surrounding forest integrates a natural role for fire to keep the forest health and town safe.
Ashland' government is respected as innovative effective efficient and well run. Electeds and staff are
responsive to citizens and businesses. Employment by the city is sought after by the highest quality
professionals in public service.
yes this is true although I believe that it is very difficult to have a young family inAshland. I believe that the
limitations on growth have made Ashland very expensive. I do support planned slow controlled growth
keeping in mind traffic and lifestyle implications to a bigger town. I am not so sure that we are connected by
. rail. I haven't seen a train go through in over a year. I believe this mostly to be true although I do not
believe Ashland is an easy place to start a business unless you are servicing the local economy. Due to
product transportation (ie no rail ocean freight) and the relatively high cost or real estate it is not necessarly
the best place to start a business which is fine lets just be honest with ourselves.
Yes and too simplified a picture-- deceptive to those not familiar with Ashland. Sounds like a AAA or tour
magazine ad. Kathleen Meagher
A bit too long and corny. Too many adjectives - strikinly beautiful welcoming. We have urban amenities - do
we all enjoy them? World-class? perhaps not
Performing
Apart from the misspelling in the penultimate word yes
The word 'strikingly' is spelled wrong. 'Performing' is also wrong. It should say 'vision statement' in the last
sentence instead of 'visions statement'
Additionally Ashland residents and government visibly welcome diversity. We reach out to get to know our
neighbors and discover where our vulnerabilities lie -- whether finding homeless people esp. school children
families who need support or elderly or disabled people who need to be recognized and supported.
It is more aspirational I think. I'm not sure that the residents are well connected with the university at all.
Page 2 of20
Vision Feedback
City of Ashland
Draft Vision
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
'performing (check spelling) and visual arts'
SAFE is a key word for me. Thanks..
Ashland is not "safe and welcoming" for children and traditional faith-based residents, Please explaing the
"urban amenities of a university town." Ashland is full of intolerant people.
Someone's over-selling Ashland. Yes it's a charming town but it has its shortcomings and problems that
demote it to less than some kind of Nirvana. lflocal government can replenish the people with tax rebates the
local economy will have a much better chance to prosper.
The Ashland area is too dry and barren to be scenic though the town itself is quaint and charming. The traffic
situation is one of the most dangerous I've ever seen because inexperienced drivers abound and you never
know when someone is going to cross the road on foot or by bike. I think you should cut down on the number
of crosswalks.
This is what we have come to expect from our town. We should also enjoy cutting edge sustainability
programs from local agriculture to renewable energy and the peace and quiet that comes with reducing car
use. We should have a multi-age population.
To this very bucolic and very true vision of Ashland I would add that the beautiful Ashland skies are no
longer marred with the criss-crossing of planes leaving chemtrails that turn our bright skies into a cloud cover
of haze and changing weather.
check your typo of performing. Also the last sentence isn't syntactically correct. Residents enjoy amenities--
but residents enjoy a center for world class rec... Enjoy isn't quite the right verb for that second clause. Maybe
"residents enjoy...residing in a center for world-class..." (you need a second verb there).
VISION STATEMENT Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
accurate vision accurate vision
for the Ashland for the Ashland
of the future. of the future.
Ashland has vibrant neighborhoods.
Young singles, families, children, and
seniors live in diverse housing types
throughout the town. People know their
neighbors, and they work together to care
for each other. Children walk and bicycle
to their neighborhood schoo Is, and
Ashland's school system is one of the best
in the nation. Every resident can find
shopping, recreation, and open space
within an easy walk from their homes.
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Page 3 of 20
Vision Feedback
City of Ashland
Draft Vision
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Comments on this vision statement.
Not convinced that this is entirely true
Many people wI varying disabilities are able to live, play and work in Ashland.
? whether school system is one of the best in the nation- there are fewer davs than man v others, etc. - seem
like we shooting too high here!
It's simply too rosy. Ycs it's true and not the whole truth. We have homeless job loss not enough affordable
housing for teachers fire people and other middle and working class people and families.
Yes with exceptions. Open space is not available for person's with disabilities in all areas of town. Citizens
with dogs and disabilities do not have safe and accessible places to walk. Ashland's population of retired
citizens is growing while the growth of younger citizens is declining. The recreation needs of older citizens
are not always addressed.
can't agree with every point in every sentence
I do not believe it is safe for children to walk/bike in this town as long as nudity on the streets and the numbers
of panhandlers is allowed to go on unchecked. Make begging illegal. Make public nudity in town (not just
school areas) illegal. lower cost housing should not only be town homes and apartments. Where are the play
spaces (not just parks) and gardens?
Senior in the second sentence should be "seniors" or "senior citizens". The structure of the third and fourth
sentences is bad. While this is an accurate vision of what many of us who live here would like Ashland to be
it is presented ("has" "is" "know" all other verbs in the present tense) as an established fact which is not the
case. Ashland has a declining number of young families and schools are closing due to declining enrollments.
Many residents can find amenities within an easy walk but many cannot--I regard more than 8 level blocks
with sidewalks to be longer than an easy walk if carrying any groceries.
