HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-0517 Council Mtg MIN
City Council Business Meeting
May 17, 2016
Page I of 7
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
May 17, 2016
Council Chambers
1175 E. Main Street
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Rosenthal called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Councilor Voisin, Morris, Seffinger, and Marsh were present. Mayor Stromberg and Councilor Lemhouse
were absent.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS (None)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the Study Session of May 2, 2016 and Business Meeting of May 3, 2016 were approved as
presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
The Mayor's proclamation of May 16 - 22, 2016 as American Craft Beer Week was read aloud.
City Attorney Dave Lohman explained the role of the Council Chair and that the Chair could vote and
participate in discussion and debate.
Councilor Voisin requested that the Health Care Resolution be sooner on the agenda. Council consensus
moved item X11 to follow the Consent Agenda.
Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator Alison Lerch and Wildfire Mitigation Commission Chair Victoria
Sturtevant presented the annual Wildfire Mitigation Commission report.
Chair Sturtevant read the Commission's statement and shared the history of the commission. Ms. Lerch
added that Ashland is one of the most active Firewise communities in the State. She noted that Firewise
Cleanup Day happened on April 30, 2016 and was very successful. She went on to explain the National
Fire Adapted Communities Network and that Ashland was a model for that network. The Commission
would host a Fire Adapted Communities exchange in June 21-23, 2016. Wildfire Mitigation Commission
was also working on recovery, readiness, and evacuation and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan
(CWPP). They are working with the Chamber of Commerce and the Rogue Valley Council of Governments
(RVCOG) and ongoing projects with the Forest Commission. The Commission was working with Fire
District 5 on creating the first joint Firewise community.
PUBLIC FORUM
Cole Barnes/450 Wightman Street/Stated that he is a student at Southern Oregon University and presented
information he had obtained on stigmatization and the homelessness community.
Huelz Gutcheon/2253 Hwy 99/Spoke on global warming, big business participation in remedying the
issue, and what other countries were doing, and the advancement of solar power. The Obama administration
was suing Exxon for its role covering up knowledge in the 1960s and 1970s that carbon fuels would heat
up the planet.
City Council Business Meeting
May 17, 2016
Page 2 of 7
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of boards, commissions, and committees
2. Ambulance Operator's License renewal
Councilor Seffinger/Morris m/s to approve Consent Agenda items. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion
passed.
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
1. Approval of a Resolution titled, "A resolution of the City of Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon,
to submit to Ashland electors at the November 8, 2016 General Election an advisory question on
instructing the 2017 Oregon Legislature to create a transparent public process to design a system
that provides timely access to affordable comprehensive health care for all Oregon residents,
ensures choice of provider, has effective cost controls, equitable access, and a focus on
preventative care"
Councilor Voisin explained that healthcare for all of Oregon was about seeing healthcare as a human right.
This is a grassroots, non-profit organization working for an equitable and affordable, comprehensive, high
quality, publicly funded, universal healthcare system serving everyone in Oregon and the nation. They
wanted healthcare based on patient needs rather than profits. Healthcare that focused on prevention and
effective treatment and improved medical outcomes.
Wes Brain/298 Garfield Street/Read from a document submitted into the record written by Dr. Patrick
Honsinger.
Dr. Paul Fisher/505 Ashland Street/Read from a document he submitted into the record supporting the
resolution.
Councilor Marsh confirmed the resolution urged the legislature to take action on a study currently in process
and but that no one knew what the outcome would be. It was important to represent what was in the
resolution when talking to citizens.
Dr. Sandra Coyner/1160 Fern Street/She explained that putting this on the ballot was part of a larger
plan from Healthcare for all Oregon. Single payer was the best way to achieve the specific objectives laid
out in the legislature. She noted language Mayor Stromberg had suggested then spoke to single payer and
submitted a document into the record.
Council had not seen the suggested language proposed by the Mayor. Dr. Coyner noted a few words
changes recommended by the Mayor. Councilor Marsh questioned that if the objective was educating the
public, would it be more effective to go out and gather signatures as opposed to having Council approve
adding it to the ballot. Dr. Coyner responded the motivation for the local initiative at this time was to reach
the legislature.
Councilor Voisin/ Marsh m/s to approve the resolution titled, "A resolution of the City of Ashland,
Jackson County, Oregon, to submit to Ashland electors at the November 8, 2016 General Election an
advisory question on instructing the 2017 Oregon Legislature to create a transparent public process
to design a system that provides timely access to affordable comprehensive health care for all Oregon
residents, ensures choice of provider, has effective cost controls, equitable access, and a focus on
preventative care." DISCUSSION: Councilor Voisin explained Healthcare for all Oregon needs the City
of Ashland to take part in a grass roots movement that would bring healthcare to the attention and
consciousness of many. Councilor Marsh wanted the Mayor to address any language changes he suggested
City Council Business Meeting
May 17, 2016
Page 5 of 7
Councilor Morris/Marsh m/s to approve Resolution #2016-07 adopting storm drain utility fee.
