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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-0516 REG MINMINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 16, 1995 CALLED TO ORDER Mayor Golden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., Civic Center Council Chambers. Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop were present, Councilor Thompson was absent. Councilors APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Executive Session of May 5, and Regular meeting of May 2, 1995 were accepted as presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS: 1. Mayor's proclamation designating the week of May 22-26 as "National Public Works Week." Mayor Golden read proclamation designating "National Public Works Week", which this year marks the 101st anniversary of the Public Works profession. 2. Mayor's proclamation designating the week of June 4-10 as "Crosswalk Awareness Week." Mayor Golden read proclamation designating "Crosswalk Awareness Week", the City is committed to encourage walking and all citizens are entitled to safe use of the public roads. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees. 2. Departmental Reports for April, 1995. 3. City Admini~rator's Monthly Report - April, 1995. 4. Snow Report for April, 1995. 5. Letter from Donna Daniels, recipient of "Volunteer Spirit" award. 6. Acceptance of Affordable Housing Report assessing effectiveness of housing goals adopted in 1990. Councilor Winthrop requested that item #6 be removed from Consent Agenda. Council agreed with recommendaton by Administrator Brian Almquist that item #6 be moved to June 20 Council meeting agenda. Councilors Winthrop/Hauck m/s approval of Consent Agenda items//1-5. Voice vote: aH ayes. Motion passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Planning Action 95-021 is a request for a Comprehensive Plan Map amendment from Single Family Residential Reserve to Health Care and Zone Change from RR-.5P to HC (Health Care Services) for 21.82 acres located on the east side of North Mountain Avenue, between Interstate 5 and Bear Creek. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Single Family Residential Reserve; Zoning: RR-.5P; Map #: 4DA; Tax Lot: 100 (6.45 acres); Map #: 4AD; Tax Lot: 200 (15.37 acres). Applicant: Madeline Hill. Mayor Golden read the Public Hearing format as required by law for Land Use Hearings. She requested from Council any abstention, conflict, exparte contact and whether any member wishes to abstain, declare a conflict of interest or report any exparte contact. Councilor Hauck reported that he had visited the site and had conversation with the applicant when he was a member of Senior Board regarding the project but no information was in the public record as discussed. He did not believe that anything he heard at that time would affect his vote regarding this project. Councilor Hagen reported that he had visited the site and had discussion at the Senior Program Board level and also at the Planning Commission level. He also attended meetings when this neighborhood plan was being developed. He did not believe it would affect his vote. Councilor Reid reported a site visit and conversation with community members. She does not believe it would affect her vote. Staff report by Planning Director John McLaughlin, stated that this Planning Action involves a zone change and Comprehensive Plan amendment. It is a Type III amendment, under the City Ordinance Type IH amendments which may be changed when one of the following conditions exist; a) A public need, supported by the Comprehensive Plan; b) The need to correct mistakes; c) The need to adjust to new conditions; and d) Where compelling circumstances relating to the general public welfare require such an action. This application was proposed out of the past two years work on the North Mountain Neighborhood Plan and is not out of line with the development of this Neighborhood Plan. Originally the land was put into Residential Reserve zoning based on lack of public services; no paved streets, no sewer and limited water. It was not projected at the time the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1980 that it would be used during the 20 year planning period. Because the City Council has approved a sewer LID and with the City acquisition of a park site near this area, the improvement of Mountain Avenue to a paved street is imminent. With all considered, recommendation is to rethink the development of this area. The applicant proposes to do a senior project with this property. The senior project would involve all levels and types of senior housing. From single family detached through apartment styles and cottage units to congregate care and on to assisted living. All of this would take place on the property which is the vision used throughout the Neighborhood Planning process. In looking at the Neighborhood Planning process, an option of how to do a senior overlay on a single family zoning was done. In case this applicant chooses not to pursue the senior project, the Neighborhood Planning would continue with a single family zoning. With this particular rezone, they found that the senior ove~ay was a cumbersome tool to use for housing and instead went to one that is already in our zoning ordinance which is a Health Care zone. This zone is designed to provide for congregate living, assisted living based on a R2 style of zoning while maintaining a residential character, which is in keeping with what work has been done on the Neighborhood Plan. Staff recommends approval with the following conditions; 1) That all proposals of the applicant be conditions of approval unless otherwise modified here; 2) That the comprehensive plan map amendment and zone change shall only apply to the applicant and a project for senior housing. Should the applicant choose not to pursue her senior development, then the zoning shall revert either to RR-.5 zoning, or the zoning established by the neighborhood planning process; 3) That the applicant' s development plan, to be reviewed at a future time, take into