Approved Minutes - 2020-07-23
Luscher Area Task Force Meeting
Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2020
Task Force members present: Heidi Schrimsher; Richard Herman; Kasey Holwerda; Nancy Gronowski;
Dave Girard; Laura Masterson; and Sandy Intraversato
Staff Present: Jeff Munro; Jamie Inglis; Charity Taylor (Facilitator)
Excused: Dawn Grunwald, Jan Wirtz, Megan Big John
Ms. Taylor opened the meeting by informing the task force of Rick Gruen’s resignation, as he moved
away from Lake Oswego. She introduced Sandy Intraversato as the new member who will replace Rick
Gruen in representing the Parks Board on the Luscher Area Task Force. Ms. Taylor reviewed the meeting
goals, which were to debrief the Luscher Area walking tour, and refine previously mentioned
programming priorities.
Task Force members discussed the benefits of being able to tour the land, discuss potential
recommendations and see the proposed parking lot entrance together. Mr. Herman expressed interest
in having more conversations about current educational programs.
Discussion of Luscher Area Sketch Drawing by Task Force Members
Ms. Taylor shared a sketch of the Luscher Area created by Ms. Gronowski based on conversations with
other task force members (Attachment 1). Ms. Taylor asked that the drawing should only be used to
foster conversation. The sketch showed parking located east of Firlane, instead of the currently
proposed western side of Firlane. Ms. Gronowski explained that her sketch moved the parking to create
a closer connection between the Luscher historic core and spaces designated for future urban
agriculture and environmental education. She also moved the children’s garden and community garden
plots closer to the education center.
Ms. Masterson appreciated the idea of bringing the CSA closer to the core to create more synergy. She
thought it made sense to bring programs closer together, as those who visit the Luscher Area may come
to participate in more than one program.
Ms. Holwerda approved of parking being separate from areas currently experiencing higher pedestrian
traffic. Ms. Gronowski envisions the area behind the Luscher barn between the current children’s
garden and community garden as an events space. Ms. Schrimsher asked about determining what will
happen with buildings as it relates to environmental education, the Luscher barn and the farmhouse.
Ms. Taylor clarified that the purpose of the task force would not be to determine the necessary
upgrades needed, but to identify the uses of each facility. Ms. Schrimsher commented that the path to
the parking lot in the sketch uses up an area that could be used for agriculture. She suggested bringing
the pedestrian and parking paths closer to the edge of the Firlane property to free up space.
Mr. Munro cautioned moving far into hillside of Firlane when determining the location of the future
parking lot. Ms. Masterson wants to ensure staff needs for maintenance are incorporated into the plan.
Mr. Munro thinks maintenance should be further away from the programming core to reduce
disruption.
Facilities and Programming Discussion
Ms. Taylor reviewed programming opportunities the task force brainstormed in March to confirm
whether there were any other any additional avenues the task force would consider before discussing
potential recommendations (Attachment 2). Ms. Schrimsher suggested adding education relating to
conservation and natural resources. Mr. Herman mentioned community education and demonstration
of historical farming practices.
The task force then discussed whether maintenance should be removed from the Luscher barn.
Members mentioned the importance of prioritizing safety, and that the location of maintenance within
the Luscher Area will depend on future uses for the land. Ms. Taylor referred to a potential maintenance
facility on the Crowell property as proposed in the Agricultural Plan. Ms. Masterson talked about the
need to consider programming location when considering maintenance placement.
Some members agreed that incubator farming should take place within the Luscher Area. Ms. Taylor
noted that according to the LAMP and Agricultural Plan, incubator farms would be best suited on the
Firlane property. Ms. Masterson said there may be a need for additional infrastructure depending on
the type of incubator farming supported, e.g. farm animals require different infrastructure. Ms.
Intraversato expressed the need to tie programming to infrastructure, and distinguish between which
programs can share facilities, and other programs which might need separate spaces. She noted that she
supports animals on the farm, however unlike other programs, infrastructure for animals cannot be
used for other purposes; facilities should have a high utilization rate when possible. Ms. Schrimsher
commented that infrastructure for some animals is relatively inexpensive, and highlighted previous
public outreach results mentioning the desire for animals in the Luscher Area.
Mr. Girard said the cost of animals can be higher given resources needed to maintain farm animals, and
inquired about whether there are 4‐H or similar organizations that could assist. Ms. Schrimsher
suggested a contractor to care for animals. Ms. Holwerda thought including a 4‐H program to help with
farm animals in the Luscher Area would promote synergy and provide educational opportunities. Mr.
