Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-0604 Council Mtg MIN CITY OF ASHLAND MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL Tuesday,June 4,2019 Council Chambers 1175 E.Main Street Note: Items on the Agenda not considered due to time constraints are automatically continued to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting [AMC 2.04.030.E.] I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Stromberg called the Council Business Meeting to order at 7:00 PM H. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE HI. ROLL CALL Councilors' Slattery, Graham, Akins, Seffinger, Rosenthal and Jensen were present. IV. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Stromberg announced current Commission and Committee vacancies. He also read a letter into the record from Senator Merkley asking for Council support regarding wildfire resiliency (see attached). V. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT None. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Study Session of May 20,2019 2. Business Meeting of May 21, 2019 Rosenthal/Seffinger moved to approve the minutes. Discussion: None. All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously. VII. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS& AWARDS 1. Flag Day Proclamation Slattery read the Proclamation into the record(see attached). 2. Annual Presentation by the Band Board Don Bieghler presented Council with the annual Band Board Presentation. VIII. MINUTES OF BOARDS,COMMISSIONS,AND COMMITTEES Airport Conservation Forest Lands Historic Housing and Human Srvs. Parks& Recreation Planning Public Arts Transportation Tree Wildfire Mitigation IX. PUBLIC FORUM Business from the audience not included on the agenda. (Total time allowed for Public Forum is 15 minutes. The Mayor will set time limits to enable all people wishing to speak to complete their testimony.)[15 minutes maximum] Kristina Lafever—Ashland—Spoke regarding the Bee City USA Pollinator Garden Tour which will be on June 294 and 30t. Maps and tickets are available at North Mountain Park. Amy Stewart—Ashland—Spoke regarding the importance of Peace Meal. She spoke to the importance of finding solutions to keep this program going. Mori Samel-Garloff-Ashland—Spoke regarding Peace Meals and the great work. She spoke that people are depending the City to help people in need. She spoke that there are a lot of volunteers helping with this program and need the City's help to keep it going. Jason Houk—Ashland—Spoke that he has facilitated meals for 4 years at Pioneer He spoke that he has been proud to offer a hot meal daily in Ashland. He spoke that there is currently no space to continue this and spoke to the importance of working together with the City to find a location to offer a hot meal. Hall and proud to offer a hot meal daily in Ashland. Vanessa Houk-Ashland—Spoke regarding Peace Meals. Ms. Houk returned the Ragland Award Plaque to the Mayor. Nancy Ashmead- Ashland—Spoke regarding the proposed Ordinance 3176 for Police proposing citizens required to give name and date of birth. She spoke against this Ordinance. X. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of Liquor License Request for Bayberry Enterprises, Inc. 2. Approval of Liquor License Request for Dosanjh Holding LLC 3. Approval of a Contract for Electric Improvements on Mountain Avenue Slattery/Rosenthal moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Discussion: None. All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously. XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS(Persons wishing to speak are to submit a"speaker request form"prior to the commencement of the public hearing. Public hearings shall conclude at 9:00 p.m. and be continued to a future date to be set by the Council,unless the Council,by a two-thirds vote of those present, extends the hearing(s)until up to 10:30 p.m. at which time the Council shall set a date for continuance and shall proceed with the balance of the agenda.) 1. Public Hearing and First Reading of an Ordinance replacing Chapter VI[Housing Element],and amending Chapter XIII [Policies&Implementation],of the Ashland Comprehensive Plan Senior Planner Brandon Goldman and Housing Program Specialist Linda Reid presented Council with a PowerPoint presentation(see attached). Items discussed were: • Comprehensive Plan Overview. • Background on process on how to update the Housing Element. • Open Houses. • Goals and Policies. • Land Use Standard Development. • Program Development. • Implementing Ordinances and Codes. • Resolutions. • 4 Goals: o Diversity of Housing Types. o Production and Preservation of Affordable Housing. o Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability. o Data,Inventories,Projections and Permitting. • Commission Recommendations. Rich Rohde Housing and Human Service Commission Chair spoke thanking Staff and the Planning Commission for helping them through the process. Roger Pierce Planning Commission Chair thanked Council and spoke that the Planning Commission was in support of this document. Mayor Stromberg