Development News for Ashland, Oregon

Council Reviews and Accepts Wastewater and Storm Drain Rate Study, Paving Way for Potential Rate Increases

The city council reviewed a rate study for wastewater and storm drain utilities, presented by Josiah and Scott from HDR Engineering. The study, conducted using industry-standard methodologies, determined revenue requirements and cost of service for each utility to ensure sufficient revenue for operations and capital improvements. For wastewater, proposed rate adjustments aim to balance contributions between residential, multifamily, and non-residential customers, reflecting usage and system impact. Storm drain rates will see a modest increase, with new franchise tax payments included. Both utilities will establish equipment reserve funds. The council engaged in a detailed discussion regarding reserve fund levels, potential economic downturn impacts, debt service structures, and the use of system development charges. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the 90-day operating reserve, the impact of potential capital expenditure reductions if rates aren't increased, and the efficiency of shared equipment versus dedicated resources. The council ultimately voted to accept the rate study, with ordinances for the actual rate changes to follow.

City Council Votes to Surplus North Mountain Property and Debates Surplus of Hardesty Property

The council considered the surplus of two city-owned properties. The first, a third-of-an-acre parcel zoned North Mountain Multifamily off East Nevada Street, was identified as surplus due to its development potential and location, with utilities available. The council voted to surplus this property, with proceeds potentially going to the general fund or facilities reserve. The second property, the Hardesty property, consists of two tax lots (400 and 402). Tax lot 402, containing a house and garages, and a portion of tax lot 400 north of Bear Creek, were deemed surplus as they are no longer needed for city functions, including a proposed wetland cooling treatment process that is no longer necessary. The council debated the specifics of the surplus motion for the Hardesty property, ultimately amending the motion to surplus tax lot 402 and tax lot 400, allowing staff flexibility to proceed with boundary line adjustments or subdivisions with Jackson County and market analysis before a final sale process.

Ashland Prepares for Wildfire Season with Enhanced Community Engagement and Mitigation Efforts

Kelly Burns, Emergency Manager, and Deputy Chief Sheay provided an overview of the city's wildfire readiness for the upcoming season. Key initiatives include extensive community outreach and education, hardening of school structures, engagement with over a thousand citizens, and successful mitigation efforts by the Northwest Youth Corps on city-owned land and in neighborhoods. Forestry work involved burning 73 piles of fuel and planting native seeds and trees in the municipal forest. Grant funding secured for prescribed burning and drone flights for watershed monitoring were also highlighted. Weed abatement efforts have addressed 50 acres through community partnership. The council was also updated on the Jackson Alerts system, the "Know Your Zone" mapping tool, and the importance of individual preparedness, including having both Jackson Alerts and Genesis Protect apps. Plans for future drills, including a dam failure exercise in October, were discussed. Council members expressed confidence in the preparedness efforts. The city's electric department's protocols for wildfire mitigation related to power lines were also briefly mentioned.