MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL June 20, 2017 Council Chambers 1175 E. Main Street

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1 City Council Business Meeting June 20, 2017 Page 1 of 8 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL June 20, 2017 Council Chambers 1175 E. Main Street CALL TO ORDER Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Councilor Darrow, Councilor Lemhouse, Councilor Morris, Councilor Slattery, Councilor Seffinger and Councilor Rosenthal were present. MAYOR S ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Stromberg introduced County Commissioner Bob Strosser. He also announced there are vacancies on the Airport, Historic, Housing and Human Services, Tree, and Wildfire Mitigation Commissions. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilor Seffinger moved to approve the Council Minutes from June 6, Councilor Rosenthal seconded. Discussion: None. All ayes. Motion passed unanimously. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS None PUBLIC FORUM Huelz Gutcheon-2253 HWY 99-Ashland, OR- Spoke regarding wires and not enough electricity for buses etc. Would like clean renewable energy and solar panels everywhere. Louise Shawkut 870 Cambridge Ashland, OR-Read a letter into the record regarding CEAP (see attached). Maya Davis 9667 Wagner Creek Rd Talent, OR- Ms. Davis explained that she is a High School Senior and part of Rogue Climate. She spoke in support of a City Staff person for a CEAP position. She spoke to her reasons why the CEAP would need a full-time staff person. Randy Jones 815 Alder Creek Dr. Medford, OR Representing First Place Partners spoke regarding the ELEA. He suggested to revisit the section on Pioneer and to get started on the project downtown. Councilor Lemhouse asked City Attorney, Dave Lohman the status of updating the ELEA map. Mr. Lohman answered that it is currently being worked on. CONSENT AGENDA 1.Approval of minutes of boards, commissions, and committees 2.Approval of a resolution titled, A resolution adopting a supplemental budget for changes to the 2015/17 Biennial Budget

2 City Council Business Meeting June 20, 2017 Page 2 of 8 Finance Director, Mark Welch gave brief Staff report. He explained this is to stay in compliance with Oregon budget law to not over appropriate. He explained all other changes were just line item adjustments. Public Input: Meredith Overstreet 840 Cambridge-Ashland, OR -Spoke regarding the supplemental budget and her concern of the cost to tax payers. She questioned where the interfund loan is coming from. Mr. Welch explained it is not a new loan it s a line item in the Health Benefit Fund. 4.Adoption of the City s self-insurance health plan for the plan year July 1, 2017 through June 30, Human Resources Director, Tina Gray gave a brief Staff report. Councilor Rosenthal pulled item #9 9.Contract with Pathway Enterprises to provide janitorial services Councilor Rosenthal questioned if there was a contract and how the City is assured high quality services. Public Works Superintendent, Mike Morrison spoke that there is an agreement with Pathways through the purchasing department. Councilor Rosenthal asked if there was a deadline to get this signed. Mr. Morrison explained it needs to be approved before July 1 st. City Attorney, Dave Loman explained that the City has the right to not use Pathways but would have to deal with the State. Councilor Rosenthal suggested for next time to have the contract in the Council Packet. Councilor Seffinger pulled item #11 11.Approval of a special procurement for City of Ashland forestry consulting services. Councilor Seffinger spoke in support of this item. 3.Award of two professional services contracts in excess of $75,000 for final design of pump stations. 5.Appointment of Tonya Graham to the Wildfire Mitigation Commission 6.Appointment of Kat Smith to the Transportation Commission 7.Oregon Department of Aviation Intergovernmental Agreement for Ashland Municipal Airport Pavement Maintenance Program 8.Liquor License Application for Corrie Robinson dba Hither Restaurant 10.Request for approval of a contract addendum for UB bulk mailing services Councilor Slattery moved to approve the consent agenda. Councilor Morris seconded. Discussion: None. All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Persons wishing to speak are to submit a speaker request form prior to the commencement of the public hearing. Public hearings shall conclude at 9:00 p.m. and be continued to a future date to be set by the Council, unless the Council, by a two-thirds vote of those present, extends the hearing(s) until up to 10:30 p.m. at which time the Council shall set a date for continuance and shall proceed with the balance of the agenda.) 1. Public Hearing and conveyance of real property YMCA Park Parks Director, Michael Black presented a PowerPoint to Council (see attached) giving a background of the YMCA Park. He spoke regarding the deed restrictions. He explained the agreement began in 1986 and that the YMCA had land but not the funds to improve it. The agreement stated that YMCA would

