HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-0317 Council Parks Joint PACKET
AGENDA
JOINT MEETING
CITY COUNCIL AND PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION,
March 17, 1998, 6:00 p.m.
Civic Center Council Chambers
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I. INTRODUCTION - ~~~~
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II. OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL ISSUES - --0
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m. JOlliT PROJECTS (Calle Guanajuato) .
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IV, FUTURE PLANNING PROCESS FOR CALLE - PARKS/CITY n , Ir
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V, FINANCE PLAN AND PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE L7.:rlove ~ I.uu>z
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VI. CONCLUSION - APPROPRIATE APPROACH
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MEMORANDUM
CITY OF ASHLAND
Administration
Office of the City Administrator
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
March 13, 1998
RE:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Greg Scoles, Interim City Administratoa!
Joint Meeting with Par1<s & RecreatiJP Commission
On March 17, 1998, the Council and the Parks & Recreation Commission will be
meeting at 6:00 p.m. to discuss mutual flood restoration budget issues. As you know
the Ashland Creek Flood Restoration Report prepared by OTAK identified a number
of improvements which will have to be considered. One of these projects is the Calle
Guanajuato which could be a joint project between the City and the Parks
Commission.
The attached report outlines the issues which both Ken Mickelsen and I would like to
discuss. It is hoped that we can reach consensus as to a cooperative approach to
funding and prioritizing the various projects,
Please note that at 5:45 p,m. we will have sandwiches and drinks for the Council and
Commission.
Attachments: Flood Restoration Issues Paper
Priority Matrix
cc l Barbara_ChristensenJ
Paul Nolte
Parks & Recreation Commission
Ken Mickelsen
1'G\memO\98'M&CA.313
"
FLOOD RESTORATION
OVERVIEW:
The 1997 New Year's Day Flood caused considerable damage to the City of Ashland, on both public and
private properties, The flood also raised concerns regarding the capability of our creeks, drainage
systems and facilities to adequately convey and carry 100-year flood flows, The City, with Parks
Department participation, completed a comprehensive analysis of Ashland Creek and its flood carrying
capabilities, As a result the Winburn Bridge was reconstructed to accept a I OO-year flood (flows of 31 00
cubic feet per second, cfs), In addition to Winburn Bridge, several other flood restoration projects were
identified to bring those facilities into the 100-year flood flows and improve flood facilities operations
and managernent techniques including:
. Calle Guanajuato (constructing a flood wall or similar measures along the east side)
. Main Street Bridge improvements
. Water Street Bridge replacement
. Van Ness Avenue Bridge replacement
. Hersey Street Bridge replacement
. Parks and Public Works Departments Flood management improvements
In addition to the work completed on Ashland Creek, the City is completing a Storm Drain and Drainage
Master Plan which will endeavor to review flood restoration needs in other drainage areas within the City
(Hamilton Creek, Clay Creek, Wrights Creek, etc,),
BUDGET TRENDS/CHANGES:
Prior year's budget included the immediate flood damage improvements and recovery efforts, The bond
issue passed and the City was able to obtain FEMA and HUD funds to assist with the emergency issues
and imrnediate repair needs. The majority of available funding for these projects has been expended,
This year's budget request is an extension of flood restoration needs, Although limited funding is
identified (approximately $460,000 and is grant dependent), there may be other funding options and
partnerships available, Funding for the remaining flood restoration projects may be a long term issue and
will be dependent upon priorities, A plan for project prioritization, funding, and cornpletion should be a
major goal of the continuing Flood Restoration Program,
MAJOR GOALS:
Flood Restoration needs are as follows:
. Deterruine a process to prioritize project identification, funding and completion schedule,
. Include partnerships for funding and prioritization development.
. Imrnediate priorities (within the next 5+ years) should include Calle Guanajuato with Main Street
Bridge improvements, and Water Street Bridge and departmental flood management
improvements.
. Longer terru priorities (5-15 years) may include Van Ness and Hersey Street Bridges,
. Staff will continue to pursue developing Flood Management Strategies and improving flood plain
zones/mapping amendments as necessary.
".
