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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-0906 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL September 6, 1988 ROLL CALL MOMENT OF SILENCE MAYOR'S PRESENTATIONS: Recycling Awareness Week APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS: Appeal P.A. 88-089 651 Walnut St. 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, Laws and Arnold were present. A moment of silence was held in memory of George Foster who recently passed away. Mr. Foster gave much of his time and efforts to our community. Mayor Medaris read a proclamation designating October 8-15, 1988 as "Recycling Awareness Week". He presented same to Lois Wenker and Bill Saunders of the Ashland Sanitary Service. Reid moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 16, 1988; Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Administrator Almquist noted items contained in the record, which were included in the agenda packet, and read a letter appealing the action from John Pern, 448 Tucker St. Dir. of Planning Fregonese gave a brief background and history of the issue and showed a map of the location. He said the owners can use the alley for access, it will be paved to a 12' width, and screening will be provided in the form of a fence unless the property owners object. Mayor Medaris opened the public hearing. John Pern, 448 Tucker St., appellant, is concerned about protecting the value of his property, and was confused about the conditions imposed by the Planning Commission. He is also concerned about the future use of the alley by area residents. Arnold asked if setting conditions of not diminishing the width of the alley and not planting a hedge across the alley would be agreeable to Pern, who indicated it would be. Dan Harris, applicant, stated he is a member of the Planning Commission and has not spoken with the Planning Commission or City Council concerning this action. He said the flag drive off Walnut is very steep and location of the residence is limited because of solar access requirements. He has met with the neighbors numerous times trying to accommodate them, and no hedge is planned across the alley. 9/6/88 P. 1 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 9/6/88 P. 2 PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Continued) P.A. 88-089 Appeal Charlie Hoover, 420 Tucker St., said the alley is close to his house and a fence would be required to serve as a sound barrier, which would cut off the access to his garden. There being no further comment from the audience, the public hearing was closed. Arnold moved to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's conditions and adopt the findings, with the added conditions that 1) the alley not be diminished in width by the applicant, and 2) it not be blocked off and a gate installed in the fence for Mr. Hoover's use. Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Appeal P.A. 88-080 910 Mary Jane A letter of appeal was read from Kathleen Wolfe, 920 Mary Jane, and Administrator Almquist noted items contained in the record. Planning Dir. Fregonese read letters, included in the record, objecting to the 18-unit complex from the following persons: Larry Zowada, 920 Mary Jane; Natalie Hyde, 930 Mary Jane; and Hollie Cannon, Manager of the Talent irrigation District. He said the property is zoned for this use, it meets all city ordinances and the Site Review Chapter guidelines. The major objection is access from Mary Jane; access from a minor street is required in the Comp. Plan. Staff dropped 1/4 parking space from the required 29 1/4, and believes this meets the requirements. Williams asked about making selling the water rights to TID a condition, and Fregonese said the Planning Comm. does not want to enforce TID laws. On a question from Reid, he said a 10 foot setback is okay for a corner lot, making it 20 feet would eliminate the private spaces. On a question from Elerath, Fregonese explained that a six-foot cedar fence and 3 foot planting area with irrigation are planned as a buffer from the adjacent residential area. The public hearing was opened. James Work, 907 Mary Jane, feels the project should have a 20 foot setback to blend with the surrounding neighborhood, and the units facing Mary Jane should be landscaped so that area won't be used as a backyard. Albert Guthmiller, 929 Mary Jane, agreed with the 20 foot setback, and said parking on the street will be hazardous in the winter due to the high crown on Mary Jane. Bruce Abeloe, 2254 Aloha, Medford, and architect of the project, said the front setback will be landscaped and the applicant will work with TID on their concerns. Larry Zowada, 920 Mary Jane, is in favor of the 20 foot setback and thinks the project needs 30 parking spaces. He said there is a 9/6/88 P. 2 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 9/6/88 P. 