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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-0120 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL January 20, 1981 MAYOR'S STATEMENT APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS LITHIA WAY ZONING HIGH STREET Before the meeting was called to order, Mayor Medaris expressed thanksgiving over the freedom given the American hostages held in Iran for 444 days and asked that the citizens of the City of Ashland join in support of celebration by displaying the American flag. Mayo' Medaris thanked the Kiwanis Club for their cooperation by putting all of the flags out in the plaza business district. Sims moved to approve minutes for the regular meeting of January 6, 1981; Howard seconded the motion. On voice vote, motion passed unani mously. Laws asked that the minutes of the regular meeting of November 5, 1980 be corrected on page six pp. 4 to read that motion was to eliminate parking on th~ West side of Indiana Street. Peter- son seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Planner Fregonese said there was a drafting error and the property located on the North side of Lithia Way between 2nd Street and 3rd Street had been incorrectly designated as R-2 when the new zoning map became effective on February 8, 1980. Fregonese noted that the change would be necessary from R-2 to C-1. Mayor Medaris opened the public hearing and there was no response from the audience. The public hearing was closed and Laws moved to instruct staff to formu- late procedure to change zoning as noted; Peterson seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. A petition from the residents of homes abutting on High Street between Church and Bush Streets requesting that decision made on November 5, 1980 to restrict parking on High Street to one side of the street between Church and Bush Streets be reversed was received. A memorandum showing the street widths at different points on High Street was submitted from the Public Works Department and the Mayor opened the public hearing. Mr. J. Triger, High Street, asked that proposal to prohibit parking be discussed and Chief King reviewed the problem of getting emer- gency vehicles into the area when a car might be coming from the West to the East. King said a car would have to back up some dis- tance causing a loss of response time. Nancy Hannon illustrated the location of homes on the street and contended that there are many driveways and open areas for escape if need be used and that the parking space are needed and that 18 parking spaces left after pro- hibition would be inadequate. Hannon cited the inconvenience to a number of elderly and children and said the households (8) own thirteen vehicles. King said this time of year the problem is not as critical as during the summer/tourist season. Howard agreed and said the Lithia Park development just passed by the Planning Comm- ission would have some impact on traffic. King said the problem was noticed when people working downtown were using the street for parking and walking to work. Kim AppleBerry, 522 High Street, said there are always plenty of parking spaces now and agreed that the new development may cause problems but that parking on one side of the street only would definitely cause problems. Appleberry said tb only time he has seen High Street completely full has been on the Fourth of July. Dean Phelps spoke on behalf of Spears saying that his home at 134 High Street at the bottom of Nob Hill is vulnerable 1/20/81 P. 1 PUBLIC HEARING cont. HIGH ST. PARKING LCDC STAFF REPORT CHURCH ST. PUBLIC HRG. to runaway cars and for this reason Spears parks his cars in front of his house for protection. Phelps asked that consideration be given Spears' particular jeopardy by allowing parking on both sides of High Street. Irma Woods, 120 High Street, said she has been living there for thirty-three years and has seen very few accidents and she would hate to see parking restricted to one side of the street. Mrs. LeRitz of 122 High said she comes home and has no place to park and suggested consideration be given to one-way traffic to allow parking to remain on both sides of street. Jack Peters, 134 High St. said the only house which would be difficult to get an emergency vehicle to would be the one located behind him. Jeff Young said that between Wimer & Manzanita it is wide enough for parking and many homes don't have driveways. Alma McClure, 344 High Street ex- pressed concern for the children going to Briscoe School who have to come down High Street. Ron Kramer, 103 High St., said that during SOSC Commencement and Fourth of July problems are caused in parking but the balance of the time there is no problem. Anita Kamps said that parking on both sides slows the traffic down and the parking pro- hibition would make it dangerous because of faster flow of traffic. Betty Krebs speaking for residents on High Street said the counters were put there during