Too long. Too many descriptive words - vibrant. Young singles? how about older ones? Is school dist really
one of the best in the nation? Adults also walk and cycle. Some of the walking is not that easy in our hills.
Young people cannot afford to live in Ashland nor can seniors on limited funds. Ashland's school system is
certainly not one of the best in the nation. Anyone who teaches at the university knows the students are not
prepared if they come from Ashland schools.
Every resident should have easy access to local shopping affordable housing and local transportation in his
neighborhood
I feel that this statement is more of a wishlist than a realistic depiction. Still given that it is a forward-looking
statement I'll go along with it.
'Seniors' should have an's' on the end.
Can this vision come true?
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Many times it is not an easy walk to the shopping area-hills.
All but the last sentence. Perhaps "within an easy bus ride from their homes" might work.
We have vibrant areas of town but not necessarily neighborhoods. Knowing and working to care for one's
neighbors isn't really anything I've seen since I've lived here in 200!. My child doesn't walk and bicycle to our
neighbors - I wonder where you got that one from. I urge you to consider better inclusion of SOU in this
statement if you are going to promote ASD as you have. The absence of SOU feels as though the City doesn't
respect it.
We now live in an area (Greenmeadows Way) with an aging population. Many people are housebound and
although we have been here 5 yrs. and have reached out to them we do not know them well. There is no easy
walk from where we live for recreation or shopping however there is open space (not particularly suited for
the older population.) Our children have gone through the Ashland school system with mixed results. It is as
good as the teachers you get as in any other school system. One child was "spit out" at 16 but continued on
his own to get his MS.
We live on the south end of town at 2225 Siskiyou amdist the Ashlander apartments and other homes. Lots of
students seniors singles families and children live here and walk skateboard and bike to school college and
shopping but the speed limit on Siskiyou is 35mph! We feel this is extremely dangerous. We walk our kids
to and from Bellview school each day because the speed of traffic is scary. Please change the speed limit to 25
mph as it is in other areas of town. Lowering the speed limit will hclp make this part of Ashland much nicer
and more in line with the vision stated above. We are particularly concerned about the impact ofCroman Mill
development (potentially wonderful with more shops and families living here and a park!!!)on traffic when
this one odd stretch of town is allowed to have such a high speed limit. Please investigate this situation and
help make the south end of Siskiyou & Ashland a safer more pleasant place to live. By the way we have seen
wild geese and deer navigate this scary stretch of Siskiyou (not to mention lots of kids and teens) as there is a
riparian area here that would benefit from reduced traffic speeds as well.
Except we need buses all the way up Mountain Ave. and back down. Please!
Some neighborhoods are not vibrant and need commitment from both the residents and the City. I also do not
believe that every resident can find adequate shopping or recreation within walking distance. Men's clothing is
extremely limited and while we do have a nine hole golf course it does not have the community support
needed to be adequate.
Not all school age kids are close enough or have a safe walk to schools. I see too many homes(rentals and
subdivided hOl';es) in disrepair and too many small unattractive ADU's giving neighborhoods a crowded and
not family friendly feel. The single family home neighborhoods especially in the older areas are being lost to
cheap rental units. Is this the result of the perceived need for affordable housing?
Ashland has diverse neighborhoods; not all are "vibrant." Most people do not know their neighbors and likely
will not until forced to by an emergency. Some residents do care for each other and work together but most
don't take the time. School children are bused to and from school with too many growing up to believe they
can step off a bus and walk across the street without taking responsibility to assure their own safety; we're
making robots of our children and actually endangering their safety by teaching them to always do what
"authorities" tell them. Ashland High School produces "valedictorians" each year that are functionally
illiterate; just listen to their speeches at graduation. No not every resident can find "shopping recreation and
open space within an easy walk from their homes" nor do they wish it were so.
What makes a neighborhood "vibrant" - fresh paint? Not sure about the truth in biking/walking-distance
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statements but Ashland's paths are a good thing. Just keep the community informed of any 'released' criminals
so citizens can help the police folks do their job.
In Ashland peoples' characters vary considerably. I've met haughty and obstinate people as well as loving and
giving people. Average lQs are unusually high. Space is unusually limited in the downtown area thanks to
the town's popularity.
We should also find community gardens and maybe even employment within an easy walk from our homes.
The housing types in Ashland are not varied enough to maintain the diversity of the first sentence above. I
think that since measure 5 went into effect the Ashland schools have gone down in quality. That first started
when one class period at the high school was eliminated. Now if I understand it correctly it is worse with this
downturn in the economy. If a student comes in from somewhere else and doesn't feel at home they have the
tendency to join the "outliers" or those who don't fit in and are usually kids into drugs. At least that is how I
see it. And no I don't think that every resident can find shopping within an easy walk from their homes. Many
people have to get into their cars to go shopping. Many people live on the other side of the freeway or up high
on the hillside.
This is true--my children do walk & bike to school and friends. I think "easy walk" isn't so accurate though.
