HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-1117 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 17, 1992
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Catherine Golden called the meeting to order and
led the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:30 P.M. on the above date in the
Council Chambers. Laws, Reid, Williams, Acklin, Winthrop and Arnold
were present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Golden asked that Page 1, PUBLIC HEARING, be
amended to read that Rick Landt requested that the Parks Department
not all City departments review requests for alley/street vacations.
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 3, 1992 were accepted
as amended.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS: John Fregonese. A resolution was
read in appreciation of John Fregonese's 13 years as Ashland's
Planning Director and all of his hard work and dedication which has
resulted in making Ashland a nicer and more desirable place to live.
He's leaving Ashland to begin work for Portland Metro on December 1.
T.C.I. Cablevision. Glenn Rierson, TCI, presented a $600 check to the
Ashland Cable Access Channel for the use of Cable Channel 9 during the
Olympics. He said the cable re-build project will probably be
completed about Mid-December.
CONSENT AGENDA: Winthrop asked that item 2 be pulled for discussion.
Arnold moved to approve the remainder of the agenda as follows: 1)
Monthly Departmental Reports, October 1992; 3) Acceptance and
placement of plaque donated to City, commemorating the Applegate
Trail; 4) Appointment of Alan DeBoer to the Airport Commission for a
term expiring April 30, 1994; 5) Confirmation of City Administrator,s
rescinding of Stage i Water Curtailment; 6) Appointment of John
McLaughlin, Senior Planner, as interim Planning Director. Item 2)
City Administrator's Monthly Report. Almquist reviewed his monthly
activity report. Winthrop moved approval of this item, Arnold
seconded, all AYES on voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed L.I.D. Railroad District Park. Almquist
explained the S.P.R.R. is unwilling to wait for one year for park
funds to be raised and Allen Sandler is willing to carry 50% of the
balance for one year from close of escrow. If an Open Space funding
measure is approved by the voters, the proposed assessments to
property owners will be reimbursed. On a question from Williams,
Almquist said the payments can be made all at once or 2 payments per
year for ten years. The City will assume liability, and the Parks
Department will develop the park. The public hearing was opened. Bob
Martindale, 244 Hargadine, feels the entire City should pay for the
park. Neil Burrill, owner of 1035 Eureka, is opposed. Randy Voris,
owner of 3 tax lots on A St., objects to more property taken out of
the tax base. Joe Garfas, 2 tax lots on 4th St., is opposed. Charles
McKereghan, 77 Sixth St., spoke in favor. Russ Blair does not think
Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council - Nov. 17, 1992 - P. 1
non-profit organizations should be assessed, i.e. VFW and churches.
James Everett, 260 N. 1st, is opposed, whole City should pay. Frank
Billovits, representing owners of 250 Pioneer, opposed to LID to
purchase parks. Beth Wilcox, 268 Sixth St., is opposed. Della
Ortega, 954 B St., is opposed. Marvin Gettling, 939 B St., is
opposed. Vergie Hahn, 925 B St., is opposed. Mrs. Brunston, 325,
355, 357 B St., is opposed. Bill Emerson, 90 Fifth St., is in favor.
Richard McKinney, 117 8th St., is in favor. Betty Camner, 868 B St.,
is in favor, but concerned about ability of low-income people to pay,
and City Recorder Franklin said the State will pay Senior Citizen's
portions which will be reimbursed when the property is sold. Dan
Heller, 872 B St., is in favor. Joe Garfas asked about contaminants
on the property and City Attorney Nolte said the park will not be
purchased unless it is clear of same. Chris Hald is opposed. The
public hearing was closed. Almquist said 13.19% are opposed. First
reading of the ordinance was held and Arnold moved to second reading,
Laws seconded the motion. Williams said non-profit organizations
should be excluded and Laws disagreed. Acklin said the property is
extremely significant but would like to find funds to reimburse
property owners. Laws moved to amend motion to exclude non-profits
from the L.I.D., and Reid seconded. Arnold said non-profits should be
included. The motion passed on roll call vote with Arnold dissenting.