3 City Council Business Meeting June 20, 2017 Page 3 of 8 provide programs while the City would do the maintenance. He explained that currently the City has a large recreation program and is looking at expanding their programs. Maintenance cost today $35-50 thousand dollars. He proposed to review the contract. Mr. Black spoke that the property was appraised and the fair market value is zero dollars. He explained the City has invested many structures in the Park which were appraised at $480,000. Mr. explained the right of transfer of real property. He spoke that YMCA agrees that the contract needs to be looked at. He suggested for Council to move that the City Council approve conveyance of the 6.56 acres of land which comprises the current YMCA Park to the Ashland YMCA for cash and other considerations listed in the staff report based upon the Council s determination that the public interest of the City would be furthered by such conveyance. Councilor Darrow questioned if the conveyance will remove deed restrictions. YMCA will be able to if they choose. Public Input: Lisa Molnar 155 Hillcrest St., Ashland, OR - Thanked the City and Parks Department for the long partnership. She spoke in excitement to have the Park become part of the YMCA campus. She explained that more than 1/3 of Ashland utilizes the YMCA. She spoke that with this change they will still be in a partnership with the City. Laurie Shaaf Orange Ave., Ashland, OR Spoke in appreciation of the partnership with the Parks Department. She spoke that this will be a positive change. Jerry Taylor Highwood Dr., Ashland, OR Spoke that the YMCA is such great place for the Community and spoke in favor of the change. Ron Roth-6950 Old 99 Ashland, OR Spoke that it is time to get a new structure. He spoke that there was only 5 days public notice and before a decision is made the City should look at other options. He suggested affordable housing units on the lower field. Councilor Rosenthal asked how the property owner will maintain the 4.78 acres. Ms. Molnar answered that they will still need use of the fields and will be contracting with a company. Councilor Seffinger questioned the use of pesticides. Ms. Molnar explained that they will continue to move in the direction of not using them. She spoke that she would work with Mr. Black on this. Councilor Seffinger asked if no pesticide use can be written into the agreement. Mr. Lohman answered that it could be part of the agreement but would need to open up negotiations again. Councilor Morris questioned if the well came with the YMCA. Ms. Molnar explained the well did come with the YMCA in the 70 s; the YMCA uses half while the other half is for the soccer fields. Councilor Rosenthal moved that the City Council approve conveyance of the 6.56 acres of land which comprises the current YMCA Park to the Ashland YMCA for cash and other considerations listed in the staff report based upon the Council s determination that the public interest of the City would be furthered by such conveyance. Councilor Lemhouse seconded. Discussion: Councilor Rosenthal spoke in support to move forward with this. He explained that this is what is needed. He spoke that since both parties are satisfied it should be approved. Councilor Morris agreed with

4 City Council Business Meeting June 20, 2017 Page 4 of 8 spoke that since both parties are satisfied it should be approved. Councilor Morris agreed with Councilor Rosenthal. Councilor Seffinger spoke that she will support the motion but hopes they will maintain a pesticide free park. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Darrow, Lemhouse, Morris, Slattery, Seffinger and Rosenthal: YES. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Stromberg opened the Public Hearing at 8:14 PM Public Input: None. Mayor Stromberg closed the Public Hearing at 8:14 PM 2. Public Hearing and approval of resolutions titled, A resolution certifying City of Ashland services and A resolution declaring the City s election to receive state revenues and A resolution to levy taxes for the fiscal year July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 and A resolution to adopt the biennial budget and making appropriations Mr. Welch gave a staff report. He went over the budget process. He explained that the Budget Committee recommended a Permit Liaison Ombudsman in Community Development, funding CEAP position and reinstate the loan forgiveness proposed between the reserve fund and health benefit fund. Also recommended to bring a future supplemental Budget to appropriate unknown local marijuana tax that would be dedicated to Housing Trust Fund. He explained how the positions would be funded. He explained that Council can make changes to the approved budget and property tax. If changes are made regarding the property tax rate, there will need to be another meeting to notice the public. Mayor Stromberg opened the Public Hearing at 8:23 PM Public Input: None. Mayor Stromberg closed the Public Hearing at 8:23 PM Councilor Lemhouse moved to approve a Resolution Levying Taxes for the Period of July 1, 2017 to and including June 30, 2018, Such Taxes in the Levy rate of $4.1972/$1000 Assessed Value Upon All the Real and Personal Property Subject to Assessment and Levy within the Corporate Limits of the City of Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon. Councilor Slattery seconded. Discussion: Councilor Lemhouse spoke to the importance that our tax rate needs to stay where it is at and shouldn t go against the Budget Committee. Councilor Slattery agreed with Councilor Lemhouse. He spoke that there was a motion during the Budget Committee Meeting to levy the tax rate and it failed. Councilor Darrow spoke in support in levying the tax rate to fund the police officers instead of raising utility rates and will not support the motion. She spoke that the 9 cents should be assessed to funding the Police Officers. Councilor Morris spoke that he will not support the motion. He spoke that the Marijuana Tax and other sources may be able to offset this funding issue. Councilor Seffinger spoke in support of the motion. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Lemhouse, Slattery and