CAPITAL OUTLAY:
Assuming one ofthe flood project priorities is adopted for implementation in this year's budget we will
need to identifY conceptual design (cornmunity based), engineering design and approvals, financing
options and finally construction, We have tentatively identified three shorter term projects that need
prioritization:
. Calle Guanajuato improvements (coordinate with Parks Department, and Plaza
MerchantslBuilding Owners)
. Main Street Bridge improvements (coordinate with ODOT)
. Water Street Bridge replacement
We are projecting $460,000 expenditure this year (1998/99) which could complete one of the projects
listed with potentially additional funding from the partners listed above,
.
I
.'
Table 3:
Priority Matrix for Culverts/Bridges and Reaches
I
I
.
II
I
I
.
Structure Road/Park Nonhab, Habitable Building
Bldg
Flood Depth, > Oft > 1 ft +/- 1 ft > 1 ft
ft Score Rank
A3Bigned 2 3 3 5
Value'
Lithia Park 2 -Winburn 2 -Band shell 2 -Lithia Cafe & 16 5"
Reach Way & Park & Storage Pioneer bldg
WInburn Way 3 -park, Plaza, 12 -Hillah, 10 42 1
Culvert Winburn Way bldgs (Plaza
side), Comm
bldg
Calle Reach 2 -bldgs in Calle 6 -bldgs in 36 2
and Main Calle
Street Bridge
Main Street 1 -bldg in Calle 5 -bldgs in 28 3.( ......--
Bridge Calle
Bluebird Park 3 -two rest, & 15 6
Reach 31 Water St
Lithia Way I-Water St 3 -two rest, & 17 4
Culvert 31 Water St
Lithia Way to 1 -Restaurant 3 9
Water Street
Reach
Water Street 1 'Water St 1 -Commercial 6-new I-Water St 28 3L:: -
Culverts prop Condo. .-. Inn
Water Street I-Water St 5 8
to Van Ness Inn
Reach
VanNess 2 -Van Ness & 1 -Recycle I-House & 10 7
Culvert Water St Center Garage
SPRR to 1 -Church 3 9
Hersey Street
Reach
Hersey Street I-Hersey St I-Church 5 8
Bridge
.
II
.
I
I
.
"
.
* Assigned ualue based on re/4tiue economic impact of potenti4l f/4od damage at tM k>cation listed.
Does not include fWw capacity since bridges / culuerts that haue a high capacity due to high auailable
head may contribute to high backwater effects,
.
" A.hland Cruk Hydraulic In.eetlgatlon
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.. Does Mt include seasonal improuements Buch as tM ice skating rink whU:h could be damaged by
f/4oding, This fact, coupled with tM cUslre to keep Windburn Way dry during all but the most utreme
flood euents, may raise tM justification for tM implementation of Recommendations 1-7 and 1-8 to a
higMr priority than would otMrwise be accounted for in this subjectiue ranking,
.*. Due to multiple residences, the new condominium adjacent to the Water Street culverts is listed as
being equiualent to sU: habitable buildings,
16
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.'
1
MEMORANDUM
To:
From:
Subject:
Date:
Mayor and City Council
Jill Turner, Director of Finance r
Flood Restoration and Refunding Bonds, Series 1997 .
November 14, 1997
Recommendation: Approve the attached Resolution calling for the issuance of
Flood Restoration and Refunding Bonds, Series 1997. This financing authorizes the
Director of Finance to issue the flood restoration bonds and to refinance the 1992
Water General Obligation Bonds. The bonc;l sale will be approximately $2.8 million.
Background: The Resolution before you authorizes the Director of Finance to
proceed with the issuance of the 1997 Flood Restoration Bonds in the amount of
$1,080,000. This is $170,000 less than the $1,250,000 authorized by the voters in
May.
In addition, this financing will including the refinancing of the 1992 Water General
Obligation Bonds issued to build the Fallon Reservoir and pipeline. This refinancing
of approximately $1,720,000 is expected to save the Water Fund $50,000 in today's
dollars. Savings are also achieved by combining the two issuances into one. Bond
interest rateS dropped in October with the sharp drop in the Stock Market, thus the
demand for bonds is quite high. which translates into lower interest rates and a
favorable time to sell bonds. This issue is scheduled to sell on December 11, 1997.
Closing will take place prior to 1998. This is a quasi-competitive sale, but will be
competitively bid.
Flood Costs: The New Year's Day Flood costs are summarized on the attached
spreadsheet. More detail is available upon request. Most of the projectshave been
substantially completed.
