HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-0815 REG MINMINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
August 15 1995
CALLED TO ORDER
Acting Mayor Susan Reid called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., Civic Center Council
Chambers. Councilors Laws, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop, Thompson were present, Mayor
Catherine Golden was absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular meetings of July 18 and August 1, 1995 were accepted as
presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees.
2. Departmental Reports for July, 1995.
3. Liquor license approval for William and Maureen Sadler dba\The Great American
Pizza Co., 1448 Ashland Street.
4. Authorization for Mayor to sign Cooperative Agreement of Urban Services
Agreement with BCVSA regarding planning coordination.
Item #4 was pulled and put onto New and Miscellaneous Business for council discussion.
Councilors Hauck/Winthrop m/s approval of Consent Agenda items #1 through #3.
Voice vote: all AYES. Motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing on PA#95-058: request for AnnexatiOn of 7.96 acres located on
North Mountain Avenue and the westerly extension of Munson Drive, and
Outline Plan approval of a 43-ht subdivision. (Applicant: Mary Powers/Doug
Neuman)
City Attorney Nolte reviewed Criteria for Annexation (AMC 18.108.85).
Exparte contacts by Council members; Thompson only contact was when he served on the
Planning Commission at the time Munson Subdivision was approved; Winthrop claimed
none; Hagen personally is acquainted with Doug Neuman and Tom Giordano but would not
influence his decision on planning action, Hauck claimed site visit, Laws confirmed watching
the Planning Commission regarding this annexation on public television and Reid claimed site
visit and conversation with neighboring property owner.
STAFF REPORT:
Planning Director John McLaughlin reported that this was an application requesting
annexation of approximately 8 acres and Outline Plan approval of a 43-1ot subdivision.
Twenty five percent of the homes will comply with the City's resolution establishing
affordable housing levels, as required under the requirements for annexation.
Staff recommends approval of the application with the following conditions: 1) That all
proposals of the applicant be conditions of approval unless otherwise modified here; 2) That
a public pedestrian easement be shown on the Final Plan linking the project site to the
property to the north; 3) That hydrant installation be done such that all homes are within 250
feet of a hydrant having adequate flow. Required hydrants to be in and operational prior to
issuance of building permits for individual homes. All other requirements of the Ashland
Fire Department shall also be met; 4) That all easements for sewer, water, electric, and
streets be indicated on the final survey plat a required by the City of Ashland; 5) That the
property owner enter into an agreement with the City of Ashland guaranteeing that 25
percent of the units (11 units) comply with the resolution establishing affordable housing
income and purchased cost levels. Agreement to be recorded prior to the adoption of the
ordinance annexing the property; 6) That a boundary description and map be prepared by a
registered land surveyor prior to the Council approving the annexation; 7) That full
engineered construction drawings be provided for all streets, crossings and utilities as part of
Final Plan approval; 8) That a copy of the CC&R's indicating responsibility for maintenance
of open space and common areas be submitted at the time of Final Plan for review and
approval by the City of Ashland; 9) That the subdivision as a whole, sign in favor of a local
improvement district for future street improvements to North Mountain Avenue, including
curb & gutter, storm drainage facilities and sidewalks; and 10) That a site, size and species
specific landscaping plan for neighborhood open spaces, planting strips and riparian ares be
submitted for review at the time of Final Plan.
It is noted that the section of Mountain Avenue involved in this application is under a five
year no cut moratorium.
Delivery of services can be provided for Munson water service, problem is with water
connection into Mountain Avenue. When the moratorium expires then water connection will
be made into Mountain Avenue. Public Works Director states that there is an ordinance
within the Ashland Municipal Code that allows the Council to allow cutting of streets within
the 5 year moratorium time.
It was made clear for Council that annexation will comply with current Affordable Housing
requirements.
Council questioned possible repercussion regarding additional traffic and whether the
developer would be willing to share costs involving 4-way stops or traffic signal at E. Main
and N. Mountain Avenue.
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Comments were made regarding a parcel of approximately nine to ten acres that would not
be annexed and would become an island surrounded by the City.
Councilor Winthrop concemed regarding water supply with additional units added into the
City. McLaughlin reported that the updated SRC study included some analysis of climate
data and looking at conservation and system wide efforts from' Public Works end showed that
we were tracking along with what the SRC report recommended. Our population is also
tracking at the same rate as the assumptions of the SRC report. Our population projections
are based upon assumptions of growth that also include the assumption of annexation of
lands.
PUBLIC HEARING OPEN: 7:08 p.m.
DOUG NEUMAN/applicant/spoke regarding the work accomplished to provide a
development with amenities and affordable housing.
TOM GIORDANO/157 Morninglight Drive/agent for the applicant. Presented an aerial
photo of the property with site designs and utility plans. The development is using a neo-
traditional concepts, notes the number of crosswalks involved in the designs to slow down
traffic.
Giordano does not view this application as an annexation, but as an in-fill. Notes that this
development is within easy pedestrian access to downtown, schools and shopping and is
centrally located. Important piece of transportation plan providing direct links to new city
park and will relieve traffic pressure from E. Main. Will provide affordable housing close to
the downtown area.
