HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-0406.REG.MIN MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
April 6, 1999
Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hanson, Wheeldon, and Fine were present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilors Wheeldon/Fine m/s to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 16 and the continued
meeting minutes of March 18 as presented. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
1. Mayor's Proclamation of April 4-10, 1999 as Arbor Week in Ashland.
Mayor Shaw read the proclamation in its entirety.
2. Mayor's Announcement of Tree of the Year for 1999.
Mayor Shaw announced that the winner was the Osage Orange at the comer of Helman and Orange Streets. Curt
Swearingen of the Oregon Department of Forestry presented an award plaque and flag to the City from the Arbor Day
Foundation.
Wheeldon noted she was from Nebraska, and had visited the home of Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton. Explained
that Morton was the Secretary of the United States in Michigan, and planted a huge number of trees on his estate.
Mayor Shaw commented on the legacy of trees planted by the pioneers of Ashland. Expressed her appreciation to the
Tree Commission for all of their efforts as well.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees.
2. Monthly Departmental Reports.
3. Termination of a Portion of a Public Utility Easement adjacent to N. Mountain Avenue on Lot 37 of
Mountain Meadows Subdivision, Phase II (Tax Lot 39-1E-04AD-224).
Laws asked that the minutes of the AFN Programming Committee be pulled for discussion under "New and
Miscellaneous Business". Hanson asked that the minutes of the Airport Commission be pulled for discussion under
"New and Miscellaneous Business".
Councilors Wheeldon/Laws m/s to approve items 2 and 3 from the consent agenda. Voice vote: All AYES.
Motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing regarding vacation of New Street from its intersection with Oak Street to its terminus
located between Hersey Street and the railroad tracks.
Public Works Director Paula Brown gave a brief synopsis of the proposed vacation. Explained that the request is for
the vacation of a portion of New Street, and that Clear Creek Drive would take its place. Brown clarified that this street
was originally dedicated in 1911 in its present position. Explained that both sides of the street belong to Ashland
Lumber, and they would receive the vacated portion.
City Council Minutes 04/06/1999 I
Reid concerned with the closure of a possible pedestrian link. Requested clarification that City will not lose the ability
to serve this area. Brown confirmed that the pedestrian and bicycle needs in this area can still be addressed with the
access provided by Clear Creek Drive.
Shaw stated that during Strategic Planning it had come up that this area should be laid out, as further development will
be occurring in the area. Noted that the City has first right of refusal in the future. Stated that this would be a nice area
for some type of commerce to occur, and that the lay-out can slow traffic and encourage people to walk. Explained that
there is no interest in developing the wetland area because it is not developable. Feels that the wetlands would be a good
parcel for the Council to consider acquiring, both in terms of protecting it and providing pedestrian connection to the
Railroad District.
Brown noted that sidewalks are ultimately proposed for Clear Creek Drive. Hauck questioned whether it might be worth
maintaining the potential for sidewalks between Clear Creek Drive and New Street. Brown stated that the close
proximity of these two streets made this unnecessary.
Public hearing opened at 7:28 p.m.
No speakers came forward.
Public hearing closed at 7:28 p.m.
PUBLIC FORUM
Tanya Achiwa/625 B Street, Apt. #2 and Jim Stephens/1000 Terra Avenue/Representing Baha'is of Ashland.
Explained that the Baha'i Faith promotes unity, and seeks to establish peace and justice. Emphasized the value placed
on the equality of women and men and the elimination of prejudices. Presented Council with copies of the book "Two
Wings of A Bird - The Equality of Women and Men," and suggested that the unique statements made in the book would
be of value in local decision making. Noted the need to be mindful of the advancement of women in all aspects of life.
Terry Skibby/611 Beach Street/Expressed his support for the library addition and renovation. Important to keep the
library at the Carnegie site. Noted condition of the building, need for more space, and the current state of disrepair.
Emphasized that the design presented included many much needed improvements, and urged proceeding to address this
issue.
