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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-0524 Parks & Rec. PacketIMPORTANT: Any citizen attending a Commission meeting may speak on any item on the agenda. If you wish to speak, please fill out the Speaker Request form located near the entrance to the Council Chambers. The Chair will recognize you and inform you as to the amount of time allotted to you. The time granted will be dependent to some extent on the nature of the item under discussion, the number of people who wish to be heard, and the length of the agenda. CITY OF ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda MAY 24, 2004 @ 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS (~ CIVIC CENTER 0 1175 E. MAIN STREET CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular Meeting--April 26, 2004 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION · Open forum ADDITIONS or DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS · Meadowbrook Park Development Information · Ducks in Lithia Park · 3AM Bicycle Request Review SUB-COMMITTEE and STAFF REPORTS · Trail Master Plan Committee Report ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS UPCOMING MEETING DATE(S) and PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I). City of Ashland PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Apd126, 2004 ATTENDANCE Present: Absent: Commissioners Amarotico, Eggers, Gardiner, Lewis, Rosenthal; Director Rob.~rtson; Superintendent Gies; City Council Liaison Hartzell None CALL TO ORDER Chair Gardiner called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Council Chambers, 1175 E. Mai,n. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Reqular Meeting - March 22 Under Items From Commissioners, Vice-Chair Eggers clarified that she is a regular voting member of the Forest Lands Commission. MOTION Commissioner Rosenthal moved to approve the minutes as amended. Commissioner Amarotico seconded the motion. The minutes were approved by consensus. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPEN FORUM - None ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA- None UNFINISHED BUSINESS ASHLAND GUN CLUB AGREEMENT Director Robertson reminded commissioners about the request from the Ashland Gun Club for a 20-year lease extension past the current lease's expiration date of 2009. The extension would make the club eligible for additional grants through the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the National Rifle Association. He reported that the commission, along with members of the Histodc Commi~ssion, toured the gun club property on April 22, 2004. Public Comment Terry Skibby, 611 Beach Street, a member of the Ashland Historic Commission, toured the gun club property on April 22 and took photographs to better capture its historic elements. He shared those photos with the Commissioners. Mr. Skibby expressed that the site is historically, naturally, and possibly archeologically important and that some histodc elements have deteriorated, and he spoke in favor of nominating the site for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. Finally, he stressed the importance of preserving the histodc components at the site and questioned the compatibility of conducting a gun club at such an histodc location. Keith Swink, 231 Gresham Street, a member of the Histodc Commission, also toured the site on April 22 and was impressed by the beauty of the location. Mr. Swink spoke favorably of the care provided by the gun club, and he voiced the shared concem of other Histodc Commissioners about the long-term compatibility / use of the property by the club, considering the current growth levels in Ashland. He asked Parks Commissioners to postpone a decision on the matter, pending their further consideration and additional input from the citizens of Ashland. Page 2 of 4 Regular Meeting Minutes - April 26, 2004 Ashland Parks and, Recreation Commission UNFINISHED BUSINESS ASHLAND GUN CLUB AGREEMENT, Cont'd. Aaron Benjamin, 740 Emigrant Creek Road, lives directly across from the gun club site. He spoke of his concern about lead seeping into the ground and contaminating the water table, as he shares the same aquifer as the gun club. He requested that a scientific study [on the possible lead pollution level] be conducted before extending the lease. He also expressed concem about noise pollution caused by the gun club and indicated that evening, early moming, and weekend noise levels can sometimes cause sleep disturbances. He asked for consideration by the gun club of the rights of the residents in the area. Dale Shostrom, 1240 Tolman Creek Road, Ashland Historic Commission Chair, thanked the gun club for the April 22 tour, which he found useful, and praised them for their care of the property. He recommended further study and consideration of the impact of the club at the site before making a determination about a lease extension. Ed Pentkowski, 436 Monte Vista Drive, is a retired City of Ashland Electric Department employee and a longstanding member of the gun club. He spoke of the care given to the site and of the gun safetY education classes that the club provides to the community, especially for young people. He strongly urged the Commission to extend the lease to the gun club, to allow their good works to continue for many years into the future. Discussion Amonq Commissioners Commissioners asked for clarification on the role of the Parks Commission with respect