HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-1220 SS MIN MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
December 20, 1995
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Golden called meeting to order at 12:09 p.m., Council Chambers.
INTRODUCTIONS
Attending Study Session: Guests; Jackson County Commissioners Sue Kupillas, Jack Walker
and Rick Holt; Council members; Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Wheeldon and Thompson;
City Administrator Almquist, City Attorney Nolte, City Recorder Christensen; Staff; Brown,
McLaughlin, Lovrovich, Woodley, Olsen; local media.
A. Regional Planning
General discussion on Regional Planning and what the Cities role would be.
that the "2050" Report was what instigated the Regional Planning.
It was noted
Consensus by Council and Commissioners that Regional Planning would provide a forum for
a broad range of philosophies and would help to educate a lot of people.
The Commissioners were encouraged to enforce Land Use Laws.
B. Update on Ambulance Emergency Medical Services
City Administrator assured Commissioners that the community would continue to provide the
service. The Commissioners could expect a full application from the City of Ashland by
next week. Also noted was that Fire District 5 was working cooperatively with the City of
Ashland.
Commissioner Holt commented that he had received phone calls from the Klamath County
area with concern.
Commissioners requested no further discussion on item as they would be having a Public
Hearing regarding this issue at their next meeting.
C. Jackson County Tax Base
General discussion regarding the County Tax Base and noted that it was the lowest County
Tax Base in Oregon. Discussion regarding the structure of levy's, campaign on the
restructuring of County Commissioner positions, property taxes being paid on monthly basis
and the O & C safety net. The commissioners felt there should be better education regarding
the understanding of O & C.
D. Services within Urban Growth Boundary
City Administrator reported that the City of Ashland was working on a new UGB agreement
with Jackson County.
General discussion on progress with County regarding contracting and sharing of
responsibilities.
E. Statewide Funds for Mass Transit ($375 million)
Discussion regarding creating common agenda to present regarding the statewide funds for
Mass Transit which would provide a united force.
Councilor Hauck reported that there is dialog with RVTD on the use of the railroad tracks.
Every City that is along the tracks has been contacted. There is a plan to have commuting
service from Medford/Ashland to Eugene.
Commissioner Holt noted that January 24, 1995 Ralph Lewis will be speaking on energy
issues in Smullen Center.
BUSINESS ITEMS FROM COUNCIL
A. Council Study Sessions Schedule (Don Laws)
1. Councilor Laws voice concern with the current situation regarding Ashland Hospital
and the Medford Tribune in that the hospital is refusing to provide information. Laws is
concerned that the hospital is not following general policy and feels it is an embarrassment to
the City.
Laws requested that Hospital Administrator Jim Watson attend the next Council meeting to
explain his actions.
2. Councilor Laws requested that the Study Sessions held on the third Wednesday at
noon be changed to a time that he could attend. He also was concerned that the current time
did not allow attendance by the public.
Comments by Council members were that the public could attend the noon meetings and that
a survey done by the Mayor had indicated that these sessions would be re-evaluated in six
months.
Consensus by Council that the Study Sessions should be at a time that all members could
attend. Mayor will survey all Councilors for another suitable time for all members.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:36 p.m.
Subm~ed by,
Barbara Christensen
City Recorder