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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-0419 REG MINAGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL April 19, 1983 ROLL CALL & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES MORATORIUM PROPOSAL IN AREA "A" (STRAWBERRY LN.) Mayor Medaris called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center at 7:30 P.M. on the above date after having led the Pledge of Allegiance. All members were present. Smith moved to approve minutes of the April 5, 1983 regular meeting of City Council; Howard seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Director of Public Works reviewed a recent letter from Consultants R. W. Beck indicating that services beyond the allotted nine services on Nyla Lane would create a hazard in the area for water pressure purposes. The City Administrator presented findings saying that some of them are the same as those used for the moratorium in the South- east section of the City and noted there are other problems in Area A besides water and reminded Council that during the hearings on the Hill Amendment it was pointed out that road access was poor to the area and the impact on roads below the area would be impacted by too much vehicular traffic. Almquist said that if wells are used in the area the criteria would probably be the same as in a County situation were storage of 500 gallons would be necessary for fire protection. Almquist said the second alternative would be formation of an assess- ment district for booster pumping station to be put in on a temporary basis realizing they would no longer be used when the higher level water problem is dealt with and Almquist added the alternative would be only an interim solution. The third alternative according to Alm- quist would be to form an assessment district to construct a 24" line called for the in Beck Comprehensive Water Report. Almquist said he believed the assessment district would be more appropriate than general obligations bonds. Almquist read the findings of fact. The public hearing was opened and Margaret Wiley of Skycrest Drive stated the City is discriminatory against a few property owners and presented a letter from Attorneys Husk, Gleaves, Swearingen, Larson & Potter which she asked to be read and made a part of the record. Almquist read the letter and asked City Attorney Salter for comment. Salter said he disagreed with contentions in letter relative to the legality of declaring a moratorium on the area and said a program would be adopted to correct the problems outlined relative to water within sixty days and the second part of the letter would not apply. Verne Gross, 189 Westwood said he had to pay for services on all of his property and wondered if he was being told he cannot build on the lots. Almquist said that the proposal before Council is to honor those services paid for so that he can build. Chris Held 255 Wightman, spoke on behalf of himself and his father saying that they own twenty acres in the area and the moratorium deprives the property owners of their rights and that it would decrease the value of the land because people shy away from governmental control and it is only because of water. We could have a water company formed by digging wells. Hald said that builders should have Bancrofting and they should be responsible for improvements. Wiley said she has four lots and three meters and wondered if she can sell the lots. ........ continued 4/19/83 P. 1 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 4/19/83 P.2 MORATORIUM continued Almquist said the meters Wiley has reference to are for irrigation purposes as opposed to domestic services. Henry Kneebone, 494 Orchard, said that years ago Reeder Dam was built for people in the higher elevations and that the East side of town had ditch water. Kneebone said ~hat for years they have been promised that the pipe system on Grandview would be upgraded but it has never happened. Kneebone said that a 4" line was put in Bell- view and 2" line in Crowson Road and that in about 1960 a new line was put into Bellview and all the money went to the other end of town. Kneebone said after paying for everyone else's water in town, now they are faced with paying for their own water. Kneebone said he was born and raised right where he is located now and that the Roberts and Wileys have been there for forty or fifty years. Knee- bone said he can understand a moratorium but not one for ten years, and that they had been promised when the City got money they would do something on that side of town and it seems the money always dis- appeared before anything was done. Kneebone said they have already been assessed enough and that most people in the area want to see Ashland grow. Ron Skog, 608 Highway 238 said he owns ~ix acres of property with someone else and that he is beginning to feel like a second class citizen and expressed concern about the process which is evolving. Skog said the ordinance was written with no input from the people and they are being deprived of developing their property. Skog said he would like some idea of what development would cost for system so that assessment process could be considered but they have no