G:\jilr.Yp\council\ftoodbon
:
N:\acctg\disaster\bonds
Nov 1397
Original Original Actual
Projects Number Estimate Budget Status
-------
CITY
Restore ReservoirlDams 1,5,6 $290,000 $379,240 Completed
Upper and Lower Canyon R 2,3 108,000 208,993 Completed
Water PlanUGabion Wall 4 125,000 16,461 Completed
Water Street 7 40,000 77,920 Completed
Granite Street 11 75,000 41,570 Completed
Clay Street Waterline 14 45,000 47,854 Completed
North Mt Lift Station 15 85,000 106,560 Completed
Waterline Road 16,33 85,000 ' 125,545 Completed
T.I.D. Ditch 17 75,000 59,489 Completed
Glenview Terrace 19 20,000 14,224 Completed
Ashland Loop Road 30 9,000 11,565 Completed
Hersey Street Bridge 8 30,000 24,854 Completed
Nevada Street Bridge 10 11,500 14,258 Completed
Winburn Way Bridge 12,13 525,000 1,142,964 In Progress
Miscellaneous Projects 29,64,9,18 231,500 35,067 Completed
Airport 53,966 Completed
lowaIMountain Avenue 9,710 Completed
Mistletoe Road 6,551 Completed
Ashland Creek near WWTP, 50,000 To Be Done
WATER MAIN L1NE- Review 50,000 To Be Done
,Subtotal 1,755,000 2,476,790
Debris Removal 135,111 Completed
Emergency 180,832 Completed
Repairs 45,475 Completed
Other 152,774 Completed
Subtotal 514,192
PARKS
Bridge Repairs 40,000 200,000 To Be Done
Riparian Areas 75,000 84,836 In Progress
Calle Guanajuato 100,000 175,000 To Be Done
Lawn, Playground, Irrigation 135,000 112,164 Completed
Trail Restoration 0 100,000 In Progress
Planning Contingency 50,000 0 In Progress
Subtotal 400,000 672,000
Grand Total $2,155,000 $3,662,982
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
SUMMARY City Parks Total
REVENUE
Insurance Company 51,000 0 51 ,000
FEMA 1,192,000 205,000 1,397,000
FAS Funding 229,000 0 229,000
HUD 95,000 150,000 245,000
Donations 55,000 55,000
City 394,000 0 394,000
County Historical 45,000 45,000
Bond Proceeds 1,030,000 50,000 1,080,000
Parks 167,000 167,000
---------------- -------------- ----------------
Total Revenue 2,991,000 672,000 3,663,000
--------- -------- ---------
--------- -------- ---------
EXPENSE
Water
Wastewater
Bridges/Streets
Airport
Emergency
Parks
672,000
1,061,000
191,000
1,298,000
54,000
387,000
672,000
1,061,000
,191,000
1,298,000
54,000
387,000
---------------- -------------- ----------------
Total Expense
2,991,000 672,000 3,663,000
--------- -------- ---------
--------- -------- ---------
Revenues for Flood Damage
Parks (4.6%)
FEMA (38.1 %)
Bond Proceeds (29.5%)
County Historical (1.2%)
Citv (10.8%)
D'onatlonl:f (1.5%)
HUD (6~ Funding (6.3%)
Flood Damage
Parks (18.3%)
Emergency (10.6%)
Airport (1.5%)
Bridges/Streets (35.4%)
Wastewater (5.2%)
.
MEMORANDUM
CITY OF ASHLAND
Administration
Office of the City Administrator
DATE:
March 13, 1998
RE:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Greg Scoles, Interim City Administratot1!
Joint Meeting with Parks & RecreatiJP Commission
TO:
FROM:
On March 17, 1998, the Council and the Parks & Recreation Commission will be
meeting at 6:00 p.m. to discuss mutual flood restoration budget issues. As you know
the Ashland Creek Flood Restoration Report prepared by OTAK identified a number
of improvements which will have to be considered, One of these projects is the Calle
Guanajuato which could be a joint project between the City and the Parks
Commission.
The attached report outlines the issues which both Ken Mickelsen and I would like to
discuss. It is hoped that we can reach consensus as to a cooperative approach to
funding and prioritizing the various projects,
Please note that at 5:45 p.m. we will have sandwiches and drinks for the Council and
Commission.