Diane Schaffer/583 South Mountain Avenue and Beth Towner/755 Twin Pines Circle Board members ofFfiends
of the Library. Stated that they were here to request that the question of the renovation and addition to the library be
placed on the next agenda. However, because the study session to be held Thursday will include a library update, they
would like to be included in that. Emphasized efforts that had gone into gathering information in the past two weeks,
including attempts to gauge support for the original design that was proposed. Explained that a survey was conducted,
with response cards mailed to 300 members of the Friends of the Library and questionnaires placed in the library. Of
120 responses from members and 170 responses from patrons, fully 2/3 favored the original design. A significant portion
of those also voted to reduce the cost of the bond issuance with fund raising. Stated that the Friends of the Library
would be willing to further analyze the data and bring back further information to the Library.
Fine questioned the third alternative in the survey, noting that the question hinges upon reduced services. Towner
confirmed that this was how the question was worded. Shaw indicated that it referred to a reduction from proposed
service levels rather than from current levels.
Reid questioned if there were any duplications in the responses from Friends of the Library and the patrons. Schaffer
stated that there was nothing to prevent someone from voting twice, but that they felt it was unlikely.
Mayor recognized that the Council had wanted a library design to come in at under $4 million. Shaw stated that this
was not possible. In order for the architect to move forward, they cannot be subject to that cost ceiling.
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Fine noted that the Mayor was correct in stating that the Council consensus had been to look at an alternative at lesser
cost than the last proposal of $7.6 million. Also agreed that the project might not be able to be completed for $4 million.
Emphasized that there is a middle ground, and the next proposal brought before Council should be somewhat more
modest and less grandiose, with room to grow in the future.
Hauck requested that debate not occur during public forum, and that the Council move on with the business at hand.
Shaw stated that Friends of the Library were welcome at the study session Thursday afternoon.
Cate Hartzeli/881 East Main Street/Passed out a proposed resolution having to do with urging 'the state legislature
to find adequate funding for K- 12 schools. Noted the Mayor's letter to the Governor. Stated that she had trouble with
fitting in one section proposed by Councilor Fine dealing with being mindful of ensuring that other vital services are
not cut to fund schools. Explained the timeliness of this issue, and emphasized the need to have it reviewed by the
Council and approved so that it can be sent to the legislature before they sign off on the final budget.
Councilors Reid/Hauck m/s to put this item on the agenda for consideration under New & Miscellaneous
Business. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed.
Ralph LePr6/2305 C Street/Noted that he had some concerns over the parking structure that was discussed on February
16th. Noted that the Hargadine parking lot was a potential location for the parking structure. Suggested that the City
needs to make a decision regarding the purchase of the Mark Antony parking lot to allow for a larger parking structure.
Mayor Shaw indicated that this land was not available for purchase. LePr6 feels that a good looking structure could be
done, similar to one that is in Laguna Beach, to take advantage of the slope and location. Does not feel that residents
should be made to pay. Suggested that a business assessment district be created so that those benefitted (business
owners and the OSF) would pay. Indicated that he was opposed to the idea of parking meters.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(None)
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1. Council Meeting Look Ahead.
Shaw requested that item #9 (Mayor' s presentation of the Ragland Award) be rescheduled to the regular meeting of May
4:h. Freeman noted that the Strategic Plan debriefing session(#4) had been rescheduled to the study session of April 22"d.
Hauck explained that the resolution regarding cable television and high speed internet rates (#14) would likely be
rescheduled to the regular meeting of May 4th to allow the Programming Committee a little more time to work. Stated
that they would let Council know by April 20th.
2. Presentation by Fire Chief regarding the Community Emergency Response Team.
Fire Chief Keith Woodley explained that this program was based on others that are in place in other areas. Introduced
program chair Division Chief Susan Shulters, along with Paramedic Trent Stoy and Firefighter/EMT Rees Jones. Noted
that Shulters would explain how the program works and what is hoped to be accomplished.