opened the Public Hearing 8:02 PM Michael Gutman—Ashland-Spoke in concern of increasing density and decreasing off street parking. Sue Le Roy—Ashland—Spoke in concern of the proposal. She spoke in concern of the density and parking. She suggested for Council to re-evaluate the proposal before making a decision. Dr. Carol Voisin—Ashland—Read a statement into the record(see attached). Mayor Stromberg closed Public Hearing at 8:10 PM Jensen/Graham moved to approve first reading of an ordinance titled,an Ordinance repealing and restating the entirety of Chapter VI [Housing Element] of the Ashland Comprehensive Plan,and amending Chapter XIII [Policies&Implementation] Sub-Chapter VI Housing of the Ashland Comprehensive Plan to incorporate new housing goals and policies",and to move the Ordinance to second reading.Discussion: Councilor Jensen,Akins and Seffinger spoke in appreciation of this plan. Roll Call Vote: Jensen,Rosenthal,Seffinger,Slattery,Akins,and Graham:YES. Motion passed unanimously. 2. Public Hearing on: i. Resolution 2019-13 to Levy Taxes for the Fiscal Year July 1,2019 through June 30,2020. ii. Resolution 2019-14 Certifying City Provides Sufficient Municipal Services to Qualify for State Subventions iii. Resolution 2019-15 Declaring the City's Election to Receive State Revenues iv. Resolution 2019-12 to Adopt the 2019-21 Biennial Budget and Making Appropriations City Administrator gave a Staff report. Graham spoke that she may have a potential conflict of interest due to her sister working for the City. She read a statement into the record(see attached). Mayor Stromberg opened the Public Hearing at 8:44 PM Public Input: Donna Swanson—Ashland—Read a statement into the record regarding concerns cutting fire fighters. (see attached). Susan Hall—Ashland—Read a statement into the record regarding budget(see attached). Dr. Carol Voisin—Ashland—Spoke regarding concerns of the budget. She suggested switching to an annual budget. Mayor Stromberg closed the Public Hearing at 8:54 PM Slattery/Rosenthal moved to approve Resolution 2019-12: A Resolution to Adopt the 2019-21 Biennial Budget and Marking Appropriations.Discussion: Slattery spoke that there is more work to be done and he encouraged Council to think about an annual budget.He spoke that some Citizens think the City cuts too much and others think not enough. He spoke in favor of having Ad-Hoc Committees to help the budget issues. He spoke that he will support this motion but explained it is not a pleasure to find ways to cut a 2-million-dollar deficit.Rosenthal spoke in agreement with Slattery. He spoke that this process was the most comprehensive and scrutinized that he can recall since he has been involved. He spoke that it is a democratic process and all views received respectful consideration. He spoke that he does not take pleasure voting on something that can diminish the quality of the Community.He spoke that these are tough decisions. He spoke that the process was difficult but fair and respectful. Graham spoke that budget decisions are difficult. She spoke that the process went well and everyone worked hard together. She spoke that she had faith in the commitments to assess the process. She spoke in appreciation of the Parks Department,the Police Department and the Fire Department.Akins spoke in agreement with Graham. She spoke that she respected the process. She spoke that she can't support higher property taxes but doesn't mean it was a bad process. Seffinger spoke that she was impressed with the process and its transparency. She spoke that the process looked at what the Community wants and ways to make it happen during the budget process. Jensen spoke that the only way he will support this motion is to ensure that there will be an urgency to move forward and continue to work on the budget. Mayor Stromberg spoke regarding the deficit and what the Budget Committee was facing in this process. Roll Call Vote: Slattery,Graham,Jensen,Rosenthal,Seffinger: YES. Akins:NO. Motion passed 5-1. Jensen/Graham moved to approve Resolution 2019-13: A Resolution Levying Taxes for the Period of July 1,2019 through June 30,2020,such Taxes in the Levy rate of$4.2865/$1000 Assessed Value Upon All the Real and Personal Property Subject to Assessment and Levy Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Ashland,Jackson County,Oregon.Discussion.None.Roll Call Vote: Slattery, Graham,Jensen,Rosenthal,Seffinger:YES. Akins: NO. Motion passed 5-1. Rosenthal/Slattery moved to approve Resolution 2019-14:A Resolution Certifying City Provides Sufficient Municipal Services to Qualify for State Subventions.Discussion:None. Roll Call Vote: Slattery,Graham,Jensen,Akins,Rosenthal and Seffinger:YES.Motion passed unanimously. Jensen/Graham moved to approve Resolution 2019-15:A Resolution Declaring the City's Election to Receive State Revenues. Discussion: None.Roll Call Vote: Seffinger,Akins,Slattery,Graham, Jensen and Rosenthal:YES.Motion passed unanimously. Graham/Slattery moved that the City creates an ad-hoc committee to investigate revenue options specifically related to