HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-1105 Document Submitted at Mtg
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ASHLAND S7 -
Council Communication
Appointment of Council Position #1
Meeting Date: June 6, 2006 Primary Staff Contact Barbara Christensen, (541)
Department City Recorder 488-5307 christeb0ashland.or.us
Contributing Departments: None Secondary Staff Contact None
Approval: Martha Bennett Estimated time: 10 minutes
Statement:
On May 23, 2006, Councilor Jack Hardesty passed away.
Background:
City Charter does not provide for a Special Election for the filling of a vacant elective office. City Charter states that a vacant
elective office shall be filled within sixty (60) days (which is July 22, 2006) by the City Council electing some qualified person
to fill the vacancy. The appointee's tens of office shall begin immediately upon appointment and shall confinue until a
successor, elected at the next biennial election takes office for the unexpired tens. The next biennial election will be
November 7, 2006.
Past council practice has been to advertise (as outlined below), determine a set of questions to be asked, interview
candidates and vote on appointment.
Related City Policies:
As the Elections Officer for the City of Ashland, the City Recorder will work with the City council with advertising and
scheduling of meetings for the election of this vacancy.
Council Options:
Approval of the following schedule:
1. Advertisement for this position in the local newspaper will be June 15 and June 24, with a deadline for applications
on Friday, June 30, 2006.
2. Council will be provided copies of applications by those individuals interested in the position prior to the July 19
Special Council meeting.
3. Candidate interviews will be conducted during the July 19 Special meeting and appointment for the position will be
made at the July 19 Special meeting
OR
Candidate interviews conducted at a time specified by council other than above but prior to the July 22 deadline.
Council direction:
1. Schedule meeting with RVTV to be televised.
2. Provide candidate questions to council prior to meeting.
Staff Recommendation:
Council to conduct appointment to Council Position #1 prior to July 22, 2006.
Attachments:
• Minutes from Council Special Meeting of June 8, 2005
• Minutes from Council Special Meeting of April 16, 2002
KIM
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE.6, 2006
PAGE 6 aj8
2. Raw Waterline Replacement Contract & Brown & Caldwell Engineering Services Contract
Amendment Approval.
Associate Engineer Pieter Smeenk presented the staff report. He explained the lowest bidder for this project
came from the same company who handled Phase 1; however, the lowest bid is still 15% above the consulting
engineers estimate. Mr. Smeenk stated the shortfall is approximately $320,000 and suggested the City approve
the contract for the bid amount and look towards finding cost saving changes during construction, which is
what happened during Phase 1.
Administrative Services & Finance Director Lee Tuneberg explained there are two approaches for dealing with
this situation. He stated that part of this project was suppose to be started this year, so there will likely be a
fund balance carry forward which could be the basis for a Supplemental Budget next year. Alternatively,
Council could change the budget resolution set to be adopted tonight and recognize a larger fund balance that
will grow the budget by $320,000. Mr. Tuneberg recommended the Council adopt the budget as presented and
stated Staff could bring a Supplemental Budget before Council during the next fiscal year.
Councilor Hartzell/Chapman m/s to approve the contract with R&G Excavating for the construction of
the Raw Waterline Replacement Project as amended for a total cost of $2,732,490; and approve the
contract amendment with Brown & Caldwell Engineering increasing the scope of the contract to
include construction phase engineering services for approximately $240,000. Voice Vote: all AYES.
Motion passed.
3. Approval of Architect Selection and Agreement for Fire Station No. 2 Construction.
Fire Chief Keith Woodley explained in October of 2005, Staff presented to Council a proposed work plan for
the reconstruction of Fire Station #2. This work plan called for architect selection in June of 2006 and Staff
has issued a request for qualifications and received two responses. The citizen committee has reviewed the
responses and recommend the contract be issued to Peck, Smiley & Ettlin Architects.
Mr. Woodley clarified if the voters do not approve the bond levy, the City would need to pay the $49,000 in
pre-bond project development costs.
Councilor Jackson/Chapman m/s to approve the contract with Peck, Smiley & Ettlin Architects. Voice
Vote: all AYES. Motion Passed.
4. Appointment of Council Position #1.
Mayor Morrison noted the City Recorder's Office had outlined a proposed schedule for filling the vacancy of
Councilor Hardesty, who passed away on May 23, 2006. He recommended the Council approve a schedule
for filling the vacancy and stated the voting method could be determined at a later date.
