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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-0921.REG.MIN MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL September 21, 1999 Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., in the Civic Center Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Councilors Laws, Hauck, Hanson, Wheeldon and Fine were present. Reid arrived late. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting of September 7, 1999 were approved as presented. The minutes of the executive session meeting of September 9, 1999 were approved as presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS I. Update and presentation regarding the Senior Program Board. Senior Program Board Member Paul Negro introduced members of the board, and explained the contribution made by Director Sharon Laws. Spoke about programs and services available at the Senior Program Offices Activity Center at 1699 Homes Avenue. 2. Presentation by Suzi Aufderheide regarding Alliance for Democracy. Suzi Aufderheide/321 N. Mountain Ave./Introduced the Alliance for Democracy group. Briefly explained the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the proposed Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI). Introduced John Fisher-Smith. John Fisher-Smith spoke about corporate rule and corporate behavior, and explained MAI as the cap to a series of changes which shift control away from localities to more of a global level, and into the hands of corporations and organizations. Noted that chapter eleven of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) provides the model for MAI, which would allow corporations to place a monetary value on "intangibles" and then sue for lost opportunity when laws deprived them of these intangibles. Further explained that MAI was to prevent barriers to the international flow of investments, and would allow corporations to sue foreign governments and to mandate equality between foreign and domestic companies. Emphasized that MAI would require granting most favored nation status to all countries and would effectively provide a level playing field to all by allowing no performance standard requirements. Pointed out that any local ordinances could be challenged and overcome with MAI, and asked the council to adopt a resolution in opposition to MAI. Provided a sample resolution to serve as a model, and offered to work with the City Attorney to draft a resolution. Hanson questioned what would give MAI authority, and Fisher-Smith explained that it was an international treaty. Wes Brain/298 Garfield Street/Noted that for the most part, citizens are unaware of WTO and MAI. Distributed brochure titled "The Road to Seattle," and explained that there will be a teach-in at Southern Oregon University dealing with MAI on October 19th. Noted upcoming television programs on local cable access concerning MAI, and noted that MAI would possibly open the door to the sale of water across national boundaries and the privatization of municipal drinking water distribution systems. Asked that council support the resolution. Helga Motley/I 11 Gresham Street/Noted that she wanted to raise awareness of the conglomeration of power in corporations as a threat to democracy. September 21 st, 1999 Regular Meeting 1 Gerry Cavanaugh/560 Oak Street/Noted that MAI is not really a treaty, but is rather a simple agreement fast- tracked through Congress to avoid disagreement or substantive discussion. Emphasized the need to take a public stand on the "globalization threat" by declaring Ashland an WTO/MAI-Free Zone, and to oppose further power being given to the WTO or to NAFTA. Shaw expressed her appreciation for the speakers' concern. Noted that the City of Salem is researching a resolution and suggested that the council wait until that research is complete. Suggested that the issue of a resolution could be raised at the first council meeting in October. Recognized that a resolution would not change MAI, but would help to raise consciousness relative to this issue. Hauck agreed with bringing this up again in October, and stated his preference for the shorter version. Laws suggested that this be noticed so that those with contrary views be allowed to present them. Wheeldon noted that she will be absent at the first meeting in October, but expressed her support for the resolution. 3. Presentation by Rosemary Dalton regarding domestic partnerships. Rosemary Dunn-Dalton requested that the City provide a registration process for domestic parmerships, and stated that this would help the lesbian-gay-bisexual community find safety and preserve civil rights. Explained that there is a national movement to prevent gay and lesbian people from having families or receiving insurance benefits. Spoke of legislative efforts during the last session. Noted that the City now provides benefits to the partners of employees. Asked that the council approve providing a registry of parmerships for Southern Oregon as a statement that it is possible to find safety, and to let people know that Ashland is "diversity-friendly." Emphasized that such a registry would have a positive psychological impact. Explained that a