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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-1217 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL December 17, 1985 ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS Transportation Plan Revision Definition of Structure or Building Hersey Street Improvements Mayor 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° Present were Elerath, Reid, Laws and Acklino Bennett and Smith were absent. Reid moved to approve minutes of the regular meeting of December 3, 1985; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Proposed revisions to the Transportation Plan of the Comprehensive Plan in the Fordyce Street area were reviewed by Planning Dir- ector Fregonese who showed the proposed map for future streets and noted that Plan would preclude construction of houses in the proposed street area. Fregonese said there has been no negative feed back. The public hearing was held and Larry Medinger who owns property in the area offered to answer questions of neighbors who might be attending the public hearing. There were no other conments and the Mayor closed the public hearing° The Ordinance was given first reading and Acklin moved to second reading; Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. The City Administrator read a memo from the Planning Staff rela- tive to the definition of a structure or building and revising AMC 18.08.750 and Fregonesenoted that structures 18" in height are excluded and said due to the topography of Ashland, some structures - decks & stairways - may intrude in the set back area and will not need a variance. The public tiearing was opened and since there was no comment, the hearing was closed and first reading was given the ordinance. Acklin moved to second reading including changes read into the ordinance to add two words in the second to last sentence to read "and from the half (~) of the year requirements for the". Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote° The City Administrator reviewed the proposed improvement of Hersey Street saying that 50°69% of the property owners had signed in favor on the premise that a maximum cost of $25.00 per front foot to the property owners would be considered to make up the City's match with FAUS funds° Almquist noted that the public hearing is for input as to whether the proposal meets property owner approval in concept. The Mayor opened the public hearing and a letter in opposition was read from Mro & Mrs° Arnold Gross, Mr. & Mrs. Lee and Mro & Mrs. Fisher comprising 2.1% of the owners of front foot- age° Director of Public Works Alsing reviewed the proposal saying this is probably the last opportunity for use of funding by FAUS and the monies must be committed to a project and this one is the choice to continue improvements of Herseyo Alsing said when the property owners accept the concept a preliminary design will be worked ono ....... continued 12/17/85 p. / Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 12/17/85 P. 2 Hersey Street Public Hrg. conto Almquist noted the necessity for improvements saying that Hersey will serve as a street to by-pass business district and equalize traffic° On question by Aeklin as to how the match works, Alsing explained that 88% is state money and 12% local match. He added that normal cost per front foot runs from $35 to $38 so the $25°00 rate should be conducive to getting the project done. The public hearing was opened. Fred Roberts said his 335' foot frontage com- prises 9°2% of the project and property is located on Hersey bet- ween Water & Helman and will cost $8,375 for improvements. Roberrs said he is not in favor of the project because he does not have suffi~i~ntr information on which to make a decision. Roberts said the width of the street has not been determined and said that the abruptending of proposed paving at Water Street should be addressed at this time. Roberts said the City will do the design work which could be changed or approved by the State and if Federal funds are involved the property owners could end up with s project much different than proposed in scope or cost. Roberrs asked that plans be made available including drainage, relocation of power poles, ~urbs, driveways for the property owners and Councilts information. Roberrs added that without more definitive plans there will be misunderstandings dur- ing this Couneilts tenure as well as future Councils. On Robert's question regarding width of street, Alsing said that it would be made as wide as practicable, but not as wide as the section of Hersey previously improved. Alsing said the Water Street bridge is substandard and will have to be replaced when funds are avail- able. Terry Brimhall, 632 Helman Street, representing Parson's Pine Products comprising 16.2% of the pr6j ect said he didn't see how they can approve something in concept without knowing how much property is concerned, where the street will be located and what impact it will have on the business. Brimhall said that a 36 foot street funnelling into a 30 footbridge and then going into a 66 foot street would be impractical. On Brimhall's ques- tion as to how much property will be taken for