5 City Council Business Meeting June 20, 2017 Page 5 of 8 Seffinger: YES. Councilor Darrow, Morris and Rosenthal: NO. Tie breaking vote Mayor Stromberg: NO. Motion Failed 3-4. Councilor Darrow moved to approve setting a Special Meeting on June 30 th setting the property tax levy rate up to Councilor Morris seconded. Discussion: Councilor Darrow spoke of the importance for further discussion on this topic. Councilor Morris agreed. Councilor Lemhouse spoke against this motion. He explained it is not the right thing to do and it is going against the Budget Committee. He also spoke that there is already enough burden on property tax owners and it would be easier to use the marijuana proceeds. Councilor Seffinger suggested seeing numbers of what the increased utility and tax rates would be at the Special Meeting. Roll call vote: Councilor Rosenthal, Seffinger, Slattery and Morris: YES. Councilor Darrow and Lemhouse: NO. Motion passed 4-2. Councilor Rosenthal moved to adopt a Resolution certifying City of Ashland Services. Councilor Lemhouse seconded. Discussion: Councilor Rosenthal spoke for Council to support this motion. Councilor Lemhouse agreed with Councilor Rosenthal. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Darrow, Lemhouse, Morris, Slattery, Seffinger and Rosenthal: YES. Motion passed unanimously. Councilor Slattery moved to adopt a Resolution declaring the City s election to receive state revenues. Councilor Lemhouse seconded. Discussion: Councilor Slattery spoke for Council to support this motion. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Darrow, Lemhouse, Morris, Slattery, Seffinger and Rosenthal: YES. Motion passed unanimously. Councilor Lemhouse moved to approve a Resolution to adopt the Biennial Budget and making appropriations. Councilor Rosenthal seconded. Discussion: Councilor Lemhouse spoke in appreciation to Staff and the Budget Committee. He spoke that he would like to see the use of years in the interim years during the budget process. Councilor Rosenthal spoke of the importance of the process and in support of the motion. Councilor Slattery spoke in support of the motion. He also suggested utilizing the Budget Committee and hopes for a better process next time. Mr. Karns spoke that the new Finance Director did a great job. Councilor Darrow supported the motion and thanked members of Budget Committee. Mr. Welch spoke that Council would need to make separate motions for Staff recommended appropriations. Councilor Lemhouse withdrew his previous motion and moved it to approve a Resolution to adopt the Biennial Budget and making appropriations directed by Staff in the Council Communication. Councilor Rosenthal seconded. Mayor Stromberg opened the public hearing at 9:01 PM Public Input: None. Mayor Stromberg closed the public hearing 9:01 PM Councilor Seffinger spoke in support of the motion. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Darrow, Lemhouse, Morris, Slattery, Seffinger and Rosenthal: YES. Motion passed unanimously. Council gave consensus to hold the Special Meeting on June 30 th at 3:00 PM.