The project allows for four types of open space: the village green would provide a focal
point of green with a pedestrian path (purposely chose gravel instead of pavement to slow
traffic) benches and street lighting, a pedestrian and bicycle link is provided to the north, a
small drainage channel, and a streetscape/parkway on both sides of the street. All would be
public right-of-way.
Notes praise from Planning Commission and Planning Department and notes that there has
been no outspoken opposition to this annexation development.
Addressed the no-cut moratorium indicating there are other routes available in providing
utilities.
Applicant indicated that they would be willing to commit as a condition of Final Plan
approval in participating in sharing of costs regarding traffic signal at intersection of N.
Mountain and E. Main.
IN FAVOR:
MARIF~ MOREHEAD/310 N. MOUNTAIN/is in favor of development but does not like
added traffic to N. Mountain. She would like to try four way stop signs at N. Mountain and
E. Main. Requests the possibility of annexing the rear portion of her lot. She would like to
see more alley ways.
DICK STRENG/1255 Munson Drive/President of Meadowhawk Homeowner's Assn and is
in favor of this project. Notes favorability the access to downtown, common village green,
access to new City park. Feels would alleviate some traffic off Mountain Avenue.
JOHN MCCOREY/549 B Street/Requests that the landscaping of common areas be drought
resistance.
ROB/MOLLY HOLMAN/237 GRANITE/Submitted letter for the record in favor.
JOHN SCHMELLING/596 FORDYCE/Submitted letter for the record in favor.
OPPOSITION:
None
REBUTTAL:
Applicant shares City's concern regarding N. Mountain traffic and believes sidewalks and
bicycle ways are needed.
They will also plan for proportioning the share of development costs that the Council may
request as condition of approval.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 8:07 p.m.
Discussion by Council regarding problem intersections and how to get this into our Capitol
Improvement Plan. Councilor Laws commented he would not: like to see a district created
and assess property owners but rather get developments as new developments occur and put
clear proportionate share of costs on the new developments based on the traffic impact.
Councilor Thompson requested the following changes to staff recommendations prior to final
approval item//2; That a public pedestrian/"bicycle" easement be shown on the Final Plan
linking the project site to the property to the north "and that the surfaces of the
bicycle/pedestrian paths through the common area be approved by the bicycle commission. ";
item #10; That a site, size and species specific landscaping plan for neighborhood open
spaces, planting strips and riparian areas be submitted for review at the time of Final Plan
"and that the landscaping be drought resistant species."; additional condition #11; That the
applicant participate in a signal at N. Mountain and E. Main intersection based on their
added traffic impact; also that there be no street cuts allowed until moratorium has lapsed.
Voiced his concern with adequacy of water, transportation, mechanism of affordable housing.
Discussion regarding imposing conditions of moratorium revealed that it is a council decision
to over-ride a moratorium. If made a condition it would put the applicant in control.
Councilor Laws would like to refer to the Transportation Commission a request that they
address the development tatting place on N. Mountain in regards to pedestrian and bicycles.
Laws also suggested a change to previously suggested condition #11 to read, "if the applicant
agrees to participate in a fund for a signal at the E. Main and N. Mountain intersection based
on a fair share of the cost if a portion of all new developments substantially contribute to the
traffic at the intersection and based on predicted share of traffic contributed by the
development.
It was made clear that these conditions apply only to the subdivision in the Outline Plan of
annexation.
Councilors Winthrop/Hauck to approve request PA#95-058 for annexation of 7.96 acres
and the Outline Plan approval of a 43-1ot subdivision including the staff
recommendation of the 10 conditions with the following amendments to item #2
pedestrian should be "pedestrian/bicycle" and additional wording of "and that the
surfaces of the bicycle/pedestrian paths through the common areas be approved by the
bicycle commition; item #10 additional wording of "that the landscaping be drought
resistant species and the additional condition #11 "Applicant agrees to participate in a
fund for a signal at the E. Main and N. Mountain intersection based on a fair share of
cost if a portion of all new development substantially contribute to the traffic at the
intersection and based on predicted share of traffic contributed by the development.
Roll call vote: Laws, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop and Reid YES; Thompson NO. Motion
passed 5-1.
DISCUSSION:
Councilor Thompson voiced his concern regarding Affordability and did not feel the
annexation request met the requirements for affordability.
City Administrator Almquist commented on the fire protection issue and it was clarified that
the motion did not include the additional suggestion of condition by Councilor Thompson
regarding street moratorium.
PUBLIC FORUM
Jack Blackburn/805 Oak Street/disturbed that there is a member of the Planning
Commission who acts on a Planning Action and then pursues his own activity.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1. Request for sewer connections to properties outside the City Limits but within the
Urban Growth Boundary on Highway 66, east of Dead Indian Memorial Road.
(Osborn request)
Applicant requested postponement until 9-05-95 Council meeting.
2. Election of Audit Committee members by City Council.
Applications were received from three individuals for the two citizen-at-large positions on the
Audit Committee. Councilor Hauck was appointed to serve as council liaison to committee.
