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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-0803 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL. Augpst 3, 1982 ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES LITHIA PARK VILLAGE Mayor Medaris led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. in Council Chambers at Civic Center on the above date. Howard, Dale, Peterson, Laws and Sims were present. Acklin was absent. City Rejjrder Franklin asked for correction of page 6 re Labor Contract and the City Administrator read correction as follows: "The City Administrator reviewed ratification of con- tract with Teamsters Union #223 saying the three year contract includes PERS pickup, increas~ in dispatchers pay of 2% this. July and 1% in January, Dective clothing allowance, educational allowance and one additional holiday for a total cost of 7.67%. Almquist reviewed the the Laborers Local 1400 contract of two years wherein the City agrees to PERS pickup and Family Dental Plan with a total cost of 7.88%. Howard moved to authorize the Mayor and Recorder to sign new contracts with the two Unions; Dale seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote." Laws moved to approve as corrected; Peterson seconded the motion which passed on voice vote with all AYES. A request by Mark Cooper (Lithia Park Vi]lsge) to develop ped~s~ trian paths in asphalt concrete was presented and Almquist note~ that Cooper would also request that performance bonds be set in increments during construction of the work as each phnse is begun so as not to tie all monies up for the overall project. Almquist reviewed guidelines set forth in the subdivision ordin~ ance which calls for bonding of entire project and asked Council for policy since the request would be a deviation for the regu!a~ standard procedure. Mayor Medaris asked Cooper if be is repres-. enting Lithia Homes as owner of the corporation or what h~s capa~ ity is relative to the requests. Cooper said that the sons of he and Linda Cooper are the owners of the property being deveioF- ed and that his reason for this ownership is to avoid probate fees eventually. Cooper added that Coverstone (landscape fi~ did no work for Lithie Homes and he could see no reason to look to Lithie Homes as it was not incorporated at tILe t~ime. Cooper sa~d when the company was incorporated he wasn't being sued by Coverstone. Cooper then reviewed the planning proc~dures he gone through prior to approval by Council for development of 28 units etc. Cooper.said it was his understsnding throughout the process that the sidewalks would be asphalt and if this is not allowed and concrete is mandatory, then he would like tc eliminate the sidewaIks altogether. Fregonese spoke and noted that the final plan uader condition 18 calls for concrete and that it is not the option of the,Planning Commissiou to choose such materials as they felt ~t should be as the ordinance call~; for or considered by ~omeono in public works or others with e}~Dertise, Fregonese said the Planning Commission ~s not in a position to concern themselves with how long a surface will last On question of Alsing by Howard as to the life of asphalt, said it is the property owner's responsibility on sidewalks. Fregonese said Cooper would like sidewalks eliminated estirely~ in that instance another public hearing would need to be held. LITHIA VILLAGE cont. TRAFFIC SAFETY RECOmmEND. On Peterson's question as to how a change can be made when the ordinance clearly calls for concrete, Alsing said Council may approve. Cooper discussed the need for Council to consider aesthetics and said the village cbncept would be lost in con- crete. Howard moved to require concrete (Portland) as called for in ordinance; Peterson seconded. On roll call vote Howard voted in favor and the others all voted in opposition and the motion failed. Laws said project should be considered as it's own unity and let the people who wish to live there decide what they like and whether they want to buy or not. Laws moved to grant request for asphalt concrete using Public Works specifica- tions; Sims seconded. On roll call Sims, Dale, Laws and Peterson voted in favor; Howard opposed. Motion carried. Incremental bonding was discuqsed and Alsing was asked to explain need for bonding. Alsing said that bonding is necessary to get the plat signed so when lots are sold the new owner can be assure the lot. is useable. Alsing added that if the developer is not going to sell lots then he can perform in his own time. Alsing said that if Cooper were to rough cut for streets etc. and did not complete the work, the City would then have to do it. Freg- onese said that it was the understanding throughout the planning process that the project would be bonded and the public was assured of this. Fregonese added that the erosion control con- ditions state that the work would be bonded and noted the dangers of e~osion & draining on the site. Fregonese said if Council should approve the developer should sign the subdivision agreemen and that brush removal is important and because of fire hazard it must be hauled away. Fregonese said the Planning Commission was adamant about bonding before !tUZ work is done. On question of Fregonese as to whether it would be necessary to have bond before brush is cleared, Fregonese said it was assumed the bond would be in force before the project is