Wednesday’s meeting agenda includes coming up with a more consistent policy on policies
By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news
At the Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission meeting Wednesday, commissioners will discuss department finances, parks maps and naming and various classifications of parks names and department policies.
The second quarter of fiscal year 2025 update will include information on Ashland Parks & Recreation Department funds in the city general fund, the department’s capital funds balance and parks system development charges. Parks system development fees such as swim lesson fees, special event application fees and daily golf fees will also be discussed. The fees will be brought before Ashland City Council for approval at its May 14 business meeting for approval, according to the agenda item.
As part of APRD’s parks, recreation, open spaces and system 10-year plan process, Parks Director Rocky Houston is requesting commissioners consider formally naming several of 42 identified “parks” which were previously not officially named, according to the agenda item. Houston will also be bringing forward additional classification systems for parks, according to an agenda item.
Commissioners will also be asked to consider a policy for parks policies to prevent confusion and remain in compliance with Oregon public meeting law.
“In reviewing Department records, it appears that three (3) methods have been or are being used to track and manage policies and procedures. This has led to inconsistencies, an inability to find specific policies or procedures, and no consistent review of policies and procedures to ensure they are compliant with Oregon Law and City Code,” the agenda item said.
The meeting will be held in-person at Council Chamber, 1175 E. Main St., starting at 6 p.m. The meeting can also be viewed on Channel 9 or Channels 180 and 181 (for Charter Communications) or live streamed via rvtv.sou.edu select RVTV Prime.
Public testimony will be accepted in person for those who fill out a speaker request card in the Council Chamber.
Written testimony will be accepted via email sent to [email protected]. Include “Public Testimony” in the subject line and send before 11 a.m. the Tuesday before the meeting to ensure it will be made available to the Parks Commissioners before the meeting.
Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at [email protected].
