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Home My WebLink About1987-0505 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 5, 1987 ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES MAYOR'S PRESENTA- TIONS PUBLIC HEARING Proposed Electric Rate Schedules 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, Bennett, Laws and Arnold were present. Elerath and Acklin were absent. Arnold moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 21, 1987; Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Mayor Medaris introduced Betty Lou Dunlop and Don Greene and presented each with a Certificate of Appreciation for 3 1/2 and 7 years service, respectively, on the Ashland Planning Commission. Mayor Medaris opened the public hearing on the adoption of the proposed electric rate schedules to be effective with meter readings on or after June 1, 1987. The staff report, in memo form, was read and explained by City Administrator Almquist, who also showed charts illustrating the impact of the rate increases on different classes of customers. Mayor Medaris then opened the meeting for comments from the audience. Don Rist, 310 Bridge Street, requested that a decision on the rates be postponed until the public had a chance to review them. Bob Gruber, 635 Wrights Creek Drive, also felt the public had not been given enough time to review the proposed rates. On ques- tioning from Gruber, Almquist explained the estimated increase from BPA would be $260,000 and the rate increase would be spread out over 12 months instead of nine months. Gruber asked that the decision be postponed for two weeks. He also expressed concern that the City purchase the cheapest power available and asked if same had participated in BPA's firm power sale in 1986. Almquist said the firm power sale was not available to residential customers in Ashland, and Ashland is a preference customer of BPA receiving the least expensive power available. Mayor Medaris closed the public hearing. Laws noted there is a time problem in that the Finance Department needs time to program the increases into their billing system. Arnold felt Council should be receptive to a delay, giving public more time to review increases. Bennett noted the rates would have to be raised anyway and adoption shouldn't be delayed. Almquist and Finance Director Nelson agreed that staff could wait one week for a decision but not two. 5-5-87 P. 1 Er ~~ar Meeting Ashland City Council 5/5/87 P ~ PUBLIC FORUM: Public Works Director Alsing gave an update of the Hosler Dam construction project which was completed the first of April. The dam is now 86% full and staff is preparing to apply for a sluicing permit for next year. He also told of a preliminary plan for the holding pond which would involve a joint effort between Parks Dept., Greenway Committee and the City. They will bring a proposal back to Council at a later date. No action necessary. Public Forum closed. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS: Improvement Dist. A Resolution authorizing issuance of Bancroft Bonds in No. 57 City Improvement District No. 57 was read. Arnold moved to approve; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS: Reid expressed concern about the hazardous situation caused by the hedge at 334 High Street and Laws said any action by City to alleviate the danger should wait until action is taken on the vacation of the alley. Reid gave short report on her trip to Idaho Falls for BPA conference and invited input from other Council members for future BPA meetings. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M. to May 12, 1987 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Nan E. F~anklin City Recorder L. Gordon Medaris Mayor 5-5-87 P. 4