place to start costwise. Skog said we are talking about water in 1991 but wondered about sewers and streets. He said it is going to take a concerted effort of the property owners and the City. John Darling, 490 Strawberry Lane said they have six acres and he could not afford to sign for a local improvement district. Darling said he would have to sell and that he wants to continue to live there. Darling said they have helped others in Ashland pay for their water lines and feels they should be willing to help them now. Renry Kneebone said he had heard of talk of a reservoir in the area and thinks a small reservoir may solve most of the problem. The public hearing was closed. Council discussed the various problems in the area and Howard asked Wiley if the meters are in use and she said one irrigates her yard, one is used for the packing house and the other for the orchard. Harold Johnson said he has been in town since 1936 and plans to sell a half acre of his land on Grandview and asked if this would be possible. Laws said he can sell the land but that the buyer would have to deal with the improvements. Almquist read the findings of fact and the moratorium ordinance was given first reading. Almquist said the nine services paid for will be honored and that if private wells are permitted with sufficient storage permits could be given. ........ continued 4/19/83 P. 2 MORATORIUM continued Acklin asked Almquist if wells in the area would reflect negatively on the City's fire rating and Almquist said there wouldn't be enough to have an impact. Council discussed the fact that pump stations in several areas of town are soon to be dismantled saying they were for temporary service and Skog expressed interest in the possibility of installing them in Area A. Alsing said it is questionable as to whether they would do the job as each pump is built for specific per- formance. Skog said it would be worth trying. Council agreed that the City could lend expertise. Smith wondered how problems of this type has been solved in the past where water, streets and sewers are all problems. Almquist cited what was done on Timberline Terrace as an example saying that the developer of the subdivision paid for the pumping station for the area which is now being replaced. Howard asked if the property owners have talked of how the problems might be solved and they said they have. Almquist said the alterna- tive is expenseive and such temporary costs are unreclaimable. Almquist said a pumping station on the Cooper property will cost about $14,000 using the project as an example. Dale asked Alsing ho~ much a system (pumping station) would cost and Alsing said they can be designed for any number of houses and the criteria is to provide fire protection. Ray Brown said he is installing sewer line and if fire is the major problem there is a higher line and 1" pipe could be run under 60 lbs pressure with a storage tank. Chief King said the fire problem is not only the lack of water but access to the site makes it impossible to get fire rigs up there. A gentleman said the cost of water and sewers will make it necessary to develop every one-half acre lot. Jere Hudson, 395 Strawberry said an alternative would be to keep large lots in order to keep the same standards for roads. Laws said the problem with transportation into the area resulted in leaving it as large lots. Laws explained that it is going through neighborhoods to get there which caused them to keep the density fairly low. On the proposal that the whole City pay for the improvements, Laws said many are already in assessment districts for their own improvements and he would doubt they would sign in favor of improvements in someone etse's area. Howard recommended the neighborhood get together and come up with some ideas and return to Council with some kind of plan. Dale suggested the Planning Depart- ment lend their expertise. Acklin offered any assistance by meeting with the group etc. Alsing cautioned the group by saying he hopes people aren't leaving the meeting with the idea that one pumping station would serve the whole area and said we are talking about at least two stations because there are no waters lines connecting Strawberry and WeStwood. Reid said she felt the decision was being based on fire hazard and it seems to be based on water. Laws said the water pressure in 1985 will be down to 6 p.s.i. and we need 20 if we do nothing else. Laws said it is inadequate now and to put any more development in would be irresponsible so we are going to have to have a moratorium because of the fire problem and water pressure p~oblem. Laws added that steps should be taken to reprioritize interim plan and suggested that if we ...... continued 4/19/83 P.