registry would establish relationships institutionally, for purposes such as hospital visitation. Neil Sechan noted that he had drafted the proposed resolution based on the City of Berkeley's model. Explained that it includes both gay and straight couples and does not require Ashland residency. Suggested that Ashland pave the way for other communities in Southern Oregon, and noted that this registry might become a factor in high tech companies deciding to relocate to Ashland by showing that Ashland is a progressive community. Feels that a parmer registry suits the character of Ashland as caring and progressive. Dunn-Dalton noted that this presentation was on behalf of the Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender Political Caucus of Southern Oregon, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), the Rural Organizing Project (ROP) and the Abdill-Ellis Center. Don LaBella/255 Grant St./Explained that he moved here 9 months ago when his parmer was recruited by Bear Creek Corporation, and despite initial fears about relocating to Southern Oregon he feels Ashland is an accepting, safe community. Feels that a registry would show acceptance and approval of the gay community. Hal Jamison/60 Golden Spike Wy./Stated that he favors the proposal and is opposed to prudery and puritanism. Stated that this would be a small step for progress. Emphasized that the two-person bond is an elemental aspect to human relationships, and suggested that there is a need to establish a new type of relationship to save this close bond given the decline of traditional marriage in modern society. Joan Haukom/376 B St./Noted that she is a long time Ashland resident, president of the board of the Human Rights Coalition, director of the Abdill-Ellis Center, and member of the steering committee for the Gay-Lesbian- Bisexual-Transgender Political Caucus of Southern Oregon. Stated that she is speaking on her own behalf, to raise awareness of the psychological impact of not being recognized in one's relationships. Noted that this registry would honor gay and lesbian relationships and provide hope for gay and lesbian teens. September 21 ~, 1999 Regular Meeting 2 Curt Georgeson/4601 S. Pacific Hwy., Phoenix, OR 97535/Stated that his wife is president of PFLAG, and he is here because she was unable to attend. Emphasized that parents of lesbians and gays are in favor of this idea, and support the registry. Stated that parents are involved in the lives of gay and lesbian children, love them, and are concerned about and involved in their lives. Concluded that PFLAG endorses the registry and urges the council to consider enacting it. Laws suggested that staff draft a resolution based on the model presented, and asked that the model be changed so that the fees for registration be based on the actual cost to the city. Stated that discussion could occur when the item is brought back to council. Reid agreed with Laws' suggestion. Shaw noted that City Recorder Barbara Christensen, who was absent this evening, had expressed concern with the responsibility for this registry being placed in her office given constraints found in the City charter. Councilor Hauck concurred and suggested that the registry be handled elsewhere. The City Attorney concurred with this suggestion. Councilor Wheeldon suggested that staff work to determine another area of the city where this item could be handled.. At Mayor Shaw' s suggestion, the "National Fire Prevention Week" proclamation and the Consent Agenda were moved to occur after the public hearings given time constraints requiring that hearings be concluded by 9:30. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public Hearing regarding final assessments for Westwood Street Local Improvement District. Public Works Director Paula Brown noted that she and Assistant City Engineer Jim Olson were available for questions. Stated that objections were received from Hassell and the Mishes, both of whom are present to speak this evening. Spoke briefly on the background on this LID. Council discussion of how the LID policy related to the Mishes' situation. Brown emphasized that the new LID policy was not a factor here, as the Mishes had two separate, existing lots. Brown also noted that this LID was prior to the policy's adoption and should be handled according to previous policy. Noted that the city has paid for 25% of the sidewalk here, and that the total assessment for Nyla Lane is $900 per lot. Brown stated for Wheeldon that the 10% credit given to "pending" LIDs in the new policy did not apply here, as there was a "per cost" agreement in place with the developer. Public hearing opened at: 8:05 p.m. Cynthia Mish/600 Nyla Ln./Noted that one lot they own is vacant, and has not been built upon. Shaw explained that the assessment is per the LID policy. Hauck clarified that the Mishes' property is not a single sub-dividable lot, but two separate, existing lots.. Abe Mish/600 Nyla Ln./Explained that they paid more for their lot than people on Westwood as they were already developed on Nyla, and now they are having to pay for the development of Westwood as well. Anna Hassell/125 Westwood St./Recognized that this matter has been