City Recorder Barbara Christensen explained the proposed schedule is based on how Council has filled
vacancies in the past. She noted there is no set procedure as to how the Council must proceed; they are only
required to fill the vacancy within 60 days.
Councilor Hartzell/Jackson m/s to extend meeting until 10:30 p.m. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion
Passed.
Colin Swales/461 Allison Street/Expressed his sadness of the passing of Councilor Hardesty. Ms. Swales
commented on his qualifications and noted he had applied to fill the vacancy last year when Chris Hearn
resigned from his Council seat. He stated he is in a good position to step straight into this position, if that is the
wish of the Council, and noted that he had received Councilor Hardesty's vote to fill Heam's seat. He stated
he is ready and willing to step into this position if the Council does not wish to go through the prolonged
application/interview process.
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 6, 2006
PAGE 7 oj8
Alice Hardesty/575 Dogwood Way/Stressed the importance of filling this position quickly and voiced her
support for Mr. Swales filling this vacancy. She spoke to Swales' qualifications and stated he shares the same
values as Councilor Hardesty did. She noted that Council has the option to proceed how they wish and that
they do not have to go through a laborious process. Ms. Hardesty asked the Council to appoint Mr. Swales as
a Councilor Hardesty.
Comment was made that in all fairness to the community, the Council should open the process to other
candidates and not make an appointment this evening. Recommendation was made to establish a voting
methodology ahead of time and determine the final procedure for interviewing the candidates.
Ms. Christensen recommended the City advertise as soon as possible so the Council will have ample time to
review the applications and determine the procedure they wish to use.
Mayor Morrison stated it would not be proper to fill the vacancy tonight and spoke to having a fair and open
process for filling the vacancy.
Councilor Jackson/Silbiger m/s to schedule Council interviews for a Special Meeting on July 19,2006;
direct City Recorder Barbara Christensen to advertise sooner for applicants; and that Council may
discuss the voting process at the next Council meeting. Voice Vote: Councilor Silbiger, Chapman and
Jackson, YES. Councilor Hartzell, NO. Motion Passed 3-1.
5. Review of Initiated Measure-Amends Chapter Requiring Voter Approval of Property Transfer Tax.
City Recorder Barbara Christensen explained a qualified initiated measure for the November 2006 ballot was
received on May 24, 2006, and it is up to the Council to place this measure on the November ballot.
Councilor Hartzell/Chapman m/s to refer initiated "Amends Municipal Charter Requiring Voter
Approval of Property Transfer Tax" to the city electors. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion Passed.
6. Debt Service Scenarios for the City.
Administrative Services & Finance Director Lee Tuneberg explained if Council adopts the budget as
presented, this issue would be resolved. At this point, a $575,000 transfer from the CIP Fund and a property
tax increase of $0.175 addresses the debt service.
Council expressed desire to accept the budget as approved by the Budget Committee.
7. Adoption of Findings Regarding the Formation of the Nevada Street LID.
Delayed due to time constraints.
8. Adoption of Findings for Planning Action 2004-141 - Annexation and Zone Change for an
approximately 10-acre parcel located on the east side of Clay Street, north of Ashland Street, at
380 Clay Street.
Delayed due to time constraints.
9. Purchase of Environmentally Preferred Power form BPA.
Delayed due to time constraints.
ORDINANCES. RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
1. Reading by title only of, "A Resolution adopting the Annual Budget and making appropriations".
Mr. Tuneberg noted the recommended changes to the Annual Budget, which are listed in the spreadsheet
presented to Council.
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
Procedure on Selection of Council Position #1
Meeting Date: June 20; 2006 Primary Staff Contact Barbara Christensen,
Department: City Recorder (541) 488-5307 christeb0ashland.or.us
Contributing Departments: None I~ Secondary Staff Contact None
Approval: Martha Ben IIY'J Estimated time: 10 minutes
Statement:
A Special meeting of the Council is scheduled for July 17 to conduct interviews and make appointment to Council Position
#1 for a tens ending December 31, 2006.
Background:
As was approved by council at the June 6 meeting, advertisement seeking letters of interest was placed in the local
newspaper as well as on the city website. The deadline for applications to be submitted to the City Recorder's Office is 5pm
on June 30.
History on oast appointments by council:
1997 Council Position #6 vacated by Brent Thompson filled by Alan DeBoer
• 3 applications received through advertisement of vacancy
• No interviews conducted, but questions were presented to the candidates and turned into the council
• Nominations were made by council
• Appointment based on majority of votes; 3 for DeBoer, I for Lewis and I for Hartzell.