Attachments: Flood Restoration Issues Paper
Priority Matrix
cc Barbara Christensen
Paul Nolte
Parks & Recreation Commission
Ken Mickelsen
l'G\memO\98'M&CA.313
"
FLOOD RESTORATION
OVERVIEW:
The 1997 New Year's Day Flood caused considerable damage to the City of Ashland, on both public and
private properties, The flood also raised concerns regarding the capability of our creeks, drainage
systems and facilities to adequately convey and carry 100-year flood flows, The City, with Parks
Department participation, cornpleted a comprehensive analysis of Ashland Creek and its flood carrying
capabilities, As a result the Winburn Bridge was reconstructed to accept a I OO-year flood (flows of 31 00
cubic feet per second, cfs), In addition to Winburn Bridge, several other flood restoration projects were
identified to bring those facilities into the IOO-year flood flows and improve flood facilities operations
and management techniques including:
. Calle Guanajuato (constructing a flood wall or similar measures along the east side)
. Main Street Bridge improvements
. Water Street Bridge replacement
. VanNess Avenue Bridge replacement
. Hersey Street Bridge replacernent
. Parks and Public Works Departments Flood managernent improvernents
In addition to the work cornpleted on Ashland Creek, the City is completing a Storm Drain and Drainage
Master Plan which will endeavor to review flood restoration needs in other drainage areas within the City
(Hamilton Creek, Clay Creek, Wrights Creek, etc,),
BUDGET TRENDS/CHANGES:
Prior year's budget included the immediate flood damage improvements and recovery efforts, The bond
issue passed and the City was able to obtain FEMA and HUD funds to assist with the ernergency issues
and immediate repair needs, The rnajority of available funding for these projects has been expended,
This year's budget request is an extension of flood restoration needs, Although limited funding is
identified (approximately $460,000 and is grant dependent), there may be other funding options and
partnerships available, Funding for the remaining flood restoration projects may be a long term issue and
will be dependent upon priorities. A plan for project prioritization, funding, and completion should be a
major goal of the continuing Flood Restoration Program,
MAJOR GOALS:
Flood Restoration needs are as follows:
. Determine a process to prioritize project identification, funding and completion schedule.
. Include partnerships for funding and prioritization development.
. Immediate priorities (within the next 5+ years) should inclttde Calle Guanajuato with Main Street
Bridge improvements, and Water Street Bridge and departmental flood management
improvements,
. Longer term priorities (5-15 years) may include Van Ness and Hersey Street Bridges,
. Staff will continue to pursue developing Flood Management Strategies and improving flood plain
zones/mapping amendments as necessary.
'.
CAPITAL OUTLAY:
Assuming one of the flood project priorities is adopted for implementation in this year's budget we will
need to identifY conceptual design (community based), engineering design and approvals, financing
options and finally construction. We have tentatively identified three shorter term projects that need
prioritization:
. Calle Guanajuato improvements (coordinate with Parks Department, and Plaza
Merchants/Building Owners)
. Main Street Bridge improvements (coordinate with ODOT)
. Water Street Bridge replacement
We are projecting $460,000 expenditure this year (1998/99) which could complete one of the projects
listed with potentially additional funding from the partners listed above.
.
I
,<
Table 3:
Priority Matrix for Culverts/Bridges and Reaches
II
I
I
Structure Road/Park Nonhab. Habitable Building
Bldg
Flood Depth, >Olf > 1 If +/. I If > I If
If Score Rank
Assigned 2 3 3 5
Value'
Lithia Park 2 . Winburn 2 -Band shell 2 -Lithia Cafe & 16 5""
Reach Way & Park & Storage Pioneer bldg
WInburn Way 3 -park, Plaza, 12 -Hillah, 10 42 1
Culvert Winburn Way bldgs (Plaza
side), Comm
bldg
Calle Reach 2 -bldgs in Calle 6 -bldgs in 36 2
and Main Calle
Street Bridge
Main Street 1 -bldg in Calle 5 -bldgs in 28 3
Bridge Calle
Bluebird Park 3 -two rest. & 15 6
Reach 31 Water 5t
Lithia Way I-Water St 3 -two rest. & 17 4
Culvert 31 Water 5t
Lithia Way to 1 -Restaurant 3 9
Water Street
Reach
Water Street I-Water St 1 -Commercial 6 ~new I-Water 5t 28 3
Culverts prop Condo. ... Inn
Water Street I-Water St 5 8
to Yan Ness Inn
Reach
YanNess 2 -Yan Ness & I-Recycle 1 -House & 10 7
Culvert Water St Center Garage
5PRR to 1 -Church 3 9
Hersey Street
Reach
Hersey 5t11>et I-Hersey St I-Church 5 8
Bridge
.