the street, Almquist said there is a 60 foot right of way and that it will be sufficient for the street and power p~ees will be within that 60 feet. Brim- ha 1 s id there should be 1 a ~eeting of property owners and Almquist said that that is the purpose of the public hearing and that all property owners were notified. Brimhall said he is not necessarily opposed to the project but wants information and property lines staked out with street plans before making a decision. Mary Lou Gross said they are not in favor and if there are no sidewalks it will not be safe for children with the increased traffic flow. Gross said that replacement of sewe=ltihe is not included and their home and rental are below the street level. Gross said the long road frontage on the pie-shaped lot will make their share of the costs $8,000 which they can't afford. Arnold Gross added that more notice should have been given for the public hearing. Gross said the Engineers staked out the 60 ft. right of way and it is located right under the roof of his cottage and if the City wants to improve the street to use as by-pass for traffic they should be willing to pay for the improvements. The Gross letter with comments was made part of the record. i2/i7/85 p. 2 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 12/17/__85 Po 3 Hersey Street Public Hrg. conto Oregon Arts Commission Grant/59 Winburn Way Windmill inn Request Utility Deposit On paving and sidewalks, Reid noted because of the granitic soil all streets should be paved because of its properties which create a health hazard and that sidewalks should be provided for every- one's use. Reid added that all property owners have some obliga- tion to help with air quality. Mark Heller, 298 W. Hsrsey said he bought property from someone who had signed in favor of improve- ments but is opposed personally because of traffic it will generate he would prefer the dirt street. He said that people accelerate when they go up the hill from his home and improvements would remove his berry patch and his front yard. Heller also expressed concern about Water Street. George Eshoo spoke in favor of the proposal and said the legal public hearing notice implied that only dissenters should appear before Council. Eshoo said he knows where the right-of-way is and feels paving would be a vast improvement and help with the dust problem. At this point the public hearing was closed° Almquist noted that 33.9% opposing paving spoke and including the letters submitted the percentage would be 41.65 in opposition. Reid said she would like to see right-of-way boundaries staked and it would be wise to get more support from the property owners. Laws noted that 51% are in favor either by agreement or petition but admitted Council and staff are rather vague on the proposal. Alsing said that the State usually doesn't allow cities to draw up their own desire and this will save lots of money on the project costs. ~y0rMada~ls d~rected staff to work with the property owners and report hack, A memo from Planning Director Fregonese was read noting an award had been received for a $1,500 grant from the Oregon Arts Commiss- ion for improvements in the Community Center and Laws moved to authorize signatures of the Mayor and City Recorder to accept the grant. Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. A memo was reviewed from the City Administrator addressing the request of Windmill Inns for a waiver of their utility deposit and proposing three policy changes to permit an alternative in policy for deposits required in excess of $10,000. Almquist re- viewed the outlined proposals and Laws moved to adopt Policies A and B and strike C; Acklin seconded the motion. Jean-Robert Cauvin, President of Ashland Hills Windmill Inn thanked Council for their consideration and expressed hope that his AHWI would contribute to the economy of Ashland. On voice vote,the motion passed unanimously. 12/17/85 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 12/17/85 P~ 4 Soda Mr. Wildo 500 KV Protest Audit Report Traffic Safety Recommendations Electric Rate Forecast 1986 Long-range Budget Hargadine Cemetery A letter from Soda Mountain Wilderness Council was reviewed in which support was requested relative to a proposed 500 kw power- line from Oregon through California to transmit excess power from the Pacific Northwest to utility companies who are combin- ing efforts. Bruce Boccard showed the proposed route on the map and asked that Council write a letter to the Energy Siting Council consultant asking that powerline not be installed in Wilderness area and another letter be written to BI3{ request- ing that protection be given Soda Mto but also the George Wright Wilderness during the interim period until Congress acts on the issue. Reid so moved; Acklin seconded and the motion passed unanimously on voice vote. A letter from Auditor Gerald W. Burns was read with summary of Revenues & Expenditures submitted to Council along with minutes of the December 9, 1985 meeting. Acklin asked for more information on how the 911 money is utilized and Reid asked for a pie-graph showing General Fund proportions of money spent. A resolu- tion was read accepting the 