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS: P.A. 88-080 Appeal 910 Mary Jane (Continued) legality problem with curb parking on Mary Jane due to the high ridge. Kathy Wolfe, 920 Mary Jane, read a section of the Site Review Standards, noted a visibility problem at the corner of Siskiyou Blvd., and Mary Jane, and agreed with the 20 foot setback on both streets and the need for 31 parking spaces. Bruce Abeloe said the units facing Mary Jane could be two story instead of one and have a 20 foot setback. on a question from Arnold, Fregonese said the 10' setback is to make more private space for tenants, and 20' on Siskiyou is to buffer them from traffic noise, pollution, etc. The Council can require a 20' setback. After a discussion about parking spaces, Acklin moved to deny the appeal, uphold the Planning Commission decision and provide 1/4 parking space for motorcycles to meet requirements. Williams seconded the motion. Elerath is concerned with the 20 foot setback and compatibility with the neighborhood. Williams likes 20 foot setback, but feels the Planning Commission made the right decision. Laws would like to see 20 foot setback. Arnold agreed and noted neighbors had to build to 20 foot setback requirements. The motion failed on roll call vote as follows: Elerath, Reid, Laws and Arnold, NO; Williams and Acklin, YES. Laws moved to uphold the appeal, requiring a 20 foot setback on both Mary Jane and Siskiyou Boulevard, and filing of amended plans. The motion passed as follows on roll call vote: Elerath, Reid, Acklin, Laws and Arnold, YES; Williams, NO. Mayor Medaris left the meeting at 9:20 P.M. Chairman Laws presided over the remainder of the meeting. COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & REMONSTRANCES: Historic Comm. - A letter from Hal Cloer was reviewed in which he Certified Local resigned from the Ashland Historic Commission, and Government suggested the City apply for "Certified Local Government" status. Acklin asked what would be involved and Fregonese said it would provide funds and give the Historic Commission more authority with the State Historic Preservation Office. Laws requested more information prior to making a decision, and Reid asked for a recommendation from the Historic Commission. 9/6/88 P. 3 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 9/6/88 P. 4 COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & REMONSTRANCES: Downtown Pkg. Dist. Special Permits (Continued) A letter was read from Ron Kelso, 33 N. First St., concerning the downtown parking district. The section of the Municipal Code concerning this was also read. Don Rist said the parking lots are for real estate customers, not brokers. Williams said the Downtown Plan Committee was working on this, and moved to refer it to them. Acklin seconded the motion, and suggested the brokers rotate the use of permits. The motion carried unanimously on voice vote. Set Public Hg. - Appeal P.A. 88-095 A letter was received from Harry Kieval, 740 Park St., appealing Planning Action No. 88-095. The public hearing was set for October 4, 1988. Study Session - Parks Comm./City Council A letter was reviewed from the Parks Commission requesting a study session with the City Council be set for September 8th at 7:00 P.M. Several Councilors could not attend on that date and requested it be set for the September 15 at 7:00 P.M. Set Public Hg. - San. Swr. Assess. Dist. on E. Main A memo was read from James Olson, Asst. City Engineer, requesting a public hearing on a proposed sewer assessment district on E. Main Street between Wightman and Fordyce Streets. A resolution setting the hearing for September 20, 1988 was read. Arnold moved to adopt same, Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Reso. #88-35) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Ashland Sanitary Service Rate Incr. A memo was read from the Council Solid Waste Committee concerning a rate increase requested by Ashland Sanitary Service Inc. On a question from Elerath, Lois Wenker, of Ashland Sanitary, said they are required to have a reserve fund in case the landfill area runs out of land. Reid would like to look at banning styrofoam products, and said some cities give discounts for recycling. Arnold feels he doesn't have enough information to make a decision. Acklin said the committee received financial information and reviewed their finances. She feels the costs are justified. After a brief discussion about what is public record and what is not, Arnold said he will vote for the increase in light of the Committee's recommendation; but in the future would like more information. Wenker said in addition to the required test wells, they now need more permits. Reid moved to approve the rate increase and Elerath seconded the motion. It carried unanimously on voice vote. 9/6/88 P. 4 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 9/6/88 P. 5 NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Hargadine Cemetery A memo from the Historic Commission was read concerning the Hargadine Cemetery. City Attorney Salter said he researched this some time ago and Acklin asked that he do the research and recommend the best way to acquire the cemetery. Set Public Hg. Amend Land-Use Ord. A memo was received from the Planning Department concerning amendments to the Land Use Ordinance. All agreed on a public hearing date of October 4, 1988. Amend Ord. Estab. Historic Comm. A memo was read from the Historic Commission requesting amendments to the ordinance establishing that Commission. The ordinance was read and Reid moved to second reading. Elerath seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Liquor Licence Request for approval of a liquor license application was received from Alex's Plaza Restaurant, 35 N. Main Street. Arnold moved to approve the request, Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Pavement Cut Req. E. Main/Campus Way A memo was read from Steven Hall, Public Works Dir., requesting permission to cut newly paved shoulder of E. Main Street near Campus Way to install a fire hydrant. Acklin moved to approve the request and Williams seconded the motion. It carried unanimously on voice vote. On a question from Laws concerning moving the poles in the sidewalks at the Forensics Lab., Hall said it would be very costly to do so. Reid asked that in the future the Council be involved in these decisions. N. Main/Maple Traffic Signal A