Discussion by council regarding Mr. Nicholson's opposition to the audit committee.
Council directed City Administrator to contact Marty Levine regarding participation on the
Audit Committee as a representative from the Budget Committee.
Councilors Hauck/Hagen m/s approve selection of Robert Dozier and F_anile Amarotico
as the two citizen-at-large positions on the Audit Committee. Voice vote: aH AYES.
Motion passed.
3. Letter of resignation from Councilor Rob Winthrop.
Councilors Laws/Hauck to accept letter of resignation and haitiate process for filling
vacancy of Position 5. Voice vote: aH AYES. Motion passed.
DISCUSSION:
Council would like to select a replacement through a interview process which would bc
completed in time to seat the new Councilor at the first Council meeting in October.
4. Authorization for Mayor to sign Cooperative Agreement of Urban Services
Agreement with BCVSA regarding planning coordination.
Planning Director McLaughlin explained to council the nature of the agreement with Bear
Creek Valley Sanitary Authority which will provide service with our planning needs.
Councilors Hauck/Hagen m/s to approve. Voice vote: all AYES. Motion passed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Decision on selection of preferred alternative for upgrade of WWTP to meet new
TMDL standards.
WWTP Coordinator Paula Brown gave brief review regarding' what is trying to be
accomplished in Bear Creek; watershed/basin concept; improve Bear Creek flows to
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encourage salmon habitat development; evaluate regional implications of Ashland's actions.
Why improve the Waste Water Treatment Plan; DEQ point source discharge standards
increasingly stringent; address chlorine residual, ammonia-nitrogen, phosphorus and sludge
management.
Presented summarization of options with changes to staff report, schedule and cost summary.
Two changes to the staff report "B-II" Spray Irrigation WITH Demonstration Wetlands; 1)
timing on building spray irrigation, munch requested that this be looked at end of the third
year instead of during the third year; and 2) include soil infiltration as part of the wetlands
evaluation process.
Change to schedule under Council decisions for Demonstration Wetlands, item #30 has been
changed to a float of a potential six months, will allow council time to evaluate the process.
Timing on the building of the spray irrigation system, item #15 has been moved out until
February 1999.
Added on the cost element, the potential of adding under Phase I, added a pilot soil filtration
portion cost of $80,000 which was the original estimate.
Brown stressed that now is a decision point, the facilities plan that needs to be submitted to
DEQ on October 1 st has to have a solution and Spray Irrigation is that solution. Councils
proposal to evaluate wetlands and determine those benefits fits within that time frame with an
allowable solution as long as spray irrigation is shown as that solution.
It was clarified for council that immediately or in the future they could make a different
determination on to what to irrigate that would potentially require a different classification of
irrigation waters.
Council questioned the ability to meet the TMDL standards with the wetlands option and the
cost of doing a wetland study, there was some question of benefit in creating a wetlands
park.
Brown had concern regarding pushing out the date on design and building of spray irrigation
which may tell DEQ that the system will not be used until sometime in the second quarter of
1999. DEQ could come back and say the City needs to correct the instream amounts of what
is being put into the stream prior to that time.
Councilors Hauck/Winthrop m/s to continue past 10 p.m. Voice vote: aH AYES. Motion
passcd.
There was agreement to a general investigation on the feasibility of irrigating more city
facilities within the proposed schedule which would not preclude the possibility of a wetlands
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study. Also to submit spray irrigation proposal to DEQ with the understanding that other
options will also be pursued re:wetlands study.
Councilors Winthrop/Laws m/s to authorize staff to prepare facility plan to utilize spray
irrigation to meet TMDL requirements; adopt timeline associated with option B-H spray
irrigation w/demonstration wetlands with modifications to include; 1) brief study to
assess the feasibility and cost of utilizing level 4 effluent for irrigation of city properties
and 2) on completion of that study no later than June 1, 1996 council will decide
whether or not to construct and evaluate demonstration wetlands. Roll Call vote: Laws,
Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop and Thompson YES. Motion passed.
ORDINANCES. RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS:
1. Second reading of "An Ordinance amending the A.M.C. Section 9.08.120 to
increase ground clearance of trees over roadways from ten feet to twelve feet."
Councilors Hauck/Thompson m/s to approve second reading of ordinance. Roll call
vote: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Winthrop and Thompson YES. Motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilor Thompson spoke regarding correspondence between Ben Benjamin and City
Attorney Nolte on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Ashland Community Hospital dealing
with the request to remove fence surrounding the hospital.
Councilors Laws/Hauck m/s to put item on agenda for council discussion. Voice vote: all
AYES. Motion passed.
Councilor Reid felt that if the fence was needed for security reasons there could possibly be
a gate put in.
It was understood that the hospital had agreed to take the fence down but now appears that
they had changed their mind. Correspondence to Mr. Benjamin indicated that the fence was
necessary as a form of security barrier, but that a portion of the fence would be removed
which was closest to his property.
Council requested City Administrator to contact Hospital Administrator Jim Watson to get
more information on the situation.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Barbara Christensen, Recorder
Catherine M. Golden, Mayor