the Christmas season and criteria would not reflect normal periods and added her opinion relative to the safety of Peters. On Dale's question as to whether King had experienced a problem previously due to width of street and King said that he has and that his main concern is getting into Nob Hill and that many of the streets are considered difficult such as Church, Nutley, Straw- berry Lane, Scenic etc. but that Nob Hill presents the worst problem. Kings said the parking has been heavy and not moving of vehicles for the reasons outlined earlier. King said he brought the problem to the Traffic Safety Commission. Sims said it seems there are suffici- ent driveways and turnouts for emergency vehicles and moved to res- cind the Resolution to prohibit parking; Peterson seconded the motion. Dale asked Judge Allen Drescher if citation had been a problem in that area and Drescher said they had not been or he would have heard about it. On roll call vote motion passed unanimously. Planner Fregonese reported that he had received a staff report from LCDC listing needed items to comply with LCDC Goals and asked that information be made a part of the record. Fregonese said that the plan can be brought into conformity and that the extension of 120 days can be extended further should an appreciable progress of bring- ing in the goals for compliance can be shown. Laws moved to place on agenda; Howard seconded and on voice vote passed unanimously. Fregonese asked permission to submit statement to LCDC and Howard so moved; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Margaret Hoxie asked when the Church Street parking problem would be discussed and it was discovered the public hearing had been closed previous to discussion of same. Mayor Medaris directed staff to hold public hearing on subject at the next meeting and that hearing be advertised. 1/20/81 P. 2 COUNCIL POS. #4 ELECTION ELECTION OF BUDGET MEMBERS HISTORIC COMMISSION SOIL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE LIAISON POSITIONS CHURCH ST. PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES OF BOARDS ETC. PARKS & RECREATION BUDGET Seven applications were presented for Position #4 and Howard moved to appoint Pat Acklin and Peterson nominated Madeline Hill. Howard moved to close nominations; Sims seconded and motion passed unanimously on voice vote. Howard, Sims and Dale voted for Acklin; Laws and Peterson voted for Madeline Hill. Acklin won by 3-2 vote and was given the oath of office by the Mayor and took position at that time. City Administrator reported Bilbrey needs to be reappointed and ther are three positions open with Dale being elected to Council. Laws nominated Bruce Bilbrey; Peterson seconded and the motion to nominat passed unanimously on roll call vote. Sims moved to reappoint Binneweis; Howard seconded and the motion to reappoint passed with- out opposition on roll call vote. Dale nominated Singmaster and Singmaster asked that his name be withdrawn. Howard nominated Chmelir and Peterson nominated Johnson. On roll call vote Howard, Sims and Dale voted for Chmelir; Laws, Peterson and Acklin voted for Johnson. Mayor Medaris broke the tie by voting for Chmelir. Madeline Hill asked if the Mayor is qualified to vote to break a tie as vote is related to Budget Committee saying that she understood a precedent had been set by Mayor Prickett. Attorney Salter was asked to research the question and came back with information that the Mayor is obligated to vote to break a tie under all circumstances. Mayor Medaris said he was mistaken about Medinger's interest in con- tinuing on the Historic Commission and recommended that he be placed back on in Barbara Coldwell's place. Laws so moved; seconded by Sims and passed unanimously on roll call vote. Mayor Medaris appointed John Fregonese, Chairman and Jim Olson~ r O Courtney Cloyd, John Billings and B. G. Hicks to se ve n a Soil Conservation Committee to research soil, slope and erosion problems associated with granite soil and to serve until study is complete. Councilwoman Acklin was named to serve as Liaison to Jackson County Economic Development, Airport Committee, Traffic Safety Commission and Economic Development Commission. Howard moved to approve aDDoinl merits for Soil Conservation and Liaison positions and Laws seconded; On roll call passed unanimously. Peterson moved that a public hearing be called on February 3, 1981 a~ 7:30 P.M. on Church St. parking; Laws seconded and the motion passed on unanimous roll call vote. Laws moved to accept and place on file minutes of boards, committees and commissions; Peterson seconded. Howard requested that Historic Commission minutes be submitted on a regular basis. Sims said he has been receiving them as liaison. On roll call, all YES. The City Administrator read a memorandum from Parks & Recreation Com- mission and the Mayor said the request for hotel/motel funds should go directly to the Budget Committee. Chairperson Crawford reviewed the needs of Parks & Recreation and said when the hotel/motel tax was enacted in 1975 it was partially for services impacted by tour- ists and that use of Lithia Park is principally by people who live outside the City. Crawford also said the park patrol and extra help should be considered as tourist related as is the lawn and park restoration costs. 