account the future single family residential development of the remainder of the North Mountain Neighborhood, and that efforts be taken to ensure that larger buildings used for congregate or assisted living are buffered from other residences across North Mountain Avenue; and 4) That the applicant obtain all required approvals prior to construction of any units. At the time of subdivision application, issues regarding the extension of public facilities shall be address. Councilor Hagen questioned how much land would be used for neighborhood commercial zoning. Director McLaughlin stated that there would a limited commercial base zone for small scale retail convenient type markets and other small type business providing services. Applicant: Madelt Hill, 66 Scenic Drive, she states that with her background is as a social worker and that project was a dream of hers for 10 years. She was coordinator for five county demonstration project based in Jackson County. The result of this demonstration was so successful, it was duplicated all over the State and is called the Oregon Model of Long Term Care. She noted the statistics provided by Trends Projections on Aging Oregonians. In Jackson county the net migration of ages 0-64 was 2,705 and ages 65+ was 3,910 net migration between 1980-1990 by age and county. She envisions this project which is for the 55 and older age group to be tailored on the Ashland community appearance and needs. Leslie Moidow/Architect for Ms. Hill gave oral presentation on vision for project. She stated that the neighborhood has been very receptive to the project and that the Local Improvement District is in the works for paving, gutters and sidewalks. It was clarified for Councilor Winthrop the because of the HC zoning there can be 300-325 units depending on the type of unit. Cost of single family units will be approximately in the range of $140,000-175,000 and attached units $90,000-$190,000 which could also be leased or rented. Councilor Winthrop questioned the applicant why it was so urgent to detach this from the Neighborhood Plan. The applicant responded that they were unable to find a Neighborhood Plan written in the comprehensive plan and that there doesn't seem to be any end to the Neighborhood Plan. The urgency came from seniors working on project. Councilor Hagen shared some of the concern he heard from residents revolved around traffic issues and the proximity and closeness to downtown being similar to the Quiet Village area. There was concern regarding the area composition in that there are steep hills which would be a more difficult walk and greater distance as compared to other areas. The applicant responded that this project allows for passage with assistance by elevators and that vans would be available for trips to town. It was noted that the occupants for this project would not be on a regular regiment for travel, as a greater majority would be retirees. The applicants attorney requested that the following statement be read into the record; "The evidence is in the record to show that we have complied with more than one of the criteria and this is what the Planning Commission used to reach their decision. They are alternative criteria we only need to meet one of them and we feel that we have met three of them. We would like to ask that all the testimony from the Planning Commission hearings be a part of the records including the tapes of the oral testimony." PUBLIC HEARING: Open 8:13 p.m. IN FAVOR: Brenda Brown/210 Jessica Lane/Feels that this would provide a safe supportive environment for seniors and enhance the quality of living for the senior population. States that this is a well planned project and that overall it fits the direction and spirit of Ashland. Lloyd Pennington/932 Walker/Long time resident of Ashland. Shared experience of losing friends who were forced to move out of Ashland because of the care they required which could not be found in Ashland. Felt this project would allow continued quality of living and that nothing in the Rogue Valley compares to it. Ann Stein/55 W Hersey/Felt that this neighborhood would fill necessary needs and requested that Council make these plans become a reality. Wes Hoxie/821 Hillview/Born in Ashland, feels that this is an ideal plan and urges Council to approve. Lawrence Hill/420 Taylor/Feels this is a worthwhile project that allows seniors to sell their home and move into this project with all the quality as they had initially. Felt there would be transportation available and it was important that the seniors be able to live with their own age group and interests. Stated that this would enable the seniors to maintain equity and appreciation of privately owned homes. Jim Norton/75 3rd St/He felt this project could make a difference in the lives of the seniors and urges that this request be done as quickly as possible. Betty Madison/527 Ann/Felt there was urgency regarding timeliness as the seniors were not getting any younger. Don Moore/452 N Mountain/He owns property across the street from the proposed zone change and project. He felt that there needs to be an alternative to current ways seniors are being cared for. This project would improve quality of life and would improve the health of seniors. It would give seniors the opportunity to the most updated facility which best meets their needs. He feels it is important that this project be included in the Neighborhood Plan. Barbara Allen/510 Guthrie/She felt that there was a strong need for senior housing and that this project would provide this. Stated that it was important to keep seniors in Ashland. Bob Fisher/510 Guthrie/Stated that this project would provide an opportunity in providing housing for seniors and citizens of Ashland. The project offers choices without having to move out of the community. OPPOSITION: NONE PUBLIC HEARING: Closed 8:20 p.m. STAFF RESPONSE: NONE REBUTTAL: NONE Councilors Reid/Laws m/s to approve request, adopt f'mdings and move to 1st reading. Roll Call vote: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop YES. Thompson absent. Motion passed. Discussion: Director Mclaughlin confirmed for Councilor Winthrop that the findings as presented by the applicant are sufficient. Councilor Withrop appealed to the applicant that, if possible, the project recruit from own community. Mayor Golden shared experience regarding the giving of the citizens to the community and where the community gives back to the citizens. She felt that when seniors are forced to leave this community there is great loss of knowledge and community spirit. Councilor Reid voiced concern that with the condition on the proposal it could stop with this individual. Councilor Hagen stated that his issue was not with size of facility but more with the location and he would not like to see this area become an island removed from City. 2. Supplemental Budget for 1994-95. a. Reading by title only of "A Resolution adopting a Supplemental Budget for 1994-95." 