to the site. Director Robertso,n stated that the City of Ashland owns the property and that Ashland Parks and Recreation manages the lease contract with the gun club, but the property is not a dedicated park. Chair Gardiner suggested conducting a study session for the purpose of "combing through the lease' to incorporate some of this public testimony. He expressed his desire for both entities [gun club and Historic Commission] to share the use of the site. Vice-Chair Eggers thanked Mr. Bill Longiotti for the document he compiled in which members of the gun club explained how they use the facility and talked about how their organizations find value from the club. Eggers also thanked the Historic Commission, especially Nan Hannon, who prepared a document outlining the historic qualities of the site. Finally, she expressed her desire for the Commission to further consider all of the relevant information before making a decision about the lease extension. The Commission directed Staff to research issues that could be affected by a lease extension, including: gun club impacts on the National Historic Register status; Native American site considerations; Lithia water impacts; potential lead content in the soils and water, as well as any potential cleanups; the need for wetlands delineation; flora and fauna considerations; potential site usage conflicts; Greenway impacts; and the impact on the Ashland Police Department (and other groups using the club) if the lease were not extended. The Commission agreed to conduct a study session in several months to review the current lease and to consider possible modifications, with the goal of ensuring protection of these resources. Further diiscussion was tabled, to provide Staff with an opportunity to research these matters. NEW BUSINESS- None SUB.COMMITTEE and STAFF REPORTS Quarterly' Budget Update Director Robertson directed Commissioners' attention to the brief budget summary provided in their packets, showing budgeted amounts, projected amounts, and year-to-date amounts. He stated that, for the quarter ending March 30, 2004, which represents the third quarter of the 2003-2004 fiscal year, the Depadment was on track for revenues and projected expenditures. Page 3 of 4 Regular Meeting Minutes - April 26, 2004 Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission SUB-COMMll il EE and STAFF REPORTS, Cont'd. Quarterly Project Update Superintendent Gies reported on the status of the Department's projects, referencinl~l' the memo in the Commission packets. Quarterly projects included the Greenway Park node, the North Mountain Park knoll, improvements in water quality at Lithia Park ponds, the Calle Guanajuato stairway project, the BMX Bike Park project, and the work of the Trail Master Plan Committee. Some of the projects are complete while others are nearing completion or are well underway. Calle Stairway Bids Report Director Robertson and Superintendent Gies reported that the stairway project was awarded to Meza Construction, although their bid came in at approximately 21% over the budgeted amount. According to Commission policy, Staff can approve bids under $100,000 and over budget by not more than 25%, as long as they explain their reasoning and identify the source of the extra funds. The project will commence soon, and should be completed in the summer of 2004, with final landscaping occurring in the winter of 2004-2005. Trail Master Plan Committee Report Commissioner Lewis updated the Commission on the work of this committee. He reported that the first public meeting is set for Monday, June 7, 6:30 PM, at The Grove, 1195 East Main Street. At that time, small easement connections will be identified, using the adopted Open Space map and plan as the starting point. [The group will work on fleshing out that map and plan.] The public: meeting will be advertised in the City Source newsletter and in other local publications. The next regular meeting of the committee will be held on Thursday, May 20. Cross Country Running Study Session Subcommittee Report Director Robertson reported on the meeting with Mr. Phil Selby, a citizen concerned about the impacts and dangers of cross country running in Lithia Park. Other meeting attendees included Chair Gardiner, Commissioner Lewis, Officer Bon Stewart, Mr. Grier Gatlin, and Mr. Bob Julian, Jr., the SOU and AHS Cross Country coaches, respectively. The coaches volunteered to post signs wamin~l park patrons of runners in the park, and they agreed to encourage and reinforce 'practice etiquette" with their team members. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Amarotico requested that the Commission consider stronger measures to discourage or prevent park patrons from feeding the ducks at the Lithia Park ponds. Suggestions includod posting signs educating people about the dangers of feeding ducks, as well as the imposition of fines. Commissioner Rosenthal spoke with appreciation of the Earth Day celebration at North M(:,untain Park and thanked Staff for their efforts. He also recognized the work of Parks Staff in creating the new summer recreation guide. City Council Liaison Hartzell reported that the City Council is in the process of appointing a Charter Review Committee and that the Parks Commission will be informed about upcoming meeting details. Vice-Chair Eggers reported that the Forest Lands commission is working on a community altemative to the Forest Service's proposed Ashland Forest Resiliency Project, of which the major intent is to reduce fire hazard in the larger watershed. Vice-Chair Eggers asked Staff to discourage Lithia Park patrons from parking on lawns, especially near the ponderosa pine trees, dudng this year's Fourth of July activities. She specifically requested that vehicles ddve only on designated roadways. Director Robedson agreed to speak to the Chamber of Commerce about this matter. Page 4 of 4 Regular Meeting Minutes - April 26, 2004 Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission UPCOMING MEF..