HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-0630 Special Meeting MIN
MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
Friday, June 30, 2017
3:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street
Call to Order
Mayor Stromberg called the Special Meeting to order at 3:03 PM
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Members Present Members Absent
Councilor Darrow
Councilor Lemhouse
Councilor Morris
Councilor Slattery
Councilor Seffinger
Councilor Rosenthal
Public Forum
None.
Discussion of funding options for additional police officers
Finance Director, Mark Welsh gave a presentation on the options provided in the packet (see attached).
He explained the 4 options: No additional Police officers, no property tax increase, property tax increase
or reduce other fund expenditures.
If no property tax increase would have to increase electric and water or increase Property Tax 4.5 cents.
Public Hearing
Mayor Stromberg opened the Public Hearing at 3:15 PM
Mary Ruth Wooding- 727 Park St., Ashland - Spoke that Ashland is getting too expensive to live. She
spoke that we have a budget committee for a reason. She suggested to only fund 3 Police Officers.
Roy Laind-419 Willow Ashland - Spoke that as a member of this community we should have to pay for
services and that raising property tax is best alternative. He spoke that we need to adequately fund our
Police Department.
Jean Conger - 370 Glenn St., Ashland - Spoke in support of the Budget Committees decision. She spoke
of the need for Police Officers but suggested finding the money another way.
Betsy Shanafelt - 572 Holly St., Ashland - Spoke opposed to tax rate increases. She explained the
population has not grown and the City does not need 5 new Police Officers.
Carola Lacy - 85 Park St. Apt. #10 Ashland - Read a letter into the record (see attached).
Andrew Kubik - 1251 Munson Dr., Ashland - Spoke regarding staffing. He suggested doing a staffing
comparison study with other cities. He stated he supports the Budget Committee's findings and is against
rate increases.
Karen O'Rourke - 742 Fairway Ct., Ashland - Spoke against tax increases and agreed with what the other
citizens have said.
Douglas Smith - 60 Granite St., Ashland - He spoke that Council needs to listen to the Budget
Committee. He suggested hiring 2 Police Officers at this time and work up to 5 over time. He spoke that
a tax increase would hurt all property owners.
Marilyn Briggs - 590 Glenview Dr., Ashland - Suggested that Council read the letters from Carol Voison
and Russ Silbiger. She explained that Administration costs have increased twice as much in the last 2
years. She spoke in support of the Budget Committee.
Mark DiRienzo - 1005 Timberline Terrace - Ashland - Read a letter into the record (see attached).
Shaun Moran - 615 Taylor St., Ashland - Spoke that he was a member of the Budget Committee and
voted against rate increases. He explained his reasons why. He spoke that the Council should support the
Budget Committees decision.
Barbara Combs - 444 Park Ridge P1., Ashland - Suggested to raise room tax instead of property tax. She
explained that would be more fair to the Citizens since Ashland is a tourist town.
Susan Hall - 210 East Nevada Ashland- Read a letter into the record (see attached).
Paula Hyatt - 625 Van Sant St., Ashland - Spoke that she was on the Budget Committee. She explained
that she voted to keep the tax rate flat. She spoke that in support for the Police Officers. She spoke that
she would of have voted no had she known there would have been this meeting tonight.
Salagon Amery - 419 Waterline Rd., Ashland- Thanked Council for their work. Spoke in concerns of
excess spending. Advised Council to consider other alternatives to pay for Police Officers.
Debra Neisewander - Tax Lot 1700 (1159 Tolman) Ashland - Spoke regarding measure 50. Spoke
opposed for hiring more Police Officers, tax increases or utility rates.
Heidi Parker - 344 Bridge St., Ashland - Spoke to not approve increase in utility rates until the public can
speak. She explained that she worked for the school district and had to cut the budget for 8 years. Cuts
are necessary not raising taxes. She spoke that community involvement is important and that Council
takes advice from the Public Commissions and Committees.
Huelz Gutcheon- 2253 HWY 99 - Spoke regarding the importance of having Police Officers and to
address climate change.
Mayor Stromberg closed the Public Hearing at 4:04 PM
Discussion:
Councilor Rosenthal questioned how the phase in hiring process would go. Chief O'Meara explained the
process and spoke that 2 Officers would be hired by the end of July. He explained there are 4 patrol
teams. Hiring 5 additional Police officers would allow for one additional officer for each patrol team and
one officer for the re-engagement with the school resource officer program.
motion. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Darrow, Morris, Seffinger and Rosenthal: YES. Councilor Slattery
and Lemhouse: NO. Motion passed 4-2.
Councilor Slattery thanked the Council and Staff for their hard work on the budget.
Councilor Seffinger spoke that Council was transparent in dealing with this situation.
Adjournment of Special Meeting
The Special Meeting was adjourned at 5:40 PM
Respectfully submitted by:
City Recorder, Melissa Huhtala
Attest:
Mayor Stromberg