to LUBA, and she finds no fault with the City. Suggested that this LID is unique as it is open-ended. Explained that she had a specific amount quoted to her, and the agreements were based on that estimate. She did not get the final total until the end, and what was estimated to cost $125,000 actually cost $196,000. Stated that she will pay the cost for the lots which haven't sold, but that it will be extremely expensive and she hopes the city will provide some relief. Public hearing closed at: 8:17 p.m. September 21 st, 1999 Regular Meeting 3 Shaw suggested that Hassell go back to Hammond Engineering because the estimate was incorrect. Hassell stated that the City had input on the project when it became an LID and she was not privy to what was done between Hammond and the City after she was given the estimate. Shaw explained that the LID would have been based on the adopted findings, and that there would have been nothing done to deviate from the findings. Hassell asked for consideration, based on the changed policy. Council discussion of the 10% credit, with staff explaining that the 10% was for those LIDs which had been formed but which had not yet been built and assessed. Reid questioned why this would not apply here. Wheeldon noted that this LID was developer-driven, with individual amounts and agreements, and the developer to pay the balance. Shaw emphasized that this LID was like Oak Street, in that it was voluntary. Laws agreed with Reid, but suggested that the difference here is that the 10% was to provide relief to homeowners, who may be involuntarily involved in LIDs. In this case, the LID is developer-initiated, voluntary, and he does not feel that there is an obligation to subsidize developers. Noted that the newly adopted LID policy is not applicable to developers. Brown noted for Reid that this LID was formed and signed in January of 1998 and the LID policy was adopted in February of 1999. Suggested that if the 10% credit is given, it should go to all within the LID, not merely to the developer. Stated that in this case, the developer agreed to cover any costs over the original estimate. Continued discussion of whether this should receive the 10% credit. Shaw clarified that the City was asked to butt out as this was set up by the neighbors and the developer, and the developer agreed to be responsible for any costs over or under the estimate. Emphasized that the findings did not change from the time they were signed by the Planning Commission, and because it was handled privately it was out of the mix for the entire LID discussion. Public Hearing to consider adequacy of storm drain system capacity for a 25-1ot subdivision (Planning Action 97-054) LUBA Remand No. 98-166, Hunt, et. a!. v. City of Ashland (motion required) Mayor Shaw read the guidelines and procedures for a Land Use Public Hearing. EXPARTE CONTACT: Reid noted that she has made numerous site visits, and owns property adjacent to Strawberry Lane which could be affected by a decision. Stated that she believed she can rule impartially in this matter. City Attorney Paul Nolte confirmed that if Reid can remain fair and impartial, she does not have a conflict which would require her to abstain. PUBLIC HEARING OPEN: 8:32 p.m. STAFF REPORT: Senior Planner Bill Molnar explained that this matter had been remanded by LUBA which had to do with whether the project would require the City's urban storm drainage system to operate beyond capacity. Gave background, noting that the council previously supported the planning commission approval. Stated that LUBA essentially upheld the approval, but found that there was a lack of evidence in the record showing how the urban storm drainage from this development would be accommodated once it got to the intersection of Strawberry and Alnutt. Explained that the applicant has retained Hammond Engineering to look at this matter, and that the engineer's recommendation is to develop a new storm drain system from the intersection, down Alnutt to Nutley, and down to the Creek. Stated that this system has been essentially designed, in cooperation with the Public Works department and taking into account the Storm Drain Master Plan. Molnar stated that with this information now in the record, staff feels that there is adequate information in the record to address the issues raised by LUBA. September 21 ~t, 1999 Regular Meeting 4 Stated that staff recommends approval of the application, with the addition of condition #22 that storm drain improvements for Alnutt and Nutley indicated on the submitted plan from Hammond Engineering be installed concurrently with all street improvements for the subdivision. Molnar and Nolte confirmed for Shaw that the only item to be discussed this evening is the issue of storm drainage remanded by LUBA. Nolte emphasized that this is not a de novo hearing. Brown confirmed for Wheeldon that the applicant' s engineer followed the advice of the city consultant and the proposed system is consistent with the Storm Drain Master Plan. Brown emphasized that staff has reviewed the proposal and find it adequate to meet capacity, and read a memo to this effect into the record. APPLICANT: Tom Giordano of Giordano & Associates/157 Mominglight Drive introduced himself as the agent for the applicant. Also introduced the applicant' s attorney John Hassen/717 Murphy Road, Medford, OR 97504/and Dave Hammond, the applicant's engineer. Hassen noted that he had argued the appeal before LUBA, and explained that further information was needed by LUBA. Asked that the City' s Storm Drain Master Plan be made part of the record to satisfy the requirements of LUBA. Staff confirmed that a copy would be made part of the record. Giordano submitted engineer' s drawings for the record showing drainage from the subdivision and where the storm drainage master plan will connect. Also submitted 8 t/= x 11 reductions that might be easier to read. Agreed with what staff had presented, and emphasized that the problem LUBA had was with just one portion of the storm drain system, the line down Strawberry from Hitt Road., to Alnutt to Nutley to the Creek. Giordano emphasized that this is an outline plan approval, but that as the plan stands now, it works. Also noted that the applicant has no problem with the added condition #22. Concluded that the submitted plan is based on the Storm Drain Master Plan. IN FAVOR: No speakers in favor. IN OPPOSITION: Susan Hunt/220 Nutley St./Questioned the inclusion of condition #22, and what the wording "concurrent with other street improvements required for the subdivision" means. Noted that the neighbors feel that the storm drain system needs to be in before any work is allowed to begin to prevent erosion and run-off. Also raised issues about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and construction traffic. Shaw stated that this hearing is limited in its scope and can only discuss the portion of the storm drain system which is in question. Paul Kay/1234 Strawberry Ln./Has problems with the drainage into Kneebone Creek, but has not seen calculations to demonstrate that the drainage system is adequate. Stated that staff approval without demonstrated calculations is not convincing. Also raised issue of changing conditions, such as natural filtering systems, and explained that this development will double flows, and the planning does not include the area of roughly 20 acres which is in the county. Suggested that this is negligent planning. Gerry Mandell/484 Euclid/Questioned who will be assessed for this storm drain. Noted that he owns property on Strawberry. Questioned where water from the 20-acres in the county will go with water being re-routed down the street, and questioned whether this has been accounted for in the storm drain planning. Shaw reiterated that the only item open to discussion is the storm drain system, as this is a land-use public hearing and the council is a quasi-judicial body held to state guidelines and given specific issues to deal with on remand from LUBA. Leah ltenigson/232 Nutley St./Expressed concern about when the drainage system will be put in. Feels that there is a need for the system to go in prior to construction. September 2 1st, 1999 Regular Meeting 5 Jerry Taylor/375 Alnutt St./Explained that his home is located where much of the run-offwater from this development will go, and expressed his concern with the drainage system timing. Stated that if things are not done properly, water will run over his newly landscaped house. Asked about paving of the Alnutt side, and asked that the City look at the entire street and drainage system and that due diligence be taken. STAFF RESPONSE: Molnar noted that the Kneebone Creek issues were discussed in the initial application, and detention measures were suggested in the open space area. Stated that this was not part of the remand. Explained that this application is still in the outline plan approval stage, so there will be a final plan approval necessary to address the engineering and pre-construction details. Stated that he believed that storm drain systems will likely be installed on lower access streets prior to paving, which should address Susan Hunt's concerns. Brown emphasized that the timing of the storm drain system is not the land use issue under discussion here. Stated that erosion will be addressed, but this is not part of the current land use decision. Hauck stated that he believed Hunt's question had to do with the use of the word "concurrent" in the additional condition #22 to be imposed. Molnar stated that it was his understanding that it would mean that this would include the lower access streets as well as the streets within the subdivision itself. Hauck stated that the additional condition makes timing a part of the discussion here. Laws questioned City Attorney Nolte as to whether the condition was beyond the scope of the remand, which has to do only with the adequacy of city systems and not with timing. Laws suggested that the condition itself is beyond the scope of the meeting tonight. Shaw and Nolte concurred. Fine noted that he reads the remand as even more narrow, applying only to existing city systems. Brown confirmed for Fine that existing facilities in the area are not built yet, but at the time the subdivision is built the storm drain system will be in existence, will be satisfactory, and will be city owned. REBUTTAL: Giordano noted that the Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) will require an erosion control permit for this project, and an erosion control plan will need to be submitted to address issues such as storm run-off during construction, construction traffic routes, and etc. Emphasized that the design is based on standard engineering practices, and has been reviewed by staff. Stated that further details will be worked out in the final plan approval process. Hassen pointed out that these lots will be one acre parcels, and will only have 20-25% impervious surfaces, meaning that there will be less run-off. