HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-0520 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
May 20, 1980
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Nezla Street Vacation
Ballew P.U.D. PA 80-18
Mayor PricketE led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting
to order on the above date in the Council Chambers. Phelps, Sims,
Ragland, Laws and Hamilton were present. Medaris was absent.
Phelps moved to approve minutes of the regular meeting of May 6,
1980 and Ragland seQonded. Motion passed unanimously on voice
vote.
Public hearing on a proposed vacation of an unopened portion of
Nezla Street, easterly of Linda Avenue, was opened and there was
noresponse from the audience. The Mayor closed the public hear-
ing and the City Administrator said there is an ordinance later
on the agenda.
A letter was read from Calvin Martin, architect for Sun Ridge P.U.E
to appeal approval by the Planning Commission of six instead of
seven units as applied for. Almquist also read a memo from the
Planning Commission reporting it voted 9-0 to approve six units
with fifteen conditions. Submitted for the record were Findings
and Orders of the Planning Commission for the meeting of April 9,
1980, Planning Commission minutes for April 9, 1980 and Staff
Repqrt for the same meeting and applicant's findings.
Planner Fregonese reviewed the application and showed the site
plans and the modifications made on recommendations made by
Planning Commission. Mayor Prickett opened the public hearing.
Mike Marding, 2956 Barbara Street spoke in opposition saying that
neighbors submitted petition against development in its entirety
and still feels the whole concept poorly planned.
Cynthia Dion, 148 Ohio, said she owns property immediately adjac-
ent to proposed development and asked that structures be kept to
one level to protect her options when developing herlproperty in
the future, and urged Council to deny appeal.
Richard Roberrs, 2934 Barbara Street, said he would lose his view
and expressed concern for traffic generation and fears the units
will be used as rentals saying they may be difficult to sell due
to the nearness of the storage facility in full view of units.
Mayor Prickett closed the public hearing and turned discussion
to Council. Ragland expressed concern over the P.U.D. section of
the ordinance saying the P.U.D. concept should not be used on
property less than five acres in area and that anything less
changes the intent we had when the ordinance was drawn up. The
Mayor said we are seeing more P.U.D. applications since the ordin-
ance on condominiums was adopted. Council agreed that a meeting
with the Planning Commission on the subject should be held as
soon as possible and asked that Fregonese and Almquist make necess-
ary arrangements. L~ws moved that appeal be denied and that find-
ings be accepted; Sims seconded and the motion passed unanimously
on roll call vote.
5/20/80 P. 1
FRegular Meeting
Ashland City Council
5/20/80 P.
DEVEX/SHAPIRO P.U.D.
A memorandum was read from the Planning Commission dated
March 10, 1980 requesting annexation and zone change of 13.6
acres west of Tolman Creek Road between Hwy 66 and East Main St.
as applied for by Hank Hampton and Steve Shaprio. The Planning
Commission recommended approval with twelve conditions and CPAC
also approved by vote of 10-1 of development. Findings and Order~
of the Planning Commission for February 13, 1980 meeting; six
page staff report, minutes and findings were submitted and made
a part of the record. Also for the record was a letter read from
Robert Peterson who owns property at Ashland Street and Tolman
Creek Road asking that a fifteen foot wide buffer be planted to
maintain aesthetics of area and absorb noise etc. Almquist
advised Council that the two issues for consideration would be
that the applicants are agreeable that annexation and R-2 Zone
designation be approved and then become effective at such time
as the Public Works Director would certify that total development
of the project will not reduce water pressure below acceptable
standards for all purposes. The second issue according to Alm~
quest would be that annexation would become effective upon receipl
of plans and specifications to assure purpose of annexation is
fulfilled. Staff Report was reviewed giving criteria for pro-
posed annexation in urban growth boundary, services available,
need to be contiguous to City and public need. Fregonese gave
analysis of rental needs which show even more rentals needed than
the development will make available. Hank Hampton describedLthe
prdperty as that which Meister had proposed to build a mobile hom~
park and reviewed the construction and site plans with buffer to
protect privacy of Heitz property. Hampton described the 8 foot
wide bikepath planned on west side of Tolman Creek Road and the
bus stop shelters for Rogue Rapids Transit service. Hampton
requested that the entire development packet be included into the
record. Hampton said it is unfortunate that the water pressure
problem has developed and they are anxious to get a commitment
now because of the many months and dollars spent to get to this
point saying the time factor is most important. Hampton said the
sewer is in the street and the water main will have to be extende~
some 600 feet from Hwy 66. Hampton said the project would make
homes available to people in the medium price range or reasonable
rent and once again asked consideration of the proposal.
