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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-0219 REG MINMINLrfES OF THE REGULAR M~ETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL February 19, 1985 ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS Croman Annexation Mayor Medaris led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., on the above date in the Civic Center Council Chambers. Laws, Smith, Acklin, Bennett, Elerath and Reid were present. Smith corrected the minutes of the regular meeting of February 5 on page two where property owner Ebey's name was mispelled as was Croly's. Elerath asked that the minutes be corrected to ~eflect that Salter had said the court would not uphold the sign condition and asked Salter if this was correct. Salter said it was and Smith moved to approve minutes as corrected; Acklin seconded. All AYES on voice vote. Planning Director Fregonese reviewed the proposed annexation, with- drawal from Jackson County Fire Dist. No. 5 and rezoning from County RR-5 to City M-1 for two parcels located South of Croman Corp. Sawmill on the East side of Mistletoe Road saying that the proposal was heard and approved by CPAC and the Planning Commiss- ion and public hearing set for Council action in order that Croman can proceed with the building plans as early as possible. Fregonese reviewed the necessary findings for an annexation as follows: 1) that the property is located within the Urban Growth Boundary; 2) that the proposed zoning and project are in conformance with the City's comp plan; 3) that the land is currently contiguous to City limits; 4) that public services are available or can be made available to the site; and 5) that a public need for additional land as defined in the comp plan can be demonstrated. Fregonese then reviewed the applicantvs findings as submitted and made part of the record along with Planning Commission minutes of February 13, 1985 and Staff Report of that date. The Mayor opened the public hearing and Craig Stone, 708 Cardley Avenue, Medford, spoke as consultant for Croman and noted the proposed annexation of two parcels totalling 5.86 acres of land will allow for cons- truction of a veneer plant on Tax Lot 1000 adjacent to the existing sawmill and will also allow connection to public services to support the plant. Stone noted that the application complies with the comp plan and its goals and policies. Stone said that Croman is responsible for 57% of manufacturing employment in the City and 72% of the wood products employment. Stone reviewed the environ- mental resource goals and policies and drainage plans for the site as well as noise standard criteria. The Mayor opened the public hearing and there was no comment either pro or con from the audience. The public hearing was closed and Bennett moved to adopt findings; Smith seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. First reading was then given an ordinance annexing the property and Laws moved to second reading; Smith seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. First reading was given an ordinance withdrawing property from Jackson County Fire Dist. #5 and Acklin moved to second reading; Bennett seconded the motion which passed without opposition on roll call vote. First reading was given an ordinance rezoning the property and Smith moved to second reading; Bennett seconded the motion and on roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. 2/19/85 P, 1 legular ~eting Ashland City Council 2/19/85~P.2 PUBLIC HEARINGS cont. Slusser Annexation Otis & Elizabeth St. Improvements The City Administrator noted a rehearing on the Slusser Annexation because legal advertising criteria and reviewed the proposal to annex two parcels for single family residences in the Kensington Subdivision. Almquist reviewed a letter from Garrington & Associ- ates reques~ng two changes in the conditions. Relative to Con- dition 1 calling for 12~ ft paved access way, Garrington said it was her understanding that it should have read 12 foot width with a 15 foot easement. Also to be corrected was Condition No. 8 which called for a pump station for both residences and in place of that there would be two privately owned pump stations rather than the one City-owned sewage disposal pump station. A letter from Alsing to the applicant accepted the two privately owned units. Almquist asked that the applicant's findings (7 pages), Staff Report dated December 12, 1984, Planning Commission minutes for December 19~ 1984 meeting (4 pages) be made part of the record. The public hearing was opened and there were no comments - pro or con - from the audience so the hearing was closed. Smith moved to adopt findings with two changes; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Almquist gave second reading by title only of an ordinance rezoning the property located West of Bristol at Dover Street and Laws moved to adopt; Smith seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. First read- ing was given an ordinance annexating the Slusser property and Laws moved to second reading; Smith seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. First reading was then given an ordinance withdrawing recently annexed property from Jackson County Fire Dist. No. 5 and Laws moved to second reading; Bennett seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Steve Jensen, 355 Otis Street reviewed his letter of February 14, 1985 to the City