CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
MINUTES
Monday, April 16, 2018
Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street
5:30 p.m.
I. Public Input (15 min)
Heidi Parker–Ashland- Ms. Parker spoke that she is the Volunteer Coordinator of Ashland Winter Homeless Shelters. She spoke that this is the 6th year of providing the homeless shelter. She stated that there were 35-50 people staying each night. She thanked City Council and City Staff for use of Pioneer Hall. She explained the reasons why the shelter closed 10 days earlier than expected. She spoke that they were required to do a fire watch for the shelter; which was every 15 minutes throughout the night to say there was no fire. She explained that they had no storage and there were restroom issues at Pioneer Hall.
She spoke in support in looking for a single location that can provide 7 nights of shelter in the winter.
II. Review of Employee Health Benefits Plan Options (40 min)
Administrative Services Director, Mark Welch, Human Services Director, Tina Gray and JL Jones Consultants, Jeff Jones and Nancy Lewis gave a staff report.
Items discussed were:
- City self –funded insurance program
- CIS insurance program
- Costs for each option
- Claim costs
- CIS Rates
- Other possible options
Council directed Staff to move forward with the CIS Benefit Program.
III. Pioneer Hall Construction Cost Estimates & Options (30 min)
Public Works Director, Paula Brown gave a Staff report.
Items discussed were:
- Usage of Pioneer Hall
- Long-Term funding sources
- Options for Pioneer Hall usage
- Cost for updates in Pioneer Hall
- Possible locations for a winter shelter
Council directed Staff to work prepare and RFP for the Community to seek proposals for how the facility can be used.
IV. Wildlife Community Education Event (5 min)
Interim City Administrator, Adam Hanks gave a brief Staff report. Mr. Hanks suggested having an open house regarding wildlife issues. He explained this would be for education and outreach.
V. Look Ahead for information purposes only
The Study Session was adjourned at 7:15 PM
Respectfully submitted by:
City Recorder, Melissa Huhtala
Attest:
Mayor Stromberg
Note: Topic times are estimates and subject to modification at the meeting