~ _~Re~ular Meeting Ashland City Council 4/19/63 MORATORIUM continued are going to have a moratoriumwe should come up with a proposal in a reasonable length of time. Laws moved to pass ordinance to second reading and adopt findings of fact; Howard seconded the motion which passed with Howard, Dale, Acklin, Laws and Smith voting in favor; Reid opposed the measure. Laws asked that staff bring options or alternatives when such problems must be addressed. Almquist noted that the subject could be moved up to the May meeting instead of the June meeting at which time it is scheduled. Chris Hald asked if the City could make the County Assessor's office aware of the dilemma of the property owners so they can be taxed accordingly. HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANS Planner Fregonese presented the upcoming plans of the Historic Com- mission relative to Historic Preservation Week in the absence of Chairperson Barker listing activities including talks, films shown in schools, tours of Lithia Park daily and home tours. OAK KNOLL GOLF COURS~PROPOSALjohn Zupan reviewed a proposal from Oak Knoll Enterprises for expans- ion of the present City-owned golf course to an eighteen hole golf course by developing fairway lots and exchanging one undeveloped City lot for one acre of Ervin Toney's in order to obtain some 60 acres for the additional holes. Zupan showed a map of the existing layout and proposed additional nine holes with holes rearranged and open spaces to be developed. Zupan said there would be tunnel access to go from one section to ther other. Zupan sa~d that the development of the additional area would be funded by Oak Knoll Enterprises by selling prepaid annual fees etc. and the City would agree to a long term lease. Zupan said the proposal is being made for Council's approval of the concept at this point before plans are implemented. Zupan said the exchanges would keep the property free and clear and the City would have no obligations, liens etc. It was noted that this would be the only public 18-hole course between Redding and Ashland to the South and Roseburg to the North. Mayor Medaris urged adoption of the concept saying that it would enhance Tourism in the City and would be a great addition for the citizens. Elliott Reinart Director of the Chamber of Commerce endorsed the plan saying that Ashland has lost conventions becanse of it's lack of an 18-hole course and that it would be an attractive asset to the community. Laws moved to approve in concept; Howard seconded. Dale agreed say- ing there are many details to be worked out. On voice vote the motion to approve concept passed unanimously. WINBUI~N WAY CLOSURE A request for closure of Winburn ~ay on May 14th for a bicycle race to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis ~oundation was considered and Laws moved for approval; Smith seconded the motion which passed unanimousl o~ voice vote. BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING May 17, 1983 at 7:30 was set for public hearing to consider 1983-84 Budget and Dale so moved; Smith seconded and the motion passed with- out opposition on voice vote. 4/19/83 P. 4 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 4/19/83 P.5 PROCLAMATIONS ELECTRIC RATE SCHEDULES FINANCE & P.W. FUNCTIONS CP & ZONING MAP P.H. S. MOUNTAIN REZONE P.H. PUBLIC FORUM REORGANIZATION PLAN CEMETERY/UTILITY FUNCTIONS ELECTRIC RATE SCHEDULES INDUSTRIAL PARK ANNEX. Mayor Medaris proclaimed "Clean Air Week" for May 2-8; "High Blood Pressure Month" for May and "Historic Preservation Week" for May 8-14, 1983. The City Administrator reviewed the electric rate schedule and noted that residential rates will increase by approximately 9~% or an average of $3.95 and that commercial rates will increase 21% to bring them to the current level of PP&L's commercial rates. Almquist invited public comment and said the ordinance for adoption would be read at the May 3, 1983 meeting. Almquist reviewed a memorandum relative to draft ordinance to provide for Finance & Public Works functions and said the Ordinance would be considered at the May 3, 1983 regular meeting of City Council. Dale moved to set public hearings on items 4 & 5 for May 3, 1983 at 7:30 P.M. and Smith seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Bob Hubbard of 307 Hillcrest related a history of receiving tickets for not moving his truck in front of his home within a 72-hour period which is called for in an ordinance. Hubbard said he seldom uses the vehicle and walks to school daily so doesn't always get the opportunity to move the truck and on some occasions such as now the vehicle isn't operable. Hubbard was referred to Public Works Director Alsing for criteria on curb cut for driveway. A1 Willstatter requested that ordinances relative to reorganization be given a public hearing. Almquist said that it is proposed two weeks in advance and is advertised in the condensed agenda in the newspaper. Council agreed to grant request. Second reading was given by title only of an Ordinance relative to Cemetery/Utility functions and Dale moved to adopt; Smith seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Second reading by title only was given an Ordinance with respect to electric rate schedules. Howard moved to adopt; Acklin seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. First reading was given an Ordinance amending the legal description for the Industrial Park Annexation to cover 8 acres only and Laws moved to second reading; Howard seconded. Acklin expressed concern that the whole park isn't being annexed. Laws explained that at this point only 8 acres are being sold and the annexation fee will be paid when a permit is taken out as Phase 1 