Council stating he represents eighteen of the twenty-two property owners of Otis & Elizabeth Streets and noted the problems in deferral Of assessments for senior citizens which creates a real burden given the interest rate charged over a period of time and said its more of a problem than a solution. Jensen for- mally requested that Council consider a two year postponement to prepare the property owners for the cost involved in paving pro- posal outlined by the City. Jensen said that an oiling program will be taken care of and City oiling standards will be adhered to during the two years and requested that City continue mainten- ance at a cost to the City of an average $420.00 per year in the interim period. Elerath asked Jensen if he had a petition showing the wishes of the property owners in the event they disagreed and Jensen said he hasn't had time to get a petition. Laws asked if there would be implications should the postponement in this area be granted and Almquist said he didn't think so because each pro- posal would be considered on its own merit. Acklin asked if Jensen would agree to paving in 1986 since the first payment wouldn't be due before February of 1987 and Jensen agreed. Laws cautioned Jen- sen on the possibility of an interest rate or cost increase in two 2I'1c}f85 P. 2 tegular Meeting Ashland City Council zl±~lo~ Otis & Elizabeth St. Improvements cont. Peak & Associates Fish enhancement RVCOG Report/Bennett Courtesy Parking Cit. Warnings program Fire Specialist Program years and said there should be a mini-study of traffic flow to establish patterns and asked that both Planning and Traffic Safety look at it. City Attorney Salter asked if we would use the policy of going back to the people should the estimate in two years be 10% higher than at this time and Laws said that policy should be set aside in this instance. City Administrator Almquist suggested that an alternate assessment method be used in the case of Mrs. Eggert's property which has a large frontage and consideration be given the same policy as used in the Walker Avenue property owned by McKenzie. Almquist said 160 front ft. could be assessed and the balance deferred for twenty years on an interest only payable basis. First reading was given an ordinance authorizing improvement of Otis/Elizabeth Streets and Laws moved to second reading and calling for construction in 1986; Bennett seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Postponed until the March 5 meeting. Councilor Bennett submitted her report on the recent RVCOG meeting and offered to answer questions on the report. Also reviewed was a letter relative to Ashland's share of water quality costs and Almquist said the $2,000 has been included in the 1985/86 budget. Bennett asked that an alternativebe provided in the event she is unable to attend COG meetings. Elerath agreed to represent Ash- land as alternate. Almquist said he would inform Eric Dittmer that the monies are earmarked in the budget. A report on the effects of the Downtown Courtesy Warning Notices was reviewed and a letter from Judge Drescher supporting continuation of the program was read. Smith moved to extend the courtesy warn- ing program through this tourist season and to reevaluate in January of 1986; Reid seconded the motion. Laws asked that the Parking Conmittee also look at the concept etc. On voice vote the motion passed unanimously. Director of Safety Vic Lively presented a plan which would take off-duty firefighters and utilize their experience to respond to emergencies rather than calling a firefighter back on over- time. Lively said the Fire Specialist would be provided with a City-owned vehicle so he is ready to respond to any emergency - day or night. The concept would have a man ready to respond whenever a manning level falls below 5 firefighters on duty when · there is an emergency. Lively said the program would be cost- effective and a good addition to the Fire Division. On Elerath's question as to vehicles, Lively said there would be need for only one pick-up at this time because there is only one specialist 2/lqlR~ Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 2/19/85 P. 4 Fire Specialist cont. Mayor's Appointment Traffic Safety Recom. Public Forum ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS Hillcrest Imp. Electric Service Fees Zone Change Conditions being considered. Reid questioned the rationale of cutting staff when the City is growing and expressed concern for safety. Lively said no program will jeopardize the safety of the people in this community. Lively said that fires have decreased due to the care~ ful inspection by the firefighters. Chief King said the emphasis has been shifted from fighting fires to prevention and the results have been dramatic. Reid suggested that "creature comforts" be investigated saying personnel's physical needs are important. Chief King said he is working with personnel to handle such things. Council agreed that the Fire Specialist concept be implemented. Mayor Medaris appointed Hank de Klerk to Traffic Safety Commission to replace William Waugh who resigned. Bennett moved to approve; Acklin seconded and the motion passed unanimously on voice vote. A memo from the Traffic Safety Commission recommending parking pro- hibition on the west side of Tolman Cr. Road from Siskiyou Blvd., southerly a distance of 150 ft. was read. Smith recommended that there be neighborhood input on the