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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-0503 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 3, 1988 ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS: National Hospital Week National Historic Preservation Week VISITORS B.P.A. Represen- tatives Mayor Medaris requested a moment of silence for Ashland's oldest citizen, Mary Krafft, who died May 2, 1988 on her 107th birthday. 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. Arnold moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 19, 1988; Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Mayor Medaris read a proclamation designating the week of May 8 - 14, 1988 as "NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK" and presented same to Hospital Administrator Jim Watson. He praised Ashland Community Hospital on the compassionate, efficient and loving care received by patients. The week of May 8 - 14, 1988 was also proclaimed "NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK". Hal Cloer, Historic Commission member, accepted the proclamation from Mayor Medaris, who commended the Commission for their efforts in historic preservation. Representatives from Bonneville Power Administration were introduced by Mayor Medaris. George Gwinnett is the Lower Columbia Area Manager and Ladd Sutton is the Eugene District Area Manager. Reid asked Mr. Gwinnett to report on the future of rate stability in light of current drought conditions, lack of sales to California and the aluminum industry. Gwinnett said concerning the drought, this is the tenth worst year of record in 62 years, but there's no danger in not meeting firm loads. He said they don't have non-firm energy to sell South, but the aluminum industry is operating at full capacity and revenues received from them balance out loss of sales to Calif. BPA expects real cost of power in the next 20 years to go down and sees prolonged stability for rates. Mayor Medaris expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the City and BPA. 5/3/88 P. i R__e~ular Meeting Ashland City Council 5/3/88 P. 2 PUBLIC HEARINGS: P.H. Appeal of P.A. ~88-025 Scenic Dr. PUD A letter of appeal was read from Ron Kramer, 120 Wimer Street, dated March 22, 1988. Other items in the packet were noted and made a part of the record. Planning Director Fregonese said the findings of P.A. 87-026, approval of a P.U.D. at 75 Wimer Street, were distributed to Council members. He explained the 9,000 square foot lot has an existing structure which needs remodeling by prior commitment of the Performance Standards Development. Staff analysis showed no reason the structure should be limited to single family use and no statement was made by applicant that it would remain so. He said the bed- and-breakfast meets specific non-discretionary criteria of a conditional use. Fregonese further explained the City has weatherized four known B&B's, and weatherization does not apply to conditional use. On a question from Reid, Fregonese said if the duplexes were not built, he thought 15 apartments could be built without a conditional use permit. Randy Warren, Warren Construction, owner of the lot, said they wanted to make a B&B so others could enjoy the historic features of the house. Ron Kramer felt the 1987 approval of the P.U.D. at that address should have been considered in this application, and the subject lot considered a part of the P.U.D. with a planning history, instead of a separate tax lot which erases that history. Williams asked if the original developer could have done the same thing, if he had kept the lot; Fregonese said yes. Reid asked if there was a covenant to the land which required saving the house. Fregonese said there was no covenant but it could be interpreted as being part of the performance standards development approval. Acklin noted the appeal was on the approval of a conditional use permit for a B&B and the process issue shouldn't be addressed, but made more clear in the future. Salter said he found no violation of due process. Arnold reported he had talked with Fregonese on issues raised on the process, the findings of the PUD had been presented, and nothing in the record reflects the structure should remain single-family housing. Kramer said the proposed B&B would enhance an already dangerous situation on Wimer Street which is narrow and has parking on one side only, and the proposed parking lot in front would be objectionable. He feels the B&B would be incompatible with adjacent uses and said the other dwellings in the area have off-street parking. On a question from Acklin, Fregonese said in an R-2 zone, the lot coverage percentage could be 65% and this is approximately 51%. 5/3/88 P. 2 Rea~lar Meeting Ashland City Council 5/3/88 P. 