Out on Tolman Creek area we're far from everything. 4th sentence has redundant wording (combine children
walk and bike to their schools and neighbors...)
The future in infinite: beyond 2-5 years public & private gardens could be developed as edible landscapes -
The will to do so is a potential growth industry -
VISION STATEMENT Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
accurate vision for accurate vision for
the Ashland of the the Ashland of the
future. future.
Ashland's residents treasure the
natural environment. Salmon spawn
in Ashland's creeks. Solar panels
gather energy on rooftops,
community gardens dot the parks,
drought tolerant plants grace yards,
parks and open spaces. The
,
community cleans and re-uses its
stormwater and effluent so no drop
is wasted. [t is as easy to walk and
bike in Ashland as it is to drive.
Ashland is connected to the Rogue
Valley and the entire West coast
through strong transit and rai I
systems. Population growth is
managed, making efficient use of
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o
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land and ensuring the community is
vibrant.
Comments on this vision statement.
Some parts are a stretch
Not easy to walk or bike for people with disabilities or who are aging - connection re transit and rail remains
a problem into the future
I like the vision and there is a big gap in the reality factor. I hope for all of this too and I feel we need feet
on the ground to see an eat!lble pie in the sky
It is not easy for older or disabled citizens to walk through town or have access to all that the city has to
offer. Limited bus service and hills make mobility an issue for older citizens above the Blvd
Oh please can we do this? Stop California from moving here. What young families? Where are they going
to live? When are we going to have passenger rail servicde in/to/from Ashland? Practical answers to these?
Do salmon really spawn in Ashland's creeks given the regular E.coli outbreaks? Lithia Park is gorgeous and
I wouldn't change it a bit but it is hardly a model of drought-tolerant landscaping. It isn't even close to as
easy to bike in Ashland as to drive. It's easier to park a bike near the Plaza but that's about it. Transit to
Ashland is ajoke. Rail? Drive to Klamath Falls for the lOPM Amtrak (if it's on time). Again with corrected
grammar ("Ashland should become better connected to the Rogue Valley and the West coast through strong
transit and rail systems") this could become an accurate vision statement.
Again too long. Residents have a natural environment - do they all treasure it? No drop of water is wasted?? I
doubt it. Strong rail system?? Population growth is managed? Do we see a one child per family policy
coming? Vibrant -again?
Hyperbole
However a light rail or trolley car system would increase the efficiency of local transportation.
Water drops are wasted by the billions throughout neighborhoods every single day. While jogging early in
the morning I always see lots being watered by broken irrigation systems busted sprinkler heads spewing
forth fountains of water that turn into rivers on driveways pavement and gutters. Does the city provide
citizens a way to handles these problems? No. Therefore they won't clear up and therefore will remain a
problem in the future. Our transit system is particularly weak when it comes to air travel. MFR is a terribly
disconnected airport as most travelers know about 6:00 AM departures and II :30 PM arrivals. This is not a
sign of strong air connections. I don't see this changing within the next 10 years and therefore isn't
appropriate for our vision statement.
Good vision statement but can it be met? And even if we are connected to the Rogue Valley through a
strong rail system who will use it? Many people in nearby communities think we're all a bunch of tree-
hugging hippies.
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Our transit and rail systems aren't quite as stated - to use Amtrack one most get to K-Falls; the transit won't
take you to and from Medford in the evenings. Population growth management is one I'm unsure about. I
hear talk of in-fill but am not sure that is what you mean. Other than that I like it.
Ashland continues to be a state leader in energy use per capita. Zero net energy buildings appear.
You were going strong until the the "strong transit and rail systems." Where did that come from???
Population growth is managed by making Ashland too expensive for some to live here?
Per my comments above the 35 mph speed limit on the south end of Siskiyou Blvd. particularly near the
densely inhabited Ashlander apartments Blackberry Lane town homes and Bellview School is too high and
dangerous. Please reduce the speed limit to 25 mph as it is elsewhere in town. The geese deer and kids who
live here will thank you!
Can we use the railroad tracks for transport?! Anywhere would be an asset.
What rail system? Do you mean' a bus ride 50 plus miles to catch an occassional train. It is also evident that
an interconnection for water is needed. While we need to conserve more this year showed that we have
issues. With the water issues this year preservation of trees in our community was impacted. We lost
several well established 20+ year old trees and I fear that several more were stressed beyond survival. While
we tried to conserve water saving trees was also very important.
I would not characterize Ashland as a very bike friendly city such as Davis CA. Walking is OK for most
folks however sidewalks are inconsistently available and some non existent or in dangerous repair in older
neighborhoods.
Many of these "visions" occur in many other communities but are not exclusive even here; this sounds like
someone's personal dream. It is not easy to drive in Ashland as you always have people suddenly walking
into the street and riding bikes as if they were the only ones around.....including bike riders blowing through
intersections against stop signs and stop lights. I have no use for public transportation systems and do not
want to fund them beyond my personal use. Population growth should be a natural byproduct of a free-
market economy. Use ofland should be determined by the landowner as long as no true public nuisance is
created. "Vibrant" in this case sounds like a dense color resulting from too many people in too small a space.