Jones provided an introduction, noting that the CERT program initially started in Los Angeles as a way for
neighborhoods to prepare for and respond to earthquakes. Similar programs spread to other areas from there, and after
seeing the programs, FEMA expressed its support. With FEMA support the program is now nationally organized, with
training materials provided by FEMA. Emphasized that disasters, by their very nature, overwhelm the resources of a
community, and the CERT program takes advantage of the availability of citizen volunteers in the event of a disaster.
Noted that the program allows the use of trained volunteers through the City' s unified command structure and teaches
safety procedures. Cited a number of potential situations that can be anticipated (floods, storms, hazardous spills, and
earthquakes). Commented on the recent community forums that discussed the Cascadia Subduction Zone' s earthquake
potential.
City Council Minutes 04/06/1999 3
Stoy explained that the program is designed to make sure that people are aware of what can happen, and what they can
do and deal with on their own. The need to recognize and stay out of hazardous materials. Participants are taught how
to deal with casualties, how to perform search and rescue in unstable buildings. Rescue techniques, technology and
disaster psychology are explained, and team operation dynamics are also explained.
Shulters noted that they are recruiting volunteers from the community, and explained that various jobs may be assigned
to the community response teams. Explained that the goal is to have response teams in each neighborhood, with people
assigned duties based on the skills they have. Pointed out that the goal is to prepare individuals, families, and
neighborhoods to be able to take care of themselves in the event of a disaster for at least 72 hours. Emphasized that the
24 emergency response personnel in Ashland cannot take care of the needs of a community this size in a disaster, and
there is a need to rely on trained community volunteers to reduce potential property damage and the chance of personal
injury.
Jones responded that the CERT program is designed to be "stand-alone", without reliance on the Police Department
Community Service Volunteers or Neighborhood Watch prograins, though participants in those programs are welcomed.
Explained that finding a place to conduct the training has been problematic, as space is needed to put together and store
training props. Will be using the Public Works lunch room for classes, which will limit class sizes to 20-30 people.
Shulters confirmed that the first class will start April 28th, with sessions to be held weekly for seven weeks on
Wednesday evenings for three hours. June 12th will feature a practical session putting skills to work on a Saturday.
Confirmed for Wheeldon that the primary expenses are staff time and facilities, and that these expenses are already taken
care of. The expenses beyond that are for a helmet, vest and identification which the City will own but issue out to
active team members.
Laws expressed some concern over whether enough people will be involved to contact every household in the City in
the time needed in an emergency, when there is no electricity. Woodley explained that this program is in addition to
other efforts, and stated that 10 teams could likely provide good saturation of the 6 square miles of the City. Noted that
there are also 300 police volunteers, and that there were a number of volunteers who mobilized quickly for the flood.
Laws recognized that it was important to get this program underway quickly, so that there will be enough volunteers
trained fast enough to be able to mobilize and canvass the City in an emergency.
Mayor Shaw commented that during the flood, they were able to coordinate efforts to canvass the City and bring
together 100 volunteers within twenty minutes. Emphasized that it took only two hours to canvass the City with that
kind of support.
Laws concerned with those that may not be ready for participation, and suggested that there needs to be a central
location for city employees and volunteers to report to, and that this location needs to be established before hand.
Shulters explained that the goal is to enable the neighborhoods to take care of themselves until emergency personnel
can reach them and provide assistance.
3. Request for Sewer Service outside the City limits, but within the City's Urban Growth Boundary - Rob
Saladoff and Gerry Mandell - Temple Emek Shalom, 1800 East Main Street (Map 39 1E 11 Tax Lot
900).
Councilor Fine made the following declaration of a conflict of interest, as required by state law, as his reason for
recusal: "1 am the attorney for the Probate Estate of the Late Clara Thompson This IC, state is the current owner of the
land for which City sewer service is now being requested The Council's decision on this request will affect the
economic interests of my client. Therefore 1 will now leave the Council Chamber."
Fine exited the room at 8:25 p.m.