[ING DATE(S) and PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS · Study session set for 7:00 PM May 17, 2004, Parks Department Office, 340 S. Pioneer. · Trail Master Plan Committee Meeting set for 1:00 PM May 20, 2004, Parks Department Office, 340 S. Pioneer. · Regular meeting set for 7:00 PM May 24, 2004, Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main. ADJOURNMENT- By consensus, with no further business, Chair Gardiner adjoumed the meeting. Respectfully submitted, Susan Dyssegard Ashland Parks and Recreation ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION COM MIoSION 340 SO. PIONEER STREET · ASHLAND, OREGON 97520 COMMISSIONERS: Diane Amarotico JoAnne Eggers Michael Gardiner Jim Lewis Rich Rosenthal TEL.: (541) 488-5340 FAX: (541) 488-5314 MEMORANDUM TO : FROM : Ashland Parks ~Recreation Commission Don Robertso~rector DATE : May 19, 2004 SUBJECT : Meadowbrook Park Development Action Requested Provide Staff direction. Background The Meadowbrook Park Development falls within the North Mountain Neighborhood Plan. This neighborhood plan designates development standards for future development within the boundaries of the plan. One of the standards is the transfer of ownership of the Bear Creek flood plain to the City for the purpose of park and open space upon development. The developers of Meadowbrook have completed their Planning Department requirements and will be presenting their plans for development to the Commission. included within the plans are their ideas for the open space or park development. Staff has met with the developers and reviewed the plans for the development. The plans call for a combination of highly developed area and low impact area. Featured within the park or open space is a detention pond/wetland. Upon review, Staff suggested that it is developed to a higher level than what we would plan for. In the event the plan went forward as proposed, the developer would be willing to deed the property to the City upon completion of construction but retain responsibility for ongoing maintenance in perpetuity. Home of Famous Lithia Park ?/" > 0 © [-q < © '! , I ."" ·LANDSCAPE PLAN ' Meadowb, rOOk Park 11 Development · " Mountain Neighborhood ! ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION COMMISSIONERS: Diane Amarotico JoAnne Eggers Michael Gardiner Jim Lewis Rich Rosenthal 340 SO. PIONEER STREET · ASHLAND, OREGON 97520 TEL.: (541) 488-5340 FAX: (541) 488-5314 MEMORANDUM TO : FROM : DATE : SUBJECT : Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission Don Robertso~irector May 19, 2004 Ducks in Lithia Park Action Reauested - Provide Staff direction. Background At the study session on May 17, 2004 the Commission had a brief discussion regarding the duck population of Lithia Park. Concern has been expressed regarding the duck population and the impact upon the water quality of the ponds. Staff has investigated a variety of means to improve th,: water quality, but in each instance the issue of overpopulation is raised as a concern. One of the proposed solutions to the duck issue is to no longer allow the feeding of the ducks. Home of Famous Lithia Park Spring2004guiderev3 - page 24 of 28 Page 1 of 2 FOOD FOR THOUGHT When our visitors feed bread to the ducks at Gresham City Parks, they think they are helping them out. The opposite is true. To a duck, a primary diet of bread is like a primary diet of cupcakes for a child. Without nutrients from the right foods, a child's development and health is jeopardized. This is also true for the ducks in Gresham City Parks. Ducks will ea_ ~ t when food is available, not just when they are hungry. Gresham City Parks ducks have learned that when they approach humans they get fed. Eventually these ducks rely on humans for most of their diet and lose the basic foraging skills necessary for their survival. The~ive food su Ix,, available here encourages migrating ducks to stay, adding to the overpopulation problem. Gresham City Parks provide enough forage and cover to maintain the health and safety of multiple ducks.. The resi- dent population has been as high as 200 ducks and geese, upsetting the park's natural balance. ~eneral, there must be a balance between all the elements' fish, waterfowl, plants, sun, air and water. Help keep the environment and wildlife healthy ..... Please don't feed the ducks! I Gresham Parks & Recreation Info 503-618-2485 www.ci.gresham.0.r.u_s 24 http ://www.ci.gresham.