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS: P.H.P.A. 88-025 (Continued) Mayor Medaris left the meeting at 8:45 P.M. and Council Chairman Laws took over. The public hearing was opened. There being no comment from the audience the public hearing was closed. Reid said as owner of a B&B she feels they have less impact on a neighborhood than apartments, and she saw no reason to uphold the appeal. Williams moved to deny the appeal and Acklin seconded the motion. Arnold understood Kramer's points but felt the issues being raised were on the wrong appeal. Acklin said planning staff has a tremendous load lately, but maybe helping neighbors to understand the conception of plans will prevent this type of issue in the future. The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. P.H. - Develop- ment Standards for Disc Antennas A memo from the Planning Commission was read and it was noted that proposed ordinance amendments and Planning Commission minutes of February 10, 1988 were attached. Planning Director Fregonese explained the changes, and noted the addition of development standards for disc antennas, which he briefly explained. On a question from Reid which referred to development standard ~2, Fregonese said antennas under 36" were allowed. The public hearing was opened and Zelpha Hutton, 59 Sixth St., questioned the use of "dish" instead of "disc" in the eighth sentence of Section 18.68,120 Utilities. Fregonese said it should be "disc". There being no further comment from the audience, the public hearing was closed. Acklin made a motion to instruct staff to bring back an ordinance with the proposed changes; Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & REMONSTRANCES: Highway 99 Re- A letter from the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, dated lighting Request April 12, 1988, was read asking for Council support of their request to Jackson County to have the lights on Highway 99 from the City limits to Valley View Road turned on. Acklin moved to comply with request in the form of a letter and Arnold seconded the motion. It passed unanimously on voice vote. Liquor License Renewals 1988-89 The Police Department recommended renewal of all liquor license holders. Williams moved to approve same, Arnold seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. 5/3/88 P. 3 Re~lar Meeting Ashland City Council 5/3/88 P._~ COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & REMONSTRANCES: (Continued) Liquor Lic. App. A background check by the Police Department was done Theresa's Cantina and they recommended approval. Arnold moved to & Grill approve, Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Liquor Lic. App. Papa D's Restaurant Arnold moved to approve liquor license application and Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: E. Main Bikeway A memo from Public Works Director Hall was read Constr. S.P.R.R. concerning a recommendation from the Ashland Bikeway to City Limits Committee for construction of a bikepath on E. Main Street from the City limits to the S.P.R.R. Acklin asked if the County bikepath is five feet wide, and Williams, liaison to that Committee, said the bulk of it is, but some parts are four feet and some six. Laws said four feet might be better in light of increased traffic on East Main St. Hall suggested the path be built to roadway standards to allow for widening of the road, and said the cost would be approximately 25% more. Acklin noted there is $38,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund which comes from gas tax and must be used for bikepaths. Laws asked for Hall's recommen- dation and was told it could be made 36' wide, but he doesn't anticipate it being a four lane facility. Acklin moved to approve the five foot bikeway on E. Main to be constructed to roadbed standards. Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Request for Legal Opinion - City Expenditures A letter was read from Councilor Elerath requesting a legal opinion on City expenditures to social programs. Councilor Arnold concurred and felt the opinion should be procured prior to voting on the budget. He said this doesn't show non-support of the programs, but will add legality to their vote. On a question from Reid as to donated property to O.S.F.A., Almquist said the lease of that property is specified in the Charter. City Attorney Salter said there should not be a problem if the Council agrees the agencies serve a socially beneficial purpose. He noted that O.S.F.A. answers questions about the city and contributes to the tourist atmosphere, for which the City helps to offset their costs. He suggested a contract could be entered into with O.S.F.A. and if money is spent for A.P.A.C., Council may wish to have a court validate the funds. Salter said he will prepare an opinion by the next meeting. 5/3/88 P. 4 Re~ar Meeting Ashland City Council 5/3/88 P. 5 PUBLIC FORUM: Mountain Avenue Robert Johnson, 955 Mountain Ave., reminded Council of the problems on Mountain Ave. Hall said he is awaiting two pieces of information, maintenance costs and the engineer's estimate, which will be ready by the May 17th meeting. There being no further business from the audience, the public forum was closed. ORDINANCES, RESOL~FEIONS & CON~I~ACTS: L.I.D. No. 58 First reading of an ordinance levying special benefit Levy Spec. Assess- assessments in L.I.D. No. 58 was read. Arnold moved ments to second reading, Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Standards for Energy-Efficient Housing First reading of an ordinance amending the Municipal Code with respect to standards for energy-efficient housing. Acklin moved to second reading and Arnold seconded the motion, which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Water & Sewer Connection Fees Second reading by title only of an ordinance relative to water and sewer connection fees. Arnold moved to adopt the ordinance, Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Ord. ~2449) Performance Standard Guidelines Gas-heated Homes A resolution was read amending the performance standards guidelines concerning gas-heated homes. Acklin moved to adopt the resolution and Arnold seconded. The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Reso. ~88-16) ADJOURNMENT There being no other business from Council members, the meeting adjourned at 9:49 P.M. Nan E .'~ Franklin City Recorder L. Gordon Medaris Mayor 5/3/88 P. 5