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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 ~:OS-~ /&,: S7,?rV'-' , (da/ir4. ~ ~~65t/ '7- I. INTRODUCTION - ~~~~ :Jv,.."Gr ~ ~ , II. OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL ISSUES - --0 ryd~:;,S<:d $Is. f;.0Tl\. 'P-EYY\.1T- m. JOlliT PROJECTS (Calle Guanajuato) . Cl.tSc.vs~o.A. re..., b(\~ IV, FUTURE PLANNING PROCESS FOR CALLE - PARKS/CITY n , Ir f~ I=~ <!:f: Ca..f./c.a.s 4....p~s~" +e.AA~ a.." f"M.l'-. ~ V, FINANCE PLAN AND PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE L7.:rlove ~ I.uu>z ~I\.S VI. CONCLUSION - APPROPRIATE APPROACH pdJ ~ Lmi IU~ Il1l11s~ do)?uu firs Wi~ -V' ~~OJ iLs lAiJ.! k ~ bd-C-t (ay ~S~~/ (xd- ~ b.vt ~ be COlL~lcl.4d._ ktw ~ "* fOJtl(s ~ ~ ~ ~. ~ J D - - ~ eM- rest1J1'LhcJV.- ~tJu.r(... 'P~~~'S -{ ekI- c.fCu.re- 'ltl b c... (6)(D.. --tv ~ ~d.'" -. ~ <u-US ~~~. ~ ~ ttc;,7b ~c....LlL..k~ur-' ~t~~~ ~ bw.s 5a~ Z~ 1J;:~ 1: dJdeJ 7~ ~A.cus~~ Jj~ ~ r;;n~".:h~s""" ~~ a.~-1e.r~ ~, 'rfuxI rf~ f~ IS~~ Ol'. tl-:iskN.;t/k~ -j;;-~ CL W~ 't1-<J d- ($ :pro1:'cW- O~. -€-r- it.. (~ ~ 6:~' ft.tou/ ;; r1t4 'I; i'./ !JnDYdy y ~ fl~~"s 1ft ?~ ~, .v (ffiud /W d..) lrt~ ~;IcMi:s ~, kR__A?, ~ ~? yes.. Sed ;rJ:; f/bt~ J (]) C!tJx.~, ~ <r rwU'c.. 'fYOc(ss ['1 tLlhu-r/!ve 1~ lAJ/ i'<I L? H-rJ'v.J i-o ?e<; ~ tU. hu_rlla::h Cles ~~ CdX~~ ~ &v~0 ~~ fcuLs k~ a.. ~ d- Jt-~ ~CL ~ t~ doi) ~ c.~M '5J~ ClluJ::., 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 ii' "'j::.~~,'i:" P:\PBOJEcr\7800\'7844\PLDREPOR\APPENDC\ASHLAND3.WPD 10.29.91 ~. ",', . ,;,:~ ',' 'r.',:,' .. 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 Otak .' 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 :';f. ';'./ . <r.'- ,. 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 , 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.