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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-0307 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MARCH 7, 1989 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Catherine Golden led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Civic Center Council Chambers. Donovan, Reid, Williams, Acklin, Winthrop and Arnold were present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilor Reid asked that the second to the last sentence in the last paragraph on page four be amended to read: "Reid asked that Staff write to the representatives from Corciano and thank them for the information she received ..." Winthrop asked that the third to the last sentence in the last paragraph of page two be clarified to show that Arnold's instructions to Staff were a part of the motion. Mayor Golden noted that on page two in the middle of the second paragraph "Darlene" Adams should be "Darlyn" Adams. Acklin moved to approve the minutes as corrected; Donovan seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. MAYOR'S PRESENTATIONS Mayor Golden received a thank you note from Jim Watson, Hospital Administrator, thanking the Council and Asst. City Admin. Tom Weldon for writing to Rep. Peterson re: a proposed bill which will reduce funding to the hospital. She reminded the Council of the March 22 meeting with the County Commissioners regarding woodstove pollution. Mayor Golden also noted the recent death of Marilyn Lenihan who contributed much of her time and efforts to the community. Tom Ramoss, Water Quality Division, has been with the City for 25 years. Police Chief Vic Lively told of a recent accident in which the driver of the car had a heart attack. Certificates of appreciation were presented to Richard Wood, Tamara Dunn, and Sarada for their quick actions and CPR administration which were credited with saving the life of the driver. Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council 3/7/89 P. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS Downtown Parking Utility Fee Planning Director Fregonese explained where the financing for the first phase of the parking improvement project will be obtained. Business owners with no downtown parking or with not enough parking will be charged $1.00/month for each space which is needed but not provided. On a question from Winthrop, he said the bonds could be retired in ten years or left as a permanent assessment to pay for only downtown parking improvements. This fee will replace an existing $5.00/per employee/per year tax. The public hearing was opened and John Schweigert, owner of the Varsity Theater, suggested that the notes signed by business owners be due on September 15 without penalties or interest. Williams said the whole amount can be paid at any time with a small amount of interest. On a question from Reid, Schweigert said he is concerned that the ordinance does not have a sunset clause. Michael Gibbs, owner of the Winchester Inn, feels he is being double taxed. He questioned the process for deciding how many parking spaces are required, and Dir. of Planning Fregonese said it is in the Land-use Ordinance. Steve Mitchell, representing Archie's Cleaners, 151 Pioneer St., told of 1983 blue-prints which showed they have adequate parking. Fregonese said he is correct and they do have all the off-street parking required. There being no further comment from the audience, the public hearing was closed. Councilors Williams, Donovan and Arnold declared they have businesses in the downtown district and will be affected by the parking utility fee. On a question from Acklin, Donovan said a sunset clause was discussed at the Downtown Planning Advisory Committee meeting, and he feels it is a good idea to keep the option of renewing the tax for new projects which may come up in ten years. Williams, Arnold and Winthrop agreed with inclusion of a sunset clause. The Ordinance was read and Donovan moved to second reading with the addition of a sunset clause whereby the ordinance will be effective until January 1, 2000. Arnold seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Williams requested that a letter be sent to those who signed up to pay the assessment over ten years and notify them that the remaining balance and accumulated interest can be paid at any time. Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council 3/7/89 P. 2 COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & REMONSTRANCES: Street Closure Request A letter was read from the 4th of July Committee requesting street closures for the annual 4th of July parade. Arnold moved to approve the request; Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Purchase of Ashland Taxi Co. A letter was read from Craig Hollinsworth regarding purchase of the Ashland Taxi Co. The Council received confidential financial information in their agenda packets. Councilors Acklin and Donovan agreed to meet with Hollinsworth and City Admin. Almquist to discuss the transaction. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Adoption of Interim Landmarks List Planning Dir. Fregonese gave a short report on the history of the landmarks list and explained the survey process. He said the survey should be completed by Fall of 1990. Kay Atwood, who was hired by the City in 1987 to do the survey, showed slides of benchmark structures and explained their historical and/or architectural significance. Joyce Ward, Historic Commission member, said State law requires City's to preserve their historical structures. She said taxes will not be raised because of inclusion on the list, which needs refinement. The rating system is approved by the State Historic Preservation Office. Atwood's integrity, knowledge and professionalism were praised in a letter from James Hamrick of SHPO. A memo was received from the Historic Commission recommending the list be reviewed at the end of each phase of the survey. Fregonese noted that Ashland's Certified Local Government status could be in jeopardy if major historical landmarks are not preserved. Acklin said these structures are a link to Ashland's history. Arnold requested comment from the audience. Ron Kelso said he agrees with the need to protect the structures and the recommendation to review the list after each phase of the survey is complete. Michael Gibbs does not like the idea of mandatory inclusion on the list.' He feels renovations will accelerate without the ordinance. A1 Willstatter, 128 Central St., does not want to be forced to have his home on the list. James Hibbert, 263 Oak St., feels inclusion Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council 3/7/89 P. 3 Interim Landmarks List (Continued) should be mandatory but the ranking system should be revised. Bill Emerson, 90 5th St., said the Railroad District needs to be protected as a neighborhood. Evelyn Bobbett, 175 N. Pioneer St., does not want her building at 163 N. Pioneer on the list. Terry Skibby, 611 Beach St., feels it is a benefit to be on the list. Rick Harris, Historic Commission member, said that Commission does not get benefit of public testimony at their meetings. He said the list is a way of regulating moving and demolitions in the historic districts. Acklin moved to adopt the interim list and include only buildings ranked as possible secondary and higher; adopt all conditions and include a review at the end of each phase of the survey; and include the Historic Commission's recommendations and review the criteria of the final list prior to adoption. Reid seconded the motion. Winthrop would like to keep open the option of setting different ranking thresholds for different districts. Donovan feels the criteria should be limited to LCDC requirements, and explore voluntary inclusion. Arnold said the interim list will allow the process to continue, and thanked the citizens for their input and the Historic Commission for their efforts. The motion carried as follows on roll call vote: Donovan, NO; Reid, Williams, Acklin, Winthrop and Arnold, YES. Williams feels there should be more public input at the Commission level. NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Special Tax Assessment - Ashland Armory A memo was received from the Historic Commission recommending endorsement of a special tax assessment for the Ashland Armory. For information only, no action necessary. Annual Liquor License Renewals Donovan declared that he has a liquor license. Winthrop moved to approve the blanket renewal of the 1989-90 liquor license applications. Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Arnold moved to approve the liquor license application for the Baker Street Bakery Cafe, 568 E. Main; Donovan seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council 3/7/89 P. 4 Set Public Hearing - McFadden Annexation Acklin moved to set the public hearing for March 21, 1989 at 7:30 P.M. Williams seconded and the motion carried on voice vote. Authorization to Siqn Downtown Plan Bancroft Bonding Application Reid moved to authorize the Mayor and Council to sign the bonding application; Winthrop seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Release of Hospital Construction Funds Acklin moved to place the request on the agenda; Acklin seconded and the motion carried on voice vote. A letter was read from the Hospital Board of Directors requesting the funds for the construction of a lobby and other improvements. Arnold moved to approve the request; Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. PUBLIC FORUM Dane Coefer, 860 C St., asked that speakers at the meetings be requested to speak directly into the microphone so people listening on Cable Channel 5 can hear them. Waqidi Falicoff, 585 Orchard St., questioned the L.I.D. formation procedures and feels the use of pre-paving agreements is not valid. There was no further comment from the audience. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS: Interim Landmarks List First reading of the ordinance adopting criteria and the Interim Landmarks List was postponed until March 21, 1989. Rezone Properties in Downtown Area First reading of an ordinance rezoning certain properties 'in the Downtown Area as a part of the Ashland Downtown Plan implementation. Arnold moved to second reading; Winthrop seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council 3/7/89 P. 5 Amend Land-use Designations - Properties in Downtown Area First reading of an ordinance amending land-use designations in the Comprehensive Plan on certain properties in the Downtown Area. Arnold moved to second reading; Donovan seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Orchard Street and Sunnyview Drive Improvements Second reading by title only of an ordinance ordering the improvement of Orchard Street and Sunnyview Drive. Arnold moved to approve same; Winthrop seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Ord. #2493) OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Golden requested Staff to prepare suggestions on improving air quality to present to the County Commissioners on March 22. Acklin reported discussions with Almquist and Golden concerning amendments to the ordinance regarding sewer hookups outside the City limits. Donovan told of an RVCOG meeting to be held on March 16, 1989, at the Central Point City Hall concerning transportation issues. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:00 P.M. .... 9 Nan E./Pranklin City Recorder Catherine M. Golden Mayor Regular Meeting - Ashland City Council 3/7/89 P. 6