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 9:11 p.m. Councilors Hauck/Wheeldon m/s to approve Planning Action #99-054 with the addition of condition #22 as recommended by staff, and to direct staff to bring back findings in this matter to the next meeting on October 5th for council approval. Discussion: Nolte confirmed for Laws that the inclusion of the condition will not affect whether the decision is upheld if appealed. Roll call vote: Fine, Hanson, Hauck, Laws, Wheeldon, Reid, YES. Motion passed. Laws emphasized that the council will be concerned with timing, drainage, and rnn-off and how they impact people as this project moves ahead. Emphasized that the new Storm Drain Master Plan policy includes efforts to treat run-off before it is emptied into the creek whenever possible. Also noted that it is also possible to keep the water above ground wherever possible. Break called at 9:14 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:22 p.m. September 21 st, 1999 Regular Meeting 6 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS (CONTINUED FROM EARLIER IN THE MEETING) 3. Mayor's proclamation of "National Fire Prevention Week." Mayor Shaw read the proclamation in its entirety. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees. 2. Confirmation of Mayor's appointment of Greg Covey to the Tree Commission for a term to expire April 30, 2001. 3. Confirmation of Mayor's appointments to Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee. 4. Second reading by title only of "An Ordinance Withdrawing an Annexed Area from Jackson County Fire District No. 5 (Washington Street Annexation by Neuman)." Councilors Hauck/Hanson m/s to adopt Ordinance #2847 (item #4 above). Roll call vote: Laws, Hauck, Reid, Wheeldon, Fine, and Hanson, YES. Motion passed. Item #3 was pulled for discussion under New and Miscellaneous Business by Councilor Fine. Wheeldon questioned the Traffic Safety Commission minutes item #5. Explained that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission will be making a fairly elaborate recommendation to deal with the intersection of 8th and A Streets. Suggested that council begin a discussion at some point about the extension of the Central Ashland Bikepath, as this area will continue to have problems until the path connects to Oak Street where the Greenway is coming in. Laws noted that the Parks Commission has agreed to an extension of the path from 8th tO 6th Streets. Councilors Wheeldon/Fine m/s to approve items #2 and #1 of the consent agenda. Roll call vote: All AYES. Motion passed. PUBLIC FORUM Sophia McDonald/210 California St., #A/ASSOU President/Informed council that no agreement has been reached with RVTD, and they will be holding off on further negotiation until a survey of students is completed and some forums are conducted. Also noted that it is her belief that the University's Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Alliance club would support the domestic parmership ordinance, although she does not speak for that group. Reid questioned student ridership. Freeman noted that RVTD put student ridership at 90,000 for the highest ridership year. Reid expressed concern with the accuracy of RVTD's statistics. Laws suggested that any transportation survey take into consideration the level of ignorance to the issue that may exist. Eric Navickas/711 Faith Ave/Noted the history of the ski slope, and suggested that there are significant economic questions which need to be asked. Noted that the ski slope has a history of weather-based failures despite repeated support from tax dollars. Also noted the 1992 recognition of erosion concerns in an environmental assessment relating to the closure of the area due to minimal snowfall. Questioned Mayor Shaw on her support of the project prior to the release of an environmental impact statement. Also questioned Shaw's support of the group MAD AS HELL, as indicated by her speaking before this right-wing group. Took issue with a public official legitimizing the agenda of an extremist right-wing organization, and called for the mayor's immediate resignation and condemnation of the group MAD AS HELL. Shaw suggested that Navickas would have been well served by attending the meeting mentioned to hear what was said. Shaw stated that she saw no problem with her attending this meeting or what she said. Stated that she was sorry that nobody from the group opposed to the development was able or willing to attend to hear what was said. Laws recognized that an elected office brings with it the possibility of criticism, but stated that the use of the public forum to deliver a personal diatribe against an elected official is contrary to the purpose of this forum. Also suggested that the guilt by association logic used by Navickas is a leap of colossal proportions. September 21~t, 1999 Regular Meeting 7 Fine stated that he felt that the attempt at character assassination of the mayor was illegitimate, and should be withdrawn by the speaker. Suggested that it was appropriate for him to come forward at public forum and raise his concerns. Shaw urged Fine and Navickas to listen to what she said at the meeting rather than relying on what was said in the press. Emphasized that she had urged both sides to look for common ground in this matter. