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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-0716 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL JULY 16, 1991 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Catherine Golden led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. on the above date in the Council Chambers. Laws, Williams; Acklin, Winthrop, and Arnold were present. Reid was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Winthrop asked that the number of OSFA performances per year since 1977 as stated on page 4, paragraph 4 of the July 2, 1991 minutes be checked. On page 5, 4th paragraph, Arnold asked that the minutes reflect his objection to Hall sending letters regarding signs. The amended minutes of the July 2nd meeting and the minutes of the June 4, 1991 meeting were approved. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS: Mayor Golden told of Walt Hoffbuhr's outstanding contribution during his nine years as a member of the Ashland Community Hospital Board of Directors, during which time he served five years as President. She then presented him with a certificate of appreciation for this dedicated service to our community. Councilor Acklin also noted his dedication to Board activities. CONSENT AGENDA: Williams moved to approve same as ~follows: 1) Departmental Reports; and 2) Set date for public hearing on proposed vacation of an alley off Alta St. for September 3, 1991. Winthrop seconded, all AYES on voice vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1) P.A. 91-067 - Zone Change - 250 N. Pioneer. Planning Dir. Fregonese said this action is to correct an error made on the current zoning map in 1981. The public hearing was opened. Michael Gutman spoke for Dr. William Waugh of Colorado who owns property at 236 First St. Dr. Waugh would like his property rezoned to employment to allow for professional offices. There being no further comment from the audience, the public hearing was closed. Fregonese said professional offices are allowed at present. Arnold moved to approve the planning action, Williams seconded, all YES on roll call vote. Staff was requested to prepare Findings for Council approval. 2) Environmental Resources Element of Comprehensive Plan. Fregonese said same was approved by C.P.A.C. and the Planning Commission. The air quality section was included in the Conservation Element. The public hearing was opened and there was no response. Laws expressed concern about the wording of Policy 21 on page IV-11 concerning Riparian Resource Lands. It was agreed to change the last sentence of that paragraph to read as follows: "Retaining these areas in a natural state should be of high priority, and development should consider and accommodate the habitat utilized by these plants and animals." Concerning page IV-19, Policy 32, Laws said the wording Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council - July 16, 1991 - P. 1 "maximum extent possible" means preserving all the forest vegetation. It was agreed to re-word that policy as follows: "Emphasize the preservation of forest vegetation to the extent feasible as forested areas of the City are converted to urban uses." Williams moved to adopt the Environmental Resources Chapter as amended, Arnold seconded, all YES on roll call vote. NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Report on financing N.W. water system improvements. A memo was read from Finance Dir. Turner and Public Works Dir. Hall outlining three methods of financing the improvements as follows: 1) General Obligation Bonds; 2) Revenue Bonds; and 3) Certificates of Participation. Staff recommends the third alternative. On a question from Williams, Fire Chief Woodley supplied evidence of deficient water supply for fire suppression purposes in and around the present moratorium area. Carl Oates, 351 Granite, read a statement (copy included in record) from residents of Granite Street, in which they request that the moratorium area be extended to include Granite Street from Winburn Way to the National Forest boundary. Marcie Mizerak, 316 Scenic, is concerned about water pressure for fire suppression. Jill Murphey, 492 Lynn, read a letter from Friends of Ashland requesting the following: 1) extension of moratorium area to end of Granite St. and above; 2) implementation of Beck Report, with emphasis on conservation and reducing distribution line leaks; 3) bringing whole city into conformance with Uniform Fire Code; and 4) establishing city-wide building moratorium. Steve Morjig, 610 Chestnut, said the Certificates of Participation is a great idea. Ed Houghton, 185 Scenic, asked that his letter of May 20, 1991 to Mayor Golden be made a part of the record; and that his Logan Drive subdivision for which SDC's have been paid, be excluded from extension of the moratorium area. John Barton, 300 Kent, asked that further public input be allowed, should a moratorium extension be considered. On a question from Arnold, Hall said a brand new distribution system with reasonable pressures would still have a 10- 15% loss, and losses to our system have been reduced to under 25%. Councilor Laws took exception to statements criticizing the City for inattention to infrastructure problems and explained that progress is being made in areas of water conservation, updating the sewage system, the electric substation siting, and the present discussion on financing water improvements. Arnold said Certificates of Participation should be used, but the impact softened by also using SDC's or property taxes, and less than the estimated 14 - 20% increase in water rates. Winthrop agrees that the Certificates are an appropriate method of financing the improvements, but a public hearing should be held. Fregonese said higher water rates can induce conservation. Winthrop moved to hold a public hearing on August 12 with a proposal to finance through Certificates of Participation, but consideration of alternate methods also. Williams seconded the motion which carried on voice vote, with Arnold dissenting. PUBLIC FORUM: No response. Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council - July 16, 1991 - P. 2 ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS: 1) Title 10 Amendments. Second reading by title only of an ordinance amending Title 10 of the Ashland Municipal Code relative to public peace, morals and safety. Laws moved to adopt same, Acklin seconded, all YES on roll call vote. (Ord. 2637) 2) Affordable Housing Income Levels. A memo from Fregonese explained that the Resolution updates income levels and includes a provision which guarantees affordability in future FmHA projects without using sleeping seconds. It also replaces Reso. 91-04 in its entirety. Winthrop noted that rental rates established are high and Golden agreed. Fregonese suggested changing rents to 25% of income. It was agreed to adopt the resolution now and bring back amendments. Acklin moved to adopt same, Laws seconded, all YES on roll call vote. (Reso. 91-28) 3) Political District Boundaries. A resolution was read opposing a proposal to change the political district boundaries. Arnold suggested the following changes: Change the last sentence of the first paragraph in SECTION 1. to read as follows: "The City of Ashland is a cohesive and independent city which does not wish to be divided in its representation. In SECTION 1, paragraph 2, delete the word "an " y in the second line, add the words "tend to" to the beginning of the third line, and delete "true" from the third line. In SECTION 2, delete "vehemently" from the second line, and change the end of the sentence to read as follows: "... from representation from within the Rogue Valley." Arnold moved to adopt as amended, Acklin seconded, all YES on roll call vote. (Reso. 91-29) 4) Clerical/Technical Agreement. City Administrator Almquist explained that this agreement has been extended for three years with a few changes as noted in information contained in the agenda packet. Arnold moved to authorize the Mayor and City Recorder to sign the extended contract, Williams seconded, all YES on roll call vote. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS: Laws asked that Golden report on information she received during interviews with Police Dept. employees concerning morale in that department. Winthrop questioned if this should be discussed in Executive Session, and Interim City Attorney Thierolf was asked to research this. Police Chief Lively noted that he will be on vacation in August and would like to be present during this discussion. Williams would like to wait until arbitration issues are settled. No further discussion. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:40 P.M. Nan E. ~rankl in City Recorder Catherine M. Golden Mayor Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council - July 16, 1991 - P. 3