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Home My WebLink About1990-0312 REG MINMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MI&RCH 12, 1990 ROLL CALL 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. Donovan, Reid, Williams, Acklin, Winthrop, and Arnold were present. UNFINISHED BUSINESS P.A. #89-223 Findings - Williams moved to approve the Findings, Conclusions and Orders for Planning Action #89-223, request for a variance from rear yard setback requirements (James Foster). Reid seconded the motion which passed on roll call vote as follows: Donovan, Reid, Williams, Winthrop and Arnold, YES; Acklin, NO. PUBLIC HEARING Open Space Funding and Charter Amendment - Mayor Golden said the hearing on the Open Space Plan will be held on April 17th. She then gave an overview of how the process evolved and addressed concerns previously expressed by citizens. Tom Pyle, Chair of the Parks Commission, asked that a menu approach be placed on the ballot. The four criteria for funding sources are as follows: 1) must generate income from visitors and residents; 2) include a strongly identifiable visitor component; 3) generate at least $260,000/year; 4) receive sufficient voter support. Pyle then outlined the Parks Commission's proposals as follows: 1) 3-5% prepared food and beverage tax with a five year sunset clause, with those businesses being exempt from paying business license fees and the lost revenue paid to the general fund from the open space funds. 3% will generate $600,000 and 5% - $1,000,000; 2) 50 cents per month on residential utility accounts ($36,000/yr.), business license tax increase to generate $130,000 ($100/business and $30/per employee over one), and 2% increase in transient occupancy tax ($120,000); 3) property tax levy increase to raise $260,000/year. Acklin reviewed her funding proposal as presented at the March 6, 1990 meeting, and said she received calls suggesting the visitor industry element was not strong enough. Winthrop explained his four source approach as follows: 1) business license increase to $100 per business and $10 per employee ($100,000/year), transient occupancy tax increase from 6% to 7% ($64,400/year), Systems Development Charges on permits for new construction ($30,000/year), and residential utility surcharge of 50 cents per month ($36,000/year). The public hearing was opened. Allan Sandler recommended a city sales tax. Donald Scofield, 465 Tucker St., said the costs are unrealistic and other needs are more pressing. He feels a complete and detailed cost estimate should be done before voting YES or NO on the program, Special Meeting - Ashland City Council - March 12, 1990 - Page One Open Space Charter Amendment and Funding (Continued) and feels Staff should be directed to prepare an analysis of needs and costs and then hold a vote on priorities. Lois Wenker, Pres. of the Chamber of Commerce, reported on the survey sent to Chamber members and said the program needs to be scaled down. Jerry Sivin, 1552 Lilac Circle, thinks developers should set aside portions of land for open space. Steve Zenos, 355 Grant, said a program like this in Albuquerque created problems such as crime, drugs, etc., and property values near the park areas decreased. Tim Kelly, 1314 Woodland Dr., said Concerned Neighbors of Ashland agree with Schofield, and he expressed concern about the plan changing so many times. Arnold said the plan will be discussed at the public hearing on April 17th. Teri Coppedge, 2927 Barbara St., said everyone should pay for open space and the program should proceed. Rick Harris, Ashland Board of Realtors, said funding should be based on ability to pay with a twenty year sunset clause except development and maintenance, and suggested a percentage on utility bills and development of neighborhood parks through local improvement districts. Bryan Holley, 166 Hargadine, supports open space and suggested a ticket tax. Donovan noted that tourists contribute through the hotel/motel tax. Jack Blackburn, 805 Oak St., is in favor of open space and suggested fund-raising and donations, land acquired through willing buyers/sellers, and no restrictions which don't apply to all other property. Leo Jansen, 1520 Siskiyou, Pres. of Ashland Lodging Assoc., spoke against increasing the lodging tax. Jere Hudson thanked everyone involved for their efforts. Mae Dunn, 65 Granite St., said there are noise problems for residents near Lithia Park and agreed with Scofield on looking at priorities. Acklin explained the Council's goal setting process and said other priorities are being studied. Arnold said all reports and studies are available at City Hall. Ed Pentkowski, 436 Monte Vista, said a new substation is needed, and Winthrop told of negotiations with BPA for a third substation. Paul Mace, 206 Alicia, thinks priority questions should be answered and the program not rushed. Leo Hull, 1474 Siskiyou, spoke against a prepared food and beverage tax. Roy Levy, 514 Siskiyou, said more facts are needed about other priorities. Debbie Miller, 160 Normal, member of the Chamber's funding committee, said the program should be reviewed every 3-5 years, sunset at 20 years except by vote, no condemnation, and she feels that other needs are addressed in the budget. Planning Director Fregonese said the Planning Department is trying to get information to people while dealing with dramatically increasing workloads. Ron Kelso said funding measures should go on the November ballot. Myra Erwin encouraged the Council to act now. Cynthia Lord, 710 N. Mountain, said open space should be acquired now. Rick Landt, 487 Rock, supports open space and Winthrop's funding plan. Ron Skog, Strawberry Lane property owner, said the plan shouldn't be rushed and more information made available. Steve Zenos, 355 Grant, asked for cost information for homes, not individuals. Dave Bernard, 378 Terrace, sells goods outside the City and feels citizens and tourists should be taxed, not outside customers. John Fields, 845 Oak, spoke Special Meeting - Ashland City Council - March 12, 1990 - Page Two Open Space Charter Amendment and Funding (Continued) against placing a funding measure on the ballot. There being no further comment from the audience, the public hearing was closed. Councilor Reid would like the details of the plan worked out, a map published and funding measures placed on the November ballot. She moved to place an advisory measure on the May ballot, and Acklin seconded. Donovan thinks the details should be clarified. Winthrop said condemnation is inappropriate, and a charter amendment and funding mechanism should be placed on the May ballot. Williams expressed concerns that the program was being rushed. Arnold wants to go ahead with the charter amendment and funding on the ballot. Acklin thinks open space will make citizens more comfortable with growth, and doesn't think the vote should be advisory. The motion failed on roll call vote as follows: Williams, Acklin, Winthrop, and Arnold, NO; Donovan and Reid, YES. A resolution on the Charter Amendment was read. Williams and Golden said they own property in affected areas. Arnold moved to adopt the resolution, Donovan seconded. Acklin would like the explanation to say that no land will be acquired by condemnation. The motion and second were rescinded. Donovan moved to continue the meeting for one- half hour, Acklin seconded, all AYES on voice vote. Arnold said the condemnation issue will be dealt with fully at the April 17 hearing. Arnold moved to adopt the resolution, Winthrop seconded and the motion passed on roll call vote as follows: Williams, Acklin, Winthrop, and Arnold, YES; Donovan and Reid, NO. (Reso. #90-07) The resolution on funding was read. Winthrop moved to adopt same and Arnold seconded. Donovan doesn't feel the proposed funding mechanism will keep pace with future needs, and is concerned that future Councils will raise the funding sources further. The motion passed on roll call vote as follows: Donovan and Reid, NO; Williams, Acklin, Winthrop and Arnold, YES. (Reso. #90-08) Acklin moved to extend the meeting, Winthrop seconded and the motion failed as follows on roll call vote: Donovan, Reid, Williams, and Arnold, NO; Acklin and Winthrop, YES. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 P.M. Nan E. Franklin City Recorder Catherine M. Golden Mayor Special Meeting - Ashland City Council - March 12, 1990 - Page Three