II
.
I
I
.
o
.
.
I
.
* Assigned value based on relative economic impact of potential flood damage at the location listed.
Does not include flow capacity since bridges / culverts that have a high capacity due to high available
head may contribute to high backwater effects.
.
I A.hlond Cruh Hydraulic [noutigatlon
';'::'-1'.\ P:\no.n:CT\11OO\7844\FLDREPOR\APPENDC\ASHLAND3.WPD 10.29.91
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,. Does not include seasonal improvements such as the ice skating rink which could be damaged by
flooding. This fact, coupled with the desire to keep Windburn Way dry during all but the most extreme
flood events, may raise the justification for the implementation of Recommendations [-7 and [-8 to a
higher priority than would otherwise be accounted for in this subjective ranking.
*** Due to multiple residences, the new condominium adjacent to the Water Street culverts is listed as
being equivalent to six habitable buildings.
'-
.~
'1
Site-specific Review and Implementation of
Mountain Facilities Improvements
Mt. Ashland Ski Area
As detailed specifically and programmatically in the 1991 Mt. Ashland Ski Area Final Environmental Impact
Statement (FEIS), and related Record of Decision, July 3, 1991, Mt. Ashland Ski Area (MASA) proposes to
implement a variety of on-mountain facilities improvements. Projects being proposed for site-specific review
and approval include: construction of a new chairlift and associated skiing terrain within the western portion
of the special use permit area, an additional on-mountain skier service facility, a surface lift providing novice
access to the proposed runs, additional parking and necessary supporting infrastructure. All proposed
projects are within the MASA existing U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permit Boundary.
The proposed upgrades represent the logical progression of development at MASA and are specifically
designed to complement and enhance the current skiing facilities. The projects will provide greatly needed
beginning to lower intermediate skill level skiing terrain and significantly enhance skier service facilities at
MASA. Additionally, the proposed upgrades will allow Mt. Ashland Ski Area to effectively accommodate
the growing public demand currently experienced.
Implementation of these projects will be dependent upon the time required to conduct the site-specific
environmental analysis and the availability of investment capital. Ideally, construction of one or more of the
projects could take place in the summer of 1999.
BACKGROUND
It is the intention of this project proposal to remain within the scope and context of the 1991 Mt. Ashland Ski
Area Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), and related Record of Decision, July 3, 1991. The
following information is provided to demonstrate the consistency of the proposed projects with the FEIS.
Chairlift 'C6' was approved for development to the north of the area known as 'The Bowl' (FEIS project
#13). Approved for construction as a four passenger chairlift, approximately 4,350 feet in length, the base
terminal would originate at roughly the 5,900-foot elevation level, with the top terminal located at
approximately 7,200 feet elevation. Along with the development of the 'C6' lift, four additional ski trails
were approved for construction, expanding the "use area" at MASA to approximately 238 acres.
Additionally, an over-the-snow route, providing emergency egress, was approved connecting the base of the
Windsor chairlift to the bottom terminal of the 'C6' lift. Extension of the existing construction/maintenance
roads, allowing access to the 'C6' lift top terminal, was additionally included in the FEIS (FEIS project #2).
Similarly detailed within the FEIS, was the construction of additional, domestic-use, water storage capacity
(FEIS project #21). Although the FEIS left the design specifics to be determined during the construction
phase, a tank capacity of approximately 40,000 gallons was discussed in the approval.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
MASA proposes to install the 'C6' chairlift within the western portion of the special use permit area.
Proposed as a top-drive, triple or quad chairlift, this lift would be approximately 4,500 feet in length, have a
base terminal elevation of roughly 5,920 feet, and a top terminal elevation of approximately 7,150 feet.
r
Mt. Ashland Ski Area
~2 \
Associated with the construction of the 'C6' chair would be the addition of approximately 82 acres of new
beginning to lower intermediate skill level terrain. Constituting a 73 percent increase, the proposed terrain
enlargement would combine with 111 acres of existing ski trails to provide approximately 193 acres of total
terrain at MASA. The design of the proposed ski trails has incorporated natural openings wherever possible
and would require approximately 72 acres of clearing.