4 City Administrator Brian Almquist read by title only "A Resolution adopting a Supplemental Budget for 1994-95". Councilors Hauck/Hagen m/s to approve adopting Resolution//95-15. Roll Call vote: Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop YES. Laws not present; Thompson absent. Motion passed. Adoption of 1995-96 Budget. a. Reading by title only of "A Resolution approving the 1995-96 Budget and making appropriations." City Administrator Brian Almquist noted that at the goal setting session, Councilor Thompson put forth the idea of establishing a downtown location to showcase products made locally. This would involve renting an appropriate space; display furnishings; and staff to assemble the products, design the displays, and maintain a presence at the location. It was agreed by Council at the goal setting session that the idea should be presented during the Budget Committee meetings when the Chamber of Commerce presented its Economic Development Grant requests. Because this was not done during the Budget Committee process, this idea could be pursued by appointing a committee of the council to develop a budget for the idea for future discussions with the Chamber for possible funding in 1996-97. Council directed staff to put this item on the side issue agenda for Council discussion regarding whether to bring this idea forward. PUBLIC HEARING: OPEN 8:30 p.m. CLOSED 8:30 p.m. Mayor Cathy Golden read by title only "A Resolution approving the 1995-96 Budget and making appropriations. Councilors Hauck/Winthrop m/s to approve Resolution//95-16. Roll Call vote: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop YES. Thompson absent. Motion passed. First reading of "An Ordinance levying taxes for the period of July 1, 1995 to and including June 30, 1996, such taxes in the sum of $4,059,000 upon all the real and personal property subject to assessment and levy within the corporate limits of the City of Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon", and second reading by title only. City Administrator Brian Almquist read first reading of Ordinance #2758 in its entirety. Councilors Laws/Hauck m/s to approve Ordinance//2758 for first reading and approving to second reading of title only. Roll Call vote: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop YES. Thompson absent. Motion passed. City Administrator Brian Almquist read by title only for second reading of Ordinance//2758. Councilors Hauck/Winthrop m/s to approve second reading of Ordinance//2758 for adoption. Roll Call vote: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop YES. Thompson absent. Motion passed. PUBLIC FORUM Carl Oates/776 Glendale/Ashland Wetlands Coalition/Would like to thank the City Council for proceeding to search for and hire a project coordinator in upgrading the wastewater treatment plant. Also, because it appears that the Council may be in favor of the phased approach to meeting the DEQ standards for cleaning up Bear Creek. The group believes that it is necessary to move forward with several steps on an urgent basis having to do with climate and the pilot project previously presented to Council. A letter was presented to the Council with steps the coalition feel are necessary. The coalition does not feel it is necessary to have a project coordinator appointed to take the steps outlined, but urge the City Council to move ahead now to choose a contractor to implement the steps necessary for ammonia and chlorine removal. The request is that this action be started before June 15, 1995. Councilors Reid/Hauck m/s to put this item on agenda under New & Miscellaneous Business item//4. Voice vote: all AYES. Motion passed. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Report from Fire Chief Woodley on clean-up of City-owned parcel at top of Morton Street. Fire Chief Wooalley presented report on clean-up of City owned land. Because of the visibility of this project the purpose is to advise Council and public of what was happening. The project is the City's progress toward reducing the wildfire fuel loading on city-owned land along Ashland Loop Road, abutting private residential properties on upper Morton Street. The project should be initiated within the next two weeks and be completed by June 30, 1995. It was confirmed for Councilor Reid that there would be no chemicals used in this clean-up and that because of the steepness of the slope, chipping is not an alternative. 