matter. Laws questioned the reason for prohibition if it is already illegal to park and was told by Alsing that there are no curbs there to paint so signs are necessary, and pointed out that the Theatre has no problem with the recommendation. Almquist read the resolution and Laws moved to adopt; Bennett seconded the motion which passed unanimously on ~oi~ vote. Richard Stevens asked to address the issue of the Resolution of Intent when it comes up on the agenda and request was granted. First reading was given an ordinance authorizing the improvement of Hillcrest Street between Holly & Iowa Streets and Smith moved to second reading; Laws seconded the motion which passed with R&id, Bennett, Acklin, Laws and Smith voting in favor on roll call vote. (Elerath had left the room momentarily) First reading was given an ordinance relative to electric fees for restoration of service and Almquist noted the actual costs for after working hours, weekends or holidays and said that a charge of $50.00 is in line with other cities in Oregon which were surveyed. Laws said that the ordinary $15 fee should be an effective lesson for the consumer and the proposed fee is much higher than in the past. The costs were again reviewed and Acklin moved to second reading; Bennett seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. An ordinance was read providing for conditions to be attached to Zone changes and Elerath questioned the need for the ordin- ance. The City Attorney explained that State law approves the need and thus the ordinance is necessary to implement it. Acklin moved to second reading; Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. 2/19/85 P. 4 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 2/19/8~ P. 5 ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS Res. of Intention Meade St. Sign Resolution of Intention to rezone certain land known as Bard's Inn property was read and Elerath asked Salter if this isn't in conflict with what had been said on the subject. Salter said he drew up the Resolution in an attempt to implement what Council wanted saying Council had agreed that sign was to be brought into conformance in order for the City to comply with statedgoals. Salter said if the property owner performs their side of the agreement to bring sign into conformance, then the City would be obligated to rezone the land. Stevens expressed concern about procedure saying that the minutes show the motion to approve the comprehensive plan change and Zone change be approved and documents be prepared and brought back and the Resolution of Intent does not meet that standard. Stevens said he does not believe that the Resolution of Intent is following the procedure which took place two weeks ago. Stevens said the eight motel units have been allowed and asked if Council is saying that this is a good use only if you bring the sign up to Code on the adjacent property. Stevens said he recognizes that he still has to go through the Conditional use permit phase and~ went through the comp plan and zone change and left the C.U.P. out of the procedures so we wouldn't be involved with the sign uses. Elerath said he likes the sign ordinance but noted there are nonconforming signs downtown now. Elerath said he didn't think Bard's should belmad~ to conform to the sign ordinance. The City Administrator noted that during recent renovations to motels, the Valley Entrance and Knight's Inn both brought their signs into conformance. Laws said Council is concerned that the sign be brought into conformance and this resolution will accomp- lish that goal. Laws moved to adopt the Resolution of Intent; Smith seconded the motion. Elerath voted no. Reid abstained based on having been absent at the public hearing and not having reviewed the tapes. Bennett, Acklin, Laws and Smith voted in favor and the motion carried. A resolution authorizing yield signs on Meade at Vista Street was read and Smith moved to adopt; Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Tolman Parking A resolution prohibiting parking on Tolman Creek Road south of Siskiyou was read and Laws moved to adopt; Bennett seconded the motion which passed with Reid, Bennett, Acklin, Laws and Smith voting in favor. Elerath was absent from the room. 2/19/85 P. 5 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 2/19/85 P.6 Transfer of Approp. A resolution transferring appropriations within a fund (Parks and Recreation) was read and Reid moved to adopt; Elerath seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote° OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS Lord Property Reid reported that she, Bennett, Bill Muelmanns, Denise Harney and Mary Cosby had held a neighborhood meeting relative to the Lord property use and to get input on how they feel about the possibility of locating a community center in their neighbor- hood. Reid said that the question of removal of the present building or restoration and application of grant monies was discussed and a future neighborhood meeting planned. Smith said it may be a good location for Social Services. Council Goals Smith asked if a schedule for implementing goals has been drafted and Laws said there had not been. Bennett noted that there was a Budget meeting and one for the Tree Commission scheduled at Civic Center simultaneously. The City Administrator said he would take care of the conflict. Nan E. Fra~{klin L. Gordon Medaris City Recorder Mayor 2/19/85 p. 6