2001 Council Position # 6 vacated by David Fine filled by Chris Hearn
• 7 applications received through advertisement of vacancy
• Interviews conducted
• Council voted on applicants; 3 for Heam;1 for DeBey and 1 for Linger
• Motion was made to appoint Chris Hearn. Appointment based on majority of votes 5-0.
2002 Council Position #4 vacated by Cameron Hanson filled by Kate Jackson
• 5 applicants received through advertisement of vacancy
• Interviews conducted
• Council voiced their support of various applicants
• Motion was made to appoint Kate Jackson. Appointment based on majority of votes 41.
2005 Council Position #6 vacated by Chris Hearn filled by David Chapman
• 14 applications received through advertisement of vacancy
• Interviews conducted
• Council voted for the top three applicants; due to a tie, Council kept the two top applicants (Swales and
Dimitre) and voted in a second round to determine the third applicant to be considered; Council then voted
on the top three applicants (Swales, Dimibe and Chapman); council voted 3 for Chapman and 2 for
Swales.
• Motion to appoint Chapman based on majority of votes. 5-0
Interview auesdons previously used by council:
• What do you believe you would contribute to the City Council based on your experience? What are you good at?
• What do you want to accomplish while serving on the City Council?
• What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?
PFA,
• What personal skills and time availability to you offer the council?
• When moving ahead on a particular project, that is the best for the community at large, but would impact an
existing neighborhood, how would you handle this?
• Do you see yourself representing a particular constituency or group?
Do you have any questions of the council?
Related City Policies:
There is no charter law or city ordinance that sets the method in which the council elects an individual to a council seat in the
event of a vacancy.
Council Options:
1) Discuss if pre-selection process of applicants should take place prior to the July 17 meeting.
2) Discuss what questions should be asked of the applicants and if these questions should be made available prior to
the scheduled interview.
3) Discus method of voting.
Staff Recommendation:
Now
Attachments:
None
ti. ~
• Relative to the key issues mentioned, what approach would you recommend the Council take?
How long have you lived in the community and what community activities have you been involved in? And what is
your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat?
• What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city? And how do you see yourself contributing to resolve the
issues?
CITY COUNCIL CONTINUED MEETING
JUNE 21, 2006
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS PAGE 3 of 3
1. Procedures on selection of Council Position #1.
City Recorder Barbara Christensen explained that in the past, Council has determined the questions they
wished to ask prior to beginning the interviews. Council requested 30 minutes prior to the interviews to
discuss the interview questions and voting procedure.
2. DEQ Presentation on Revised PM Standards.
Rescheduled to a future council meeting.
ORDINANCES. RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS - (Cont.)
1. Reading by title only of, "A Resolution amending the pay schedule for management and
colidential employees for fiscal year 2006-2007"
Rescheduled to a future council meeting.
2. Reading by title only of, "A Resolution of the City of Ashland clarifying certain conditions of
employment for management and confidential employees and making such conditions consistent
with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act by repealing Resolution No. 97-18"
Rescheduled to a future council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Meetin oumed at 1:14 p.m.
B ara Christensen, City Recorder A Amarotico, Council Chair
CITY OF
ASHLAND
-~A'Council Communication
Appointment of Council Position #1
Meeting Date: July 17, 2006 Primary Staff Contact Barbara Christensen, (541)
Department: City Recorder , 488-5307 christebbashland.or.us
Contributing Departments: None Secondary Staff Contact None
Approval: Martha Bennett
Statement:
This is a Special Meeting of the Council to conduct interviews and make appointment to Council Posifion #1 for a term
ending December 31, 2006.
Eight applications were received by the City Recorder's Office and all have been verified by the County Electrons Office that
they are registered voters and live within the city limits.
At your June 21 meeting, you decided to meet at 5:30 p.m. to determine the questions for the applicants arid to discuss the
voting process. At 6:00 p.m., you will begin interviews.
Background:
City Charter does not provide for a Special Election for the filling of a vacant elective office. City Charter states that a vacant
elective office shall be filled within sixty (60) days (which is July 22, 2006) by the City Council electing some qualified person
to fill the vacancy. The appointee's term of office shall begin immediately upon appointment and shall continue until a
successor, elected at the next biennial election takes office for the unexpired tens. The next biennial election will be
November 7, 2006.