~r.us/departments/des/parksandrec/activityguide/spring~4/spr~4 2 4.htm I' 5/4/04 ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION COMMISSIONERS: Diane Amarotico JoAnne Eggers Michael Gardiner Jim Lewis Rich Rosenthal 340 SO. PIONEER STREET · ASHLAND, OREGON 97520 TEL.: (541) 488-5340 FAX: (541) 488-5314 MEMORANDUM TO : FROM : DATE : SUBJECT : Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission Don Robertsc~irector May 19, 2004 3AM Bicycle Request Review Action Requested Provide Staff direction. Background The City Administrator has received a request from 3AM Events to hold a bike race in the quarry. He is requesting comment on the event prior to granting or denying its approval. Attached is the letter of request along with comments submitted by the Ashland Fire Department for your review. Home of Famous Lithia Park 3AM Events LLC 455 Liberty St. Ashland, OR 97520 April 26, 2004 Gino Gramaldi 20 E. ~in St. Ashlan~ OR 97520 · Dear Gino, 3AM Events LLC is a local Alternative sports and entertainment company. This past winter .3AM Events produced a series of three ski and snowboard events at Mt. Ashland. After the success of the winter series 3AM is producing three mountain bike events. The foremost event being a trials and jump competition on Saturday August, 21, 2004. 3AM Events LLC would like to use the quarry at the top and to the right of Granite Sm,et for the event on Saturday, August 21, 2004. The event will be insured and sanctioned by OBIL~ (Oregon BiCycle Racing Association). A Certificate of Liability naming the City of Ashland as additionally insured will be provided prior to the event. We request the use of the quarry for eight days. Five days, prior to the event, will be neap_ed to setup the course features. Two post-event days are needed for teardown and cleanup. 3AM will manage construction, teardown, parking and cleanup in accordance with the City of'As]bland. We will use both the upper and lower parts of the quarry. We estimate 100 competitors and 100~ spectators will attend the event. 3AM Events will provide the necessary sanitary requirements, parking personnel, el .ean-up and signs. This venue is perfect for such an evem. The upper section of the quarry'has many different routes for all different skill levels of competitors. The fiat section at the bottom of the quarry provides room for spectators, vender booths and course features. The dose proximity te town will give competitors and spectators access to many amenities. This is an excellent opportunity to produce an exciting new event that shares the biker friendly atmosphere of Ashland. Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Devon Lyons 3AM Events President 541-301-0192 Tita Sofiano 3AM Events Events Director 541-840-6580 I I l] Il Illll I Il Illl I Illl I Illlllllll Ill I I I Il Il I I Il Illlll I- ~ I -- From: To: Date: Subject: Mike bianca Fran berteau; Keith Woodley 04/29/2004 3:34:49 PM Re: 3 AM Events Bike Trials Event No objection from police, mb >>> Keith Woodley 4/29/2004 11:06:22 AM >>> Hi Fran, The thinning project has been completed in the large granite pit. We have a pile of debris there to be burned when winter rains return. Regarding the .use of the granite pit for the mountain bike event, I see some questions 3, policy decisions to be considered by others: 1. Need to check with John Peterson, who has been helping with restoration work there. 2. Liability issues - hold-harmless agreement? . 3. Erosion issues - damage to silt fences, catchment pond, etc. Keith E. Woodley Fire Chief Ashland Fire & Rescue 455 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, Oregon '97520 (541) 482-2770 email: woodleyk{~ashland.or, us This email transmission is intended for the recipient as indicated above. The information contained within this document is confidential. Unauthorized distribution of the contents of this document, in full or part, is strictly prohibited. If you. have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by telephone at (541) 482-2770. Thank you. CC: Don Robertson From: To: Date: Subject: Keith Woodley Fran berteau 04/29/2004 11:06:22 AM 3 AM Events Bike Tdals Event Hi Fran, The thinning project has been completed in the large granite piL We have a pile of debds there to be burned when winter rains return. Regarding the use of the granite pit for the mountain bike event, I see some questions & policy decisions to be considered by others: 1. Need to check with John Peterson, who has been helping with restoration work there. - 2. Liability issues - hold-harmless agreement? 3. Erosion issues - damage to silt fences, catchment pond, etc. Keith E. Woodley Fire Chief Ashland Fire & Rescue 455 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, Oregon 97520 (541) 482-2770 email: woodleyk@ashland.or, us This email transmission is intended for the recipient as indicated above. The information contained within this document is confidential. Unauthorized distribution of the contents of this document, in full c,r part, is . strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by telephone, at (541) 482-2770. Thank you. CC: Don Robertson; Mike bianca il I III ...... , Ill ............... I III I I ....... III I ri I ~ ......................IIII I~11 ....... ' ................... I1 I -- From: To: Date: Subject: John Peterson Finn berteau 05/0512004 8:12:42 AM Re: Fwd: 3 AM Events Bike Trials Event Good Morning Finn, I don't have a problem with the bike trails event as long as the garbage is packed out, the silt fences left alone and the ponds are not disturbed. When is it? Have fun. John >>> Finn berteau 05103/04 03:13PM >>> Hi John, please could you take a look at the attached and let me know about the restoration work in the granite pit. If this isn't you, please let me know who may be working on this issue. Thanks very much for your help, Fran Fran Berteau Executive Secretary City of Ashland, Administration Department Tel: 552-2100 Fax: 488-5311 berteauf(~,ashland, or. us TTY 800 735-2900