Ashland's layout has been well-planned but the local economy needs to become less reliant on tourism
dollars since discretionary budgets have dried up. Please focus more attention on how to help businesses in
the manufacturing sector to improve their bottom line which requires a smart business plan reinvested
profits skilled employees and ethical management.
It would be much easier to walk or bike through Ashland than it is to drive. I deeply appreciate all the
attention to the environment though.
However my utopian Ashland would have it be much easier to walk bike or take some kind of public transit
than it is to drive.
What a lot of idealistic talk this is! Strong transit and rail systems? I had a student from the VA DOM who
rode the bus from there to the SOU campus it took him FOUR HOURS ONE WAY! Who are you trying to
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kid? What rail? Does it ever carry passengers? Sure population is managed to the rich and famous who can
afford to buy obscenely priced homes in Ashland.
This st~tement is too ideal to be accurate. We are not connected easily to the Rogue Valley & West Coast.
It's far and expensive to get anywhere else.
Not enough yet! (they underlined the section, "The community cleans and re-uses its stormwater and effluent
so no drop is wasted. ")
VISION STATEMENTS Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
accurate vision for accurate vision for
the Ashland of the the Ashland of the
future. future.
Residents and visitors share
Ashland's lively downtown.
Ashland is eclectic and funky, and
peoples' differences are treasured,
not just tolerated. Visitors return to
Ashland year after year to refresh
themselves, to hike, bike, and ski, to
learn, and to experience the
performing and visual arts.
Community events and festivals
allow locals, regional residents, and
visitors to share music, food, and
ideas.
49
9
1
Comments on this vision statement.
Maybe
This is mostly true and may it continue
except that don't believe peoples' differences are treasured or tolerated
Ashland is about as homogeneous as it gets. I'm not a fan of the campers in the Plaza and watershed (where
*does* that E.coli come from anyway) and the various codes related to the parks (no dogs no musIc no
alcohol) are clearly designed to keep out a "certain element".
Too long. Do people really come here to refresh themselves?? Perhaps eclectic but "funky"?? Check the
meaning of that word. Hike bike ski - how about walk?
I'm not sure how many Medford locals would agree with this statement. Many in Medford and other
surrounding areas avoid Ashland like the plague. In the recent survey's where loocals were asked if they
would eat out in Ashland more often if the tax was repealed the majority said they would not. So clearly we
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need to appeal to tourists who are like-minded and often travel a great distance to get here.
The word "treasured" is overused in these documents. Perhaps "encouraged?"
Cheers !!
No this resident and many others I know avoid downtown. Differing opinions are frowned on and
certainly not "treasured."
The Ashland Coop is great but I haven't participated in much else.
I hope future visitors will also come to see our model sustainability projects and engage in sustainability
education. If our town resembles this vision that would certainly be something worth coming to see.
I would add that Ashland is a center for a diverse array of conferences and summits to continue to make
positive change in the world.
Funky is kind of negative. Are you warning people here about the young panhandlers downtown?
Innovation moved from the east to the west coast in the settling of the U.S. Look at the phenomenon of
Transportation to get here, the utilization of the climate, the frequency of community building (communes)
etc. Ashland is also an idea capital. There are greenhouses and Green Houses. Now, 2009, I emphasize the
first as we in Ashland are doing the latter. This spring a small, cheaply built, plastic covered greenhouse
changed climate for food growing. Think! What is the limit to this idea? In a can-do attitude we can think.
The sky is the limit. So following is a fanciful dream, in faxt a "real" illusion for small thinking or a short
horizon for anything under 30 years. We can envision a time when we create our own "sky." We build a
superdome. By living in it we grow ourselves. The twentieth century inventor R. Buckminster Fuller
envisioned such large domes with details of operation and structure. All five items under "Environment
Goals" could get a positive hit from a mega-dome. Well, dream on: we had people on the moon in 1960's. I
has a sun room in my home in wintery Ohio where it never froze. Here in Ashland, now, we hanker for an
European style of public transportation. How big is that?
VISION STATEMENTS Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
accurate vision for accurate vision for
the Ashland of the the Ashland of the
future. future.
Ashland supports businesses that are
committed to family-wage jobs and
Ashland's environmental ethic. The
3'6
18
4
business community has a strong
working relationship with Southern
Oregon University, and university
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graduates find ample, rewarding
employment in Ashland and the
region. Small businesses thrive, and
entrepreneurs choose to start and
grow their businesses here.
Comments on this vision statement.
I feel like the City needs to spend more energy in the area of job creation and economic development.
Because of our proximity to California and California's troubled economy many businesses may want to
relocate here and create jobs for Ashland residents.
I don't believe that there are many employment opportunities for young professionals in Ashland. I think
small businesses are important to Ashland but I am not sure they are all thriving.
If small business is going to thrive we need to focus on that not the big three
Some in Ashland including Ciy Council are committed to barely tolerating the business that survive off the
tourist economy. This question is revealing in that it mentions SOU but ignores OSF which is what keeps
Ashland from being a sleep rural college town.