Advertisement for this position in the local newspaper was made on June 15 and June 24 as well as on the city website with
a deadline for applications on Friday, June 30, 2006.
Related City Policies:
There is no charter law or city ordinance that sets the method in which the council elects an individual to a council seat in the
event of a vacancy.
Council Options:
Interview questions previously used by council:
• What do you believe you would contribute to the City Council based on your experience? What are you good at?
• What do you want toh while serving on the City Council?
• How long have you ROM community and what community activities have you been involved in? And what is
your primary motivation for seekmg a vacant council seat?
• What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city? And how do you see yourself contributing to resolve the
issues?
• What personal skills and time availability to you offer the council?
When moving ahead on a particular project, that is the best for the community at large, but would impact an
existing neighborhood, how would you handle this?
• Do you see yourself representing a particular constituency or group?
• Do you have any questions of the council?
Staff Recommendation:
Appoint one of the applicants to Council Position #1 prior to July 22, 2006.
Attachments:
• Applications received for consideration
• Schedule of interviews
MAIN
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 17, 2006
1 PAGE 1 of 8
MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
July 17, 2006 - 5:30 p.m.
Civic Center Council Chambers
1175 E. Main Street
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Morrison called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Councilor Amarotico, Hartzell, Jackson, Silbiger and Chapman were present.
APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL POSITION #1
1. Determine interview questions.
2. Determine method of voting on appointment.
3. Interview candidates.
4. Motion to appoint.
Mayor Morrison announced that the purpose of this meeting is to deliberate and then select the replacement of
Jack Hardesty, who recently passed away, to Council Seat position #1. He suggested a 10-minute question period
for applicants with a 5-minute period allowed for follow-up questions.
Suggested methods of voting included Council putting forth motions for consideration, each councilor
sharing individual perspectives and then voting individually, paper ballot of top three preferences after
Council discussion, round of voting in order to determine top three candidates to vote on, ranking of top three
choices and majority vote method. Mayor commented on the confusion in the previous voting method when
rounds of voting were done to determine a candidate.
Council consensus was to do a paper ballot vote on their top three choices, followed by a round ofvoting on these
top three choices, and a final vote to determine which candidate has the majority. It was clarified the Mayor
would not be voting unless there is a tie.
Councilor Jackson suggested using the following questions: 1) Council decisions are rarely simple, how
would you prepare for a meeting in which a complex decision must be made? and 2) How do you view the role of
an individual councilor in conducting the business of the City of Ashland. Along with question 92, she suggested
the candidates read a handout, which is an excerpt from the City Charter. Consensus was not to ask the
candidates to read the handout.
Councilor Hartzell commented that she was okay with the second question suggested by Jackson, but felt the first
one was too long. She stated she would like to avoid "pat answers" to questions and that she is more interested in
finding out a different mind then something that is easy to answer.
Council discussed the proposed question with the handout. Councilor Jackson's intent with the handout was
to give the candidates a chance to see what the City's charter says instead of having the candidate explain their
experiences and that this would test the candidate to think on their feet. The consensus was not to ask the
candidates to read the handout but supported asking the question regarding how they viewed their role as a
councilor as part of the group.
Council suggested the following questions:
• What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
JULY I7, 2006
PAGE 2 of 8
• What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat?
• What is the role of the city councilor?
• What community and city activities have you been involved in recently?
It was agreed that if there were time left in the interview, to ask the candidate if they have any questions.
Colin Swales
Currently serves on the Traffic Safety Commission, is liaison between the Traffic Commission and Bike and
Pedestrian Commission. Submitted his range of community activities to the Council with his application and
noted his various topics of discussion he has had with the Council through email. This last winter he volunteered
with the Jackson County Fuel Committee in assisting needy families in Ashland. He noted that as a past Planning
Commissioner he has kept in touch with current Community Development issues.
Mr. Swales noted his friendship with past Councilor Jack Hardesty, stated his similar visions of Mr. Hardesty,
and would represent the same opinions in matters of voting. He felt that it is important, for the people who
elected Mr. Hardesty, to have a voice on this Council.
He noted as the biggest issues facing the city as the various important items that come before the Council such as
the cleanup of Railroad property. He noted the Downtown Plan and the Railroad Master Plan had yet to be
adopted or discussed. He would like to see the budget reigned in and has the impression that the Council
needs to give a clearer direction to administration.
