Dan Moulin

The council meeting addressed several key issues. An ordinance amending water connection regulations outside city limits was postponed indefinitely due to complexity. Public hearings on new transportation, wastewater, and water systems development charges were moved to a later date. Vacancies on various city commissions were announced. The Planning Commission's annual presentation highlighted ongoing projects, including wildfire land designation expansion, housing needs assessment, and infill strategies. A resolution was approved declaring the canvass of the November 8, 2016 election. Public forum comments included concerns about fossil fuel divestment, city administrator priorities, and the process surrounding the previous city administrator's resignation. Consent agenda items were approved, with some items discussed individually. Annual appointments to the Citizen Budget Committee and Municipal Audit Commission were postponed to the following month. The reappointment of Roberta Stebbins to the Municipal Audit Commission and the appointment of Dennis Slattery as liaison were approved. A look ahead review was conducted, and announcements were made regarding a climate action plan open house and a food drive.

The council meeting addressed various topics, including vacancies on several commissions, an Earth Bowl award presentation, and public forum comments on green energy initiatives and a climate action summit. The consent agenda included liquor license applications, grant applications, and several procurement items. A public hearing was held for the 2015-17 Biennial Budget, including property tax levy. Discussion included seismic studies for City Hall and the Parks and Recreation building, and a detailed review of the budget's financial summary. The meeting also covered social service grant allocation recommendations, with discussion on the allocation process and funding for various organizations. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the use of TID water for potable water purposes, considering different options for supplementing the water supply and addressing concerns from residents. Finally, the council approved resolutions endorsing Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument expansion, adopting a supplemental budget, and transferring appropriations within the 2013-2015 biennium budget. A discussion on compensation for non-represented employees concluded the meeting.

The study session included a review of the current Look Ahead, with discussion on the State of the City presentation date and future discussions regarding Will Dodge Way. An update on the North Main Road Diet project was provided, covering signal removal, re-striping, crosswalk improvements, and other enhancements. The water treatment plant siting project was also reviewed, including a cost analysis of updating the existing plant versus building a new one. Finally, the session addressed Pioneer Hall's structural and facilities improvements, discussing the need for repairs and considering the building's historical significance and current usage.

The study session covered several key topics. A comprehensive cost comparison for the water treatment plant was reviewed, considering factors such as seismic risk, building options, age of the plant, and potential needs for landslide and fire mitigation. The process for handling Economic Development, Cultural, Tourism, and Sustainability grants in an off year was discussed, along with the structure and scheduling of related committees. Options for celebrating the 50th anniversary of a Sister City relationship were explored, and a decision was made to revisit this topic in a future session. Finally, a staff report on the Ruffey Rancheria Restoration Act of 2017 was presented, leading to a suggestion that staff write a letter expressing concerns about a potential casino in Ashland.

The council meeting involved an update on the Winter Shelter, a presentation on Engage Ashland Fall 2019, and public forum comments on climate change and 5G technology. A public hearing and resolution regarding miscellaneous fees and charges were held. Discussion included the Water Treatment Plant solar allowance, with a motion passed to investigate solar potential and energy conservation strategies. The Ashland Canal Piping Project was debated extensively, with public input both for and against piping the canal. A motion to proceed with final design on Alternative #1 failed. Finally, resolutions to join the Jail Service District were discussed, with public comment expressing concerns and a motion to table the item until December passed.