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Council Meeting Look Ahead. Wheeldon stated that she would like to discuss numbers 11 and 12. Nolte explained that the #11 Hillside Development Standards item was a follow-up of the final appellate procedure which had remanded this matter back to the city. Freeman clarified that item # 12 is just a resolution, not a resolution and motion as listed. Wheeldon asked that the meeting also include a presentation by the Ashland Watershed protection group. Wheeldon stated that she would contact the group to ensure that they would be present and ready to explain this matter. Freeman noted that item #14 transit analysis study is complete and is being pulled together. Stated that results will be to council soon. Wheeldon noted that she would be absent from the discussion of the celebration of the anniversary of the city' s incorporation. Noted that she would speak to Freeman prior to this discussion. 2. Presentation regarding the Building Lands Inventory (BLI) in support of the Ashland Comprehensive Plan. Senior Planner Bill Molnar noted the November 1998 state grant that the city received to prepare the Buildable Lands Inventory (BLI) and introduced Assistant Planner/Mapping Specialist Brandon Goldman. Goldman explained that the BLI was meant to provide necessary information to ensure that needed housing will be built. Spoke of the inventory and classification process used, and the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) to quantify available lands. Noted that this process included a housing need analysis, based on patterns and demographics, to look at anticipated needs to 2018. Based on these calculations, the city will know if there is adequate supply of buildable land to meet demands. Molnar and Goldman clarified for Hauck that the inventory took into account the slope of hillside lands, and noted that those over 35% were considered unbuildable. Molnar clarified the slope standard, noting that 25% slopes can be engineered. Goldman noted that GIS information from the county was used, along with digitized hazard maps and aerial photos. Emphasized the amount of field work and site visits involved, and noted that the process took building permit data into account to project building trends. Goldman showed tables and slides explaining the BLI, and further discussed the methodology used and the resultant findings. Noted that the methodology would allow for updating as new information becomes available. Councilors Reid/Hauck m/s to continue the meeting to 10:30 p.m. Roll call vote: All AYES. Motion passed. September 21 ,t, 1999 Regular Meeting 8 Goldman noted that in comparison of supply and demand, in aggregate there is enough land to satisfy needs. Explained further that where there is less than a 20 year supply in one type of housing, the demand can be accommodated elsewhere. Stated that this complies with state goals to provide for all housing types, and there are no changes necessary to the comprehensive plan urban growth boundary. Also pointed out that with the GIS program, updates can be done fluidly. Concluded that the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) Grant Administrator has reviewed and approved the methodology of this BLI, and noted that the planning commission and planning staff recommended that the council adopt the proposed resolution. Council commended Goldman on the excellent job he had done with the BLI. Goldman confirmed for Laws that the trend toward decreasing household size has to do with observed trends, and can be revised with the next census. Emphasized that even if this changed to 1.75 people per household, there would still be an adequate supply of land to meet demand. Reid questioned what this BLI means for annexations. Goldman stated that the urban growth boundary can be used as required, but emphasized that the city has over a twenty year supply within the city limits. Reid questioned where some rural lands have been boxed in by annexations and asked how this could be addressed. Shaw stated that lands can be exchanged into and out of the city limits without a comprehensive plan change, but Reid questioned if property owners would agree to be removed from the city limits. Molnar explained that this was not related to the BLI, which is a state requirement, and is more a matter of local concern. Emphasized that annexations would be governed by the current annexation criteria rather than the BLI. 3. Discussion and Presentation of information on the Proposed Jurisdictional Exchange with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) along Highway 99 (Siskiyou Boulevard, N. Main Street and Lithia Way). This item was continued to a later meeting as unfmished business. 