When asked how he saw himself contributing to resolving these issues, Mr. Swales explained that he is used
to working in a planning decision making body to reach consensus and that this is the job of Council. He
noted the Council is an elected body by the citizens and their job is to represent these citizens and to make clear
decisions, which is passed onto administration.
He stated that thejob of the Council is to represent the best interests of the citizens as a whole. It is not the job of
the Council to micro-manage the running of the City but to give clear direction to administration.
How do you view your role as an individual council in giving direction to administration?
He felt as an individual councilor he would draw upon his experience with being involved in city government. He
felt that a quick and efficient majority decision.is important and that currently a number of agenda iti;ms
are delayed.
Council agreed that there was time to add, "How do your see yourself contributing to resolving these issues" as a
second part to the question regarding the biggest issues facing the City.
Philip Lane
Mr. Lang stated he has been involved in public service for forty-three years and is currently a multi-year councilor
at the high school. He has a private therapy practice of which he provides free service to citizens, has voiced his
interest in providing and maintaining affordable housing in Ashland, and was a major participant
in the "We the People" constitutional dialogue regarding the City charter revision. He noted his many submitted
testimonies over the years on various issues, and has been a community activist for many years.
Mr. Lang stated he has acted on his love and concern of Ashland since 1985.
Mr. Lang stated it is very important that someone continue to represent the ideas and the principles that past
Councilor Hardesty had.
The most important issues include the structure and conduct of Council and commission meetings and that the
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
- JULY 17, ?006
PAGE 3 of 8
goal of increased public participation has been a priority for the Council for many years. He stated there has been
no significant result even with the funding of two formal studies and input from citizens. He felt there wasa need
to change the way meetings are run in order to increase dialog between citizens and Council. The Charter review
needs to proceed and include a way for alternative ideas to be considered along with an ethic provision to be
included in the Charter for elected and appointed officials that is mandatory. He stated the importance of
informing the citizens of what is being proposed in the revised Charter. Mr. Lang felt that the Planning process
needs to be reformed, and that Community Development, Planning and Building should be separate functions.
Respective roles of staff, commissions, etc. need to be clarified and boundaries respected. He noted the problem
of affordable and work force housing and the need for an Ashland Housing Authority with members that represent
cross sections of the community and should be chosen by more than just the Mayor and have an independent staff'
who coordinates and works with the Planning Department but not as a staff person for the department. He noted
the need for the Railroad cleanup, allocation of motel/hotel tax should be reviewed, the RVTD service should be
maintained at current level and costs as it is important to seniors and community workforce, the future of AFN
and his believe that it should not be turned over to a for-profit entity.
In regards to how he would solve these issues, he noted his longevity in the area and his long-standing
involvement and continued recommendations that he has brought forward on various issues. He felt that as a
councilor, it would give him more authority to be productive. He noted his many levels of panels he has served on
since 1970 and stated he has the ability to work cooperatively and facilitate meetings. Mr. Lang cited several
examples of groups he has worked with.
Mr. Lang felt the role of the councilor is to represent the citizens of the community. He felt that it was important
to find out and know what people want and to encourage participation. He stated that anyone who was
interviewing for this position should not be doing so if they did not have the desire or willingness to run for this
Council seat in the November election.
Mr. Lang was asked how he works in the group to get things done well. Mr. Lang responded it is important to set
priorities and gave example on how he has done this in the past. He stated that he does not get "bogged down"
and "hung up" on the little things. He felt that the hard part is holding on through long meetings.
Finally, Mr. Lang shared that he is a "labor person" and is one of the founders of the union in Alameda County in
California. He was the Chief of Collective Bargaining in 1970-71. He felt that it would be valuable in this type
of setting to be a labor and union man. He noted he has taken on agencies who are not "making it financially" and
has helped them to succeed and be healthy. He noted that he is very good with money, and understands budgets
and grants.
Charles Delgado
Mr. Delgado was not present for his interview. City Recorder Barbara Christensen verified that his address had
been confirmed with the County elections office. She clarified that there is no tenure requirement for residency
for elected positions in Ashland.
Steve Hauck
Reported that in the past years he has remained involved in the Human Services area. He helped to put together,
design and implement the Needs Assessment for the United Way Agency that was adopted a couple ofyears ago.