Vicki Neuenschwander, 455 Tolman Creek Road, said the facts that
were given were misleading and things have changed since the meet-
ing of January 9, 1980. Neuenschwander said that services avail-
able in the area now seem doubtful and that annexation should be
postponed and said the condition of Tolman Creek Road should be
considered (showed pictures of the road etc.) and doesn't under-
stand why a few property owners should have to pay for improve-
meats necessitated by the P.U.D. She went on to say there is no
guarantee that area will be served by Rogue Rapids Transit in vie~
of the shaky financial condition of the district at this time.
Neuenschwander said that 1/2 road and 8 foot bike path planned to
go through the project only isn't going to have any beneficial
effect on others.. As far as rentals are concerned, Neuenschwande~
5/20/80 P. 2
ReSular Meeting Ashland City Council 5/20/80 P. 3
DEVEX cont.
said she has researched ads in the Daily Tidings since last Decem-
ber and there have been an abundant amount wihout considering the
availability of the 64 unit HUD project which will be opening soon
Neuenschwander said the area is completely surrounded by County
lands and in this case it is connected by only a fence post. She
presented a petition signed by the property owners of agricultural
].and and noted the site proposed for development was also agricult
ural until the top soil was scraped off. The goals outlined by
L.C.D.C. were reviewed by Neuenschwander who said that three of th
findings were shaky, and pointed out that many people are concerne
about these actions throughout the City, not just the TCR area.
Wallace Shaffer of 1971 Dead Indian Road said it looks like a won-
derful project but feels it will be in the wrong location.
Wanda Stacey of E. Main Street asked what price range the rentals
would run and agreed with Shaffer that the project looks like a
wonderful project but planned for the wrong location. Hampton
guessed the units would rent in the $250/350 bracket for town-
houses, and $350/400 for fourplex units. Stacey said it is one
of the last areas where cattle and gardens can be raised and would
like to keep the area for this use. Mayor Prickerr said he
shares her concern but told Stacey many people are envious that
people have land for gardens when they don't even have a home.
Robert Green, 350 Tolman Creek Road, agreed with Neuenschwander
an~ said he can't understand why the proposal had changed after
facts and figures had once been presented, and added there is
nothing to back up such information.
Bill Robertson asked Fregonese what his understanding of the mean-
ing of'hontiguous" is and Fregonese answered the land has to
touch at one point or along a line. On the question sewer and '
water being adequate, Alsingsaid there was problem in the distribL
tion lines and that a study has been done on the issue. Robert-
son recommended that Staff not consider annexation until the Dir-
ector of Public Works says service is available. Robertson then
asked Alsing if recently installed 12" line could be used to
supply water for the P.U.D. and Alsing said it can be used partly
but will not solve the problem referred to. Robertson said he is
not against the annexatfon but would like to see a development co~
imposed. Mayor Prickett said there are many homeowners in Ash-
land who live in a home serviced by the financial efforts of a
property owner preceeding them and that a systems development
is not a simplistic approach to the problem and is a complicated
system Which would present many factors to be addressed.
On question as to how long the project will take, Hampton said fr{
three to five years and would be done in phases. Mike Harding
suggested the developers may be just ~ying for annexation and
construction may not come to pass as presented, and added that it
isn't low cost rental property. Neuenschwander said that six
residences will have to pay for the road and they don't/wouldn't
use it that much. Mayor Prickett closed the public hearing.
Robertson asked Hampton if some of the water from the 12" line
would be used for his project. Hampton said it might and Roberts!
5/20/80 P. 3
,~C~UXa:L ~ne, euxng ~ksaxanc~ k, luy ',,ounclJ, J/Z(3/80 P.
DEVEX cont.
bfINUTES OF BOARDS ETd.
ST. CLeF FOR REPAIR
LIQUOR LICENSE REQUESTS
Oak Tree Restaurant
Mark Antony Hotel
Ashland Country Store
PUBLIC FORUM
2 - r~
asked him how he would feel about paying part of the cost of that
pipe for the project. Hampton said they will have to pay for set
ice from Highway 66.