6 City Council Business Meeting June 20, 2017 Page 6 of 8 Councilor Slattery moved to extend the Public Hearings until 10:30 PM. Councilor Morris seconded. Discussion: None. All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously. 3. Public Hearing and approval of a resolution titled, A resolution adopting a Miscellaneous Fees and Charges document and repealing prior fee Resolution Mr. Welch gave a staff report. Mayor Stromberg opened the Public Hearing at 9:10 PM Public Input None Mayor Stromberg closed the Public Hearing at 9:10 PM Councilor Darrow moved approval of Resolution adopting a miscellaneous fees and charges document and Repealing prior fee Resolution Councilor Lemhouse seconded. Discussion: Councilor Darrow spoke in support of the Resolution. Roll call vote: Councilor Rosenthal, Seffinger, Slattery, Morris, Lemhouse and Darrow: YES. Motion passed unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. East Nevada Street Extension project Public Works Director, Mike Faught gave a presented a PowerPoint to Council (see attached). Sue Newbery spoke to reasons why the Traffic Commission gave the proposed recommendation. Councilor Slattery questioned if the bridge hadn t been put on the plan would it be needed. Mr. Faught spoke that it would be a good option for a bike path and the importance for different forms of transportation. Councilor Lemhouse questioned emergency access for the bridge being used. Bridge size and emergency response time was discussed. Mr. Karns explained that with at 12 ft. bridge it would not improve response time. Council discussed the options. Public Input: Andrew Cubic 1251 Munson Dr., Ashland, OR Spoke that he attended all the Transportation Commission meetings and he supported their vote regarding the bridge. He explained the importance of connecting a bridge to the Greenway. He recommended to have purpose and need statement for projects.

7 City Council Business Meeting June 20, 2017 Page 7 of 8 Susan Hall- 210 East Nevada- Ashland, OR Spoke with disappointment that this came up so late in the evening so some people could not stay to speak. She suggested to select the 2 nd proposed option. Susan Sullivan 305 Stoneridge Avenue- Ashland, OR Read a statement into the record urging Council to not go ahead with the new bridge (see attached). Spike Breon East Nevada-Ashland, OR- Spoke against option 2 in the proposal. Ted Hall 210 East Nevada Ashland, OR -210 Professional Engineer- Handed out a picture to Council showing suggestions to bridge size. He suggested a 14 ft. bridge. Councilor Seffinger moved to reject a motorized vehicle bridge as proposed into the TPS project R17 East Nevada Street bridge as recommended by the Transportation Commission. Councilor Lemhouse seconded. Discussion: Seffinger spoke that this seems premature Councilor Lemhouse spoke that it s clear that it is not the option we want to go with. He spoke that a 12-foot bridge would be a better way to go. Councilor Morris spoke to the need of having this bridge. He spoke that he cannot support this motion. Councilor Darrow spoke in support of the motion. She spoke to the importance to look at this project and to not abandon biker and non-motorized transportation within the City. Councilor Rosenthal spoke that he was on the MPO at the time of these decisions. He spoke he understands the rational but will vote against this motion. Mayor Stromberg suggested that the money should go to Independence Way. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Darrow, Lemhouse, Slattery and Seffinger: YES. Councilor Morris and Councilor Rosenthal: NO. Motion passed 4-2. Councilor Seffinger moved to direct Staff to submit Independence Way as a substitute project to the RMVPO for funding. Councilor Slattery seconded. Discussion: Councilor Seffinger spoke to the importance of the project. Councilor Slattery agreed with Councilor Seffinger. Councilor Rosenthal spoke that he agrees with the MPO standpoint and would like to see pedestrian bridge cross Nevada Street. Councilor Lemhouse spoke against this motion due to 12 ft. bike and tread is the best option. Councilor Slattery spoke in support of the motion due to being the best option of keeping 1.5 million. He spoke he would like to keep the 12 ft. bike and pedestrian bridge. Councilor Morris spoke that there needs to be some connectivity to Nevada St. and will not support the motion. Mr. Faught explained the project wouldn t go away and the funding would go to the bridge. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Lemhouse, Slattery, and Seffinger: YES. Councilor Darrow, Morris and Rosenthal: NO. Mayor Stromberg: YES. Motion passed 4-3. Councilor Lemhouse explained that he changed his vote due to Mr. Faughts clarification. Council directed Staff to bring back options for a 14 ft. bridge. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS None

8 City Council Business Meeting June 20, 2017 Page 8 of 8 OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS None ADJOURNMENT OF BUSINESS MEETING The Business Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 PM Respectfully submitted by: City Recorder, Melissa Huhtala Attest: Mayor Stromberg