1/2D/R1P ~ PARKS & REC. BUDGBT cont. CEDAR WAY IMPROVEMENTS COTTLE BUDGET REQUEST S.O. CABLE TV REPORT LITHIA SPRINGS LAND Crawford reviewed different proposals for generating revenue. Laws suggested that the Commission consider the taxing authority alterna- tives and recommended a raise in the parks levy rather than to de- crease the General Fund by $20,000 which would have to be replaced from somewhere else. Crawford stated tl~t the proceeds of the motel should be used for tourist oriented costs rather than the General Fund. Gary Nelson said that if the hotel tax were raised 1% it wouldn't send people to Medford. Mayor Medaris said the raise in the tax levy of 10¢ would not hurt anyone and pointed out that the tax limit is $2.34 and is now at $1.06. Barry Peckham agreed but said the more promotion given tourism would mean a heavier burden on Ashland residents. Gary Nelson said that raising the hotel/motel tax by 1% would cost the consumer only about 35¢ on a room. Sims recommended considering seating tax of 10-15¢ at Shakespeare as a user fee to save residents the expense. Dale moved to refer to Budget Committee; Sims seconded the motion. Howard said it would be beneficial for Parks to know that the Council is supportive of the Commission and the need they are experiencing but these things will have to be worked out and that a small tax raise along with seating tax may solve some of the problem. On roll call, all YES. A memo was read with a petition attached requesting improvements on Cedar Way and portion of North Main Street and the City Administrator said there is an improvement resolution on the agenda. Almquist read the Resolution and Laws moved for adoption; Howard seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. A letter from Richard C. Cottle representing Ashland Hills was sub- mitted with proposals relative to tourism and Laws moved to refer to Budget Committee; Howard seconded the motion which passed unani- mously on roll call vote. Pat Smullin gave an update report for S.O. Cable TV saying they had completed transmission of Cable TV to Oak Knoll & Pinecrest Subdiv- isions and are now bring in service from San Francisco, San Jose, Portland and Eugene. Smullin said they now have religious programs around the clock and are making Home Box Office and Show Time avail- on alternate days to the people of Ashland. Smullin extended an invitation for Councilmembers to tour the plant in Medford. A letter from Cecil Halstead expressing an interest in surplus prop- erty owned by the City (Lithia Springs) and adjoining a ranch he owns. A memo from the Parks & Recreation Commission approving the request was considered. A map was shown of the 1.825 ac. strip and Almquist said that an amount should be arrived at for minimum of bid acceptable and sale of property would need to be so advertised for sealed bid. Halstead expressed interest in the property saying that he would like it so that it would not be developed. Ron Kelso local real estate broker said that if the portion is a tax lot, it could be developed. Almqauist suggested tabling the matter until a report could be brought back. i/20/81 P. 4 OAK KNOLL GOLF FEES BILLBOARD LAWSUIT JAIL SERVICES CHARGES HYDROELECTRIC APPLICATION PUBLIC FORUM Hersey St. Condemnation A request for a ~ate increase by the Oak Knoll Golf Course was read and a letter from Past and Present Presidents of Oak Knoll Men's Club was placed on table for the meeting. The 10% rate increase proposal was discussed and Laws moved to table until the next meet- ing to allow sufficient time to read long letter submitted; Peter- son seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Mayor Medaris said he will appoint a Golf Course Committee. City Attorney Salter related that the billboard takedown provision provided in our ordinance which has been taken to court by National Advertising has been found by the court to be unenforceable and furthermore Salter said that to have won the decision would have jeopardized State Highway funds. Salter said the attorney who handled the case in Portland feels strongly that the Court made an error in the decision and suggested that to appeal the case now would cost under $500 and because of the $6600 already spent on the case the appeal should be pursued in order to enforce our takedown ordinance on signs (billboards). Howard moved to appeal; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. A memorandum from the City Administrator was reviewed and Almquist questioned the propriety of the request to raise charges for use of County jail which was paid for by taxpayers of incorporated cities