Too long. This is really trite! What is a family wage? Perhaps a living wage is better. Businesses thrive?
Not all do. The vision statement needs simple facts.
Ashland certainly does not support its businesses. Every obstacle possible is thrown to create difficulty for
businesses. Ashland does not possess a business-friendly government. Especially the food tax needs to be
rescinded.
Promotion of small business and employment opportunities must be related to the availability of affordable
workforce housing
This statement was going along quite well until the bit about entrepreneurs. While the fiber network is great
the cost of decent work space for teams of 3-10 people is outrageous. Not everything can be done in a garage
you know. I've not seen any progress that targets entrepreneurism since the failed AFN experiment began
10+ years ago. Let's not let that one stop us from formulating conditions that will invite enable and support
new types of intelligent workers in the future
Businesses need to have strong ties to all of the educational resources and the educational resources need to
have strong ties to businessees
What happened to the proposal that was prepared for the old Lumber site? It was voted down because it was
too big even though it would have provided family wage jobs. I fear the same thing is going to happen with
the Crowman site and no one will want to bring their business here because we're too restrictive.
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We're in tough economic times right now and I understand businesses restaurants and retailers are
struggling. I-low many jobs are out there for college students let alone Ashland residents? And are they
paying a living wage??
Lots of typos in that statement but I think you are saying that SOU graduates find ample employment in the
Rogue Valley. I wonder how that was determined and would want to see the data on that. This area has
such a tight job market that many leave. Perhaps this is aspirational...
We have run a small business in Ashland for the last 25 years. We have never seen any evidence that the
City of Ashland SOU or any of the other larger businesses ever go out of their way to support local
businesses by purchasing locally. As you know the winter is a brutal time for small businesses and many go
under during that time through no particular fault. However if the City or SOU made a concerted effort to
buy locally it could make a small difference.
is 'family-wage' the same as 'living wage'...and when will those jobs come? Wow we have quite a way to
go here...how about reminding the other economic engines of Ashland (SOU hospital school district OSF)
to spend hire bank and invest locally too???
And we have weathered the HUGE downturn so far.. whew!! now up up hopefully
I think a lot of small businesses start but I'm not sure they thrive. The increase in lodging tax certainly has
not been beneficial to my business. Is the lodging industry the only one in town who benefits from tourists.
How about an entertainment tax and I support the meals tax to share the burden of tourist related costs to the
city.
Many businesses avoid Ashland because of the government controls. People should be free to develop
whatever businesses and paying whatever wages that the free-market supports especially so our young
adults can find work close to home regardless of their education level.
Accurate but why does Ashalnd having an "environmental ethic" have to be mentioned in the same breath as
striving to offer "family-wage jobs"?
Ashland would ordinarily be a great place for a small business but our currency is going to collapse through
the abrupt addition of trillions of dollars to the money supply so I'm not expecting much from Ashland's
fond illusions. It's simple. You can't double triple or quadruple a money supply without causing a drastic
increase in prices. Were that not the case our natural resources would vanish at two or three times the usual
rate. How about that vacation in Hawaii now that we have all this extra money? More business for United
Airlines! How about a third or fourth vehicle? More business for Shell and Chevron! Even if the federal
government could fix the price of oil I wouldn't advise it; would you? So prices would rise and that's when
small businesses would suffer because they weren't "bailed out" in equal measure. Double the price of gas
and my business will be finished. Most of my customers live on fixed incomes. They can't afford to pay me
more and more, I remember reading somewhere that an Ashland politician has been considering sponsorship
of an alternative currency: something that can't be devalued. [think that's going to be the only way out.
Alternatively a massive Corporate State will buy and pollute buy and pollute until Ashland is history. That
at least is what they did in foreign countries.
I'm not clear on the vision of university graduates finding work here. Since the university serves a large
population coming from out of town it doesn't seem as if we could provide them jobs without considerable
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growih in the size of our town. This stands in contradiction to the goal of managing population growth. I
would add that we will have local businesses that provide many of our basic goods and services and that we
will esteem that artistic and hand-crafted goods that can be made here.
It's difficult to get jobs that pay a living wage here.
VISION STATEMENT Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
accurate vision for accurate vision for
the Ashland of the the Ashland of the
future. future.
A wilderness is a short hike away
from the downtown plaza.
Ashland's forests are healthy and
managed to support the unique
habitat of the Siskiyou Mountains,
support recreation, provide clean
drinking water, and ensure Ashland
is safe from forest fire.
46
9
5
Comments on this vision statement.
With exception the deer population is not healthy or well managed
Wilderness? Are you kidding. Wilderness by definition os not cut by roads
Yes and no. Again regular E.coli outbreaks in the Creek put the lie to the statement about good management
and clean water.
Short hike - or walk or mnt bike?
So long as you keep Eric off the committee.
Let's get working on the toxic algae problem and any other water pollution that means closing the swim
resevoir in upper Lithia Park. We use TID to irrigate our fruit & veggie gardens and I would hate to think
my home-grown organic food which is shared with many neighbors (including LOTS of birds) is tainted by
polluted water. Got to keep that stuff out of the food chain.
