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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-0419 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL April 19, 1988 ROLL CALL MAYOR'S PRESENTATIONS: Fire Department Employees of the Year APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS: P.A. No. 88-013 185 Scenic Dr. (Continued) 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. Reid, Williams, Acklin, Laws and Arnold were present. Elerath was absent. Mayor Medaris presented certificates of appreciation to the following employees of the Fire Department: Dan White for Battalion Chief of the Year, 1987; Jack Tait for Engineer of the Year, 1987; Dan Saurman for Firefighter of the Year, 1987; and Eric Hansen for Student Firefighter of the Year, 1987. He also reported that all six of the student firefighters had received above a 3.0 grade average for Winter term at S.O.S.C. and commended them for their efforts. Reid asked that the minutes be amended to show Public Works Director Hall's response to Robert Johnson's statement regarding the need to pave Mountain Ave., which was that he thought the City had no jurisdiction but he would discuss it with the Street Superinten- dent. Arnold moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 19, 1988, as corrected; Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. A memo from P.W. Director Hall was read concerning traffic accidents and daily vehicle traffic in the area of Church St. and Scenic Dr. It was noted a letter received from Dr. John Barton was in support of the project. Councilor Arnold questioned potential legal problems with asking the developer to correct the vision clearance problem at the intersection of Church St. and Scenic Dr. City Attorney Salter said under the law of exactions the developer cannot be made to pay to improve an existing problem. On a question from Acklin, Hall estimated the cost would be less than $5,000 and closer to $3,000. Planning Director Fregonese read a letter from CiCi Brown, 171 Church St., in opposition to the project because of traffic, the steep grade and no sidewalks. On a question from Reid regarding city easement behind the curb, Hall said it was not enough for the proposed revision. 4/19/88 P. 1 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 4/19/88 PUBLIC HEARINGS: P.A. No. 88-013 (Continued) Ed Houghton, 585 Weller Lane, developer of the property asked if the hearing was on the matter of the sidewalks or the appeal of the project. Acklin said it's a de novo hearing and everything will be heard from scratch. Houghton said his pre-application was approved and the project meets the guidelines under the Comprehensive Plan. He showed pictures of the bank area on Scenic and said cutting into it would reduce the stability of the bank. Susan Powell, 180 Nutley, spoke in opposition to the project. Pokii Roberts, 131 Church St., objected to more traffic, but agreed there is a need for more housing and the property is zoned for this type of project. She felt sidewalks should not be required until other property owners sign in favor. There being no further comment from the audience, the public hearing was closed. On a question from Williams, Fregonese said the down- hill side would require a retaining wall and railing, and he prefers the uphill side. P.W. Dir. Hall agreed. Arnold feels developer should do construction on the improvement of the northeast corner with the City responsible for the engineering costs. Laws said the problem already exists and City should pay for improvement of the corner. Laws made a motion to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's findings. Williams seconded the motion which passed on voice vote as follows: Reid and Arnold, NO; Williams, Acklin and Laws, YES. P.A. No. 88-012 Natural Hist. Mus. The public hearing on P.A. ~88-012, proposed Museum of Natural History, was postponed until April 26, 1988 at 7:30 P.M. in the Stevenson Student Union, Basement Arena at S.O.S.C. COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & REMONSTRANCES: B.P.A. Rep. George Gwinnett, Portland Area Manager, Bonneville Power Administration was not in attendance. 4th of July Street Closures A letter was received from the Chamber of Commerce requesting street closures for Fourth of July activities. Laws moved to approve the request, Arnold seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. 4/19/88 P. 2 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 4/19/88 P. 3 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Resolution - Public Meeting Length A memo was read from the Planning Commission proposing the following amendment to the Land Use Hearing Rules: "... Meetings will commence at 7:00 P.M. and no new hearings will be started after 11:00 P.M.". Laws suggested adding "except as provided in Land Use Hearing Rules" to the resolution. Reid supports the resolution, but doesn't want rules changed in the middle of a planning process i.e. Museum. Arnold pointed out the Rules don't deal with the time issue and the resolution should be adopted as is, and apply to those hearings also. Fregonese said the Planning Commission needs flexibility because of lengthy hearings. Acklin suggested changing to no later than 11:00 unless extended by two - 30 minute periods with a 2/3 vote. Mayor Medaris feels repetitious testimony should be controlled. Arnold said the management of cases and time is important, and information should be submitted in advance. He feels resolution is appropriate as written. Acklin moved to change the 10:30 time to 11:00 unless extended for no more than two successive 30 minute periods by a 2/3 vote of the board. Laws seconded the motion which passed on voice vote as follows: Arnold and Reid, NO; Williams, Acklin, and Laws; YES. (Ref. Reso. ~88-13) NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Repaying List - No action was necessary on a memo from Director of 1988-89 Public Works Hall which listed priorities for street paving during 1988-89. Density Bonuses - C.P.N. Customers Dick Wanderscheid, Energy Conservation Coordinator, gave a brief outline of the proposal which would require efficiency levels beyond the building code for gas heated houses, but would more accurately reflect the low cost of natural gas and would result in heating bills which are comparable for both kinds of houses. Laws moved to approve the proposal and bring the ordinance back to the next meeting; Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Street Repaving 1988-89 Referring to the 1988/89 Resurfacing List, Laws said the overlay on Barbara and Diane Streets should be the first priority. On a question from Reid, Hall said they would use a finer aggregate in the asphalt which would melt and bond to the chip-seal making a smooth surface. Arnold agreed this project should be given first priority. Hall said they are re-evaluating the chip-seal program. 