Enabling emergency egress, construction access, and providing skier access, a new skiway is proposed
connecting the "Tempest" and "Between" ski trails to the base of the new 'C6' lift. This skiway would be
constructed to allow a skiing width ofapproximately 16 feet and have a linear distance of roughly 4,000 feet.
Enabling access for novice skiers from the base of the Comer and Windsor lifts to the 'C6' skiway, a surface
lift is proposed for location parallel to the skier's left edge of the "Between" ski trail. This surface lift would
be approximately 700 feet in length and have a vertical rise of roughly 90 feet.
Augmenting existing on-mountain skier service facilities, a new "skier service hut" is proposed for
development near the top of the 'C6' lift on a moraine near the base of the "The Bowl". This facility would
be located to allow skier access from the new 'C6' lift, the "Upper Dream" ski trail, and from "The Bowl".
This facility would be sited to avoid potential avalanche runout zones common in ''The Bowl". The skier
services hut would be sized to accommodate approximately 80 seats indoors and an additional 80 seats on an
outdoor sundeck. Initial development would likely provide only toilet facilities. However, the facility would
eventually be developed to provide skier warming and offer basic food services such as prepackaged items
and beverage services. Sanitation facilities would be offered at the "skier services hut" utilizing self-
composting toilets, hand washing sinks, and water fountain(s). Water would be supplied to the site via a
potable water pipeline buried within the access road discussed below. The small amount of gray water from
the water fountains and hand washing sinks would be disposed of via a small (roughly 3,500 square feet)
absorption drain field.
Access to the "skier services hut" and the top terminal of the 'C6' lift would utilize existing summer work
roads to the maximum extent possible. However, two new sections of road are proposed in order to connect
segments of existing roads. Extending from the top of the Comer lift to the skier's left edge of the "Romeo"
ski trail, approximately 1,200 feet of new work road would connect the existing road at the top of the Comer
lift with a section of existing road which currently extends from the "Romeo" trail to the "Upper Dream"
trail. Additionally, roughly 800 feet of new road would be constructed connecting the "Upper Dream" trail
to the lower portion of ' 'The Bowl" allowing access to the skier services hut and the top terminal of the 'C6'
lift. Power for the 'C6' lift and "skier service hut" would be buried within the access road and would route
from an existing feed located on the skier's right side of the "Dream" ski trail to the 'C6' "skier services hut"
site. Fulfilling the need for additional domestic water, an auxiliary or replacement water storage tank is
proposed to be located in an existing excavation located just uphill of the Comer chairlift upper terminal.
Proposed for underground construction, this tank would increase total capacities by approximately 10,000 to
25,000 gallons.
Supplementing existing parking, two areas are proposed for development of additional parking capacity. The
access road adjacent to the Sonnet lift and base lodge would be widened on the north and south sides to
provide approximately 200 to 250 additional parking spaces at it's maximum development. At an interim size
this area would provide approximately 125 to 150 spaces. Development of this site would involve cutting on
the north side and filling on the south side of the access road. Total area of disturbance for maximum
development would be approximately 1.3 acres. A second area of additional parking is proposed for ''The
Knoll" area along Road 20. This site would provide roughly 183 additional parking spaces and require
disturbance of approximately two acres.
,
Mt. Ashland 5ki Area
, Page 3
PURPOSE AND NEED
The purpose of implementing the proposed projects is to increase and enhance recreation opportunities at
MASA. Specific aspects of the purpose and need are detailed below:
1. The majority of the proposed improvements were originally approved within the 1991 Mt. Ashland Ski
Area Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), and related Record of Decision, July 3, 1991.
Proposed projects which were not specifically identified in the FEIS have been designed to remain within
the contextual scope of the FEIS approval. Preparation of this environmental analysis fulfills the
direction within the Record of Decision to complete site-specific environmental analysis prior to
implementation offacilities approved programmatically in the FEIS.
2. Currently, the variety of terrain offered at MASA does not reflect the predominate demands of the
recreating public. Intermediate and low intermediate terrain is inadequate which is unappealing to skiing
groups and families with varying skiing abilities. Similarly, providing additional intermediate terrain is
more attractive to the rapidly growing snowboarding segment of the market. Development of the 'C6'
lift and associated terrain will significantly improve MASA's terrain balance, filling the need for
intermediate terrain and making the ski area more appealing to the moderately skilled public.