ever started and since the City has not experienced this type of dwelling the Planning Commission assured everyone there is no problem since it will be bonded. Fregonese discussed the fragile erosion control and drainage and said if the developer abandoned the project a dan- gerous situation would be left especially during winter months. Fregonese said it would be okay to haul trees out but before getting cats in there the agreement mnst be signed. Fregonese said this is the first project for Ashland and the first for Mr. Cooper. Almquist snid the bonding company would let us know when the project is ended and that during the last stages the bonding would be substantially reduced. After further dis- cussion relative to incremental bonding Sims said the concerns were that something may be overlooked, project may not be com- pleted etc. and Sims moved to require bonding for the full pro- ject; Howard seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote, Almquist reviewed Traffic Safety Commission's recommendation for a four way stop on Laurel at Rand7 and said if approved Staff would come back with Resolution. Laws moved for approval; Howard seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Traffic Safety Recommendations cont. Ashland City Council 8/~ 'FKAFF!C SAFETY RECO~LEND. continued >I~YOR'S APPOINTMENTS Planning Commission Economic Development Comm. ~2-ICA/CITY Recreation Project Judge Drescher spoke relative to his letter enclosed regarding parking regulations and asked the Mayor to appoint a committee to study downtown parking. Drescher suggested Chief Lively, Spud Corliss, Terrill Barton and himself. Peterson suggested Councilmember Acklin be named to the committee. Mayor agreed with proposal and named those suggested to study and bring back a report. The last suggested traffic control measures ( #3 on the memo) were considered and Howard moved to approve and that Staff bring appropriate resolution;'Sims seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Mayor Medaris appointed Neil Benson to replace Jeff Barnes on the Planning Commission and Barry Warr to replace Gene Morris with both terms expiring December 31, 1983, Howard moved to approve; Peterson seconded the motion which passed with all AYES on voice vote. Mayor Medaris appointed Dick Bernard to replace Bob Bernard (no relation) and Bob Rasmussen to replace Dick Cottle on the Economic Development Commission. Peterson moved for approval; Howard seconded and the motion passed with all AYES on voice vote. City Attorney Salter reviewed his letter to the Mayor & Council noting the Y has scaled down it's proposed project by eliminating the swimming pool at this time resulting in a reduction of $1,500,000.00 and said he is relying on recomn~endations for the entire concept from bonding attorney Howard Rankin. Pat Flannery spoke representing the Y and said that plans outlined would in- clude 1) YMCA conveying title to the City; 2) General Obfigatlon Bonds be sold for the Community Recreation Center; 3) City to lease to YMCA on 99 year lease basis; 4) Bonds to be paid off in 20 years; 5) Equal addmission fee charged for everyone; 6) City to build facility according to YMCA plan with pool deleted dnd 7) cost to be 1.5 million. Howard asked Flannery if it would still be a YMCA and Flannery said it would be and that the program is what determines the Y and not the building. Howard said with our own Parks & Recreation Department there woul, be no need for the Y's program. FIannery said they are turning certain assets over to the City and paying off the bond. Howard wondered if other finaDcing could be explored on the scaled-down project. Peterson said'people pledged monies because of their interest in children's recreation and that since the Y is moving away from children's programs, she would be less apt to support the concept now. Spud Corliss spoke from the audience and asked if it is a Community Center would it be obligated for public use and in this case would have to have various things in the facil- ity. to provide many public needs. Lemar said he feels deletion of the pool will have an impact but it will be installed later and will be an indoor pool which will be a different concept' from the municipal pool plannedj Lemar said the Y operates with many volunteers and saves thousands of dollars and if the City has to pay people to run a facility then it would cost a lot of money. ..... continued 8/3/82 P. ~ YMCA/CITY Recreation Project CONTRACT ANNEXATION Dale said the last time he voted against the proposal and is even more inclined to vote against it now because he feels it is an inappropriate plan for the City and he can't support it. Sims said he has also changed his opinion and the fact that the municipal pool is now a reality brings him to the point where his concern for the youngsters has been lessened and is against the City's involvement in this bonding. Lemar said he appreciates time spent by hundreds of people and noted that the municipal pool would be open for only about ~ree months of the year. Lemar said they are only asking that citizen~ have the opportunity to vote on the issue and that an agreement be reached which will protect the City and the YMCA. Jack Nichol- son voiced concern that there would be a 99 year lease and the Y would benefit while the risks would be on the City. A1 Fusco cautioned Council about involvement in an