and the balance will be handled by phase. On roll call vote the motion passed with all YES. 4/19/83 P5 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 4/19/83 6 ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS continued State-shared Revenues Off-premise Billboards Lien Search fees Reeder Reservoir Hydro-Elec. Generator First reading was given an Ordinance electing to receive State- shared revenues and Acklin moved to second reading; Smith seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. First reading was given an Ordinance repealing AMC 18.50.130 and 18.96.140 relative to Off-premise Billboards and declaring an emergency. Laws moved to second reading; Reid seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. First reading was given an Ordinance regarding certificates of lien search and Smith moved to second reading; Laws seconded the motion Which passed unanimously on roll call vote. A proposed ballot title prepared by City Attorney Salter was pre- sented, calling for special election on June 28, 1983 to authorize the issuance of up to $700,000 in general obligation bonds to finance the reinstallation of a hydro-electric generator at Reeder Reservoir. City Administrator Almquist reviewed cost estimates on the project and bonding expenses, which he said included modifica- tion to the power house estimated at $65,000; turbine generator package at $335,000; accessory electrical equipment at $135,000; a 15% contingency of $80,250; engineering expenses of $70,000; and bonding expenses estimated at $14,750. Almquist then reviewed annual operating costs including debt service showing a first year estimate of $99,300, which he said would result in 3,300,000 Kwh of power being produced at 30.1 mills per Kilowatt-hour. He then presented a chart showing the total costs over the 20-year bonding period and the 50-year life of the facility, indicating an estimated savings over the first 20 years of about $900,000, assuming BPA wholesale power costs will escalate at 5% per year. Almquist noted that a preliminary draft of the dam safety inspection by our engineering consultants indicated the dam structure would be completely sound under all flood loading conditions, and that no modifications are needed. He stated that this is an ideal time to go to the bond market due to favorable interest rates of 9-10%, and stated that a resolution would be presented at the next Council meeting formally calling the election on the issue. A1 Willstatter said he has supported the hydroelectric energy con- cept since 1972. Almquist said that our license has been extended until October and should the City not act, another entity could apply. Almquist said the generator could last sixty years. Dale suggested that a committee be established of supporters, and that the people of Ashland be fully informed of the benefits of the proposal. Mayor Medaris suggested that a Newsletter for the utility bills be prepared by the City Administrator, and that speakers for service clubs etc. be arranged. It was the consensus of the Council to proceed with the project. 4/19/83 P.6 Regular M?~_ting Ashland City Council 4/19/83 P. 7 Transfer of Appropriations A Resolution transferring appropriations within funds was read and Laws moved for adoption; Smith seconded the motion which passed without opposition on roll call vote. Energy Audit Program Director of Energy Conservation Wanderscheid reviewed the commerc- ial energy audit program pursuant to State law and said they have received 6 commercial audits and at this point are concentrating on residential audits. Almquist read the Resolution adopting com- mercial audit program and Smith moved for adoption; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Transfer of Appropriations COI/NCIL MEMBERS BUSINESS CATV Franchise Report Council agreed to add to the agenda a Resolution transferring approp- riations within a fund for computer equipment and after reading Acklin moved to adopt; Smith seconded and the motion passed unani- mously on roll call vote. CATV Committee Chairman Lee Howard reported that negotiations on the non-exclusive CATV franchise contract have concluded and the original document of 65 pages was reduced to 18 pages. Howard said the Committee would like to have Council approval of the draft ord- inance. Mayor Medaris commended Chairman Howard and the Committee for their successful efforts. Howard added that he is certain the City will be satisfied with the contract and relationship with McCaw Communications. Hospital Policy Councilwoman Reid question a Hospital policy reported in the minutes relative to refusal of service to certain individuals and said it is a discriminatory practice. Laws recommended that Smith and Reid make arrangements to confer with the Hospital Adminis- trator background and rationale for the decision made per the record. Airport Grant Almquist reported the City has received a grant of $116,956 for Airport Improvement from FAA. Goals Sessions Laws reported ahat a copy of the Goals schedule will be mailed shortly to members of the Council. Press Conference None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:50 P.M. Nan E. Franklin L. Gordon Medaris City Recorder Mayor 4/19/83 P. 7