sustainability and resilience.in the City of Ashland.The Mayor will work with Staff to bring this back to the next Council Meeting to appoint an ad-hoc committee subject to Councils approval.Discussion: Slattery gave clarification on the roles of this committee.Jensen spoke regarding combining revenue enhancement and financial stability as one ad-hoc committee.Rosenthal agreed the committees should be combined.He spoke in concern of Staff time. RosenthaUSeffinger moved to amended motion to include financial and operational strategies for this ad-hoc committee.Discussion: Rosenthal spoke that this needs to be done right and that it would be best to combine an ad-hoc committee instead of having two. Seffinger spoke in agreement with Rosenthal. Slattery clarified that the topics are so large that would be best to be looked at separately. Jensen and Graham spoke in agreement with Slattery.Council discussed that if there are 2 committees they will be working together. Roll Call Vote: Slattery,Graham,Aldus and Jensen:NO. Rosenthal and Seffinger: YES. Motion failed 2-4. Main Motion Roll Call Vote: Slattery,Akins,Jensen,Graham and Rosenthal: YES. Seffinger:NO. Motion passed 5-1. Slattery/Jensen Moved that we ask the Mayor with the help of the Administrator to form an ad-hoc committee looking at the cost side of things to help the City be financially sustainable and to help the Community be resilient.Discussion: Slattery spoke to the importance of working on this. Jensen spoke that he hopes this can begin soon.Rosenthal spoke that he will vote against this motion and explained that the City does not need another ad-hoc committee and is not efficient. Seffinger agreed with Rosenthal. Graham spoke in support of the motion Roll Call Vote: Graham,Slattery,Akins and Jensen: YES. Rosenthal and Seffinger: NO. Motion passed 4-2 XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS XIH. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Approval of Personal Services Contract for Construction Contract Services for both Hersey Street Reconstruction Engineering and the Railroad Crossing Improvements at Laurel and Hersey Public Works Director gave a Staff report. Jensen/Akins to approve a contract for professional engineering for phase three construction contract administration,and construction engineering and inspection services for both the Hersey Street Reconstruction and the Railroad Crossing Improvements at Laurel and Hersey with OBEC Consulting Engineers Inc.for an amount not to exceed $469,925.Discussion: Jensen and Akins spoke in support of the motion. Roll Call Vote: Slattery,Akins, Graham,Rosenthal,Jensen and Seffinger: YES. Motion passed unanimously. 2. Approval of a Construction Contract with LTM,Incorporated dba Knife River Materials for the Hersey Street Reconstruction(PW 2017-09)and the Laurel and Hersey Street Railroad Crossing Improvements(PW 2011-36);and Placing a Street Cut Moratorium Public Works Director gave a Staff report. RosenthaUGraham moved to approve the construction contract with LTM,Incorporated dba Knife River Materials for the Hersey Street Reconstruction and Laurel and Hersey Railroad Crossing Improvements for a contract amount not to exceed$3,041,300; and further move to enact a five- year street cut moratorium to the affected street section.Discussion: Rosenthal thanked staff. Graham spoke in appreciation for the work and is pleased to see long-term protection.Roll Call Vote: Jensen, Slattery,Akins,Graham,Seffinger and Rosenthal: YES. Motion passed unanimously. XIV. ORDINANCES,RESOLUTIONS AM) CONTRACTS 1. Resolution 2019-17: TOT Final Allocation for BN2019-21 Madding gave a Staff report. Slattery declared a conflict of interest and asked to be recused. Council gave consent to recuse Slattery. Jensen/Seffinger moved approval of Resolution 2019-17 allocating the remaining anticipated TOT revenues for BN2019-21 with correction in Section E: to state 30 percent of the estimated TOT revenue generated by additional 1 percent tax rate for General Government Operations.Discussion: None. Roll Call Vote: Jensen,Akins, Slattery, Rosenthal, Seffinger and Graham: YES. Motion passed unanimously. 2. Resolution 2019-16: Adoption of Miscellaneous Fees&Charges for FY 2020 and Repealing Resolution 2018-18 This item was moved to the next Council Meeting. 3. Resolution 2019-18: Management Resolution/Non Represented Employee Resolution Madding gave a brief Staff report. Rosenthal/Slattery moved approval of a resolution clarifying certain conditions of employment for management and confidential employees of the City for fiscal year 2019-2020,repealing Resolution 2018-27. Discussion: Rosenthal spoke to the importance of this motion. Slattery spoke in agreement with Rosenthal. Roll call Vote: Slattery,Graham,Seffinger,Rosenthal and Seffinger: YES. Akins: NO. Motion Passed 5-1. 