DISCUSSION: Councilor Morris noted this was similar to the transportation fee where the City was
unable to keep up with the maintenance and there were new system upgrades.
Roll Call Vote: Councilor Morris, Marsh, Rosenthal, Seffinger, and Voisin, YES. Motion passed.
"A resolution revising rates for water service pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code Section 14.04.030
and repealing Resolution 2015-09"
Councilor Seffinger/Marsh m/s to approve Resolution #2016-09 revising rates for water service.
DISCUSSION: Councilor Seffinger thought the rate revision was reasonable and fair. Councilor Marsh
added the Cost of Service study reduced the parameters of the increase. She noted a typo in the resolution
regarding effective date that should read 2016 instead of 2015. Chair Rosenthal commented although the
resolution stated an 8% increase residents would get a 5% increase. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Seffinger,
Marsh, Voisin, Rosenthal, and Morris, YES. Motion passed.
"A resolution revising rates for wastewater (sewer) service pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code
Section 14.08.035 and repealing Resolution 2015-10"
Councilor Seffinger/Marsh m/s to approve Resolution #2016-08 adopting wastewater (sewer) service
rates. DISCUSSION: Councilor Marsh explained this was the basic work of the community, the
wastewater system was expensive, and this would help the operational costs. Councilor Rosenthal added
the alternative in raising fees would result in increased costs and necessitate even higher rates in the future.
Roll Call Vote: Councilor Rosenthal, Marsh, Morris, Voisin, and Seffinger, YES. Motion passed.
Councilor Marsh/Seffinger m/s for staff to bring back change to transportation utility fee schedule
that provided suggested rates for churches and places of worship. DISCUSSION: Councilor Marsh
thought it was dangerous to have an exemption for churches and it seemed inappropriate. Councilor
Seffinger agreed adding in some ways it was an issue of separation of church and state. Councilor Voisin
commented Council did not know the reason why it became an exemption and assumed staff would bring
information back as to the reasons. Ms. Christensen would forward the 1999 Council Packet information
to Council. She reiterated there was no discussion regarding the exemption in the minutes. Chair Rosenthal
was interested in hearing the rationale as well. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Rosenthal, Marsh, Morris,
Voisin and Seffinger, YES. Motion passed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None)
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1. Request from the Public Art Commission for approval of mural concepts on Calle Guanajuato
Public Arts Commission vice Chair Sandra Friend explained Kathryn and Barry Thalden proposed bringing
an artist from Guanajuato Mexico to paint the mural on the west wall of the Sesame Kitchen at the entrance
to Calle Guanajuato. The Public Arts Commission (PAC) reviewed and approved an artistic concept from
Guanajuato artist Loreta who later forwarded a revised concept. The Thaldens and Parks and Recreation
staff met with the manager of the Lithia Artisans Guild to address scheduling the painting. Both the Historic
Commission and Community Development Director Bill Molnar reviewed and approved the project.
However, the proposed change to a historic building downtown triggered a Type I site review process that
required a planning action fee of $1,012 for this project. Since this was a significant donation from the
Thaldens, the PAC requested Council waive the planning fee. In order to meet the mural deadline of July
4, 2016, the artist needed to begin work prior to Councils first meeting in June.
City Attorney Dave Lohman explained the waiver was awkward. There was a resolution that set the fees
and the resolution did not give Council authority to waive the fees. That would have to be done by another
City Council Business Meeting
May 17, 2016
Page 6 of 7
resolution. It also may set a precedent and suggested Council take funds from another source to pay for the
fee. City Administrator Dave Kanner added staff would be bringing Council a proposal to remove public
art process from Chapter 18 Land Use of the Ashland Municipal Code and move it to Chapter 2.17 Public
Art Commission. As part of that proposal staff was recommending removing the planning fees associated
with public art.
Barry & Kathryn Thalden/550 Ashland Loop Road/Traveled to Guanajuato and interviewed artists and
found Loreta. They revealed the revised concept, described the approval process, and the general
excitement regarding the project.
Betzabe "Mina" Turner/199 Almeda Street/President of Ashland Amigo Club/Explained Ashland and
Guanajuato had been Sister Cities for 47 years. She shared annual events occurring June and July involving
both cities, the student exchange program between Southern Oregon University and University of
Guanajuato, and the cultural exchange between the two cities.
