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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-0626 REG MINMINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL JUNE 26, 1990 ROLL CALL Mayor Golden led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting to order at 8:07 P.M. on the above date in the Council Chambers. Reid, Williams, Acklin, Winthrop, and Arnold were present. Donovan arrived at 8:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS Eroposed Charter Amendment for Open Space Park Program - City 'Administrator Almquist explained that Council and-theParks Commission met on June.12, 1990 and brought forward proposals to be placed on the August 14, 1990 ballot. Winthrop requested that the word ".increased" in the proposed wording in the resolution concerning Section 2, Article XIX A of the City Charter be changed to "altered"; and the second line of the explanation of the proposed ballot measu~ be amended to read as follows: "...methods and rates ~pprgve~by the voters of Ashland and the ...". Arnold recommended changing the,~first line of the proposed wording for Section 3 of Article XIX-A to read as follows: "The tax measures for funding for land acqu~SitiQn for the Open Space ...". The Charter Amendment Resolution and Exhibit "A", the proposed ballot measure, were read and the public hearing opened. Richard Ernst, 975 Walker, is concerned about a forced trail through his property along the T.I.D. ditch. Don Rist, 310 Bridge Sty, likes the Charter amendment language but is also concerned about the trails. Marilyn Briggs, 590 Glenview, said the one exceptionl-to the condemnation issue should be addressed. Planning Dir. F~egonese said the condemnation clause should be left as is. On a question from Briggs, Acklin reiterated that development and maintenance costs will be funded from the current authorized property tax levy for parks. A!mquist said the concern regarding trails can be added to the Charter amendment language. The amended sections of the Resolution were read. Acklin moved to adopt same, Winthrop seconded and ~e mote. on passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Reso. #90-35) Proposed Funding Measure for Open Space Park Program - Almquist reviewed a memo included in the agenda packet concerning the proposed business tax increase. Notices of the hearing we~ sent to businesses who would experience a 100% increase. The public hearing was DDened. Jerry Sivin, Parsons Pine Products, said the proposed increase will discourage creation of new jobs, and the utility bill increase is more equitable. Wes Reynolds, 1265 Munson Dr., said the business tax increase is part of a larger and well-balanced program wherein everyone will contribute. Estelle Sohler, 505 Fairview, is against the proposed funding measure and said a bond issue should be used to acquire land. Bob Johnson, N. Mountain, owns a small business and said the doubled business tax base rate will be a burden'. Jerry Sivin said those businesses with an increase of 300% and over, should be allowed to make payments in three year increments. Motel/Motel Tax Increase - Almquist reviewed a memo included in the agenda packet in response to Acklin's previous request that consideration be give to indexing the hotel/motel tax. The public hearing was opened. Jim Sims, 269 B St., and President of the Ashland Lodging Association, said the hotel/motel tax is regressive, and the funding proposal should be broad-based. Jack Blackburn, 805 Oak St., spoke against the tax. Michael Utoff, 633 Roca St., would rather pay as a citizen than a business i.e., utility bill charge. Marilyn Briggs suggested fundraisers to supplement the program. The public hearing was closed. Williams asked about including the utility bill increase and exploring an exemption program for low income citizens, and Almquist said administrative costs would be prohibitive. Donovan has no problem with the business license tax increase, but feels the hotel/motel tax increase singles out a small segment of the community. Acklin and Arnold will vote for the resolution in its present form. Reid prefers the menu approach for the ballot, and thinks indexing is a good idea. Arnold moved to continue the meeting, Winthrop seconded, all AYES on voice vote. Donovan suggested raising the business license tax base rate to $100 and decreasing the per employee rate. Winthrop moved to adopt the resolution as read and Acklin seconded the motion. Williams will not support the proposal without the contribution from residents. The motion failed as follows on roll call vote: Donovan, Reid, and Willjams, NO; Acklin, Winthrop, and Arnold, YES; Mayor Golden broke the tie with a NO vote. Winthrop moved to continue the meeting, Reid seconded, the motion passed on voice vote with Arnold and Acklin voting NO. Winthrop moved to adjourn to 1:00 P.M., Monday, July 1st, and request staff to draft proposals as follows: 1) include a 50¢ utility charge and adjust the per employee business license tax accordingly, and 2) include a $1.00 utility charge and reduce the proposed hotel/motel tax increase. Williams seconded the motion which passed on roll call vote as follows: Arnold, Donovan, Reid, NO; Willjams, Acklin, and Winthrop, YES. Golden, YES. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS Taxicab Ordinance - Second reading by title only of an ordinance relative to taxicabs. Arnold moved to adopt same, Donovan seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ord. #2585) Alcoholic Beverages on Calle Guanajuato - Second reading by title only of an ordinance amending the A.M.C. with respect to alcoholic beverages on Calle Guanajuato. Acklin moved to adopt the ordinance, Winthrop seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ord. #2586) Resolution on Funding Open Space Park Program - no action taken. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 11:50 P.M. to 1:00 P.M., July 1, 1990 in the Civic Center Council Chambers. Nan E. Franklin City Recorder Catherine M. Golden Mayor Adjourned Meeting - Ashland City Council - June 26, 1990 - Page Two