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10 ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING YMCA Park Property June 20, 2017 Michael A. Black, AICP Jeffrey McFarland

11 YMCA Park Background 6.56 Acres on Tolman Creek Rd. Acquired first by the YMCA in 1980 Deeded to APRC in 1986, No Fee Deed Restrictions APRC to improve within two years YMCA has perpetual first right of exclusive use Public can use property only when YMCA is not No fees or charges to YMCA, in perpetuity 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

12 1986 vs Land Maintenance vs. Recreation Programming Fiscal Constraints: Maintenance Costs Today $35,000 - $50,000/yr In Perpetuity (FOREVER) Cost Over Time 1,000,000-1,500,000 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

13 Dog Park and YMCA Park Concept 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

14 Existing Conditions City Park 2.57 acres YMCA Park 6.56 Acres Multipurpose Bldg. Trail Playground Parking Lot YMCA 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

15 Appraised Value 6.56 Acres with Deed Restrictions 2017 Brown, Chudleigh, Schuler, Myers and Associates Appraisal: As Is Market Land Value (February 10, 2017): $0 (ZERO DOLLARS) Depreciated Replacement Cost Estimate of Site Improvements (February 10, 2017): $480, /20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

16 Disproportionate Use City Park 2.57 acres YMCA YMCA Exclusive Park 6.56 Use Acres Area (all pink) Multipurpose Bldg. Trail Playground Parking Lot YMCA 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

17 YMCA Exclusive Use Days 48 Mondays 51 Tuesdays 52 Wednesdays 52 Thursdays 52 Fridays 26 Saturdays CITY 23% YMCA 77% 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

18 Conveying Parks Land ORS (1) Transfer of Real Property real property not needed for public use, or whenever the public interest may be furthered, a political subdivision may sell, exchange [or] convey property The consideration for the transfer may be cash or real property, or both. 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

19 Justification For Conveyance Disproportionate Exclusive Use YMCA 77% 100% of Cost Public Recreation and Youth Sports to Continue through YMCA Trail Easement for Ped Access Public Access to Play Area for 2-Years YMCA will Pay $480,000 Cash Leveraged to Adjacent Public Park Restrooms, Playground, Picnic Area, Community Garden and Dog Park Incremental Maintenance Savings can be Leveraged to Maintain School Park Facilities (~ 3.5 acres in Fields) 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

20 Conditions of Conveyance YMCA will pay APRC $480,000 cash at the time of the sale for the 2017 Depreciated Replacement Cost Estimate, according to the 2017 Appraisal YMCA will guarantee that the full site will be used for providing recreation or youth sports for the next ten years with a penalty of $270,000 if YMCA sells any of the land or ceases providing youth sports at the Property YMCA will grant a pedestrian and bicycle easement through the Property while APRC owns adjacent property, or until a public right of way from Tolman to Clay Street is constructed adjacent to the Property YMCA will allow citizens of Ashland to use the playground facility for active play, while not already in use by the YMCA, until APRC builds a new park, with a playground, within a quarter mile of the existing park or for two years whichever is less. 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

21 Recommendation Staff recommends that the City Council affirm the decision of the Ashland Parks Commissioners to convey the YMCA Park property back the YMCA with the aforementioned conditions 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

22 Questions City Park 2.57 acres YMCA Park 6.56 Acres Multipurpose Bldg. Trail Playground Parking Lot 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

23 Questions City Park 2.57 acres YMCA Park 6.56 Acres Multipurpose Bldg. Trail Playground Parking Lot YMCA 6/20/2017 YMCA Park Land Disposition

24 East Nevada Street Bridge Project 1998/2012 TSP

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33 Estimated Bridge Costs Conventional Bridge (11 lanes, 6 walk, 6 bike) $6,494,400 Realign Nevada and North Mountain $ 494,000

34 Street system connectivity and redundancy in the event of an emergency along N Mountain Avenue and/or Hersey Street consistent with Ashland Municipal Code and the Comp Plan. Result in no significant adverse traffic or safety impacts with the new connection. Improves E Nevada Street west of N Mountain Avenue by smoothing the S curves and relocating the existing intersection to a spot opposite Skylark Place. New North Ashland transit service in the future as called for in the City s Transportation Plan (Route 8).

