Approved Minutes - 2020-08-17
Luscher Area Task Force Meeting
Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2020
Task Force members present: Richard Herman; Kasey Holwerda; Nancy Gronowski; Dave Girard; Laura
Masterson;
Staff Present: Jeff Munro; Megan Big John; Dawn Grunwald; Jamie Inglis; Jan Wirtz and Charity Taylor
(Facilitator)
Excused: Heidi Schrimsher and Sandy Intraversato
Charity Taylor reviewed the current maintenance and programming facility needs (Attachment 1).
Megan Big John noted that it would be ideal for maintenance to be situated near the core of the
Luscher Area, and that the location might change as the Luscher Area expands. Current maintenance
operations can continue with existing facilities, however further consideration is needed when programs
expand. Jamie Inglis highlighted that signage and restrooms could be considered a current priority for
programming, with the other needs also being short‐term, but not as immediate. Richard Herman
brought up trails and access as an important feature of the Luscher Area. The Task Force then discussed
listing facility needs for stakeholders currently using the land, such as the Friends Rogerson Clematis
Collection and community supported agriculture (“CSA”).
Ms. Taylor reviewed previously discussed priorities, including the rehabilitation of the Luscher Barn as a
multi‐purpose community space. Kasey Holwerda noted that the Historic Resources Advisory Board
could provide feedback on maintaining historic characteristics of the barn. Nancy Gronowski noted that
the barn should be used for smaller events. The Task Force then discussed possible locations for the
agricultural operational facility. Laura Masterson noted that the agricultural operational facility should
be closer to the core of Luscher to aid synergy between programs. Ms. Big John mentioned the need for
an alternative access route for maintenance and CSA vehicles, potentially off Stafford Road. Ms. Big
John proposed having maintenance and the agricultural operational facility close to one another given
the parallel use of facility space between CSA and maintenance currently. Maintenance could potentially
co‐mingle with CSA similar to the Maintenance Center currently shared between Parks Maintenance and
Public Works. Ms. Gronowski offered to send a blank sketch of the Luscher Area for other members to
use for drawing potential locations for roads and facilities. Ms. Big John pointed out that moving
maintenance and the agricultural operational facility further South out of the flex space, would allow for
uninterrupted access from the Farr property to the Crowell property. The Task Force discussed
separating public access from maintenance and agricultural roads in the Luscher Area. Ms. Taylor then
shared the facility needs for Hunger Fighters (Attachment 2). The Task Force requested more
information about the current facility configuration for Hunger Fighters, and whether operations could
be integrated into future multi‐purpose spaces.
Ms. Taylor mentioned discussing the location of parking with the City’s Engineering department to see
whether the suggested location on Ms. Gronowski’s drawing is feasible (Attachment 3). Ms. Gronowski
asked about the process of determining the size of facilities and necessary parking requirements. Ms.
Taylor encouraged the Task Force to make their recommendations scalable to accommodate various
future scenarios. Ms. Big John asked about what programming could take place in the Luscher Barn
should maintenance and community supported agriculture operations move elsewhere. Mr. Herman
mentioned using the second floor of the barn for programs, and inquired about the needs of the Farm to
School program. Ms. Inglis noted that programming in the Luscher Barn would depend on the long‐term
vision for the Luscher Area. She agreed that using the barn as a multi‐purpose area would be the best
use for the barn, including a sink and public restrooms. This would allow the space to be used for camps
and classes. Ms. Inglis noted that there is no confirmation about when the Farm to School program will
return, and that consideration of space for the program should be delayed until there is more
information regarding the continuation of the partnership with the Lake Oswego School District.
Jeff Munro explained that there will not be a large events center built near the new recreation center.
The only space that could hold events is the current pro shop at the Municipal Golf Course, which does
not have space for large gatherings. Jan Wirtz emphasized using the golf pro shop as a multi‐purpose
space in the future. Ms. Inglis highlighted that there are few spaces that allow more than 200 people
per gathering. Ms. Masterson suggested having more conversations about how events in the Luscher
Barn could impact current and future programming. She also noted that there should still be
consideration for educational facilities even if the Farm to School program is currently on hiatus. Ms.