City Council Minutes 04/06/1999 4
Public Works Director Paula Brown explained that the proposal is to build a sewer line to connect from the existing
line, and dedicating that line to the City in order to meet the City's 300' requirement. Brown explained that the request
does not entirely meet the current code requirements, but that the possibility of the temple building a line and dedicating
it to the City to meet the code has not been discussed. Brown stated that if the Council wishes to pursue this option,
she believes that staff will need to be directed to make some changes in the code to allow for that accommodation.
Reid noted that her understanding is that there is an existing residence with a failing septic system, and also questioned
the conditions Brown used in qualifying her statement. Brown clarified for Reid that, as indicated in the staff report,
there is a single family residence occupied on the site with a septic system that has failed and been tagged as in violation
by the County.
Discussed that the middle school is currently using the Nazarene Church for some school functions, and that the
Nazarene Church does have City sewer service. Brown confirmed that other residents do not have sewer connections.
Explained that the Nazarene Church was given service in 1990, at Council's direction, prior to the latest update to the
municipal code.
Brown explained that her understanding was that the proposal would be to run the line downhill from Homes,
connecting to East Main, and then down to the trunk line. This would be an 8" main line to the trunk line, and would
open the area for development if other criteria were met. Brown noted that there were other options, that the applicant
could better explain, and Council could ask questions and direct staff.
Wheeldon questioned potential zoning of this property as it is in the UGB. McLaughlin explained that the area is a
mixture of higher density residential zoning. Confirmed for Shaw that Don Greene had not met requirements of the
annexation ordinance and was unable to get City sewer connections on his development. Emphasized that the matter
being considered is of a different nature, as it involves an existing structure with a failing septic system. Brown noted
that historical sewer usage from Temple Emek Shalom has been consistently less than a single family home for the past
12 - 18 months.
Rabbi Mark Sirinsky/1124 Terra Avenue/Explained the term "shalom", meaning wholeness, as a crucial part of their
approach as a religious congregation and a crucial part of the council' s approach in representing the citizens of Ashland.
Noted that they are a Jewish congregation of 150 families who have served the Jewish community for over 25 years,
with 13 years in their present location. Explained that they are motivated by a desire to make the community whole,
and cited some of their contributions to the community. Stated that the current building does not meet needs, and they
have spent two years looking for a suitable parcel of land. Explained that there are no zoning provisions for houses of
worship in the City, and any house of worship must acquire a conditional use permit. Because no suitable and
afli3rdable property could be found within the City, they contracted to purchase this 2.1 acre parcel in the urban growth
boundary. Met with Planning and with new neighbors. Emphasized that acquiring property is contingent upon septic
approval or city sewer connection. Noted that they have a certificate of failed septic system, and subsurface water flow
could contaminate nearby properties and waterways if a new system is installed.
Rollie Miller/1780 East Main/Pastor, Church of the Nazarene. In favor of request, want to be good neighbors and
work with the congregation. Noted that the Nazarene Church was unable to find a suitable septic site on their 9.3 acres
when they went through this same process 7 years ago.
Ken Ogden/1042 Dead Indian Road/Architect, gave details of site, existing sewer system, and proposal. Emphasized
that effluent is seeping from the septic system and leeching into surrounding soils and running off into Bear Creek.
Proposed removing existing residence and locate the synagogue on the site. Not looking at growth, and both the street
access and impacts to the neighborhood exist already. Feel it is important to design to City standards to address
inevitable annexation. Looking at a 12,000-15,000 square foot, single story structure using natural materials to be
compatible to the neighborhood and sensitive to the environment. Could reduce proposed parking and share with
neighboring Nazarene Church to provide more green space.