Winthrop moved to amend original motion to include a low-income
discount mechanism, Willjams seconded, and the motion passed on roll
call vote with Arnold and Acklin dissenting. The original motion
passing ordinance to second reading was brought forth and passed
unanimously on roll call vote.
NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: ,'Town Hall" Meeting Report. Debbie
Miller, 160 Normal Ave., said over 150 people attended, and growth
issues are still at the forefront. She asked that Council give
direction and said Friends of Ashland wish to help.
Drug Free Zone Signs. Joan Jackson, Chair of A.S.A.P., asked for City
assistance in placing "Drug Free Zone" signs at all schools which warn
of increased penalties for illegal drug activity within 1000' of
school yards. Laws moved to approve the proposal in concept, but
asked that more details be provided. Reid seconded, all YES on roll
call vote.
Reclaimed Water Study. Public Works Dir. Hall asked Council
authorization for his participation in a study with the U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation for the use of reclaimed water for agricultural purposes.
Acklin moved approval, Arnold seconded, all AYES on voice vote.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities Plan. Hall reviewed the
information in the Council packet. He also reviewed a memo placed on
Councilors' tables prior to the meeting, which summarized a
conversation with Dick Santner, DEQ, regarding a time extension for a
wetlands study. Reid suggested a letter to the Governor requesting a
study by all agencies and involving other cities to aid in solving
this issue. John Holroyd, Brown & Caldwell, said Alternative 3A is
the most effective for meeting permit limits. On a question from
Reid, Holroyd said he is familiar with the work Dr. Gearhart is doing
in Mt. Angel, but their requirements are easier to meet than
Ashland's. Gary Schrodt, Wetlands Coalition, said further study on
wetlands should be done prior to making a decision. Plato
Doundoulakis, Wetland Coalition, agreed with Schrodt and expressed
Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council - Nov. 17, 1992 - P. 2
concern about Alternative 3A. Acklin moved to direct Staff to
complete the facilities plan for Alternatives 3A and 3A-Alternate and,
if a time extension from DEQ has not been granted by December 15,
present the plan to Council for adoption at the council meeting on
that date. Williams seconded the motion which passed on roll call
vote as follows: Laws, Williams, and Acklin; YES; Arnold and
Winthrop, NO. (REID was out of the room)
Arnold moved to consider item 5. ORDINANCES - Newsrack Placement
Ordinance at this time. Williams seconded, all AYES on voice vote.
Nolte presented amendments to the Ordinance. Steven Boyd, Publisher
of the Lithiagraph, said the proposed racks are unsightly and high
costs for racks will put him out of business. Angela Carmen, USA
Today, said their racks meet all specifications. Reid moved to extend
the meeting, Winthrop seconded, all AYES on voice vote. A
representative of The Oregonian, is concerned about violation of the
First Amendment and would like a working agreement with Ashland about
newsrack appearance. Michael O'Brien, Daily Tidings, asked that one
more location on the Plaza be added. George Holzman, Gazette, is
opposed to the ordinance as it is now written. Leon Swartzberg, Jr.,
Lithiagraph, is opposed to the ordinance. Reid is also opposed and
said it is based on false findings. Acklin said more input should be
obtained and reviewed and placed on future agenda. Arnold so moved,
Winthrop seconded, all AYES on voice vote.
"The Summit: Building a Hate Free Oregon." Arnold requested
authorization to represent the City at a conference on December 4
hosted by Governor Roberts and U.S. West Communications. Acklin moved
to place this item on the agenda, Reid seconded, all AYES on voice
vote. Williams moved approval, Winthrop seconded, all AYES on voice
vote.
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS: Routing Plan - Billings
Property. (Information contained in Agenda Packet). Reid moved
approval, Williams seconded, all AYES on voice vote.
Transient Occupancy Tax - Homeless Provision. Second reading by title
only of an ordinance providing an exemption to the Transient Occupancy
Tax for rooms occupied by the homeless. Acklin moved approval, Arnold
seconded, All YES on roll call vote. (ORD. 2692)
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 12:00 Midnight to Executive
Session on December 8, 1992 at 7:30 P.M. to consider the evaluation of
the City Attorney and City Administrator.
City Recorder Mayor
Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council - Nov. 17, 1992 - P. 3