Ashland May Build a New Community Center

ASHLAND, Ore. — Renovations to the Ashland Community Center have been put on hold because of unforeseen complications and the Ashland City Council study session will decide today (Monday) whether to build a new facility.

The City Council must decide the future of the Community Center where issues have been uncovered that will ‘significantly escalate’ the complexity and cost of restoration, according to a staff report.

The report says repairing existing problems and undertaking renovations will cost the same as the construction of a new building that would offer ‘improved functionality and performance’ as well as significant savings on energy efficiency.

The report recommends that the existing community center be demolished with new construction taking its place as the ‘most prudent and cost-effective’ course of action.

Also under discussion will be the renovation of Pioneer Hall which can be financed by contingency funds under the existing contract with an engineering company.

The study session begins at 5.30 p.m. in the Ashland City Council chamber at 1175 E. Main St.

A Water Treatment Plant and a New Municipal Judge Will be Spotlighted Tomorrow

At the council meeting tomorrow (Tuesday), funding the water treatment plant will be discussed. A loan from the Environmental Protection Agency will cover 80% of the cost of the project, according to a staff report.

Read: Ashland Voters To Decide On Water Treatment Plant Financing In Ballot Measure

Other items on the agenda include:

The appointment of a municipal judge. The post became vacant at the end of August and the City Council has 60 days in which to appoint a replacement.

A pilot program for temporary business signs in commercial zones. The program will allow businesses to use A-frame sandwich board advertising signs in a pilot trial that will last one year.

Approval of a hazard mitigation plan that analyzes natural hazards like fire and earthquakes, and a contract with Emergency Communications of Oregon to renew an existing contract for dispatch services from a Jackson County organization.

The City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Ashland City Council Chamber at 1175 E. Main St. Residents can also attend the meetings remotely via Channels 9, 180, and 181, or live stream via rvtv.sou.edu.