City Council Minutes 04/06/1999 5
Stan Shulster/165 Pilot View Drive/Attorney and member of congregation, presented formal request for sewer
connection and gave reasons for urging the grant of approval for this request. Cited AMC 14.08.030 wherein the
Council may grant requests when they are found to be "in the best interest of the City" and "not detrimental to the City' s
sewage facilities." Can demonstrate both the existence of benefit and absence of detriment. Noted that the difficulty
with this request is in section C, as all other sections have been complied with. This has to do with there needing to be
an existing City sewer line within 300 feet. Explained that this provision was intended to prevent residential
development whether than institutional expansion. Suggested constructing an 8" city main line, continued across East
Main to the Pearson 's property, and dedicating this line to the City. This would meet all requirements of the ordinance,
and would merely require the permission of the Pearsons to cross their land. Noted that this relocation will remove an
eyesore and lessen on-street parking on Mountain Avenue during services at the present temple location.
Shaw questioned increasing the size of the existing line to the Nazarene Church. This would be able to use the same
easement, and might be less expensive. Explained that in her interpretation of section C, there is an existing line serving
the Church of the Nazarene, and while this is a private service, it connects to the City system, the ordinance does not
specifically say "public line." Questioned the wisdom of creating another line and another easement when the existing
line could merely be upgraded.
Gerry Mandell/44 Euclid Avenue/Former president of the congregation. Noted that the Nazarene line flow is
somewhat uphill, and the proposed line would give a nearby home with failing septic the chance to hook up as well.
Felt that the proposed line would be the best placement for the City 's potential use when Normal Avenue is completed.
Noted that there is not currently a sidewalk on the site, but that provisions can be made for sidewalks and properly
dedicated as necessary. Emphasized that the temple' s sewer use has historically been substantially less than a single
family residence.
Don Rist/260 Joy Drive, Talent/Listing agent for the property. Supports temple's request and the City's providing
a sewer connection due to failing septic systems, and eliminating potential environmental and health hazards, as well
as traffic congestion where the temple is currently situated.
Reid expressed her feeling that issues such as this are meant to be brought before the Council for interpretation, and that
if no interpretation were needed, all decisions could be made by staff at City Hall. Feels that a sewer connection here
will work for the City, whether a line is put in by the temple and dedicated or the Nazarene line is interpreted as an
existing line. Commented on the need to continue to tinker with ordinances to ensure that they are working as intended.
Discussed the effects of this ordinance, as well as state guidelines and the annexation ordinance, as they pertain to
development in this area.
Reid suggested updating the inventory map, and stated that the placement and dedication of an 8" line would allow
approval of this request. Hauck stated that the 8" line would need to be in place prior to a grant of approval. Reid stated
that she would like to give assurance that approval would be granted with the placement of an 8" line.
Laws recollected that Mr. Pearson was unwilling to make an agreement with the City, and as such the line would need
to be a private one. Agreed with Hauck that approval before a line exists would be in technical violation of the
ordinance. Questioned Nolte on whether approval could be granted contingent upon the installation of a line. Noted
disagreement at the time of original ordinance over distance from City main, because at that time it was intended to
minimize the number of connections. Would have liked more flexibility to address failing septic systems.
Nolte stated that a conditional approval could be made, but advised that he has given the council information which is
opposite of the discussion tonight, although it was also noted that the Council had not yet interpreted this particular
provision of the ordinance. Emphasized that interpretation was up to the Council, but that his advice to the temple was
because of the development of this ordinance over the years, an existing main meant one that was existing as of the date
of the application. Explained that the ordinance was developed so that existing dwellings or building with failing septic
systems could hook up to the City system. Previous ordinance required that the building to connect had to exist as of
Ci.tv Council Minutes 04/06/1999 6
1973. Council can use the interpretation as discussed, and grant conditional approval on that basis, but that is not the
interpretation that he made on this ordinance.
Discussion of the reasoning behind the previous requirement that buildings be pre-existing as of 1973. Noted that it
was a way to prevent people from building and letting their septic systems fail knowing that they could get a City
connection. This requirement allowed for some control in preventing haphazard extensions of City service. Would not
want to do something that was counter to the original reasoning behind this ordinance.
Hauck stated that he could support a conditional approval if the City Attorney feels that it can legally be done.
Hanson feels that if the applicant can bring a line to within 300', the requirements of the ordinance are addressed and
he supports approval of the request.
