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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-0315 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL March 15, 1988 ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Bi-Centennial Essay Contest Winners Tax Increment Financing PUBLIC HEARINGS: Appeal - Planning Action 88-013 Mayor L. Gordon Medaris led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. on the above date in the Council Chambers. Elerath, Reid, Williams, Acklin, and Arnold were present. Laws arrived seconds late. Reid asked that the Findings on P.A. ~88-002 be corrected to show her concern regarding the physical characteristics of the property. (Proposed project on Helman Street). Acklin moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 1, 1988; Arnold seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Mayor Medaris introduced Linda Ryan, Co-Chair of the Bi-Centennial Committee, and Vivian Locke, Chair of the Mayor's Centennial Essay Contest Committee. Linda Ryan explained how the contest came about, and the Principals and Teachers of the schools were intro- duced. The Rotary, Soroptimists and Kiwanis Clubs were recognized as having contributed to the purchase of the savings bonds for the contest winners. Mayor Medaris noted that 350 students had participated. Mrs. Locke then introduced the 23 winners and the Mayor presented their savings bonds. He was given copies of all the winning entries. Vivian Locke was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for her efforts in putting the contest together. Lyle Stewart, A.I.C.P., gave a presentation on Urban Renewal Districts and Tax Increment Financing. He explained how Tax Increment Financing got started and the steps the Council needs to take in order to become involved in the process which aids cities in projects such as parking, pedestrian ways, water lines, etc. A letter was read from Ed and JoAnn Houghton, 585 Weller Lane appealing a condition imposed by the Planning Commission which requires installation of sidewalks for the proposed project at 185 Scenic Drive. A letter was read from Carlton Ward, 114 Bush St., and Susan Powell, 180 Nutley St., appealing the project. The staff report, and Planning Commission minutes and findings were included with the agenda. A letter was read from Nedra Belloc, 68 Scenic Dr., opposing the project. Planning Director John Fregonese reviewed the project and told of a shelf and rock wall plan to prevent the 3/15/88 P. i R__eaular Meeting Ashland City Council 3/15/88 P._2 PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Continued) Appeal P.A. 88-013 granite from eroding and obstructing the sidewalk. The project includes a common open space and hiking trail to Ditch Rd. On a question from Williams, Fregonese said there are no physical barriers to continuing sidewalks to Strawberry Lane. Elerath asked about the status of Ditch Rd. and was told it has never been claimed as a private road and eventually will be a public road. Ed Houghton, applicant, said continuation of sidewalks to Strawberry Lane would be difficult because of garages and walls built right to the curb. He intends to cut the blind curve back, but is concerned about children on skateboards, bikes, etc. going around the 60 degree curve on sidewalks. On a question from Elerath regarding placing sidewalks above the street, Public Works Director Hall said the liability risk was too great and would rather keep them at street level. Williams asked about putting sidewalks on the other side of the street and Fregonese said in new developments sidewalks should be on the cut side. Houghton gave times when he had observed foot traffic in the area and had not found it to be excessive. Carlton Ward, appellant, read a portion of a letter he submitted with the appeal regarding growth and concerns about water supply, traffic flow, etc. Mark Brown, 171 Church St., asked that a traffic study be done prior to reaching a decision on the project. Jim Doerter, 80 Scenic Dr., is also concerned with traffic and felt people should be polled on their feelings about growth. Susan Powell feels the Comprehensive Plan should include a review of the zoning in that area and is concerned about additional traffic down N. Main St. and safety of school children. Cici Brown, 171 Church St., is concerned about delivery trucks to the proposed project and no sidewalks for children to use. Christine Crawley, 124 Strawberry Ln., said the traffic problems at Church and Scenic are critical enough without further development. John Barton has property on Ditch Road, and can't see the logic of requiring sidewalks which don't continue. He thinks having the owner sign in favor of future sidewalk installation makes sense. Roger Kauble, Engineer representing Mr. Hougton, researched accidents in the area and said from an engineering standpoint the vehicle count per day is low. There being no further comment from the audience, the public hearing was closed. Councilor Arnold said the Traffic Safety Comm. has looked at the Church/Scenic intersection many times 3/15/88 P. 2 R__eaular Meeting Ashland City Council 3/15/88 P. 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Continued) Appeal P.A. 88-013 and knows it to be a problem. Reid noted pedestrian access is a goal of the Council and requiring sidewalks here is a beginning. Acklin pointed out that an adopted Comp. Plan is used and this land is designated for residential purposes. Arnold is not convinced the burden of proof has been met and is concerned about traffic. Williams said he needs more information and a traffic study would help. Acklin asked if a traffic study would be required by every applicant. Elerath doesn't like idea of more traffic. Acklin asked that all information be prepared prior to Planning Commission hearings. Laws moved to postpone decision until April 19th meeting in order to get more information; Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Mayor Medaris left the meeting at 9:44 P.M. and Council Chairman Laws took over. Supplement Budget FY 1987-88 The changes in the Supplemental Budget were reviewed and the Resolution read. Arnold moved to adopt same; Elerath seconded the motion. The public hearing was opened and there being no comment from the audience, it was closed. The motion was then reinstated and passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Reso. 88- 10) COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & REMONSTRANCES: R.V.C.O.G. Report Robert Johnson, Council President of Rogue Valley Council of Governments, thanked the City Council for their participation in the Council of Governments and distributed their 1987 Annual Review and pamphlet on their Aging Program. He also commended City Staff on the use of the sediment pond and fine job they did on the sluicing project. Set P.H. - Appeal of P.A. 88-012 A letter of appeal was read from Dr. Ron Lamb, Chairman of the Board of Pacific Northwest Raptor Rehabilitation Corp., on Planning Action No. 88-012, the Northwest Natural History Museum. A public hearing was set for April 5, 1988, 7:30 P.M. at the Mountain Ave. Theatre. Councilor Laws said guidelines for the public hearing will be printed in the newspaper. Arnold was concerned about applicant withdrawing the appeal. City Attorney Ron Salter said Council could state they are joining in on appeal so a hearing would be guaranteed. Ralph Wehinger, proponent of the project, said they need a Council decision and would not withdraw the appeal. 