Ashland Roundup: Clear Creek Drive Parking Decisions Made; Council Ordinance Reviews on Tap
The only Ashland advisory body to publish official minutes in the past two weeks was the Transportation Advisory Committee, which approved yellow curb painting and one-sided parking on Clear Creek Drive and declined a timed-parking request from the Ashland Food Co-op. All other recent meetings remain agenda-only, with minutes not yet published.
Clear Creek Drive Parking Decided
On July 16, the Transportation Advisory Committee took three recorded votes, all from official minutes:
- **Yellow curb painting:** Approved unanimously to paint a corner of Clear Creek Drive yellow to improve visibility, citing ORS 811.550.
- **One-sided parking:** Approved unanimously a work-plan addition recommending that the Public Works Director enforce parking on only one side of Clear Creek Drive.
- **Food Co-op timed-parking request:** Declined. A motion to leave existing parking unchanged was approved 1-0.
The committee also unanimously approved its May 21, 2026 minutes with corrections.
City Council Reviewed Ordinance Language
On July 13, the Ashland City Council's agenda listed review of language changes for ordinances AMC 2.10.015, AMC 2.36, AMC 2.40, AMC 2.41, and AMC 2.04, as well as AMC 9.50, the Solid Waste Management Franchise Ordinance. The council was also scheduled to consider Resolution 2023-30, which would repeal Resolution 2020-03 and update council practices and protocols. Minutes are not yet published, so no outcomes are available.
The following day, July 14, the council held an informational training session provided by the League of Oregon Cities. The agenda stated no business would be discussed. An executive session to review employment-related performance of a public officer or employee was also listed.
Parks Leadership and Trail Discussions
The Parks & Recreation Commission met July 8 to discuss employment of a Parks Director and the interim Parks Director contract. The agenda also included a public forum, a pickleball court hours discussion, an update on the Lithia Park Ice Rink Pavilion, and public input on the Lithia Park East Hillside Mountain Bike Trail.
On July 15, the Ashland Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee reviewed a draft procedure for trail proposals, an update on the Alice in Wonderland/Mimsy Trail, the Lithia Park East Hillside Mountain Bike Trail process, and a recruitment update for Trails Advisory Committee members.
The Recreation Division Advisory Committee met July 16 to approve January 15, 2026 minutes and receive updates on the E. Main Street Park Project, Hunter Park Tennis Courts, and a Community Center/Pioneer Hall Open House.
Historic Preservation, Climate, Equity, Arts, Seniors
Several advisory bodies met with agendas only:
- **Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (July 8):** Listed a commercial site design review for 624 A Street (Ashland Depot Hotel South Wing), a pre-app review for a permanent covering for the ice rink at 95 Winburn Way, a residential building permit review for 65 Fourth Street, and a State Historic Preservation Office check-in.
- **CEPAC (July 8):** Sole agenda item was a discussion on city electrification.
- **Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory Committee (July 9):** Listed approval of June 4 and June 11, 2026 minutes, a Belonging Survey update, discussion on regional ICE presence, an Equitable Housing Plan Working Group update, and a Playwright's Walk update.
- **Senior Advisory Committee (July 13):** Listed approval of October 13, 2025 minutes, discussion of a Housing and Human Services Advisory Committee Community Resource Fair, a presentation on the Ashland at Home program, and liaison reports.
- **Planning Commission (July 14):** Listed a Transportation System Plan and Public Engagement Plan update, ORS research and resources, and an initial discussion of its annual retreat.
- **Public Arts Advisory Committee (July 16):** Listed Signal Boxes selection results, a location proposal for the Guanajuato Heart & Cervantes plaque, a Year of Public Art funding proposal, a Pugh Mural update, and strategic plan discussion on forming a MAC.
Coming Up
- **July 20 — City Council study session:** Executive session on litigation under ORS 192.660(2)(h), plus public discussion of houseless services follow-up, Southside beautification opportunities, and financial policies. No formal actions scheduled.
- **July 21 — City Council regular meeting:** First reading of Ordinance 3306 on manufactured home park resident protections; second readings of Ordinances 3296, 3297, and 3298 on manufactured housing standards and zoning; contract award for chemicals to Cascade Columbia Distribution Co.; resolutions on wastewater and storm drain rate increases; discussion of surplus for a portion of the Briscoe School property.
- **July 23 — Housing & Human Services Advisory Committee:** Discussion of the Ashland Affordable Housing Program and fee waivers, review of Homeless Services Assessment Report metrics, strategic goal check-ins, and community resource event updates.