Laws suggested that approval could set a precedent. In the future, anyone willing to pay for a line to within 300 feet
of an existing structure on their property could then have City service for a development. Emphasized that he has no
serious problem with allowing anyone with a failing septic system within the urban growth boundary to have a
connection, but stated that for some time Council has been concerned with extending services too far.
Discussed whether annexation would create a hardship for the properties involved.
Wheeldon stated that this connection was a logical, orderly progression for providing City services and is within the
range to make a connection reasonable.
Nolte explained that he could bring a motion back to the next meeting for adoption. Explained that the extra time would
allow him to cover all bases in crafting the motion.
Councilors Laws/Reid m/s to approve this request in concept and to direct the City Attorney to bring back a
motion addressing those issues raised tonight to the next Council meeting. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion
passed.
Called break. Fine returned when the meeting resumed at 9:30 p.m.
4. Discussion of the minutes of the AFN Programming Committee, moved from the Consent Agenda at
Councilor Laws' request.
Laws emphasized that this committee is intended to be an independent one, and is to be completely independent of the
Council as far as programming is concerned. Read from March 4~" meeting minutes, page 6, third paragraph and stated
that staff members Zauskey and Lovrovich appear to be giving the committee economic reasons to be considered in
programming decisions.
Hauck explained that economic factors must be considered in terms of remaining within the parameters of the AFN
Business Plan, as well as considering the costs of purchasing channels themselves. Laws recognized that there are
economic considerations that must be considered in terms of staying within the amount of money available, but
suggested that it was wrong to force citizens to buy a higher level of service to get more attractive channels.
Wheeldon suggested that this was marketing. Laws recognized this, but suggested that the City seeking to maximize
income in its decisions is wrong. Wheeldon noted the difficulty in realizing that this is an independent group of citizens
making decisions for the community, and that the Council has no say in it.
Reid expressed her concern that staff is giving direction. Explained that ifstaffis sent to provide guidance it threatens
the independence of the committee. Wheeldon emphasized that staff is very informed about this enterprise, and are
providing information from their expertise. Suggested that this is no different than staff providing information for
Council.
Council Minutes 04/06/1999 7
Shaw stated that staff actions are absolutely appropriate. There is a set amount of money available to purchase the
channel lineup, and all channels have a price tag. Setting things up without economic considerations would be
irresponsible, and would lose money. This is an independent body, and their decisions are none of Council's business.
Hauck stated that the minutes do not make clear the preliminary decision on the basic cable line-up. Emphasized that
the selection will be very extensive and will address many interests. While economic considerations were taken into
account, so was the make-up of the community.
Laws agreed that this is an independent committee, but given staff direction shown in the minutes it appears that staff
was trying steer the committee towards making decisions so that expanded basic service more attractive than just basic.
Feels that other sections of the minutes give this same indication. Decisions should be based on providing the best
service to the people of Ashland, not based on financial attractiveness.
Shaw emphasized that the committee is made up of professionals, with a huge amount of experience in this arena.
Should not insult them by saying that a few comments from staff would influence them, given the breadth of experience
they have. These are very successful business people who can comfortably make decisions on their own.
Wheeldon feels that it is appropriate to question to ensure that the mission of the committee is clear to the Council, staff
and committee members.
Freeman explained that staff is not attempting to influence programming decisions. They are merely trying to make clear
that decisions about programming are critical to meeting revenue expectations, and that a great deal of thought needs
to be given to channel selection and placement within the line-up. Emphasized the breadth of experience in the cable
television industry brought to the table by Vince Zauskey.
Hauck noted that his approach has been "More, Better, Cheaper," and the committee is following the same approach
in their programming decisions. People will be able to get more choices, better programming on the tiers, at a lower
price.
5. Discussion of the minutes of the Airport Commission, moved from the Consent Agenda at Councilor
Hanson's request.
Hanson noted that the minutes indicate that he was absent, when he was in fact present. Noted that he would request
that this be changed at the next meeting of the Airport Commission.
