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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-1222.SS.MINMINUTES FOR THE STUDY SESSION MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL December 22, 1999 Council Chambers, 275 E Main CALL TO ORDER Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 275 E Main. IN ATTENDANCE Councilors Laws. Reid.} lanson, ttauck and Fine were present. Staff present: City Adm in istrator Mike Freeman, Public Wnrks Director Paula Brown. Finance Director Jill Turner, Community Development Director John McLaughlin, Assistant City Administrator Greg Scoles and Marketing Manager Ann Selzter. I. CONTINUATION OF TRANSIT DISCUSSION Mayor read letter submitted by Johanna Fisher which voiced her goal of working toward a plan for city transit. /ohanna Fisher suggested to council a plan for a city-owned transit which would involve the city purchasing 2 vans that will seat 20 people. Fisher stated that the needs of the population can be answered by a city-owned transit system at a reasonable cost, eliminating the extremely expensive RVTD. Additionally, commented that Southern Oregon [ Jniversity is interested in uegotiating with the National Guard for the use of their new, extended parking lot. Shaw clarified that the consultant hired to do the transit study found that the cost to provide a city-owned transit system, was the same amount RVTD was asking as the increase for service. Commented on the "good neighbor" policy in helping to work with RVTD so that a county wide transit system, that follows air quality requirements, would be available fnr the City of Ashland and throughout the valley. Commented on the federal requirements for disability requirements on transportation services that would need to be provided. ( ouncil suggested that Ms. Fisher's ideas be submitted to staffon the possibility of incorporating some of the ideas into the plan for a transit system. Council discussion on the costs involved in providing ADA service. Council discussion regarding a suggestion to add additional service to the area by persuading local commerce to run a private trolley service. City Administrator Mike Freeman requested clarification on what the next steps were in providing transit service. Cnuncil discussed what their expectation was. on the level of service to be provided. It was generally agreed, that council would like to see the level of service brought back to what was previously provided. Another issue of discussion had to do with parking problems at the college and in the downtown area. Cotmcil discussion on the suggestion that staffmeet with RVTD and university staffto negotiate a $300,000 contract fi>r the 15 minute service. Continued discussion on the fiscal responsibility in providing a transit system and providing incentives to private businesses in encouraging employees to use alternative modes of transportation. Council discussion on the possibility of paid parking. Council consensus to try and gel back to the level of service that was previously being provided. Suggestion was made that a couple of council members, along with staff approach university officials to work on a proposal that could be brought back to council for discussion. 2. HILLAH TEMPLE FINANCING Finance Director Jill Turner explained that this is a $2.6 million project of which $700,000 has been spent on land acquisitions and planning. Turner explained that the financing would assume that the City would enter into a I O-year bank loan at approximately 6.9%, requiring an annual debt payment of $164,000. This payment of $52,000 is an ('ouncil Study Session 12/22/99 Page 1 of 2 increase to the $112,000 that is currently being set-aside for municipal building improvements and office space rent. [he cxpenditures for Pnblic Works Administration/Engineering and Planning/Building would increase. Both departments are reviewing their fees and charges and will pass this increase along to their users. (ouncil proceeded to discuss the $450,000 that had been set aside for the fire station. Council voiced concern on using the money that was set aside for the fire department on the Hillah Temple and entering into a 10-year loan versus a 30- year loan. General agreement was made by council, to not use the money set aside for the fire department on the Hillah fcmple. [urner explained the costs associated with financing and how it effectsa 10-year bank loan. Stated that this is a more expensive project to finance compared to projects that could be financed through revenue bonds. Turner offered to bring back additional infi>rmation for council on costs associated with financing this project. Council requested the lbllowing information from staff: I ) What would be the best way to finance the project if we included the $450,000 as pan of the Fire Station financing plan and reduced the fire station bond; 2)What the cost of financing wonld be if we set aside the $450,000 for Fire Station #2; and 3) Look at the costs of financing, if the S450.000 is used tbr the Hillah Temple. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:25 p,m. Snbmitted by Barbara Christensen, CiO' Recorder/Treasurer Council Study Session 12/22/99 Page 2 of 2