4. Resolution 2019-07: Electric Rate Increases and Repeal of Resolution 2018-14 Electric Director Tom McBartlett gave a brief Staff report. Jensen/Seffinger moved approval of Resolution 2019-07 titled a resolution revising rates for electric service pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code 14.16.030 and repealing resolution 2018-14. Discussion: Jensen thanked staff. Akins spoke that she would be voting no and explained her reasons why. Administrative Services Manager Bryn Morrison gave an overview to Council of all programs for low income households and senior citizens. Roll call Vote: Slattery,Graham,Seffinger,Rosenthal and Seffinger: YES. Akins: NO. Motion Passed 5-1. 5. Resolution for Public Works Rate Increases i. Resolution 2019-08 Adopting a Storm Drainage Utility Fee Schedule and Repealing Resolution 2018-10 ii. Resolution 2019-09 Adopting a Transportation Utility Fee Schedule and Repealing Resolution 2018-21 iii. Resolution 2019-10 Revising Rates for Water Service and Repealing Resolution 2018-12 iv. Resolution 2019-11 Revising Rates for Wastewater/Sewer Service and Repealing Resolution 2018-13 Brown gave a Staff report. Public Input: Dr. Carol Voisin—Ashland—Spoke against rate increases(see attached). Susan Hall—Ashland—Spoke against rate increases (see attached). Rosenthal/Jensen moved to approve the Resolutions: 2019-08(Storm Drainage),2019-09 (Transportation),2019-10(Water)and 2019-11 (Waste Water/Sewer Service).Discussion: Rosenthal spoke that this was fair and there were master plans and professional rate studies. Jensen agreed with Rosenthal. 6. Second Reading of Ordinance 3177 Amending AMC CH 2.18 Conservation Commission to the Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission and Ordinance No. 3178 Creating the Climate Policy Commission; Adding New AMC CH 2.27 Madding gave a Staff report. Slattery/Graham moved to amend the purpose,membership,powers and duties of the Conservation Commission and re-name the Commission as the Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission with the approval of Second Reading of Ordinance 3177; adding that the Mayor or 1 City Councilor shall be a voting member.Discussion: None.Roll Call Vote: Slattery,Graham, Akins, Seffinger,Jensen: YES. Rosenthal: NO. Motion passed 5-1. XV. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS XVI. ADJOURNMENT OF BUSINESS MEETING The Council Business Meeting adjourned at 10:05 PM Respectfully submitted by: 1/4)4trU City Recorder Melissa Huhtala Attest: � I 4,6.0 1 1' Mayo tromberg `J In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting,please contact the City Administrator's office at(541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800- 735-2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting(28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I) I�� "Something wicked this way comes."That's what audiences at the Allen Elizabethan Theatre will hear when the players of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival take the stage this summer to bring Macbeth to life. While the actors will be talking about the bard's famous tale of tragedy and ambition,they could just as easily be referring to the devastating and destructive wildfires looming on the horizon as fire season begins once again. Everyone at the Shakespeare Festival is all too familiar with the wickedness of fire season. Last year, they were forced to cancel over two dozen shows and lay off 16 employees after losing out on over$2 million—all because of the fires that ravaged our state, and the smoke that made it unhealthy to even walk outside our doors for weeks at a time. The 2018 fire season saw over 2,000 fires spread across Oregon, burning nearly 900,000 acres of land and costing our state over$514 million. And before the official start of this year's season, Oregonians had to deal with at least five major fires. But if efforts like the Ashland Forest Resiliency Project and Senator Merkley's Wildfire Resilient- Communities Act are successful, we might be able to prevent the worst wickedness of this year's season –and the show will be able to go on. In partnership with Lomakatsi Restoration Project, Grayback Forestry, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and The Nature Conservancy,the Ashland Forest Resiliency Project has been working diligently for months, using prescribed burns to rid thousands of acres of ladder fuels that can give life to and sustain the kinds of catastrophic fires that we saw last year. We need more of this kind of work to make our forests more resilient to mega-fires.That's why we are fortunate to have Senator Merkley fighting in Washington, D.C.for the resources our community needs to reduce the risks of these infernos. Last week,Senator Merkley introduced the Wildfire-Resilient Communities Act to reduce the risk and impacts of fires and smoke on our communities. It will create a billion dollar fund so the Forest Service can implement badly needed fuels reduction projects on the ground. It'll permanently reauthorize the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project that has been so essential in funding collaborative local work that can contain and stop blazes before they grow out of control. And it will empower federal agencies to work with local communities to plan and prepare for wildfires. The