3/15/88 P. 3 R__ea,~lar Meeting Ashland City Council 3/15/88 P._~ NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: A.C.H. Funds for Jim Watson, Ashland Community Hospital Administrator, Remodel Projects asked that $90-$95M be released from the Capital Improvement Fund for remodeling projects as outlined in his letter of February 23, 1988. Reid moved to authorize the release of requested funds; Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Lithia Mill Site - Park Purposes A letter was read from the Parks & Recreation Commission requesting dedication of the Lithia Mill Site for park purposes. Acklin moved to instruct Staff to bring back ordinance, Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Conservation Loan Program Update Dick Wanderscheid, Energy Conservation Coordinator, said he would like to work with Valley of the Rogue Bank in providing loan funds to customers who had non- electric heating systems. Reid moved to authorize staff to proceed with the program as outlined in Wanderscheid's report; Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. PUBLIC FORUM: Request to Pave Alley Betw. 4th and 5th Sts. Sandy Spaulding presented letters from property owners abutting the alley between 4th and 5th Streets, which gives them a chance to put utilities in prior to a paving project. Spaulding requested permission to pave the alley during the nice weather. Reid moved to place the request on the agenda; Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Reid moved to approve the request as soon as the utility companies responded; Arnold seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Concerns Regard- ing A.C.H. Traffic Safety Concerns Robert Collins, 1235 N. Mountain Ave., #16, expressed concern with the way the Hospital's admitting clerk presses for information during times of high stress and anxiety. Laws told him the Hospital Administrator would be interested in talking with him. Acklin told of the Hospital's pre-registration program. Collins is also concerned about traffic safety at East Main and Lithia Way. He'd like to see a traffic light there, and one block down at 3rd St. and Lithia Way. Arnold said the latter will be on the Traffic Safety Commission agenda this month and he's welcome to attend the meeting. I-Deal Used Furniture Pkg. Lot Collins asked the Council to issue a statement of intent as to what our community is all about e.g. people being treated fairly. He referred to the chaining of the parking lot by the landlord at I-Deal 3/15/88 P. 4 R__ea~lar Meeting Ashland City Council 3/15/88 P. 5 PUBLIC FORUM: (Continued) I-Deal Used Furn. Used Furniture on Gresham Street. Elerath moved to place the matter on the agenda; Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Councilor Williams said he had spoken with the gate contractor and heard conflicting information, felt he couldn't make a judgement. Arnold said he was sympathetic to Mr. Ghavam's position (tenant), but right of access should be established through court procedure; and he feels Council can't take action on the matter. Laws suggested a letter to the landlord requesting his side of the issue. Reid said she would support the letter but would not feel comfortable judging someone else's morality. Elerath felt Council shouldn't get involved. Acklin agreed it was appropriate to want to help but not appropriate for Council to take action. John King, 289 Palm, was concerned about this issue also, and felt big city tactics were being used in Ashland. Request to Oil Mountain Ave. Marie Moorehead, 310 N. Mountain Ave., asked the City to oil the unpaved section of Mountain Avenue, to control dust, and was told the City does not have oiling equipment. ORDINANCES, RESOLLFEIONS & CON~{ACTS: Amending Position Second reading by title only of an ordinance amending Classification the position classification plan. Acklin moved to Plan adopt the ordinance, Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Ord. ~2447) P.D. Service Fees Second reading by title only of an ordinance with respect to Police Department service fees. Arnold moved to adopt the ordinance, Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Ord. ~2448) Adopt. Suppl. Budget A Resolution adopting the Supplemental Budget for FY 1987-88 was read earlier in the meeting. Yield Sign on "C" St. at 5th St. A Resolution was read designating yield signs on "C" Street at Fifth Street. Arnold moved to adopt same, Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Reso. 88-11) (YI~IER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS: Ashland Perf. Arts Councilor Laws asked that a committee be appointed to Center look into the appropriate role of the City concerning the Ashland Performing Arts Center. He proposed that the Committee include a representative from Parks & Recreation Commission, a staff member, Budget Committee member and two Council members. No action taken. 3/15/88 P. 5 Reg~.lar Meeting Ashland City Council 3/15/88 P.6 OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS: (Continued) Smoke Control Councilor Elerath reported on his progress with research on smoke pollution control and said the DEQ is willing to work with him. He asked if there was a way to keep names of people who report offenses against this type of control confidential and Police Chief Lively said it might fit into that category. Elerath will work with City Attorney Salter and bring a proposal back to Council. Water Report Public Works Director Hall gave a short report on the water situation. He said there is potential for a voluntary program if the weather doesn't change. Length of Public Meetings A resolution was presented proposing that all public meetings adjourn at 10:30 P.M. unless two-thirds of the commission members vote to extend the meeting one- half hour. Acklin moved to place the item on the agenda; Elerath seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Acklin doesn't feel that good decisions are made late in the evening and its not fair to City employees who have to report to work the next day. Councilor Arnold agreed, and feels people should know about this before it is enacted. Acklin moved to send the resolution to all City commissions, and place it on the April 19th agenda; Arnold seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:07 P.M. to the April 5, 1988 meeting at 7:30 P.M. at the Mountain Ave. Theatre. Nan E. Franklin City Recorder L. Gordon Medaris Mayor 3/15/88 P. 6