Munro noted that while a contractor may care for the animals, there could be instances where animals
escape and advised it would be best to avoid placement of animals near gardens.
Ms. Taylor then guided the discussion to future uses of the Luscher barn. Mr. Herman mentioned the
desire to keep the school to farm program and CSA, and to ensure the facilities needs of current
programs are met. Ms. Schrimsher added that if maintenance is removed from the white barn, the
LAMP suggests building additional facilities. Ms. Gronowski noted that facilities built with specific
purposes in mind are ideal, to use the Luscher barn as an event space and build an agricultural space
that meets the needs the task force identifies. She also preferred building a new urban agriculture and
environmental education center to rehabilitating existing structures.
The task force discussed the location of a commercial kitchen. Ms. Inglis agreed that the Luscher Barn
would be a good events space. A commercial kitchen to develop a food product would need to be
separate from a kitchen area used for events due to health code restrictions. If the barn is used for
events, refrigeration space, sinks and restrooms would be adequate additions. Ms. Inglis discussed the
need for easy access to parking near the barn. Ms. Holwerda would prefer the barn be used as a flex
space and to emphasize preserving the characteristics of the barn. Ms. Schrimsher noted that the
nearby municipal golf course will be turned into an events space for weddings, which would create
redundancies in facility use. She also mentioned that the milking parlor can only hold approximately 70
people. Other members noted that the occupancy could potentially increase if the other side of the barn
currently housing equipment were used in addition to the parlor. Ms. Masterson talked about the need
to discuss staging, as the barn cannot be renovated until other facilities are built to house operations
currently taking place within the barn. Mr. Herman added that using the haymow would enrich the dairy
farm experience.
Ms. Inglis noted that centralization of camp programs away from vehicular traffic would be an asset,
and would optimize programming spaces. Additional restrooms are needed as well. Adding amenities to
children’s community gardens would enhance educational opportunities. Ms. Taylor mentioned that the
urban agriculture and environmental education center would have classrooms. Ms. Schrimsher
commented that providing camps on the Firlane property would further separate programming instead
of condensing operations.
Ms. Schrimsher proposed Hunger Fighters operate on Firlane property and use the garage for food
distribution. Food could be grown by people supported by Hunger Fighters. This collaboration would aid
in community education and support food security for vulnerable populations. Mr. Girard discussed the
issue of food waste in community gardens. Ms. Schrimsher mentioned a future partnership with Hunger
Fighters and the City to reduce food waste. Mr. Herman and Ms. Schrimsher discussed possible funding
to support Hunger Fighters’ operations in the Luscher Area.
Ms. Gronowski suggested considering a place for Hunger Fighters in a new urban agriculture and
environmental education center instead of repurposing the existing Firlane house. Ms. Intraversato
offered that Hunger Fighters could use the Firlane house until a new building takes its place. Ms. Taylor
informed the task force that the Oregon Parks and Recreation Association currently uses the Firlane
house. Ms. Schrimsher said Hunger Fighters would not operate out of the Firlane house until parking
and entrance needs were met. There should be a balance between using existing facilities and building
purpose‐driven facilities. Making space for an organization serving underserved communities could help
raise funds for a new building. Ms. Masterson suggested discussing current programs and
corresponding infrastructure needs to determine how to best use facilities. Mr. Girard expressed
interest in prioritizing Hunger Fighters.
Ms. Taylor said she would coordinate the remaining of the task force meeting dates via email, and
informed the task force of a second walking tour on Friday, August 31st. Mr. Girard suggested adding the
barn to a future walking tour.
Attachment 1
Programming Opportunities Guiding Principles
Demonstration gardens
Expand summer camps, classes and
community gardens to meet demand,
CSA
Commercial kitchen – variety of uses:
classes, school to farm program,
preserving produce, etc.
Introduce animals, bees and fruit trees
Hedgerows and pollinators to transition
between urban agriculture and natural
resource areas
Farm incubator sites (e.g. Headwaters)
Promote rich history of Luscher Farm;
may help with fundraising efforts
Farm stands
Community education re: natural
resources and historical farming practices
(annuals)
Diversity of participants engaged in
educational opportunities
Determine what facilities are needed to
support programming
Integrate programming within and
among sites to promote synergy and
avoid silos.
Strengthen and expand existing
partnerships
Design facilities to optimize programming
Make recommendations scalable for
flexible implementation
Provide space for those who are
underserved; address food insecurity
Attachment 2