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Minutes for the City Council Study Session
August 4, 2014
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MINUTES FOR THE STUDY SESSION
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
Monday, August 4, 2014
Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Siskiyou Room.
Councilor Morris, Rosenthal, Marsh, Voisin, Lemhouse, and Slattery were present.
1. Look Ahead review
City Administrator Dave Kanner reviewed items on the Look Ahead.
2. Divestment Project - Southern Oregon Climate Action Now
City Recorder Barbara Christensen explained members from Southern Oregon Climate Action Now
(SOCAN) attended the June 17, 2014 Council meeting with a draft resolution encouraging the Oregon
Short Term Investment Board, Oregon PERS Retirement Board, and Oregon State Treasurer Ted Wheeler
to divest from fossil fuel companies. Ms. Christensen sought direction from Council on their interest in
moving forward with the resolution and submitted a current resolution into the record.
Kathy Conway, a SOCAN member explained the resolution submitted at the meeting did not have
substantive changes. The intent of the resolution encouraged the Local Government Investment Pool
(LGIP) to investigate and consider divesting from fossil fuel companies.
Council was interested in having the City Recorder and staff bring the resolution back to a Study Session
for further discussion. Council wanted clear definitions of fossil fuels, Carbon Tracker, and sustainability
as well as the reports referenced in the Recitals section of the resolution. Council also wanted additional
information on comingled funds, financial impacts short-term and long-term, and staff to streamline the
proposed resolution, and provide alternatives to fossil fuels.
3. Discussion of making holders of security interests in abandoned properties responsible for
nuisance abatement
City Attorney Dave Lohman explained the ordinance would allow the City to hold the primary financial
interest in a foreclosed or legally bankrupt property responsible for abatement. The ordinance would
include vacant lots. A lender could challenge the City in court but it was doubtful the City would lose.
Currently the Code Compliance Specialist had identified 5-6 properties and staff suspected more.
Council agreed and directed staff to return with a draft ordinance.
Meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Smith
Assistant to the City Recorder