Wednesday, June 29, 2011

One Minute Minutes June 28th Special Meeting

Special Presentation & Awards
A Proclamation was read declaring July 15, 2011 as Oregon Child Coalition Day.
The Mayor called for a moment of silence for Ric Sayre.

Consent Agenda.
Consent items were approved including:
1. Minutes of the Boards, Commissions and Committees
2. An Intergovernmental Agreement with Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon to provide emergency dispatch services to Ashland.
3. “A Resolution Transferring Appropriations Within the 2010-2011 Budget” to remain compliant with Oregon Budget Law
4. The collection agreement between the City of Ashland and the United States Forest Service to provide a watershed patrol during the summer fire season

VI.1 Public Hearing Request for Noise Variance
Council approved a request for a noise variance for the use of amplified sound resulting from OSF performances in Lithia Park.

VII.1. License for Oregon Shakespeare Festival Performances in Lithia Park
Council approved the issuance of the license to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

VII.2. Resolution Allocating FY 2011-12 for Economic Development Program Funds
Council approved the Resolution Allocating Economic Development Program Funds with the provision that that no remaining funds be spent without Council approval.

VII.2. Contracts with Ashland Chamber of Commerce
Council approved the contract with the Chamber of Commerce for Visitor and Convention Bureau services for FY 2011-12 in the amount of $293,160.

Council approved the supplemental contract with the Chamber of Commerce for developing and completing a business retention and expansion survey consistent with the draft Economic Development Strategy in the amount of $25,000. Councilors will forward suggestions about the survey to Martha Bennett who will forward to the Chamber.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

One Minute Minutes for June 6 and 7

June 6, 2011 Study Session
Council heard a report from Jeff Tashman and Nancy Guitteau about the preliminary information about the boundaries, market potential, and revenue potential for Croman, the railroad district, and the downtown as part of the Feasibility Study for urban renewal for these areas. The next part of the report will be presented at the July 18, 2011 study session.

June 7, 2011 Regular Meeting

Executive Session. Council met in an Executive Session to discuss property, labor negotiations, and pending litigation.

Special Presentation/Proclamation
1. Ashland citizens are invited to join with the Ashland Elks and pledge allegiance to the Flag and Nation on Flag Day, June 14 at noon in the Plaza
2. The Ashland High School students traveling to Guanajuato gave a brief presentation.

Consent Agenda.
Consent items were approved including:
1. Minutes of the Boards, Commissions and Committees
2. Appointment of Mike Morris as Council Liaison to the Firewise Commission
3. A $10,500 contract amendment with KAS & Associates for the Jefferson Ave. project
4. An exemption from the competitive bid process and directly award a contract for graphic design services for Park projects
5. An IGA with the Oregon Department of Aviation for the 2011 pavement maintenance program
6. An exemption from the competitive bid process and directly award a contract to CVO Electrical Systems
7. Appointment of Catherine Gould to the Conservation Commission.

VIII. 1. Public Hearing on adoption of the Budget for FY 2011-2012.
Council approved:
1. A Resolution adopting the annual budget with modifications recommended by staff to address carry over projects and new capital projects.
2. A Resolution declaring the City’s election to receive state revenues
3. A Resolution certifying the City provides sufficient municipal services to qualify for State subventions
4. First reading of an Ordinance levying taxes for the period of July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 for a sum of $9,997,229.

Council also directed staff to schedule a brief meeting with members of the Budget Committee prior to the next Council meeting to accept the recommendations of the Social Services and Economic and Cultural Grant sub committees of the full Budget Committee.

VIII. 2. Public Hearing on appeal of a land use approval for 260 First Street.
Council rejected the appeal, finding that the appeal was not appropriately filed, and affirmed the Planning Commission’s decision to approve the project.

X.1. Lease on Imperatrice Property.
Council approved the lease with Standing Stone Brewing Company. Council directed staff to look into leasing the remaining Imperatrice property located above the TID canal.

X.2. Adoption of Findings for 163 Hitt Road Appeal.
Council adopted the findings as presented.

XI.1. Resolution implementing GASB 54.
Council approved the Resolution implementing GASB 54.

XIII. Co-sponsorship of SOPride Event.
Council approved the request that the City co-sponsor the SO Pride event this October.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Spring has sprung

It appears that Spring will make an appearance (perhaps brief) this weekend. It certainly should be here: High School graduation takes place in Lithia Park tonight, First Friday Artwalk is tonight, and OSF opens the previews for the shows in the Elizabethan Theater. I thought you might want a quick update on a couple of issues.

Weed Ordinance. The deadline for Ashland residents to trim tall grass and tall weeds is fast approaching (June 15). With all this rain, we will likely have a bumper crop. In case you are asked, the City’s ordinance can be found here. The maximum height for weeds in Ashland is four inches.

Background Documents. In addition to the information that staff posted on this blog last week, I thought you’d be interested in a link to the Facilities Master Plan and to the Public Safety Bond Committee report . There is obviously a lot of citizen energy around this issue, and I’ll be working with Parks & Recreation, Public Works, and Police to involve the public and to help the Council and Parks & Recreation Department work on whatever decision is ultimately made about the Grove.

Legislative Session. As the Oregon Legislature winds up its current session, there is a lot of interesting activity. Check here for the League of Oregon Cities latest bulletin.