Wildfire-Resilient Communities Act is essential to ensuring those safer communities and that cleaner air, not just today but, as the Bard himself wrote, "tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow." PROCLAMATION • By act of Congress of the United States dated June 14, 1777,the first official flag of the United States was adopted. • By act of Congress dated August 3, 1949, "National Flag Day"was designated each year as June 14. • The Congress has requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as National Flag Week. • Flag Day celebrates our nation's symbol of unity,a democracy in a republic, and stands for our country's devotion to freedom,to•the rule of all, and to equal rights for all. q g • We pay our respect to all of the many veterans who have served the armed forces of their country. NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Stromberg,Mayor of Ashland, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2019 as: FLAG DAY and we are in the City of Ashland and urge all citizens of Ashland to join in with the Ashland Elks Lodge #944 to Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag and Nation, at noon on Sunday, June 14 at the Ashland downtown Plaza. Dated this 4th day of June, 2019. John Stromberg, Mayor Melissa Huhtala, City Recorder , Housing Element Update Comprehensive Plan ipitpow , ..7 Public Hearing r .,, if — 341•0*-..., g ". ., ... & First Reading 1 'r — NIL 1 .' i 4t 1 4 t• - • , . ........ ... ... ._.... o., .. ..;,--7--41._. * pi Ni ''',- r .ivs, : •••..,', IS! • . • • . I % . i N • Z., , , /0: p. A .., A ' ' I 4 N ..i -, Arikir I O :. • ,„, , ' .. 'a ,, 4474 - ........... ,..., ' 101 I A . , --IS - ' '. - City Council 6/4/2019 Fria I•ce,rfnitt•■•■1ogral,,ry I. Ashland - A Historical Overview Comprehensive Plan II. Introduction and Definitions Overview III. Citizen Participation • ,, ~► s,�. „ . IV. Environmental Resources .,_T` `� . V. Population Projections and Growth _ 4 VI. Housing Element ' .#11 x, . ." :i. , V II. The Economy VIII. Parks, Open Space and Aesthetics �'.. •* , IX. Public Services ,•ie►. z ' `h r. .� ,,1: : X. Transportation Element ,,,, XI. Energy, Air, and Water Conservation ■ , . . , ,, ro XII. Urbanization XIII. Comprehensive Plan Policies and ...e- L Implementation , XIV.Regional Plan Element I. Ashland — A Historical Overview Comprehensive Plan II. Introduction and Definitions Overview III. Citizen Participation IV. Environmental Resources �' `d' „ V. Population Projections and Growth w :=`°� _ elmant ;7, «N VI. Housing Element ° _L 1 ... . Wi4 i�u^N,r VII. The Economy JO . r.-°.�` - VIII. Parks, Open Space and Aesthetics "°""�'°` •i(l ulln m.4rt.wR y„4„„ -. Wne Koo. IX. Public Services , X. Transportation Element _ ` `" at XI. Energy, Air, and Water Conservation .. „�"� `.::�` ��� -- .rsr�YwWp..}"�•4Y�f _—r....••_b..T_ Z.— .o = n. .a *A b1Y.Ywwld.bPY",dtl�4M® Y44th b.e 4..e Md�.e. XII. Urbanization uti"' 4 XIII. Comprehensive Plan Policies and w `° ........r..........-z° . � " -'-� b 4..;b gj 4. .. Implementation :-. � , XIV.Regional Plan Element October 2016 November December 2016 Housing Joint Planning an, Public Participation n Element 2016 Housing & Human Services Commission Planning Group Meeting meetings Update January - 2017 September Jul April-May March December y Timeline 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2016-2019 PC and PC and PC and Public Public H&HSC H&HSC H&HSC Survey 1 Survey 2 Study Study Study & Open Sessions Sessions Sessions House Housin: Element Draftin: I 2018 October March June 4, Tentatively 2018 November 2018 18, 2019 2019 2019 City H&HSC PC City Council Public Public 2019 Council 1st 2nd Study Hearing Hearing Study Reading Reading Session Session Ordinance Ordinance Review I Adoption Process Housing Element Goals & Policies Goals • Diversity of Housing Types Policies • Production and Preservation of Affordable Housing Land Use Program Standard Development • Development Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Resolutions Implementing • Data, Inventories, Projections Ordinances Funding and Permitting and codes priorities Goal 1 Ensure a range of Diversity of Housing different dwelling types Types that provide living opportunities for the total cross section of Ashland's population. Goal 2 Support the creation and Production and of housing Preservation of preservation Affordable Housing that is affordable to low and moderate income households and that is commensurate with the incomes of Ashland 's workforce. o I Goal 3 Encourage the Environmental Stewardship development of housing and Susta.inability in ways that protect the natural environment and encourage development patterns that reduce the effects of climate change. Goal 4 Forecast and plan for Data, Inventories, changing housing Projections & Permitting needs over time in relation to land supply and housing production . Commission Recommendations VPr Housing and Human Services Commission H&HSC (Public Hearing 11 /15/2018) Public Hearing ` Recommended approval of the Housing ' -- Element \ i Commission Recommendations Planning