HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-25 Planning MIN
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
STUDY SESSION
MINUTES
May 25, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Pam Marsh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street.
Commissioners Present: Staff Present:
Larry Blake Bill Molnar, Community Development Director
Michael Dawkins Maria Harris, Planning Manager
Pam Marsh Adam Hanks, Project Manager
Debbie Miller April Lucas, Administrative Assistant
Melanie Mindlin
Mike Morris
John Rinaldi, Jr.
Absent Members: Council Liaison:
Dave Dotterrer Eric Navickas, absent
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community Development Director Bill Molnar noted the City Council will be holding a Special Meeting tomorrow evening to
deliberate on the Croman Mill District Plan.
PRESENTATIONS
A.Economic Development Strategy Update.
Project Manager Adam Hanks provided a presentation on the City’s Economic Development Strategy. He provided some
background information and noted this process began in January 2009 after the City Council adopted a goal to “Develop and
implement a comprehensive economic development strategy.” Mr. Hanks stated the Council agreed to use the EcoNorthwest
Draft Implementation Plan as a starting point and following that decision the Mayor appointed 20 individuals to participate in
an Ad Hoc strategy committee. This committee was separated into two groups, the Technical Advisory Committee and the
Policy Group, and over a five month period each group met a total of 6 times and developed a draft vision statement and over
50 draft strategies.
Mr. Hanks reviewed the next steps in the process. He stated the draft strategies have been sorted by the Ad Hoc committee
and they are ready to begin the public comment stage. He clarified the citizen involvement plan will involve focus groups,
public forums and open houses, and an online questionnaire available to citizens via the City’s website. Mr. Hanks stated
during this stage staff is hoping to get a lot of feedback from the public as well increased exposure.
Mr. Hanks read aloud the draft vision statement drafted by the Ad Hoc Committee and the draft strategies list included in the
packet materials. He answered the Commission’s general questions and provided further information on how the Ad Hoc
committee narrowed down their list of draft strategies. He clarified all of the draft strategies (including those not selected by
the committee) will be included in the document that goes out for public comment. Recommendation was made for staff to not
include the Ad Hoc Committee’s rankings when this document moves forward for public comment.
Mr. Hanks reviewed the next steps in the process. He stated following the citizen involvement and input stage, they will
establish the specific actions with timelines, identify the responsible groups/entities and progress measurements, and lastly
final review and approval of the document by the City Council. Mr. Hanks stated staff expects this process will be completed
by the end of 2010.
Ashland Planning Commission
May 25, 2010
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The Planning Commission shared their thoughts and suggestions on the draft strategies. Some of the key comments and
suggestions included:
Develop a strategy that more adequately addresses the Council goal of supporting the creation and growth of businesses
that use and provide local and regional products.
Is there a way to identify the types of jobs needed in Ashland to help our under-employed population, and is there a way
to tie this into this process?
Does the City keep track of lease space stock and occupancy rates, and is there a way to make sure this existing space
is utilized?
Develop a strategy that speaks to the needs of young families, such as “Sustain the social and educational infrastructure
that attracts young families to the community.”
Sustainability is a three-legged stool, and currently the “social” component is missing from the equation.
Mr. Hanks thanked the Commission for their input and clarified this will come back before the Commission for additional input
as they move through the process.
OTHER BUSINESS
A.Status Update on 2010 Planning Commission Goals.
Commissioner Pam Marsh listed the Commission goals that were selected at their annual retreat and noted the first item has
been completed:
Adopt Croman Mill Redevelopment Plan
1.
Transportation Planning – TSP
2.
• Transit and Pedestrian Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay
Sustainable Land Use Goals
3.
• Solar Orientation, Green Street Standards, and Stormwater Management
Railroad District Parking Management Plan
4.
Arterial Setbacks
5.
• Evaluate existing standards for Ashland St, E. Main St, Siskiyou Blvd, and N. Main St
Community Development Director Bill Molnar and Planning Manager Maria Harris provided a short presentation to the
Commission. Staff reviewed the Community Development Department’s long range work plan and the City Council goal
projects that involve department staff. The ongoing Planning and Housing projects were also listed for the Commission.
Staff answered the Commission’s general questions. It was clarified the TSP has not started yet and kickoff is scheduled for
this summer. Ms. Harris added a number of joint meetings between the Transportation Commission and Planning Commission
have been identified in the scope of work for the TSP. Comment was made requesting the TSP meeting schedule be provided
to the Commission. Additional suggestion was made for the Commission to have more discussion on the arterial nodes in
relation to the TSP.
Commission Marsh asked if staff could meld their work plan into a list that is specific to the Planning Commission. She stated
she would like to form a plan that looks forward to the next 3 months and anticipates the actions the Commission will be
taking. She added if the Commissioners have any additional thoughts on this to please forward their suggestions to staff, and
stated she will meet with staff before their next Study Session to form a plan.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
April Lucas, Administrative Assistant
Ashland Planning Commission
May 25, 2010
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