Councilors Wheeldon/Reid m/s to approve the remaining items of the consent agenda. Voice vote: All AYES.
Motion passed.
6. Discussion of a draft "Resolution in Support of Adequate State School Funding" prepared by Cate
Hartzell.
Hanson suggested that education should be funded up front and as a high priority, from the general fund, and there
should not be a need to look at finding other sources of revenue such as keeping the kicker refunds.
Fine expressed how troubled he is with the way the legislature has left districts in the lurch as they have attempted to
reform school funding. Concerned with the third from the last paragraph indicating an amount to be budgeted for
education. Feels it would be sufficient to urge them to allocate enough money, but does not feel it is the Council' s place
to determine an appropriate amount. Also cited his difficulty with urging every Ashland family to dedicate their kicker
refund back to education as some families in Ashland cannot afford this. With those exceptions, he is happy to go on
record in support of adequate funding of public education.
Shaw noted that the $4.95 billion amount was determined by school districts across the state as the amount where they
would not be required to make substantial cuts. In Ashland, this amount would allow very modest increases that would
city Council Minutes 04/06/1999 8
sustain educational programs as they are now. Shaw also explained that relative to the kicker refund, the refund is
smaller relative to the amount made.
Hauck stated that $4.95 billion was from the independent committee report the Governor authorized for the
implementation of the Educational Reform Act. This number is a minimum amount to continue where we are while
beginning to implement the reforms of that act.
Councilors Laws/Reid m/s to amend the proposed resolution with the following changes: In the third from the
last paragraph, it would state "We, the Ashland City Council, do hereby urge Oregon Legislators to approve a
budget that will provide adequate funds to at least maintain the existing quality of the state's K- 12 education system."
And in the last paragraph, it would be amended to urge citizens "if at allpossible" to dedicate their family's
kickback to education.
DISCUSSION: Discussed the $4.95 billion amount mentioned, what it would mean for services provided and
whether the specific amount needed to be included in a resolution. Shaw noted that the Governor and many in
the legislature are looking for support of that level of funding.
Hanson stated he would be willing to indicate at least $4.95 billion in the resolution.
Laws raised the question of where funds could be found to fund this $4.95 billion, and expressed his concerns
about taking funds away from other services.
Councilors Hauck/Hanson m/s to amend the motion so that the third to the last paragraph in the resolution
reads, "We, the Ashland City Council, do hereby urge Oregon Legislators to approve a budget that will provide
at least $4.95 billion for the State's K-12 Education system."
DISCUSSION: Wheeldon recognizes the legislators role in finding funds, but stated that she did not want to
jeopardize other programs. Suggested that there needs to be more money in the budget to begin with to better
address all needs.
Laws stated that he would be comfortable voting against the motion to amend and for his original motion.
Roll call vote on the motion to amend: Reid, Hauck, Hanson, and Wheeldon, YES. Laws and Fine, NO. Motion
passed 4-2.
Roll call vote on the original motion (amended to indicate "at least $4.95 billion"): Laws, Reid, Hauck, and
Wheeldon, YES. Hanson and Fine, NO. Motion passed 4-2.
Councilors Hauck/Reid m/s to adopt the proposed resolution in support of adequate state school funding, as
amended: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hanson, Wheeldon, and Fine, YES. Motion passed.
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
1. Second reading by title only of "An Ordinance Requiring Minimum Response Times by Ambulance
Operators for Life Threatening Emergencies."
Councilors Hauck/Reid m/s to adopt Ordinance #2838. Roll call vote: Wheeldon, Laws, Fine, Reid, Hauck, and
Hanson, YES. Motion passed.
2. First reading of "An Ordinance for the Vacation of New Street from its Intersection with Oak Street to
its Terminus All of Which is Located between Hersey Street and the Railroad Tracks."