effort which would be competing with private businesses and that it would b~ unwise to get into adult fitness when such facility already exist~ and would be threatened by unfair competition. Fusco said they can't get their own financing because the concept is not feasibl~ Dr. John Maurer urged Council not to take away what they have been working on for six months because t he people are saying that they want a family recreation facility and if it was being. met by aFy facet of our community they would Dot be asking. Maurer said that if the YMCA can't provide this type of recreatio~ then the City should do so. Mauer said it couldn't happen with- out volunteer support and it runs better this way. Mauer asked Council to let the people speak. Peterson said sbe is not con- fident that this is what the people want right now. La~s moved Council is no longer in favor of putting the question of a rec- reation facility on tile ballot in November; Dale seconded the motion. ~ayor Medar~s said he had no vote but would favor allow- ~ng the people to have their choice and that the development of uur children is our responsibility. Medaris continued by saying the proposed concept is not a precedent as there are lots of cities set up in tbis fashion for this type recreation base. Sims amended to authorfz~ public obligation bonds for a recreat- ional facility. Laws moved to accept amendment; Dale seconded and the motion passed unanimously as amended on roll call vote. A memorandum relative to the status of the contract annexation process was presented by Planning Director Fregonese. Fregonese noted that this status report was requested by the City Council at their last meeting, since the subject was of major importance to the City Council in its negotiations with Jackson County over the Urban Growth Boundary agreement to enhance the City tax base. Fregonesc noted that the County had also promised the City of 8/3/82 P. 4 COXTRACT ANNEXATION cont. XOISE STANDARD DRAFT ORD. iYILITY SERVICE CENTER SEXIOR PROGI~'< FUNDING WATER BONDS RATING PUBLIC FORUM Talent that the proper enabling ordinances would be available by June of 1982, but they have not been completed to date. · Fregonese stated that the County would perhaps be more l~kely to expedite the process if an actual annexation request was decide at that time whether to annex the property without a firm development proposal, or to proceed with a contract annexation as contemplated in the Urban Growth Bonndary Agreement. Laws moved to direct staff to make the County aware of our desire to proceed immediately with enabling ordinance on Contract Annexation due to pending request; Sims seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. A memo from Planning Director Fregonese was reviewed relative to noise standards and existing noise levels in various areas of the City. Fregonese recommended that the "Quiet Cities" stand- ard proposed by the State be adopted here. Laws so moved and asked Staff to bring back ordinance at next meeting; Howard sec- onded and the motion passed unanimously on voice vote. The City Administrator reported that the Committee to review con- sultants for preparation of plans and specifications for the Utility Service Center & Shops had recommended Afseth, Jacobs & Schmitz who would work with Marquess & Marquess on the plans. Howard moved to authorize Mayor and Recorder to sign; Peterson seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Laws reviewed the need for funding to make up for a shortfall in the transportation services expected during FY 82/83 and said he and Chairperson White agreed to request funding from United Way. P~terson so moved; Laws seconded the motion which passed with all AYES on voice vote. Medaris noted last names should be used in memos coming before the Council and to others. A memo from the Finance Director was r~ad in which it reported a recommendation from our financial consultant for the City to apply for a rating with Moody's to help assure the lowest poss- ible interest costs on the water bonds. Laws moved to approve; Peterson seconded and the motion passed unanimously on voice vote. Beanie Rainbow who lives at Third and "B" Streets complained about the noise level coming from log trucks which are enroute to the Grange Coop for gasoline and who use Third Street for this purpose. Rainbow said that this problem has deteriorated the quality of life in the Railroad District and the vehicles should be prohibited as the Ordinance prohibits trucks weighing 19,999 lbs. Rainbow recommended they trucks go down Oak Street to "A" Street and the Grange Coop encourage their customers to do ~o. Rainbow said he had approached the Grange and they didn't appear interested in his problem. Almquist said he would study the'problem and bring back a report for the next Council meeting. 8/3/82 P. 5 ~l.j!_r__.