and cited such charges as double taxation. Almquist recommended the City take up the issue with the Sheriff and County Connnissioners or Rogue Valley Council of Governments. After some discussion Council- man Laws, Liaison to RVCOG offered to take the matter up with the Council to have an open forum with the County Commissioners on behalf of all incorporated cities affected. A memorandum was submitted from the City Administrator reviewing the need and requesting that application be made for hydroelectric power from the Applegate Dam Hydroelectric Project. Almquist ex- plained that the application would be joint with Oregon Public Power Agency but that if our plans change that we can decline participat- ion with OPPA. Almquist reviewed the need to develop renewable resources and said that FERC will loan cost of feasibility study and would not charge the City should the study prove that the project / · t q Dale seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Almquist reported that City has been notified that bids will be opened on Hersey Street project and it will be necessary for the City to deposit $47,500 from the Assessment Fund to represent four property condemnations in connection with the project. Laws moved to place on agenda; Peterson seconded the motion which passed unani- mously on voice vote. Laws moved to authorize deposit as requested; Peterson seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Almquist said a certification is required in connection with acquisition and Laws moved that Mayor & Recorder be authorized to sign; Peterson seconded and on roll call, all YES. 1/20/81 P. 5 PUBLIC FORUM cont. LIQUOR LICENSE REQUEST ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS~ Performance Standards Option ("P" Overlay) WARNING BELLS ON BIKES SPRR/E. MAIN STOP SIGN PARKING ON HWY 66 ADJ. TO ASHLAND HILLS - and HILL- CREST BET. SUMMIT & IOWA AMENDMENT TO RES. 80-38 PARKING ON INDIANA ST. LANCE PUGH LEASE S. O. SKYWAYS LEASE MOD. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS BOND ISSUE Frank Miller doing business as BROOKLYN, 549 E. Main Street reported he has applied for a seasonal dispenser license and wondered if his initial Police investigation for the beer/wine license will suffice for this applicaeion. Howard moved to place on agenda; Peterson seconded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Howard asked Chief Lively for recommendation and he stated he could see no problem. Howard then moved to approve application to OLCC: Dale seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Second reading by title only was given an Ordinance adopting a Per- formance Standards Option and designating areas within the City as "P" Overlay Zones and Laws moved to adopt; Peterson seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. First reading was given an Ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 2106 which called for warning bells on bicycles and Peterson moved to second reading; Acklin seconded the motion and Howard, Sims, Dale, Acklin and Peterson voted in favor; Laws opposed and motion carried. Almquist read a Resolution directing removal of a stop sign on East Main Street at the railroad crossing and Laws moved to adopt; Peterson seconded the motion which passed Unanimously on roll call vote. A resolution was read establishing parking/o~efi~i-c~°~j c nt to a e Ashland Rills Inn, and on Hillcrest between Summit & Iowa Streets. Laws moved to adopt; Peterson seconded and on roll call, all YES. A Resolution was read amending Resolution No. 80-38 and Laws moved to adopt; seconded by Dale and passed unanimously on roll call vote. A Resolution establishing parking limitations on Indiana Street between Madrone and Oregon Streets was read and Peterson moved to adopt; seconded by Acklin and passed unanimously on roll call vote. City Administrator recommended matter of lease be tabled pending authorization by Parks & Recreation and Howard so moved; Peterson seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Modification to lease with Southern Oregon Skyways was presented and Laws moved to authorize signatures of Mayor and Recorder; Dale seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. Peterson moved to accept departmental reports for month of December; Howard seconded and on voice vote, all YES. City Attorney Salter reported that it would be necessary to pass a Resolution as soon as possible for Bond Issue for the next elect- ion date of May 19th and requested that meeting adjourn to next Tuesday, January 27th at 7:30 P.M. 1/2o/8i P. 6 HOSPITAL EXPANSION PLANS ADJOURNMENT Dale urged Councilmembers to become oriented to expansion plans and alterations of the Ashland Community Hospital saying that the request made hurriedly by the Hospital Board at a recent Council Meeting was not adequately presented- at 10:00 PM The meeting was adjourned/to January 27, 1981 at 7:30 P.M. Nan E. Frank%in City Recorder L. Gordon Medaris Mayor ih 1/20/81 P. 7