Councilors Hauck/Reid m/s to move the ordinance to a second reading. Roll call vote: Hanson, Reid, Hauck,
Fine, Laws, and Wheeldon, YES. Motion passed.
city Council Minutes 04/06/1999 9
3. Reading by title only of "A Resolution Authorizing and Ordering the Local Improvements for Waterline
Road from Morton Street 500 feet Easterly to create the Waterline Road Local Improvement District
and Authorizing Assessment of the Cost of the Improvements against Property to be Benefitted and
Providing that Warrants issued for the Cost of the Improvement be General Obligations of the City of
Ashland, and Authorizing the City to Borrow Money and lssue and Sell Notes for the Purpose of
Providing Interim Financing for the Actual Cost of the Local Improvement."
Councilors Hauck/Wheeldon m/s to adopt Resolution #99-19.
DISCUSSION: Laws noted that the property owners would be willing to sell this property to the City as open
space park land, and he understands that the Parks Director has looked at the property and feels it would be
well suited to park purposes. Suggested that this needs to be looked into, and the Parks Director spoken to, prior
to final action. Suggested postponing the matter until discussion can occur.
Reid stated that the Transportation Plan includes the linking these streets, and that the matter involves the
completion of streets that should have been done as part of the subdivision. The issue has more to do with more
than the paving of a street to land that is to be developed, it has to do with completing an unpaved street in the
subdivision that has been put off, and there is the issue of the paved street being included in the Transportation
Plan. Stated that for her, the issue is not merely parks versus development. Would be willing to postpone, but
would like to see that all of these issues are addressed.
Shaw questioned whether the proposed local improvements would extend the street far enough to connect to
other streets. It was explained that it would not connect now, but would eventually when development occurs
at the other end.
Laws explained that the road would be unnecessary if development did not occur, and if the property were
purchased as open space, most of the area would not develop.
Mayor stated that approval of the resolution would not cut-off the opportunity for the neighbors to purchase
the property for themselves, as open space. Emphasized that Council would be open and willing to hear what
they have to say on the matter, with amounts for purchase versus amounts for local improvements. Feels that
it would not be right to stop the process at this point however.
Roll call vote: Wheeldon, Laws, Fine, Hanson, Hauck, and Reid, YES. Motion passed.
Councilors Hauck/Fine m/s to continue the meeting to 10:30 p.m. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed.
OTHER BUS1NESS FROM COUNCIL
Reid pointed out that Council needs to make sure that they have discussed, and answered all questions that Council
might have, concerning location, size, traffic flow, and etc., in a public way, regarding the Fire Station. This needs to
be done before budget approval. Asked for Council support in evaluating all information.
Shaw noted that the concern here is keeping a spot in the budget in order to place this matter before the voters.
Emphasized that it needs to be placed in the budget as a placeholder, and if it is not placed then the matter cannot be
sent before the voters. Stated that this could be placed in the budget with the understanding that Council would have
the opportunity for further discussion of design, placement, etc.
Fine commented that a senior member of the Council feels that all options have not been adequately looked at to
maximize the benefits of the public process, and as such he supports Reid's suggestion. Agreed with putting money
in the budget as a placeholder pending further discussion.
Wheeldon questioned whether this needed to occur before the budget discussion was completed, in order to have this
matter on the November ballot. Feels there is a need to make a commitment as a Council.
City Council Minutes 04/06/1999 I 0
Reid explained that a study session occurred some months ago, and that work can be taken into account. But she is not
ready to rely on the previous study session and preliminary plans in approving this matter.
Laws stated that Reid's suggestion should be cost effective, and that there are new ideas to be addressed.
Councilors Wheeldon/Laws m/s to put the issue of re-zoning the Railroad Property from M-I to E-l, north of
the Railroad Tracks and between Oak Street and Mountain Avenue, as requested by Director of Community
Development John McLaughlin, onto the agenda. Voice vote: All AYES.
Councilors Laws/Fine m/s to direct staff to pursue this matter and bring the item back to Council in the
appropriate manner. Voice vote: All AYES.
ADJOURNMENT
The meetin as adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
~n, City Recorder/Treasurer (//~ a ,~7'7~
B Catherine M. Shaw, Mayor
City Council Minutes 04/06/1999 11