4/19/88 P. 3 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 4/19/88 P. 4 NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Mayor Medaris congratulated Dick Wanderscheid on the fine job he is doing. Rogue River Nat'l. Forest Land & Res. Management Plan City Administrator Almquist requested A1 Alsing, Engineering Consultant, to look at the Rogue River National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and prepare a recommendation. Alsing recommending endorsing Alternative C which designates the Ashland Watershed as a "Municipal Watershed, Restricted", and is to provide water for domestic supply where land management activities will be restricted to watershed maintenance and protection. He suggested the City's response should be that the Forest Service proposal is acceptable as it relates to the watershed. On a question from Reid as to the Forest Service continuing the management burdens, Alsing said the proposal formalizes what they are doing now. Williams asked about the Ski Area and Almquist said the Forest Service is aware of our concerns regarding Ski Ashland's expansion. Laws is concerned about the 4th paragraph on page 66 regarding conflicts being resolved in favor of developed recreation resources rather than other resources. Alsing suggested mentioning that in the City's response to the plan. Reid moved to endorse Alternative "C" as it relates to the Ashland Watershed including comments on pages two and three of Alsing's memo, and reaction to wording on Page 66; Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. PUBLIC FORUM: Correctional Facility Dan Ralls, 537 Prim Street, voiced concern about the proposed correctional institution possibly being built at the end of Jefferson Street, in the last available industrial land within the urban growth boundary. He requested the Council to communicate their concerns to the Prison Site Selection Committee. A draft letter to the Site Selection Committee was read. Laws noted that families often relocate to be near prison sites, and there is a lack of housing. Williams moved to place the item on the agenda, Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Jim Mason, 184 Terrace, was concerned with an increase in crime with the possible influx of families and friends of inmates. 4/19/88 P. 4 R__eaular Meeting Ashland City Council 4/19/88 P.5 PUBLIC FORUM: (Continued) Correctional Fac. Laws moved to send the letter with the comment on housing and Williams seconded. City Attorney Salter noted the City Charter prohibits selling water and sewer services outside the City limits. Arnold said Governor Goldschmidt has made the prison issue a state-wide priority, and even though he may not want the prison located here, he does not want to take personal prejudices and make them City policy. Williams is against the facility on that site, but not against it being built somewhere around Ashland. The previous motion passed on voice vote as follows: Reid and Arnold, NO; Williams, Acklin and Laws, YES. Appointment of Street Supt. Water Report Steve Hall, Public Works Director, announced the promotion of Jerry Glossop to the Street Superinten- dent's position. He then gave a report on the water situation. Laws asked if people were being notified of things they could do now, to minimize the conditions later. Hall said a brochure on water conservation is being handed out to utility customers. Proclamation on Victims' Rights Mayor Medaris read a proclamation designating the week of April 17 - 23, 1988 as: "NATIONAL VICTIM'S RIGHTS WEEK". ORDINANCES & RESOLIF~IONS: Water & Sewer First reading by title only of an ordinance amending Connection Fees Title 14 of the Municipal Code with respect to water and sewer connection fees. A memo was read from Almquist which explained that fees were derived from current costs for materials, labor and equipment rental. Laws moved to second reading; Arnold seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Water & Sewer Connection Fees A resolution was read by title only establishing water and sewer connection fees, which will be effective on the same date the ordinance amending Title 14 of the Municipal Code goes into effect. Acklin moved to adopt the resolution; Arnold seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Reso. ~88-15) Vacate Irrigation Easement First reading of an ordinance vacating an irrigation easement at 320 Scenic Dr. A memo from James Olson, Asst. City Engineer was read which explained the background and reasons for the vacation. Arnold moved passage to second reading; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. 4/19/88 P. 5 Reaular Meeting Ashland City Council 4/19/88 P. 6 ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: City/County Transportation Committee (Continued) A resolution was read appointing Public Works Director Hall and Assistant City Engineer Olson as City repre- sentatives on the City/County Transportation Committee. Acklin moved to adopt the resolution; Williams seconded the motion, which passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Reso. ~88-14) OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS: Co. Bikeway Comm. Councilor Williams reported that the County Bikeway Committee requested a member of the Ashland Bikeway Committee to serve on their Committee, and he agreed to do so. The State Bikeway Committee will be meeting in Ashland this summer. ADJOURNMENT Karen Huckins Acting City Recorder The meeting adjourned at 9:40 P.M. to reconvene on April 26, 1988 at 7:30 P.M. in the Stevenson Student Union, Basement Arena at S.O. S. C. L. Gordon Medaris Mayor 4/19/88 P. 6