Commission PC (Public Hearing 11 /27/2018) Public Hearing Recommended approval of the Housing Element with some alterations . • Suggested an additional policy under proposed Goal 1 to encourage the retention and development of rental housing. • Suggested that a definition for Universal Housing/Universal Design be added to the Housing Types section of the element. • Suggested wording changes within the document's narrative and to various policies intended to improve clarity. • • 3 0 II \ I I \\ I Donna Swanson 863 Plum Ridge Drive Ashland I love Ashland and the people who live here and who care for each other. Unfortunately, in spite of all the beauty and goodness all around us, this is not a perfect world. The two things that frighten me the most are wildfires and the city's budget process. We have seen the tragic destruction of Paradise and the ongoing wildfire in neighboring Canada where tens of thousands are fleeing in its wake. These events are unprecedented and climate predictions indicate increased activity in the future. We must rely on wildfire fighters for protection but when the fires approach our borders it is the Ashland Fire Department that knows our city, our escape routes, our water sources, and how and where to assist us as we try to survive. Equipment, materials and supplies are as necessary as the personnel for they function as one. I understand the fire fighters will be maintained but the fire department will have to cut its budget by $400,000 over the next two years. This is tying the hands of our fire fighters, it is telling them to do the work the Budget Committee should have done, that is to cut costs. This is not a solution that will benefit our city if the result is the inability to defend the life and property of residents, businesses, visitors and the future viability of Ashland as a P Y cultural destination. We have incurred a huge debt from the budget now ending. Is the answer to do it again? Has the Budget Committee turned to "slash and burn" tactics to try to bring it i without consideration for the merit of what we are continuing to support? Do into line 9 PP we need to pay for a public golf course for the sport of a few? Do we need to subsidize recreational programs that don't come close to breaking even? The money for economic development in the general fund should be allocated to support the fire department. We are not using funding set aside for much larger projects such as the $25 million for a water purification plant. I am not privy to the assets and obligations of the City but it is evident that creative thinking has not been part of the budget process and it must be. The solutions seem to be to increase taxes across the board: from property taxes, to each individual service, such as water, and sewer. You have placed the burden of balancing the budget on us rather than cutting expenses. I fail to understand how anything in Ashland can carry more importance than fire protection in today's incendiary climate in which we are struggling to survive. There is no precedence for what will happen next but studies show that fires will continue and will increase in severity. We cannot control the elements and it also appears we are unable to control the direction of our budget expenditures. The current budget up for approval tonight appears to indicate that alternatives have not been explored and evidence of creative thinking is nowhere to be found. My sincerest plea, for my sake and the sake of residents who are unaware of their tax increases and reduced fire protection, is for the Budget Committee to revisit their findings before taking a vote this evening. Thank you. • r a p. N BUDGET DEFICIT HIE F RE N a FIRE NI ... TO SAVE > Z POSONS , (/) By Caitlin Fowlkes additional$300,000.During his t Ashland Tidings budget presentation earlier in the y ""�" year,D'Orazi had asked for addi- , ,�,�,j� Ashland Fire&Rescue Chief tional staff and resources. Mike D'Orazi resigned Monday in Knutson said the proposed f r"■ an effort to free up enough money budget cuts would require fire- in the fire department budget to fighter layoffs,so he decided to keep three firefighter positions retire and free up his salary to rx Zit > proposed for cuts. help fund the positions. The chair of the Wildfire Safety His resignation was effective Commission, Stephen Gagne, immediately. .4 announced D'Orazi's resignation The fire chief's annual salary n during the commission's annual was$129,347,according to Ash- presentation to Ashland City land Human Resources Director V, Council on Tuesday night. Tina Gray. C114° Last week at the Citizens' Knutson said Deputy Fire Chief Budget Committee meeting, David Shepherd will assume the the committee asked D'Orazi to day-to-day operational manage- reduce his budget by$100,000, ment of the fire department until as opposed to raising the monthly the city decides how to handle the public support fee$5,from$1.50 situation. Shepherd served as to$6.50. interim fire chief before D'Orazi According to Ashland Fire- was hired in January 2018. 