He noted that after finishing his term on the City Council he went back to school and received
his Masters Degree. He has also stayed involved in inter-agency activities and was part of the planning team for
the poverty summit, which was held recently. He reported that the biggest area that he has remained involved in
is transportation, which has always been a big issue to him personally. The agency where he is currently the
Executive Director provides transportation in that part of the county. He explained that he is involved in a
process called "Human Services Transportation Coordinated Plan," which is be similar to other transportation
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 17, 2006
PAGE 4 of 8
planning eligible for Federal or State funding. He stated that prior to his current job he has stayed involved in the
activities mentioned.
He stated that because this appointment is until December 31, 2006, he could bring expertise and current
knowledge in regards to transportation and that he could help the Council move through the process. Along with
transportation issues, he believes that affordable housing continues to be a key issue and he would be interested in
contributing to this cause. He also mentioned the importance of making citizens feel like they are part of the
process.
He stated that he continues to be involved in the affordable housing but that transportation is his main interest.
Mr. Hauck believes that the Council should be a representative of citizens and he understands the need for citizens
wanting to be more involved. He stated that the key is being a team member and that determines how effective
you are as a councilor. He felt that he had that as a past city councilor and noted his recent achievement in the
master's program included a management program. He used the example of working as a team in his current
position.
He commented on his experience of running for the position of Mayor and how he had relied too much on his past
recognition and that he should have been more connected with current issues. Mr. Hauck stated that if he were
appointed he would probably run for the two-year term but had not decided if he would run if not elected.
He noted that the City of Ashland was not listed as a participant on the Coordinated Human Services
Transportation Plan, and that he had asked to include the City of Ashland. He stated that the Council should be
receiving information on these meetings.
Mr. Hauck shared from his own experience the difficulty of finding affordable housing in this community and that
income plays an important role in finding housing.
Alice Hardesty
Ms. Hardesty is currently on the City Housing Commission, chair of the Land Use Committee, and was part of the
Education Committee that helped to put on a workshop on employer assisted housing. She was involved
in a community forum on work-force housing, is on the Board for Chamber music concerts, is a member of
Siskiyou Singers, has planned poetry readings and workshops, is the liaison for the Housing Commission to
the Ashland School Board, and has attended many various other meetings.
Her motivation for seeking this Council seat is that it is important for her to try and to fulfill her late husband,
Councilor Jack Hardesty's legacy. She noted the Downtown Plan in particular, citizen involvement and support
of the Arts. She also noted reasons of her own as affordable work-force housing and sustainability. She would
like to see Ashland become involved in a large sustainability projects with other communities in
the Rogue Valley.
Ms. Hardesty stated the number one issue facing the City is the lack of work-force housing and that the Housing
Commission should do more education in this area. She also noted the difficulty of recruitment for city staff,
teachers, etc. due to the high cost of housing in the area. Ms. Hardesty noted that problems with disparity
between income levels are cause of unrest in the City.
She believes that there is a need for a Housing Authority that has funding and more staff time to devote to this
huge problem of work-force housing. She feels that hiring a new Police Chief is important and that this person be
committed to Community Policing and direct the Police Department to more community outreach while
community policing. She would work towards all this as a councilor.
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
JULY] 7,2006
PAGE 5 of8
She stated that many years of experience in government has taught her to work well with other people and to be a
net worker. She feels she has the ability to pull people with diverse views together. She commented on the
talented citizens of our own community and that we should utilize this talent more often.
Ms. Hardesty believes the role of city councilor is as a reactive body. A city councilor should read up on issues,
be well informed and be ready to make decisions on complex problems. Also, they need to be a good listener,
facilitator, and willing to spend time to go to meetings of other commissions and other types of meetings. She felt
that councilors need to be as objective as possible and should set aside personal
preferences.
Ms. Hardesty was asked if there are any significant things the Council has done or missed in the last year. She
answered that the Downtown Plan was almost there but was missed because it was not funded, that the City
has taken great strides toward solving the AFN problem, but that the debt associated with this needs to be
addressed.
She clarified that a Housing Authority should be an integral part of City, but would need to have more staff,
funding and authority than the Housing Commission currently has. She felt that if there was no AFN debt, then
there might be funds for funding a Housing Authority. She suggested the City could sell something that they own
or consider raising taxes.
She hoped that this position would be filled quickly and hopes that the person that fills this position has the kind
of philosophy that Jack had. She stated that Mr. Hardesty had progressive ideals and was in favor of an ethical,
efficient city government for both appointed and elected officials.
Douglas Hewett
Mr. Hewett stated that he was a member of the Democratic Precinct, is involved with the Ashland Peace
House and Interfaith Care of Ashland. He is an advocate for the homeless.