Councilor Seffinger/Marsh m/s to approve both mural concepts and defer the final selection to the
Public Art Commission. DISCUSSION: Councilor Seffinger commended all the commissions for
working on the project and their efforts. Both mural concepts were beautiful. Councilor Marsh shared her
daily enjoyment of viewing the mural at the Ashland Food Bank and this mural at the Calle Guanajuato
will create a wonderful sense of place enjoyed by generations. She expressed her gratitude to the Thaldens
and commissions. Councilor Voisin thanked the Thaldens for contributing richness and depth to the
community. She appreciated them going through the process. Councilor Morris thought it was a great
addition to that section of town. Chair Rosenthal agreed with all Council comment.
Roll Call Vote: Councilor Voisin, Morris, Seffinger, Marsh, and Rosenthal, YES. Motion passed.
Mr. Kanner suggested if Council wanted the City to cover the cost of the planning fee they could direct
staff to pay the fee through a budget transfer or amendment from the money set aside for the downtown
beautification projects.
Councilor Marsh/Morris m/s to request staff to use monies from the downtown beautification budget
to take care of the costs involved with the site and design review. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Voisin,
Morris, Seffinger, Marsh, and Rosenthal, YES. Motion passed.
2. Adoption of 2016 Ashland Forest Plan
Forest Lands Commission Chair Frank Betlejewski and Commissioner John Williams provided the report
on the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan. Chair Betlejewski explained low intensity fires that burn along the ground
consumer brush and small trees leaving larger trees intact. It improved the health of the mature trees and
prevented fires that are more destructive in the future. A presentation the included:
• Township 39 South, Range 1 East, Section 32 - White Rabbit Trail Parcel - Change in Forest
Conditions from 1939 to 2004
• Objective - Improve on the 1992 Ashland Forest Plan
• GIS - http//gis.ashland.or.us/2016afp/
• Monitoring - 206 Permanent Monitoring Plots - 2016 Inventory Prescribed Burn Monitoring
o Pre-Burn (6-7/2007)
o Post-Burn (1/2014)
o Post-burn (7/2015)
• 2016 AFP Primary Contributors
o Ashland Forest Lands Commission
o Ashland City Staff
City Council Business Meeting
May 17, 2016
Page 7 of 7
o Marty Main (SWS)
• Primary Objectives 1992 & 2016
o Protection and promotion of the City's water supply
o Maintenance and promotion of forest health
o Reduce risk of catastrophic fire
o Maintaining recreational opportunities
o Continuing community engagement
• Going Forward - The Forest Plan will help
o The City continue to promote best practices
o Community engagement
Joseph Kauth/1 Corral Lane #13/Appreciated the presentation and spoke on the service forests provide.
He addressed wetlands in the Normal Neighborhood Plan area that he believed was protected due to Fairy
shrimp habitation. He suggested planting rhododendrons as an insulated buffer for the surrounding natural
areas. Rhododendrons would hold the temperature of the area and were possibly fire resistant.
Councilor Seffinger/Marsh m/s to approve the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan and authorize the Forest
Lands Commission and staff to implement policies, actions, and recommendations therein.
DISCUSSION: Councilor Seffinger worked with the Commission over the past five years and commented
it was one of the most exciting and educational experiences she had. She thanked the Commission for their
efforts and thought the document would protect the watershed, the forests, and wild life. Councilor Marsh
thought it was a phenomenal document and a wonderful record of the past that could be shared with other
communities. Councilor Voisin added the document showed an evolution of change through the
community and staff. Councilor Morris noted the amount of knowledge and that it was a wonderful
document. Chair Rosenthal explained this was a document generated by Ashland citizens for Ashland and
was a priceless piece of work. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Rosenthal, Morris, Seffinger, Marsh and
Voisin, YES. Motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS
Councilor Seffinger announced that May was "Older Americans" month and recognized Ashland's senior
volunteers. She recognized the Senior Center and Ashland at Home. She thanked senior citizens.
Councilor Marsh announced the pending results of measures for Rogue Community College and Rogue
Valley Transit District had passed.
City Administrator Dave Kanner noted a close encounter a resident had with a bear and spoke on efforts
the City had made to warn and educate the public regarding bears. He went on to announce Ashland was
sponsoring the SOREDI annual dinner. There would be a table for sponsors. Interested councilors should
contact Diana Shiplet no later than June 15, 2016.
Chair Rosenthal announced the climate energy plan was hosting an open house May 24, 2016 from 5:30
p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ashland Armory. Two other open houses would occur later during the year.
ADJOURNMENT OF BUSINESS MEETING
Meeting ourned at 9:35 p.rn
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder Rich Rosenthal, Council Chair