report from P.W. Dir. Hall was reviewed concerning a traffic signal request at N. Main and Maple Streets. Staff will follow up on costs and funding with the Dept. of Transportation. It was suggested that both sides of the street be considered for installation of the signal. Establish Ashland Bicycle Commission A memo was read from P.W. Director Hall requesting approval for changing the Bicycle Committee from an ad hoc to a standing committee. An ordinance establishing the Ashland Bicycle Commission was read. Williams requested that the words "or their designees" be added to the end of Section 2.22.010. Reid moved to second reading with the suggested change and Acklin seconded the motion. The motion passed on roll call vote as follows: Elerath, NO; Reid, Williams, Acklin, Laws and Arnold, YES. Elerath said the committee works as is and doesn't see the need to change it. 9/6/88 P. 5 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 9/6/88 P. 6 PUBLIC FORUM Robert Johnson, 955 N. Mountain Ave., noted that Mountain Ave. had only been paved to Hersey St. He asked what happened to the proposed meeting with the County on funding the County section. Steve Hall said he had not met with them yet. On a question regarding an article in the newspaper which mentioned the 12th St./N. Ashland interchange, Acklin suggested he give the article to Hall who will help with clarification. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONY~ACTS: CPAC Membership Second reading by title only of an ordinance expanding the C.P.A.C. membership to sixteen. Acklin moved to adopt the ordinance, Williams seconded the motion which passed on roll call vote as follows: Elerath, NO; Reid, Williams, Acklin, Laws, and Arnold, YES. (Ref. Ord. 2463) Skateboard Ban Second reading by title only of an ordinance extending the downtown skateboard ban on N. Main Street to Church Street. Arnold moved to adopt the ordinance and Acklin seconded the motion. It passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Ord. 2464) Olson Annexation Second reading by title only of an ordinance annexing a contiguous area to the City (Olson Annexation). Acklin moved to adopt the ordinance and Williams second. Elerath felt there was confusion at the last meeting and said this annexation would provide fire protection to County property. Reports show use of the airport is increasing and the annexation is not in accordance with the Airport Master Plan. The motion passed as follows on roll call vote: Elerath, NO; Reid, Williams, Acklin, Laws and Arnold, YES. (Ref. Ord. 2465) Olson Annexation Second reading by title only of an ordinance withdrawing annexed land from Jackson Co. Fire District No. 5. Acklin moved to adopt same, Willjams seconded the motion which passed as follows on roll call vote: Elerath, N0; Reid, Williams, Acklin, Laws and Arnold, YES. (Ref. Ord. 2466) Olson Annexation Second reading by title only of an ordinance rezoning annexed land to RR-1 (Rural Residential - 1 acre min. lot size). Williams moved to adopt same, Acklin seconded the motion which passed as follows on roll call vote: Elerath, NO; Reid, Williams, Acklin, Laws and Arnold, YES. (Ref. Ord. 2467) 9/6/88 P. 6 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 9/6/88 P. 7 ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS: Set Public Hg. Amigos Bldg. Co. (Continued) First reading of an ordinance setting a public hearing for October 18, 1988, 7:30 P.M. on the annexation, withdrawal from Jackson Annexation Co. Fire District 5, and rezoning of 3.4 acres of land located at 25 Mistletoe Rd. (Amigos Building Co. Annexation) Acklin moved to second reading, Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Prohibit Parking S. Side of Homes A resolution was read prohibiting parking on the South side of Homes Avenue between Walker and Normal Avenues. Arnold moved to adopt same, Williams seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Reso. #88-36) Extend Downtown Parking District Ordinance A resolution was read extending Ordinance No. 2377 with respect to employee/employer parking in the Downtown District. Acklin moved to adopt same and Arnold seconded. After a short discussion, Laws recommended changing Section 1 to read "...extended until September 30, 1989". The motion passed on roll call vote as follows: Reid, NO; Elerath, Williams, Acklin, Laws and Arnold: YES. (Ref. Reso. #88-37) Transfer of Appro- priations A resolution was read transferring appropriations within the Central Services Funds for 1988-89. Arnold moved to adopt same, Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. (Ref. Reso. #88-38) OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS: International Conf- Arnold feels it is appropriate to send a delegate to erence on Nuclear the International Conference on Nuclear Free Zones Free Zones in Eugene. Reid said she will be meeting with the organizor in Eugene and would like delegates from Japan to visit Ashland. Arnold moved to place the item on the agenda and Reid seconded the motion. The motion passed on voice vote as follows: Elerath, NO; Reid, Williams, Acklin, Laws and Arnold, YES. Acklin recommended authorizing Reid to attend the conference and with her expenses paid; and to appoint Reid and Arnold as a committee to invite delegates to Ashland and recommend activities. All agreed except Elerath. Meeting With FAA Councilor Elerath told of his visit to Seattle to meet with the FAA and the fine reception the group received. FAA is impressed with the cleanliness of our airport. ADJOURNMENT Nan E. ~ranklin City Recorder The meeting adjourned at 10:42 P.M. Don Laws, Chairman Ashland City Council 9/6/88 P. 7