His motivation for seeking this position is the need for affordable housing and better jobs, which he feels are the
biggest issues facing the City. He would work with the Council on an agreement with the Chamber of Commerce
toward resolving these issues.
He believes that a city councilor should be a voice for the people.
He stated that education is having finance problems in the state and that maintaining the schools and their upkeep
is difficult. He also noted that that Ashland is closing schools because of the loss of students. He felt that it was
important to try to raise money to better equip the schools and suggested a bond levy.
He noted that individuals have had to work several jobs in order to make a living and that the price of homes are
going up and are out of range for normal people to afford. He supports better paying jobs.
He asked what the council wanted from the person they appointed for this 5-month time and what is important to
them now. Councilor Hartzell suggested he wait to hear the Council discussion after the interviews as this would
be better answered at that time. Mayor Morrison stated it is important that the person appointed have a level of
understanding and familiarity with issues. That this person have the ability to turn these into policy and action
and be able to "hit the ground running" given the short-time frame of the position.
Greg Williams
Mr. Williams noted his City activities as a member of the SDC Committee, after serving on the City Council for
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 17, 2006
PAGE 6 of 8
five years he has remained active in the community. He served on the Hospital Board for eight years as well as
the Citizen Development Committee.
His motivation for seeking the position is due to it being a five-month position and he felt, that as a past city
councilor, his experience would be important. He is aware of the game and noted that he has stayed on top of
issues. He felt that there would be a very little learning curve and noted his long-time residency in community and
his understanding of the town.
He stated that the issues facing the City include the frustration from citizens on getting things done, that the
wheels are not turning very well right now. He felt that he would be able to help with this as one of his greatest
assets is working well with people. He stated that that there is division and animosity in the City that was not
there 15 years ago that concerns him. He noted the various community boards that he has served on and knows
how to work with people.
He felt that the role of a councilor is to establish policy but not to implement it and that there is too often the
danger of a councilor going into the implementation of policy.
Mr. Williams commented on a future planning action he is involved in, and if it were to come before the Council,
he would either excuse himself, or disclose it. He does not see this as a conflict to being appointed to the Council.
When asked his opinion on significant things done or not done by the City, he stated this was hard to answer. He
felt that process has been slow and commented on his concern with the recent changes and loss of staff. He felt
that there is a need to get staff in place and the noted the need for a Community Director.
John Jory
Mr. Jory reported that he is a member of the Siskiyou Woodcraft Guild and sat on the steering committee for this.
He stated that after discovering Ashland four years ago, he retired here and his desire is to help the city in any way
that he could. He likes Ashland the way it is, and questioned how to allow the growth that is bound to occur, and
still keep Ashland a charming place to live.
Mr. Jory felt that the biggest issues facing the city are growth and schools. And, how to maintain a balance
between retirees and families.
He shared that his career was in sales, which gave him the ability to establish long-term relationships and skill in
compromising.
He felt that there are marry issues facing a city councilor. That a councilor should try to meet state and federal
requirements with as a little upset to the community as possible.
Mr. Jory stated that he saw himself as a delegate rather than a representative. He does not want to be someone
that takes small groups input and just represent that, unless it was something that he believed in. He felt that that
there would always be division and the job a councilor is to try and find the right course and then help people
understand what the right course it.
He concluded by stating that he does not bring a long history with him and that he likes the city very much. He
would hope that whomever the council chooses would help the council to make decisions more rapidly.
Council Deliberation
Councilor Amarotico stated that it was not his direction to appoint someone based on Jack Hardesty's position,
but rather on qualifications.
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
JULY I7, 2006
PAGE 7 of 8
Councilor Jackson stated that she would make her decision by considering qualifications and not whether
someone is filling a past councilors position. She noted the short-term of the position and that it was important to
have someone that has more experience, rather than less. She disagrees that anyone in this position ought to be
running. She would rather have someone that would work well with the group and would bring a variety of
expertise to the group.
Councilor Sibiger stated that it was important to him that the person work well in a group and showed a degree of
independence in their thinking.
Councilor Hartzell commented that when death happens on a council, it seems different to her. She noted the
66% vote for Councilor Jack Hardesty, which she felt was a strong indicator. She is interested in someone who is
an extension of the current work of the city and not someone who is interested in this position as short-term.
She would like someone with experience and someone who wanted to be more than a fill-in councilor. Ms.