Masterson suggested keeping the location of livestock in mind. Ms. Big John noted that there should be
outreach to organizations to provide insight about what animals could be housed in the Luscher Area
and what the needs would be. She asked about other Task Force members’ thoughts regarding whether
the City could feasibly provide facilities for all user groups. She also emphasized thinking of the needs of
programming overall, independent of the contractor. Mr. Herman mentioned using the Luscher Barn for
conferences and education about bird sanctuaries and restoration. Ms. Gronowski expressed her
reservation of community gardens and its proximity to the Luscher Barn should it be used for large
events. Ms. Taylor confirmed that the Task Force was comfortable with designating a space for animals
and delaying assigning specific types of animals until outreach to animal providers could be contacted at
a later date. Ms. Taylor suggested the Task Force keep in mind that the drawing of the agricultural
operational facility (Attachment 3) appears smaller than the facility pictured in the Agricultural Plan. She
also summarized the themes of considering the educational opportunities in the Luscher Area, and using
the Luscher Barn as a multi‐purpose community events space with consideration given to its proximity
to community gardens. She also highlighted the Task Force’s emphasis on ensuring consideration of trail
placement, providing more information about information about Hunger Fighters’ needs and
considering facilities needed for animals. Ms. Wirtz noted that we should consider how changing the
purpose of existing facilities affects parking needs. Ms. Taylor stated that the August 31, 2020 meeting
would also be about urban agriculture to address the Task Force’s questions, in lieu of beginning a
discussion about environmental education.
Maintenance Needs:
4,000 square foot facility
A configuration of approximately 80’ x40’ with three roll up doors that could be a pole barn
This space would house all equipment used at the farm and be the hub for the Natural
Resources staff
The area would include space for a table for breaks
With the farm developing and 2 more natural parks coming on we will need room for additional
staff and more farm equipment
Ideally in the core of the entire Luscher Area
Programming Needs:
Onsite public access restrooms: A permanent restroom facility similar to a park in lieu of paying
for portable restrooms
Greenhouse Classroom: Although the school district farm program is in hiatus for now, a
greenhouse classroom (20’x20’) with electrical access and a sink could allow for additional farm
programming
Small covered areas with seating: Especially along trails, to enjoy throughout the year. Using
canopies to determine where permanent seating areas would go as Luscher Area evolves
Signage: Unified professional signage onsite (i.e. that matches parks signage at other sites).
A large deck or park shelter behind Firlane to dedicate as a rental space. Would be used
frequently by the community and for existing programming.
“Tree House” type structure: Locate near the Children’s Garden due to the wide variety of
children’s programming on the Luscher property and lack of existing playgrounds in the area.
Fire Pit: To use for camp programs, cooking classes, etc.
Storage: Currently farm supplies are stored throughout Luscher Area. It would be more
efficient and accessible to have storage in one location.
Signage, restroom and storage
Attachment 1
FRCC:
Classroom space in white barn and bunkhouse
Restrooms instead of porta‐potties
Outdoor education space by the bunkhouse and/or the white barn
Adequate and convenient parking for FRCC volunteers and visitors
Good access to FRCC greenhouse and work space
Attachment 1
Facility Search for Hunger Fighters Oregon
Hunger Fighters Oregon is looking for a long term location (next 5-7 years,
at a minimum) for the food pantry. Ideally it would be accessible to all Lake
Oswegans (centrally located around the lake) and accessible by public
transportation. As the pantry becomes a much relied-upon resource in the
community, it is critical for Hunger Fighters to have stability in the long term
for the individuals and families who depend on it.
Requirements
●A 1300-1500 square foot facility
○Meeting room
○Large storage area for food
○Pantry area (where shopping takes place)
○Waiting area for clients during inclement weather
■temperature controlled
■Waiting area not in the pantry shopping area (too
congested)
■For children to use for quiet activities (coloring) while
parents shop
○Space adjacent to pantry to keep shopping carts parked while
pantry is open (at least 4-5 carts)
○Closed storage space for cleaning supplies, tables, barrels,
signs, etc.
●Restrooms on site (in the same building or less than 20-30 feet away)
●Sink/running water for cleaning
●Central heating and cooling
●Wireless Internet (database of clients is online)
●Trash/recycling disposal on site
●Larger refrigerator/freezer to store more food and offer meats and fish
(fresh and/or frozen) on a regular basis
●A space to grow fresh produce for pantry
●Adequate parking for 10-15 vehicles during pantry hours
Attachment 2
●Own keys/access to space as needed
●Access to safety shuts off (gas, electricity, water)
●ADA accessible (clients in wheelchairs)
●Multiple entry/exit from pantry shopping area- safety and ease of
traffic flow
●Roll up door/garage door/loading area - for vehicles to pull up to
unload donations en masse
●Option/ability to install security system or cameras
Goals:
●To be able to provide basic amenities, a comfortable waiting
environment and adequate space for clients during all seasons
●Be able to serve customers more than twice a month by having
more space for food and storage
●To be able to serve more clients each week by having more space
for shoppers, carts, volunteers and waiting
●To be able to provide clients with fresh produce weekly throughout
the year
●To be able to accommodate guests or partners to host events such
as “Healthy Recipes Day” or an Open House for the community
Questions:
●How large is the space?
●When would it be available?
●How long of a lease/rental agreement would we sign?
●What would be the rent?
●Would there be a trial period?
●Would Hunger Fighters have a key/independent access to the space?
●Would there be limitations to how the space could be utilized? (ie.
having a storage shed, raised beds, events, etc.)
Attachment 2
Attachment 3