We've been lucky this year escaping fires! cheers to CERT Fire Stations & good crews.. educating young
& old
Ashland's "forests" (thought they were all state and federal?) are not healthy because they are not managed
thus sucking up needed water and greatly endangering all (people and wildlife) in the area with the threat of
catastrophic wildfire.
Since Ashland is backed into beautiful hills I hope and pray that Ashland is safe from forest fire.
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I had no idea a wilderness was a short hike away. I couldn't see any forests from the interstate.
Properly managed our forests can also provide many secondary products and provide jobs in their
regeneration and sustainable forestry practices.
People swim in the reservoir then the water is chlorinated. It doesn't taste good. I wouldn't say Ashland is
safe from forest fire. In two weeks there have been two potentially devastating fires...
Ashland's forests are a disaster in the making. There needs to be more defensible space education. But the
first sentence is true!
VISION STATEMENT Yes this is an No, this is not an No opinion
accurate vision for accurate vision for
the Ashland of the the Ashland of the
future. future.
The City of Ashland is respected in
Oregon and the region as an
innovative, effective, efficient, and
well run municipal government.
The City is well connected to its
citizens, and is responsive to citizen
and business needs. The City is an
employer of choice to high quality
professionals who have chosen
public service as a career.
38
13
6
Comments on this vision statement.
I hope so
You're kidding right? Reversc the meaning of each of this to reflect the current state. Again this is what we
may want but the present state is very different
The City could work on being more effective and efficient
Ashland is a laughing stock; its city council does not know how to manage the government; it is not
responsive to citizen or business needs; it has accumulated excessive debt with no way of paying it; and it
certainly does not hire high quality professionals who look to serve the community
past vision no longer valid
Let's hope this comes true -- you guys have a lot of work to do.
I have no way Of determining this.
Make it an 'employer of choice' AND hire locally"
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Nice vision statement too bad they don't try to act on it.
Thanks to good people like mayor & all the other city officials & schools parks etc.etc. Gosh I appreciate
the countless hours given.
I am not sure that this is totally the case. The ongoing nit picking about the meal tax and nudity are just two
examples. If the critics are to be believed neighboring citizens as well as are own seem to have an issues
with a very valid tax. The issue probably comes about because the tax money is not be used in a way relative
to what it is collected for. It is also apparent that the Commissions and Council members have agendas that
are not always in the best interests of the citizens but that said at least we are not Grants Pass.
The City of Ashland is not respected throughout Oregon; the shenanigans of the Ashland City Council have
embarrassed the city and its residents on many past occasions. The city is out of touch with many of its
residents and their values and business needs.
Political respect in Oregon is not always a good indicator especially when that 'respect' comes from those
who are making government bigger and more intrusive. Perhaps Ashland should look to earn the respect of
those who wish to empower citizens with careers that sustain a harmonious co-existence with nature without
harm to humanity.
Ashland does seem more enlightened than other cities.
Are these the, same people who had to spend city money on figuring out how to get along with each other?!
i think other Oregonians laugh at our city govt. trials & tribulations. We get a lot of bad press due to our
elected officials (most just one of them).
Goodjob!
Please list other visions statements for the Ashland of the future.
Ashland is energy independent having developed low temperature geothermal power
http://www.rasertech.com/geothermal and algae-based motor fuels htlp://www.originoi1.coml
Local charities feeding "homeless" - really vagrants and bums who are passing through - have a
deleterious effect on visitors' attitudes - and the resultant loss of re-visits and spending impacts
the local economy. Tolerance for naked people? This is a mistake. Exhibitionists belong in jail
not on the street corner or in parades
Diversity seems an excuse for bad behavior'"
I agree with all the visions. Action and accountablity are the test of visions and how they come
alive. Kathleen Meagher
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Looking at the demographics and realizing that Ashland's population continues to shift to an older
retired population and consider what this means in terms of future planning for services
transportation medical care recreation etc.
Get rid of the deer - really all of them. They have hurt people and cause thousands of dollars
damage to persoanl and public property. This is an urban environment.
An effective transportation plan that includes bicycle routes/amenities and pedestrian amenities
For your beautiful vision to actually become a reality we residents must evolve. We must care
about how we affect each other care about our shared quality of life and have a "can do" attitude.
To do so we must uplift our perspectives and the ways in which we think communicate problem
solve and collaborate. This is possible because it has been happening since the 1960s when the
great change began to happen. However it's a tall order. Nevertheless I have been here for 6
years because this is the best little home I've ever found. Thank you all!
Repeal the food tax.
Each neighborhood should have easy access to affordable workforce housing local shopping and
transportation. The city should focus on light rail and trolley car systems. The City should act
now to install traffic light at intersection of Water St. and East Main St. A traffic light or stop
sign should be installed at the intersection of the 1-5 Exit ramp and Ashland St.
Goodjob!