64 fighters Local 1269 President Gagne said the decision was Brent Knutson, D'Orazi was difficult for D'Orazi. Knutson asked later in the week by city said the department is grateful officials whether he could find a way to cut his budget by an SEE RESIGNATION,A6 i AROUND TOWN "` Fire chief resigns : to save positions Ashland Fire&Rescue Chief tom Mike D'Orazi resigned Monday e4, 10 Cif d r ,,,�„� in an effort to free up enough """ money in the fire department budget to keep three firefighter positions proposed for cuts.M cif* row 74 ,,-;A. �.:. 2t " �"c s a � r y/ Vi Thursday, May 23,2019 jp rk s` • 11(17.,39;47., ~ I ' `% T . S H . A ' N D v.,--,"•, :., y 1 - N • va, v f•Y jv tt t pe,: .G, pfi iE. ` �Tit S^2 •,^l-c-. l. L+' \ 7'S � y.. '` . v ,S ist..iy , 11 ‘7. 1 ,: -i-)' `.. . � ' ^ f S D EIS y. "` t`a'"`"„ n nshlandTidings.ccin i ServingAshlantlsince1.al6 1 . 75 cents 5,• .•Y y ,NLL;, ----p.-w........ _ . ._ ..�..�r-. ... . . RESIG. r •"t'SYe rver IntAtniantthat.1Al�, -iesourceswecanusetofght:fire."` •, equipment and an additionalposition HATIOH Inaddition;if gioo;000werecutfioin is"ill advised at best,"but it's needs- Rem Pa ae can staff our Vii ilil engines; thefire ailment et themain. e, • s because of the reality_ ..• .. - the - azY_ " ofAshland's. uievCan'nevlgate house' . ouldbeunstaffedah e- " • ' • thathewouldstepdownfrombisposition out g nirfONPeI'f�ds:IFt�lBteli�Rte 5070 of , . Heemphasizedhis point tvithstatistics so others couldkeeptlleirjobs, '- - a u - � *an criticai,because4oe7oofour frointlieCampflre,whiclidestr the Whuh "We commendbunfortakingastand calls are fiomStation2,and42%of the. town of Paradise,California,whieh bid. ' iigeifist potential firefiglifer:layoffs,° s.Whet time we have•multi le calls.going out rou Kinds=said,"It's:quite the gesture, ' We can use w i•iit fllt. p d g g,according toreresldent S Census., s " 9 attbe.sainetime,anditwouldseverely land,'accordiugto.thezolyTJ.S.Census: tbat'sforsure.. $rentKnuson,.Ashland Firefighters- reduce;our ability to meet emergency ' Sixrmonths after the devastating fire, Thecity is'facing.a$2 million general Local1269President - - demand,"Knutsonsaid. only 6%of toxic debris hasbeeh hauled.. fimddefieitthatneedstobee liminetedby • • -'4.•• . • ,�,. a` . • 'Re'said there.was no way to cut away;and the towiiis looking atenesti= the.end-Of tlie current blenaium.June3o, arecounnendationtome City Council, $400,000frbmthebudgetwithoutelim- mated cleanup cost of$Y billion,hesaid, - • • The city hired three firefighters two- and the council it tentatively scheduled Mating positions. adding that the city's water supply had and-a-halfyears ago without a way to tofinahvathebudgetby Tune 4,according "The more people you have,,the more been contaminated by cancer-causing . keep them onboardlong-term,Ashland- to Knutson. ople that can extinguish the fires," compounds: people FinMORIDiiectordvlark Welch sa idIna ,Thefliedepartmentcurrentlystaffc Knutson said "Tht's why staffing Is -"We hope you'll agree that it just does • previous interview. : a minimum of nine firefighters per shift so important and why firefighters areso not make any sense to wait until after Because staffing,accounts for about between the cityts'two stations,with important." we'veexperiencedasigoifcanturbanfire 66%of the general.fund,and'the fire a mardinuai of 10.:if the department HesaidtheWridfireseasonthissum summer before we make sure Ashlandhaswhatit department budget cones Qut of the bndgetwere cut by$ioo,000,Knutson has the potential to be a had-one beset needs to be properly prepared,and start generalfund,cuts werepresentedas an said,staffing would drop to a minimum. on the number of,grass fires;that have lowering our risk in signifcantways," option tolesseiithedeficitinthefinancial of eight per shift split between kite two`'alreadyignited this year inthevalley.• Gagne said. • director's.proposal to the City Council stations. •• • , '` - "We've had gdite alot of grass fires in • D'Orazi carne out of retirement in and the Budget Committee. • Station a staffing would be reduced the begmn big of May,which is unusual Northern California to take the Ashland Knutson said there's no guaran- by 50%,with'the wildiand engine and •for thistimeof year,"Knutson said."It's fire.chiefjobin.January zoi8..Restarted tee the city won't still make cutatothe thethird-out ambulance at Stationaleft, concerning that'sstartedalready" as aflreflghterjn 19Th • department. • ' - • ' without staff. Prior.to'his announcement of p'Ora- Knutson said D'Orazl plans to stay local -"I'moptimisticthatthe Budget Corn- He said not having staff on the wild- n's resignation,Gane suggested the for thenextfew months atleast,adding mittee will do theright thing and not landengine couldbedetrimentaltopublic city fund.all of the resources the fire that D'Orazi did notwish to'comment ' reduce'firefighter.staffmg while also safetyffawrfidfrebrolceout. - : depariment had requested,including a until the Midget isFinalized. • funding the police.department appro-- "It's very,veryy important that we can combination engine andladder fire truck, Ashland Fire&Rescue covers rou priately,"Knutson said: - - staff our wildlaad.nginAs,becausethey afireinspector positionandasimulatibn -6.5z square miles,andprovidesmedieal The last Citizens'•Budget Cora- cannavigate the narrower roads,"glint- table. . transportservicesto roughly 65oscgtiare - inittee meeting was scheduled for sonsaid."If that engitewasn'tavaiable, He said he understands that•inthe nnlesspanningfromtheCalifbrniaborder 1 Wednesday.The:committee will make that severely handicaps what types of face of the.deficit,requesting expensive to Phoenix. 