~ ~ng Ashland City Council N~LEY STREET CLOSURE REQUEST A request by Parks & Recreation Commission for closure of Winburn Way from Nutley Street to Upper Duck Pond for a special concert by the Air Force Band on August 9, 1982 from 6:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. was read. Howard moved to approve; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS Water Rate Increase Ord. First reading was given an Ordinance amending the Municipal Code relative to Water Rate schedules and Almquist reviewed the rates saying the rates were increased about 30% to cover debt service. Estelle Sohler, 505 Fairview, took exception to the fact that utility customers will be paying for t he increase before bonds are sold. Almquist explained there are four billing cycles and the increase is for August 18 revenue received in September. Howard moved to second reading; Peterson seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Local Improvement Dist. 51 First reading was given an Ordinance levying assessments in Local Improvement District No. 51 and Laws moved to second read- ing; Peterson seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Alley Vacation - between "A" & "B" Sts.(Wallbank) Second reading was given by title only of an Ordinance vacating an alley between "A" & "B" Sts and Peterson moved to adopt; Sims seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Tolman Cr. Road & tNy 66 Annexation Second reading by title only was given an ordinance setting a public hearing for September 7, 1982, and Sims moved for adopt- ion; Peterson seconded the motion. Mayor requested that City Administrator notify applicant (Riot) of Council's intent to pursue Contract Annexation process through Jackson County. On roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. Nuclear Free Zone The Resolution was presented but the Mayor expressed concern abou~ escalation of nuclear armaments etc. but that the wording would preclude the manufacture of many cemponents and hardware and negate the progress the lCity has made to bring in light industry. Laws declared there are three reasons why the Resolution should not even be brought np as follows: 1) unconstitutional and out of City Council's jurisdiction; 2) unenforceable and 3) unwise in the extreme. The City Attorney said it should be up to the courts to rule it's constitutionality and this would be done after it is passed. It was noted that the petitioners were not pre~ent and should have opportunity to address the proposal. Peterson moved to.table; Howard seconded the motion which perused unanimously on voice vote. (C~LS to be notified of action) 8/3/82 P. 6 ~-ular Me~eting Ashland City Council 8/3/-~ P.7 Resolution dedicating lands for Park/Rec purposes BPA Amendatory Agreement Energy conservation contr. Ratification of Labor Contr. Resolution Management Contract Settlement A Resolution was read dedicating lands for Park & Recreation purposes (Greenway) and Laws moved to adopt; Peterson seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. A Resolution authorizing Mayor and Recorder to execute Amendatory Agreement Nos. 6-10 was read and Peterson moved to adopt; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. The City Administrator reported that a three-year contract has been reached with IBEW Electricians' Union for a total increase of 7.94% and that a settlement with the Clerical/Technical Unit of IBFW has been reached calling for increase of 6.90% plus a 1~% lump sum for 1981-82 resulting in a total cost of 8.39%. Laws moved for ratification; Sims seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. AlmquiSt reviewed settlement with M2nagement & Confidential emp- loyees at 6.81% and noted that employees would have birthday or alternate day selected by employee for additional holiday and also Dental Plan III for employee and family. Almquist added. that the City would pick up Blue Cross Medichek coverage for employees retiring with 15 or more years with City and 60 years or older. The City Administrator said the settlement includes agreement to pick up Labor Consultant John Bodilly's PERS. Laws moved to adopt Resolution read by Almquist and Howard seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Resolution - Local Imp. Dist. No. 52 Mayor's Proclamation National Cancer Day Mayor's Proclamation Big Brother/Sister Week The City Administrator reviewed a letter from City Attorney Salter relative to the proposed 1½% limitation on property taxes and urging that any improvement projects read to go to bonding be undertaken before the general election. Almquist noted that rather than the usual 51% in favor petitioning for improvements as property owners, the new concept will need to be approved by those people living on the street proposed for improvement. Almquist noted that'bids had been opened on the Prim St. & N. Main alley projects and the City should go ahead on those projects but he didn't feel comfortable with the Granite & Kensington improvements at this time. Almquist read the Resolution calling for a public hearing to be held August 17, 1982 at 7:30 P.M. and Laws moved to adopt; Peters0n seconded the m0tion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. The Mayor noted that Executive Secretary Irma Harder had written to the President's office proposing a free cancer check-up for early detection some months ago and no a proclamation came outlining such a program. The proclamation was read declaring September 9, 1982 as National Cancer Day. A Proclamation was read naming August 8 through August 14, 1982 as Big Brother/Big Sister Week in Ashland. 8/3/82 ~. 7 e_~!ll. ar M~--'tng Ashland City Council 8/3/82~,.P. S Liaison Reports Other Business from Councilmembers ADJOURNMENT None. Howard stated that the letters being sent out relative to utility backbilling are well done. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 P.M. Nan E. Franklin City Recorder L. Gordon Medaris Mayor ih 8/3/82 P. S