Hardesty stated her close work with Jack Hardesty also meant working closely with Alice Hardesty.
Councilor Chapman voiced his desire for someone who works well in groups, has broad interests and experience.
He felt that the council should consider what past Councilor Jack Hardesty stood for.
The mayor commented that it was important to have someone who understood the broad sense of government
process. He stated that there was need to face the reality that Councilor Hardesty was a popular city councilor and
that it is incumbent upon the council to choose the best candidate. He felt that the role for the council would not
be to determine whom the best person is, but who best reflects Jack's legacy. He stated that the council should
consider the candidates understanding of process, their commitment to the community and their ability to work
well with others. And most importantly their ability to demonstrate analytically.
First Round Voting - in no particular order - all candidates - vote for three
Amarotico 1) Alice Hardesty 2) Steve Hauck 3) Greg Williams
Chapman 1) Colin Swales 2) Alice Hardesty 3) Steve Hauck
Jackson 1) Alice Hardesty 2) Steve Hauck 3) Greg Williams
Silbiger 1) Colin Swales 2) Alice Hardesty 3) Steve Hauck
Hartzell 1) Colin Swales 2) Philip Lang 3) Alice Hardesty
Second Round Voting - in no particular order- vote for two
Candidates brought forward - Colin Swales/Alice Hardesty/Steve Hauck
Amarotico 1) Alice Hardesty 2) Steve Hauck
Chapman 1) Alice Hardesty 3) Steve Hauck
Jackson 1) Alice Hardesty 2) Steve Hauck
Silbiger 1) Alice Hardesty 2) Steve Hauck
Hartzell 1) Colin Swales 2) Alice Hardesty
Third Round Voting - in no particular order- vote for one
Candidates brought forward -Alice Hardesty/Steve Hauck .
Amarotico 1) Alice Hardesty
Chapman 1) Alice Hardesty
Jackson 1) Steve Hauck
Silbiger 1) Steve Hauck
Hartzell 1) Alice Hardesty
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
JULY] 7, 2006
PAGE 8 of8
Councilor Chapman/Hartzell m/s to appoint Alice Hardesty to Council Seat # 1. Roll Call Vote: Hartzell,
Amarotico, Jackson, Chapman, and Silbiger, YES. Motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder John W. Morrison, Mayor
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
Appointment of Council Position #1'
Meeting Date: July 17-,.2006 Primary Staff Contact: Barbara Christensen, (541)
Department: City Recorder 488-5307 christebbashland.or.us
Contributing Departments: None Secondary Staff Contact. None
Approval: Martha Bennett
Statement:
This is a Special Meeting of the Council to conduct interviews and make appointment to Council Position #1 for a term
ending December 31, 2006.
Eight applications were received by the City Recorder's Office and all have been verified by the County Elections Office that
they are registered voters and live within the city limits.
At your June 21 meeting, you decided to meet at 5:30 p.m. to determine the questions for the applicants and to discuss the
voting process. At 6:00 p.m., you will begin interviews.
Background:
City Charter does not provide for a Special Election for the filling of a vacant elective office. City Charter states that a vacant
elective office shall be filled within sixty (60) days (which is July 22, 2006) by the City Council electing some qualified person
to fill the vacancy. The appointee's term of office shall begin immediately upon appointment and shall continue until a
successor, elected at the next biennial election takes office for the unexpired term. The next biennial election will be
November 7, 2006.
Advertisement for this position in the local newspaper was made on June 15 and June 24 as well as on the city website with
a deadline for applications on Friday, June 30, 2006.
Related City Policies:
There is no charter law or city ordinance that sets the method in which the council elects an individual to a council seat in the
event of a vacancy.
Council Options:
Interview questions previously used by council:
• What do you believe you would contribute to the City Council based on your experience? What are you good at?
• What do you want to while serving on the City Council?
• How long have you Irv m the community and what community activities have you been involved in? And what is
your primary motivation for seek'nigacant council seat?
• What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city? And how do you see yourself contributing to resolve the
issues?
• What personal skills and time availability to you offer the council?
• When moving ahead on a particular project, that is the best for the community at large, but would impact an
existing neighborhood, how would you handle this?
• Do you see yourself representing a particular constituency or group?
• Do you have any questions of the council?
MAIN
Staff Recommendation:
Appoint one of the applicants to Council Position #1 prior to July 22, 2006.
Attachments:
• Applications received for consideration
• Schedule of interviews