2. Report from Energy Conservation Manager Dick Wanderscheid regarding notable conservation events. Energy Conservation Manager Dick Wanderscheid presented a report on conservation events. It was noted by Council the excellent progress that the City is making in our energy efforts. Councilor Hagen commented on the achievements that Mr. Wanderschied has made in the City's interest and requested that this good information relating to Energy Conservation be made available to the public. The brochure that was presented on Energy Conservation was spoke of as an excellent example. Staff was instructed by council to take the information from the Energy Conservation brochure and put this in our city newsletter. Memorandaam from Assistant City Admini~rator Peggy Christianson regarding 1995-96 Council Goal//5: Develop and implement a citizen/government communication program which includes citizen input. Assistant City Administrator Peggy Christianson presented recommendation for approval and/or provide comments on the ideas presented for implementing the FY 95-96 City Council Goal for improved citizen/government communications. The following ideas were presented; 1) Annual community attitude survey: 2) Ad Hoc communications committee; and 3) Integrated communications plan. Councilor Winthrop commented that he felt this was an excellent start regarding communications. He did want to state that the Ad Hoc committee should be intended to be short term and suggested that the formalizing of public comment for the annual goal setting session be added to the list of ideas. 6 Councilor Hauck/Winthrop m/s to approve recommendations implementing a citizen/government communication program which includes citizen input. Voice vote: all AYES. Motions passed. Councilor Reid requested that she be notified when the Ad Hoc committee is formed. Councilor Hauck requested that he be notified regarding the survey. 4. Wetlands Coalition presentation to Council. Councilor Reid stated that she wanted to bring this forward concerning the councils commitment to hire a project coordinator for the wastewater treatment plant. Her understanding, that after the Council made that public decision to hire a coordinator, that the plan changed as it went into committee. She has a problem with the decision to work with the Rogue Council of Governments in more of a team approach. Because a regional approach is one of the options and that when a regional agency is used in hiring of a project coordinator, it could inherently form a bias towards a regional approach. Councilor Laws/Hauck m/s to table matter until the committee has been able to report back to the council. Voice vote: Laws, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop YES. Reid No. Motion passed 4-1. Carl Oates/Stated that he did not believe that the public had been fully informed on the hiring of a project coordinator. Because of this, is why they wanted to address the council to allow more opportunity for public input. Mayor Golden explained the past decision leading up to the forming of a committee to hire a project coordinator. Because the project coordinator would need to be brought up to date with all information involving the wastewater treatment plant, it was felt that the public hearing should be postponed until the coordinator was present and could benefit from the public input. She clarified that no decisions have been made and any recommendation presented to the council would be made in a public forum. Plato Dundalakis/Stated that he felt it was important to start this process to get the demonstration project constructed and would like to put out a request for proposals. There would be no cost to the city at this stage of the process. He doesn't believe that the city should walt on the project coordinator and that the city should make progress toward the demonstration project. Councilor Winthrop urges that the effort be put into the hiring of the project coordinator. Councilor Hauck feels that the Wetlands Coalition proposal is premature. Because the council has not made a decision of what process or which way to go on this project. By approving proposal by the Wetlands Coalition, would commit the Council to doing this option first, when a decision has not been made and without going through the public hearing process. Councilor Hagen explained that the equipment that would be used for ammonia and chlorine removal has potential for resale. ORDINANCES. RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS 1. First reading by title only of "An Ordinance relating to aggressive panhandling; interference with travel on sidewalks; making it unlawful to place another in fear of offensive physical contact; prohibiting open containers and improper use of public monuments and fountains; adding a new 7 Chapter 10.46 to the Ashland Municipal Code relative to unauthorized camping or sleeping on public property; and providing penalties." City Attorney Paul Nolte made suggestion to Council that one addition be made to the proposed ordinance which would be to make prohibition on camping effective on city owned lands outside the city limits. City Administrator Brian Almquist read the proposed ordinance in its entirety for first reading approval. Resolution//95-13, affirming the right of all persons to use public streets and sidewalks and to be treated equally regardless of their economic or living conditions was also read. Mayor Golden informed the public regarding the process involving speaking on an agenda item. It states that any citizen attending Council meetings may speak on any items on the agenda, unless it is the subject of a public hearing which has been closed. Because the public hearing was heard at the last council meeting and was closed at that time, there would be no further public hearing on this ordinance. Councilors Hauck/Winthrop m/s to approve first reading and move proposed ordinance to second reading. Roll Call vote: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop YES. Thompson absent. Motion passed. 2. First reading by title only of "An Ordinance amending the Ashland Municipal Code, Land Use Ordinance, modifying from yard setbacks in the R-2 District and encouraging porches." Moved to June 6 council meeting. 3. Reading by title only of "A Resolution creating a Conservation Commission." Moved to June 6 council meeting. 4. Reading by title only of "A Resolution electing to receive State-shared revenues." Moved to June 6 council meeting. 5. Reading by title only of "A Resolution relating to the provision of City services for State-shared revenues." Moved to June 6 council meeting. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Not permitted, meeting adjourned. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned due to disturbance 9:30 p.m. Barbara Christensen, Recorder Catherine M. Golden, Mayor 8