1984-85 Financial Report (Audit Report) was read and Acklin moved to adopt; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Acklin recommended Audit Rep- ort be published in manner which people can understand. Recommendations from the Traffic Safety Commission were reviewed relative to a designation of one-way on West Street between Scenic Dr. and Alta Street in an easterly direction and that Hill- crest Street be designated a stop-street where it enters Iowa Street. Laws moved to direct staff to bring back resolutions; Elerath seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voiee vote. A memo from the City Administrator was read and forecast for elect- ric rates submitted. Almquist indicated that there would be no increase in BPA rates and that although our electric rates are over average, the property taxes shows a lower cost for Ashland residents. No action necessary. A memo from Finance Director Nelson was reviewed and Laws moved to adopt report; Acklin seconded the motion which passed without opposition on voice vote, City Attorney Salter reported on the ownership of Hargadine Cemetery and said the City has perpetual care of sixteen lots and noted that much of the cemetery lots have been sold to people now buried there in which case the ownership is ~ague. Council discussed mainten- ance obligations and whether it is legal for the City to continue with perpetual care. The City Attorney agreed to research further into deed records and laws applicable. i2/i7/85 p. 4 ~egular Meeting Ashland City Council 12111/~3 P. Revenue Sharing Request A memo from the City Administrator was read requesting release of Revenue Sharing funds to secure chip-sealing equipment for the Street Department and Laws moved to approve request and that staff prepare necessary specifications and call for bids; Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. PUBLIC FORUM A1 Willstatter wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Since there were no further comments, the Public Forum was closed. Webster Vac. Ord. Second reading by title only was given an ordinance vacating Webster Street and Stadium Street north of Webster Street and Laws moved to adopt; Reid seconded the motion. Elerath abstained since he was not present at the public hearing and Acklin did like- wise. Reid, Laws and the Mayor voted in favor and motion passed on roll call vote. Motor Vehicle Code Second reading was given by title only concerning State Motor Vehicle Code enforcement and Laws moved to adopt; Acklin seconded. Elerath abstained because he missed first reading. Reid, Acklin and Laws voted in favor and the motion carried on roll call vote. Parking Dist. Second reading by title only was given an ordinance establishing a Downtown Parking District and restricting employer/employee parking and Acklin moved to adopt; Laws seconded the motion. Elerath abstained having missed the first reading. Acklin, Laws and Medaris voted in favor; Reid opposed and the motion carried on roll call vote. Condemnation~ Second reading by title only was given an ordinance authorizing condemnation proceedings and Laws moved to adopt; Acklin seconded the motion. Elarath abstained having missed the first reading and Reid, Acklln, Laws and Medaris voted in favor on roll call vote. Misdemeanors First reading was given an ordinance amending the Municipal Code tO change certain violations from misdemeanors to infractions and Acklin moved to second reading; Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Transfer Appropriations A resolution transferringappropriations within funds was read and Laws moved to adopt; Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Walker Avenue Jurisdiction A resolution requesting the surrender of jurisdiction for Walker Avenue from E. Main Street to S.P.R.R.~ and Acklin moved to adopt; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. 12/17/85 P 5 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council lgI!%/85 Pc Sheridan St. Public Hrgo Other Business PUC Ruling Adjournment Council discussed the possibility to including Grover & Walnut Sts. when Sheridan Street is being improved° Alsing said that a water line needs to be put in on Walnut but it can be done. Almquist read a resolution including Grover Street from Sheridan to Grant Street; Walnut Street from Sheridan to Grant Street and Acklin moved to adopt as amended and calling for a public hearing on January 21, 1986; Elerath seconded the motion° Almquist said he would readver=ise including Walnut and Grover. On roll call the motion passed unanimously. Acklin recommended that the brochures "Tis the Season" be mailed out again with the utility bills regarding Wood Stove use. Reid asked how the pipe storage is progressing and Alsing said that the departments are working on dividing the lot and that as new equipment is ordered the other pipe will be moved in the future. The City Administrator reported that the P.U.C. had ruled that the cost of moving the signal at the Walker Avenue Crossing be the responsibility of S.P.R.R. rather than cost sharing by City. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M. Nan E. Franklin City Recorder ~don Medarfs ~ Mayor 12/17/85 P. 6