35 Traffic Engineer Additional access and circulation for emergency vehicles traveling between North Ashland neighborhoods and to/from police or fire stations or the Ashland Hospital. Provide walking or bicycling access to/from the Bear Creek Greenway, while also providing a shorter travel path for pedestrians and cyclists who generally want to travel east/west across North Ashland or to/from downtown. Provide vehicle access to/from and between neighborhoods consistent with the long term land development plans in the area.

36 Transportation Commission Public Hearings April 28, 2016 to discuss the East Nevada Street Bridge design options February 23, 2017 Public Hearing on the proposed bridge project With the exception of a few people in support, there was overwhelming testimony against the project. Among many concerns shared, was concern about the amount of traffic that would be diverted from North Mountain through the neighborhood. There did seem to be support for a bicycle/pedestrian only bridge.

37 Updated Traffic Study SCJ Alliance, a traffic engineering consultant, completed a new Traffic Impact Analysis for the proposed East Nevada Street Extension. The traffic study did not support Kittelson s TPAU findings that the bridge would function as an alternative bypass route from the downtown to the freeway by diverting significant volumes of traffic away from Highway 99.

38 Transit The commission has since decided to update the transit route assumptions in the current TSP which means there is less certainty there will be a recommendation for a transit route on East Nevada.

39 North Mountain Conditions Of Approval The planning action had a condition of approval that properties within the project sign in favor and agree to participate in a local improvement district for future construction of the Nevada Street Bridge across Bear Creek, This does not appear to have taken place.

40 Transportation Commission s Recommendation unanimous recommendation that the City Council reject a motorized vehicle bridge as proposed in the TSP project R17 (East Nevada Street bridge). This motion does not preclude the possibility of revisiting the need for a bridge in the future, if plans or conditions change.

41 Disposition of $1.5 Million Grant Construct a 12-foot Bike and Pedestrian Bridge on East Nevada $2,404,400. Construct a 20-foot Bike, Pedestrian and Emergency Vehicle Bridge on East Nevada Street $3,769,400. Substitute the East Nevada Street Project with the Independent Way project (R25) in the 2012 TSP $1,590,000.

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43 Street Grades East Nevada Street 11.7% North Mountain Avenue 13.7% Hersey Street 11.7%

44 Funding/Budget TSDC s $1,194,970 Grants $3,000,000 Fees & Rates $2,299,430

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49 Why E Nevada Street? Consistent with both 1998 and 2013 Transportation System Plans The connection has been adopted city policy since 1998 Is also included in the Regional Plan Safety considerations No reported crashes (2011 to 2015) at Mountain at Skylark, E Nevada or Fair Oaks 1 reported crash at E Nevada/Oak No significant change expected likely future crash experience similar to other streets in vicinity which is low

50 Why E Nevada Street? Accessibility & Connectivity Connects neighborhoods consistent with long term plans including ¼ mile spacing standard Emergency vehicle access/circulation for larger community. Could save +45 seconds between Skylark Assisted Living and Ashland Hospital. Walking/biking access to Helman School and general east/west active transportation Access to Bear Creek Greenway Street system redudancy Better sharing of east/west traffic burden Makes future transit route more viable

51 Why E Nevada Street? Environmental Justice considerations EJ issues and demographic data were evaluated when E Nevada connection added to Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). No issues were identified. Air Quality considerations Analysis of project for inclusion in RTP indicates that there would be no violation of national CO standards and may benefit PM 10 pollution levels

52 Why E Nevada Street? Evaluation of Potential Alternatives such as new I 5 interchange at Mountain Avenue Inconsistent with Oregon Highway Design Manual interchange spacing standards (3 miles required, 2.5 to north and 1.9 to south) Would not satisfy FHWA Added Access Decision Report process requiring local traffic problems be solved on local streets Very expensive (I 5/Fern Valley = $72 million) Would likely require reclassification & widening of Mountain Avenue, may induce growth east of I 5 or north of existing city

53 Conclusions Projected volumes appropriate for street s designated function as an avenue No adverse traffic operational or safety impacts are anticipated Past and current transportation plans call for the improvement as a short term action (0 5 years after plan adoption) Opportunity to improve alignment of E Nevada Street approaching Mountain Avenue to reduce street curvature and improve flow. Meets stopping sight distance requirements. No realistic alternative exists to meet connectivity need

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