4. Council initiation of a planning action for a land partition at 667 North Main Street (new neighborhood park). Councilors Laws/Reid m/s to move ahead with initiating this planning action. Discussion: Hauck asked that council keep in mind the possibility of using this land for the land trust program in the future. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. 5. Request for $5,000 start up funds for film festival. This item was continued to a later meeting as unfmished business. 6. Discussion of Draft City Council Reimbursement Resolution. This item was continued to a later meeting as unfinished business. 7. Confirmation of Mayor's appointments to Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee. (Pulled from the Consent Agenda) Fine questioned the appointment of Councilor Wheeldon as liaison. Fine and Hauck noted their interest of appointment to this committee. Shaw explained how Wheeldon was chosen, and noting her efforts to balance the committee. Explained that the City Chamber had previously expressed interest in Wheeldon as the liaison for the Chamber Board position, to which Fine was appointed. Councilors Hauck/Hanson m/s to approve the Mayor's appointments to Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. September 21 s~, 1999 Regular Meeting 9 ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS l. Reading by title only of "A Resolution Levying Special Benefit Assessments in the Amount of $188,616.93 for the Westwood Street Local Improvement District for Improvements Consisting of Paving, Curbs, Gutters, Storm Drains, Sidewalk, and Associated Improvements, for the Extension of Westwood Street from its Existing Terminus at Orchard Street, approximately 1300 feet southerly." Councilors Hauck/Hanson m/s to adopt Resolution #99-57. Roll call vote: Reid, Wheeldon, Hanson, Fine, Hauck, and Laws, YES. Motion passed. 2. Reading by title only of "A Resolution adopting the Building Lands Inventory (BLI) in support of the Ashland Comprehensive Plan." Councilors Wheeldon/Hauck m/s to adopt Resolution #99-58. Roll call vote: Laws, Hauck, Reid, Wheeldon, Fine, and Hanson, YES. Motion passed. 3. First reading of "An Ordinance Adding Section 2.04.095 to the Ashland Municipal Code to Establish Fiscal Priorities for New Programs." This item was continued to a later meeting as unfinished business. First reading by title only of "An Ordinance Amending the Telecommunications Title 16 of the Ashland Municipal Code to Add Provisions Regulating Cable Service and to Clarify Requirements for G rantees. ' ' This item was continued to a later meeting as unfinished business. 5. Second reading of "An Ordinance Vacating a Portion of "A " Street Easterly of Oak Street." This item was read in full at the City Attorney's request, as there were some changes from the first reading. Councilors Laws/Hauck m/s to adopt Ordinance #2848. Roll call vote: Hanson, Reid, Fine, Hauck, Wheeldon, and Laws, YES. Motion passed. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Shaw questioned the direction given staff at the previous executive session relative to spray irrigation. Reid noted that she and Hanson were opposed to moving ahead with the appeal, and asked that this be noted in the minutes. Stated that staff was directed to continue looking at alternatives to returning effluent to the Creek and would be moving ahead with the appeal. Fine agreed with Reid's assessment, and added that Nolte was directed to do as he had proposed with respect to the LUBA decision. Also noted that staff was asked to seek an extension from DEQ to take into account the time taken by appeals and such procedures. Explained that staff was also asked to bring back numbers on the various alternatives again. Shaw confirmed that there was no direction given to hire additional consultams. Fine agreed with this, and noted that staff had been asked to include any changes that might be applicable since the last discussion of alternatives. Hauck congratulated City Administrator Freeman on the award he recently received from the Chamber, and on his appointment to the board of directors of the Innovations Group. Hanson noted that a quote from Freeman appears on the Innovations Group homepage, and Wheeldon endorsed Freeman's sitting on this board. Freeman noted that the DEQ extension previously discussed has been requested, and staff has met with engineering consultant and will be getting an updated cost analysis shortly. September 21 st, 1999 Regular Meeting 10 Hauck and Hanson commended staff on the budget synopsis document that was recently distributed. Wheeldon noted that based on the recommendation of the Communications Committee, she will be making herself available to speak before several community groups. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjoumed at 10:30 p.m. Derek D. Severson, Assistant to the City Recorder Catherine M. Shaw, Mayor September 21 ~', 1999 Regular Meeting 11