6/4/2019 afi Susan Hall Ashland Tonight, I am taking this opportunity to THANK JULIE Akins,City Councilor Akins,for her recent vote on the City Budget. Councilor Akins and three other members of the Citizens' Budget Committee DID NOT approve this Budget. I believe, they showed their integrity and honesty by NOT approving this inadequate Budget before us tonight. Clearly these four individuals feel tonight's budget lacks enough merit to be implemented as it is. And I agree. Why did the rest of you approve it? Please don't duck this question just because the entire Budget Committee isn't sitting here...You are each responsible for your own vote. I am astounded, disappointed but NOT surprised by some of the budget decisions made. I am shocked that you ( minus Councilor Akins), as members of the Citizen's Budget Committee are burdening Ashland residents with more increases in our utilities(AGAIN) and higher property taxes. Did you not listen to residents who spoke to you about the impact of raising utilities last time? I have sat in numerous City Council meetings with the Public asking for cuts in the City spending. Where are across the board cuts?? Over a year ago I asked "Why doesn't the CC and Mayor require each department to identify"essential" services and the costs of such services AND then "cut the fat" in each department?". As recently as May 22, Kenneth Wilson laid out one reason our PERS expensive is massive and will only grow more massive: Wilson outlined the cost of too many employees and the expense of massive salaries...we can't afford this. In closing: Apparently several Budget Committee members have stated numerous times: "There is still a lot of work to do." I say : "Then do the work!" Do the work before submitting this type of budget. — NA-'1 4N N U AL -BURG E t CY C Lt +`? v ckLb NORt: MANAG- A rr� gam et) KA4CVAlk, II Adoption of the 2019-2021 biennial budget I have three observations to make on the process and the outcome of this budget. First The council spent two weekends to create a list of priorities before the budget process: Yet you made budget cuts to essential services like police, municipal court, planning/building inspections and fire. While valued services like economic development ($186,000 general fund) and conservation $300,000, general fund expense and parks received a complete pass with no cuts-all in the general fund where the $2 million deficit was located. Why didn't you follow your own priorities? Why did you place cuts on essential services while giving a free ride to the lesser valued l{pt services? You didn't even follow your own pre-set priorities. Second In the midst of a climate crisis that leaves the Rogue Valley and especially Ashland vulnerable to fire you let the fire chief resign in order to give our community a fighting chance. He saved three fire fighter positions but he had to lose his job to do so. That should never have happened. The money for the position is still there-hire back our fire chief!! Let the fire fighters be firefighters and cut economic development, conservation, and parks po (tiio s Ce1'Q- ne11 ∎a1 SQkV.cam. Third You are not listening to the citizens of Ashland. Balance the budget by cutting cec.s -.- expenses. The citizens on the bud t co mittee gave you several opportunities to do so in their motions but you failed to °n ' e citizens on the budget committee two years ago warned you about spending too much; they did it again during this budget process. Some of you even admitted the next budget is going to be much harder with payroll expenses i creasing 12%with no commiserate revenue increase. Switch tonnual budget and eJCII\ 4.4k balan(zkyf the budget-We entrustA fiduciary responsibility to our elected officials. We expect you to do your job now not to kick the can down the road for two years. Dr. Carol Voisin, Ashland -'c).t1d 1003.Q). '► to._Avs -fit ••. irc�elzj -- e • rzen n:�c \s •• e `ctc16-Ce C L J"C\cwt ,S 2o970 '11 �tr■ byeg, i , 4L1 .-i) L. si2 ce i ' *3;i- ÷. a ?. , , ---,t . , § I 4 .- .4k81 8 . 3 = ,,) -1' . ..' 1 -'4i : 4 71 ,,-) -1 (2 c_...1 4...el --(7 _. • 1 A. 1'n 1 Ut Ut ti II 0 a, ,,,,..1 z ‘-L.:D l C S I cam ' l* " - , "ZS31)3 OD -CI _. . 1 - - .. ai . ___ci - ' , 1 -111P! -in .1 E 45- if --1 a --- c,. i , .. .--4 it t . :: ‹f- 9-1 .4 cA b ' wi III t � ! 1 % � JI.2L.° `*.. ' ''' -:, C.) . c. iti 6 6, G. .._.. .....d ,7,..i1) .i 40::;4111',' _Jj ' :11, lr --t e _ vs , , "I ail f I I 1 `� ' t j. 1 T --iis ��� t , 1 , 2, ----- .73 - .s... e) e- jr2) S ti;' i �� I. 6-. 441 , _ , I __ - it I'