Vibrant innovative creative -- building a resilient town that weathers both the economy and
climate change while expanding the diversity of its citizenry and the attitude of caring about
neighbors and strangers alike. '
To truly build a solid town-gown relationship with SOU. Businesses and SOU should partner
and students encouraged to shop in town as opposed to being viewed as a nuisance. I see AHS
sports insignias and schedules in many businesses and markedly fewer for SOU. I don't think the
citizens are very good supporters which is unfortunate. If SOU fails the City stands to lose a lot.
A place where the employees fee) as valued as the parks.
Some kind of city program to help distribute mulch & compost to all the families who garden;
and encourages more homes to grow food in sustainable ways.
Keep chugging along-- especially with bus transpotation. Thanx!!
Again these visions fo OUR TOWN are a vision of Utopia. However the council obviously
appreciates the tensions and conflicts between the visions and the possible reality. Prioritization
with basic services such as water energy supplies safety (police fire) public health social
services must be at the top of the list for all else follows. Don Morris
Stop trying to force residents into any particular lifestyle or business choice.
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Vision Feedback
City of Ashland
Draft Vision
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
You'll need to rely on local agriculture much more than you are currently. [ heard that California'
is drying up...literally.
On the plus side the future will be less consumptive than it is today. The pace of life will be
slower thank goodness and we will have time to smell the roses and have a cup of tea with
neighbors. Our homes will be smaller and we will share many tools work areas and outdoor
spaces with others. There might even be less people not more. On the other hand we may have
greater security problems and challenges in meeting our basic needs. With the failure of the
perpetual growth society our descendants will have fewer personal choices. Our ability to
communicate and collaborate with others will be very important. Hopefully we will have a
locally resilient and supportive community weathering these changes together.
SOU as an open and friendly university that collaborates with the city of Ashland to offer music
, innovative speakers and cutting edge panel discussions similar to "City Arts & Lectures" in San
Francisco.
The first idea is the only one I think really fits.
I think you should emphasize the family friendly qualities of Ashland. It's an incredibly
wonderful place to nurture children here. My children's teachers coaches friends' parents etc.
have had a positive impact on them. There are great sports fields the high school and middle
schools don't cut athletes and there are incredible cultural opportunities for kids here too--circus
training dance all they YMCA activities all the karate teachers art instructors etc. Plus despite
the cuts the schools are still good.
Ashland has a good clean water supply that is not affected by droughts or interrupted by fires in
the watershed. We do not have a rest area that pumps up to I million gallons of water into our
sewage system and uses our scarce water supply.
These are all worthy, but should be consolidated in a much more succinct statement - preferably
one paragraph.
I can't edit, but I believe it is much too long- trying to put everything into the "kitchen sink." It
should be succinct - which would improve its usefulness.
[This was sent to the Mayor, in response to his recent request for comment]
Subject: A 30 Year Vision of Holistic Health in Ashland
Per the request of Transition Town's Health And Wellness Action Group, the vision of Ashland
30 years in the future that I came up with below, is very much possible in my point of view and a
movement [ am excited to be a part of. Hope you enjoy... - Jenica
Harkening back to Ashland's past, when it was thought of as a healing destination due in large
part to its Lithia Springs, in the future circa 2040 Ashland will be looked at as one of the
forerunners in the health and wellness movement. In 2030 Ashland was already celebrating its
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Vision Feedback
City of Ashland
Draft Vision
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
fifteenth year operating its own independently run health clinic capable of serving its entire
population (including its animal population) with emergency care. Allopathic physicians,
veterinarians and complementary and alternative health practitioners still ran independent
successful practices but many of them were hired for shifts at the clinic. Knowing that their
emergency needs would be met if a need arose, many of the citizens of Ashland elected to not
carry health insurance and instead pooled their saved money together to create a wellness co-op.
Here owners received health and wellness services such as acupuncture, yoga instruction,
nutrition coaching, exercise training, reiki, homeopathic and flower essence consultations, dance
and art therapy, massage and shiatsu, hypnotherapy, counseling, and many other alternative and
complementary therapies. Owners also made use of the Lithia water springs for soaking and
swimming and also frequented the temple; a place of no denomination, decorated with fresh
flowers, vibrant colors and symbols of all religious and spiritual traditions. The temple was kept
open 24 hours a day for meditation, reflection and solace and was the site of community
meditation and healing circles on days of power such as the solstices, equinoxes and eclipses.
The Ashland Wellness Co-Op's sister, the Ashland Food Co-Op, was just as much at the heart of
Ashland's health and wellness community. The Food Co-Op managed outreach education which
taught children as young as preschool about healthy, organic, local and sustainable foods and
involved them in the community garden program which was a required class for grammar school
children and became an elective class for middle school and high school aged children who
taught the younger ones. Also instrumental in the program were senior citizens who did some
gardening but were mainly focused on maintaining the food and seed stores and taught food
preservation techniques which were offered as summer and fall electives to the children.