3. Frequently, MASA's ability to host special programs and competitions is limited by available terrain and
the need to accommodate the general skiing public. Increasing the total available terrain would allow
additional opportunities to offer these special programs and competitions, particularly for local youth,
while maintaining adequate skiing opportunities for the general public. Additionally, increasing the
available terrain would allow MASA to provide other various attractions such as snowboard terrain
features, which require greater open spaces and lower trail densities.
4. As a portion of the community's 1991 purchase of the ski area, MASA committed to ensuring the long-
term economic viability and longevity of the publicly-owned facility. Complementing trail variety,
enhancing on-mountain skier service facilities, increasing vertical drop, and enhancing the quality of the
recreation experience will assist MASA in the attainment of an economically sufficient, community-
owned ski area.
5. The proposed improvements have been designed to provide high quality recreation opportunities while.
minimizing effects to surrounding resource values. This has been accomplished by focusing the scope of
the project on the key elements necessary to significantly enhance the quality of the skiing experience
offered to the recreating public.
6. The ski industry is a highly competitive, market-driven business. Skiers make decisions about where to
ski based upon the quality and value of the overall resort experience provided. The proposed facilities
improvements are necessary for MASA to remain responsive to the consumer's increasing qualitative and
recreation demands, particularly given the variety of skiing terrain, the growing availability of on-
mountain skier service facilities and efficient lift systems offered at other resorts. By implementing the
proposed improvements, MASA will continue to competitively attract skiers in the Southern
OregonINorthern California market.
r
Mt. Ashland Ski Area
Page 4
OPERATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION
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Creation ofa detailed operations and construction plan requires completion of the environmental analysis,
process and decision by the Forest Service as well as additional research, engineering and pennit acquisition
by the Mt. Ashland Association. The following description of planning and design work and proposed
construction methods is based on work done to date, best management practices, measures and methods
discussed in the Mt. Ashland FEIS, and extensive experience at Mt. Ashland.
As stated in the Purpose and Need, the planning and design work resulting in this proposal was completed
with the objective to produce the highest quality recreational opportunities while minimizing effects to the
surrounding environment. As much as possible, ski runs and trails were designed along the fall line on ridges,
maximizing use of open dry meadows where possible. This allows trail preparation which generally does not
require terrain modification. On the traverse trails (such as the skiway and the upper portion of Run 12)
where modification would be required to produce a useful trail, some side slope will be left (minimizing the
cut), with rocks carefully embedded on the downhill side of the trail and the cut areas revegetated to prevent
runoff erosion.
Ski trails were also designed to avoid wet areas, reducing potential effects during construction. The stream
crossing near the base of Run 12 was located in an area where there is significantly less surface water as
compared to locations up or down stream. In addition the stream is in definite channels at the crossing point.
Specific information regarding this area will be detennined after study by scientists and engineers and may
require both federal and state pennits. Because this crossing is a ski trail and covered by snow during the use
season, there would be no need to disturb any soil or use heavy equipment during construction.
Trail preparation typically requires tree removal and maintenance of a low vegetation level to allow sufficient
snow cover for winter use. Construction methods customarily include cutting stumps just above ground level,
retention of all ground vegetation, with some tree branches left for composting. Also, smaller diameter trees
are de-limbed and secured horizontal to the fall line as a guard against erosion. Larger rocks are cracked
(often with small charges) and laid into the slope. An excavator (low ground pressure tracked vehicle) is used
to place some of the rocks and logs on the fall line slopes. In addition this equipment would be used to
construct traverse trail areas as needed and place rocks on the downhill side of these areas for erosion
control.
Though research is ongoing, MASA will strive to make the best use of the removed timber. Consideration
will be given to reuse on site (for the "skier services hut" and possibly stream crossing) and local milling.
Parking areas will be professionally engineered in conjunction with environmental specialists to prevent
erosion from runoff
The excavations required for the top and bottom lift terminals, buildings such as the "skier services hut", lift
towers, water pipeline and graywater drainfield are typically completed by excavator in areas where
equipment access is possible. In other areas (primarily the lift towers), work would be completed by hand,
occasionally assisted by small charges when large rocks or bedrock are encountered.
Revegetation would be completed wherever soils are disturbed. Ski Ashland has performed extensive
research and testing and worked with the Forest Service to develop successful methods of reestablishing
native vegetation.