The Food Co-Op also managed the composting program that used city wide food scraps which
were left curbside (or delivered to the community garden compost center for those with large
quantities, such as restaurants) to create tons of rich topsoil which was used on the community
garden, Lithia Park and all other city Park and Rec land, replacing the use of fertilizers and
chemicals long ago. Park and Rec land increasingly made use of fruit bearing trees and medicinal
herbs on much city land but also dedicated a whole several acre parcel to the biodynamic
"medicine patch" where the majority of Ashland and the Rogue Valley's medicinal and culinary
herbs were grown and carefully'picked and blended by herbalists, who offered annual
mentorships with intcrested youth. Often these herbs were traded with nearby towns for Rogue
Valley eggs, dairy and meat, all free-range and antibiotic and hormone free, as other nearby
towns had more space for the animals to pasture and could use the herbs in exchange.
Economists took note of the savings the city and its citizens reaped in medical, pharmaceutical,
fertilizing, animal husbandry and veterinary related costs. Utilities/energy experts marveled at the
savings acquired by way of the consumption of a majority of locally grown and preserved foods
and medicinal herbs, which required little or no transportation and the marked decrease in
transportation ofrefuse due to the composting program.
A variety of other health and wellness education programs operated interactively with Ashland's
school system, SOU, the Ashland Health Clinic, the Ashland Wellness Co-Op, the Ashland Food
Co-Op and the Ashland Senior Center. These programs educated on a variety of topics including
life-centering techniques, survival strategies, non-violent communication, sexuality and wellness,
pregnancy and childbirth preparation, and healthful aging to name just a few. Ashland's citizens
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Vision Feedback
City of Ashland
Draft Vision
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
grew to be among the healthiest in the country and served as an example from which other cities
took inspiration and ideas to implement.
Jenica Faye, BA, RYT, BFRP
Owner, Lasting Balance, LLC
************************************
The following was submitted by the Conservation Commission
Vision Statement
Ashland has vibrant neighborhoods. Young singles,..........
By 2030, all new buildings (Architecture 2030) and remodels are net energy
producers and built sustainably with cradle-to-cradle standards.
Ashland's residents treasure the natural environment.. ....Population growth is
aggressively managed," making efficient use ofland and ensuring the community is
vibrant.
Support staff to implement new public greywater diversion regulations from
waste stream.
The vision of the future, the City of Ashland obtains a minimum of25% energy
from new renewable sources even at a premium relative to non-renewable energy.
Energy self-sufficiency is extensive, as evidenced by solar panels blinking from
rooftops, and zero net energy homes and buildings throughout the City. We live
in relatively car-free nodes in which these nodes are connected and access
efficient transportation options for most shopping, jobs and services, natural areas
and community gardens on the periphery of each node. These nodes are
connected by public transportation, bike and ped paths, and delivery vehicles.
Most vehicles will be fueled by energy generated from new renewable sources.
Add drought tolerant and edible gardens, grace yards. (We are not a high desert
town: we are in a Mediterranean and also a cold climate.)
Same paragraph, sentence: The community cleans and re~uses its storm water and
effluent so no drop is waster in this high desert town.
Including implementation of new greywater and rainwater harvesting regulations.
Residents and visitors share Ashland's..................... ..ideas.
Ashland is a conscious, sustainable City that supports the three E's of
sustainability: the environment, the economy and social equity. Resource
conservation and reducing the carbon footprint of the City is a priority.
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Vision Feedback
City of Ashland
Draft Vision
Summary of Feedback Forms
October 2009
Ashland supports businesses.... ....ethic.
Add social equity.
The City of Ashland is respected in Oregon and the region........ . government.
The City of Ashland is respected in Oregon and the region as an innovative,
effective, and efficient and a well run municipal government that makes everyday
decisions taking into account the environment, social equity and the economy.
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Vision Feedback
CITY OF
ASHLAND
June 2009
Dear City of Ashland Commission;
The City Council recently approved a draft set of values, a draft vision statement and 15 two-year
goals. Now it is interested in your feedback on all three.
The values are supposed to represent what is most important to us as a community.
The vision statement describes the long term direction towards which Ashland should be moving.
And the two-year goals are concrete policy actions the Council expects to focus on through July of
2011.
Ideally all three (values, goals, vision) would be completely consistent with each other. In the real
world, however, there are often tensions among the three. It is the purpose of our community dialogue
to refine, clarify and better align these three elements.
We expect to review a revised list of values and a revised vision statement to the Council in November.
Input regarding the goals will feed into the Council's goal setting process for Fiscal 2011, which begins
next January.
Your Council liaison will meet with you soon for a group discussion of the values, goals and vision
AND we would appreciate your individual opinions as well.
We're interested in hearing from you about the draft values statement, the draft vision statement and the
two-year goals.
We're also interested in more subtle points about how a particular idea could be better expressed or
formulated.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact Ann Seltzer at 552 2106.
Thank you for your help. We're looking forward to your response.
Sincerely,
The City Council and Mayor
PS The Council is seeking broad citizen input via a number of channels including on-line response
forms, speakers' bureaus etc. Please help spread the word to your friends and neighbors and encourage
their participation in this important work.