Ruth Greene of 350 Tolman Creek Road said that the computation of
needed rentals would differ in Ashland because of the many colleg,
students who rent for nine months and then leave and some go to
school for a term and then leave. Greene said she feels as thoug]
she is being forced out and her health wouldn't take the bulldoz-
ing operations etc. She wondered how the row of houses will look
among the cows and that it is spot zoning. Greene added that Fel,
ger will probably have to cyclone fence his pond. Greene said
was a student of art and can't imagine this whole plan and that
it is ruining the rest of her life and possibly others who have
enjoyed their country atmosphere.
On Hamilton's question as to when the results of the water system
study will be in, Alsing said probably the first of July. Alsing
said at that time problems can be identified and solutions sought
and that Council will prioritize alternatives.
Laws said he is in favor of the project and feels it fills the
need as he had envisioned ~en the area was designated. Almquist
suggested that offer to have Public Works certify approval to go
ahead be made as a condition as agreed to by developers. Phelps
recommended that the matter could be sent to the public for a
vote since bonding may be necessary to get an adequate system,
and said it is spot zoning and not reasonable progression. Sims
mo~ed to table until Staff reports results of water s.tudy and
alternatives for consideration; Ragland seconded and~on roll call
all YES.
Ragland moved to accept minutes of boards, commissions and com-
mittees as submitted; Phelps seconded and the motion passed
unanimously on roll call vote.
C P National notified that gas leak was repair at 944 Mary Jane
Street which necessitated cutting street at that address and
Ragland moved to place notice on file; Phelps seconded and on
voice vote, all YES.
Gearald Allen requested consideration of transfer of liquor lic-
ense for Oak Tree Restaurant in the absence of all infomation
being available to the Police Department at this time and sug-
gested approval on temporary basis for that reason. Ragland
moved to place on agenda; Phelps seconded and on voice vote,
all YES. Ragland moved to approve on temporary basis; Phelps
seconded and on roll call, motion passed uBanimously.
Deferred for lack of information.
Liquor License application was considered for Ashland Country
Store as submitted by Jack Dean and Betty West and Laws moved to
approve; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, all YES.
Bill Robertson asked City Attorney Salter if he had examined
5/20/8o
the proposed annexation to see that it meets legal requirements and was
told by Salter that he did not check it as he had not been asked to "'.b-
ertson said. he would like to see the City Council withdraw adoption he
Greene Annexation and Electrical Rates ordinances acted on at the May 6,
1980 meeting.
Wi~urn Way Parking
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Realtor's Sign
City Administrator Almquis6 asked Councii permission to do some stripping
of Winburn Way to get 25 parking spaces for band members and Sims moved
to place item on agenda; Laws seconded and motion passed unanimously on
voice vote. Sims moved to approve parking plan with the exception of #10
and place a bike rack there; Phelps seconded and on roll call, all YES.
Council reviewed sign design as submitted by the Board of Realtors and
Ragland moved for approval; Laws seconded and on roll call the motion
passed .unanimously.
Vacation Emerick/
Mountain public hrg.
Public hearing was set for June 17, 1980 at 7:30 P.M. for consideration
of petition requesting vacation of unopened alley located between Emerick
and Mountain Avenue south of "B" Street.
NEW & MISCELLANEOUS
BUSINESS
P & R Commissioner
A recommendation proposing the name of Barry Peckham to fill the unexpired
term of Nancy Pinnock, Commissioner, was received from Parks & Recreation
Commission and Sims moved to confirm recommendation; Ragland seconded and
the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote.
UTILITY DISCONNECT
City Administrator's memorandum relative to termination of electric serv-
ice was presented and Almquist explained that he has made certain recom-
mendations that would bring our service policies into conformance with
criteria set by P.U.e. with the exception of a liberal policy to allow
a bill to become 2 months d~linquent (45 days for the first month, 15 days
for second month). Almquist reviewed the procedures set down for dis-
connects and the opportunity for people who try to pay their bills to
make part payments as an option. Almquist said that Senior Citizens are
not disconnected but are monitored by Senior Program Board for possible
difficulty.
Jim Hayes, 431 Lit Way requested that consideration be given State regula-
-tions and that City adopt their five point p]an for relief for temporarily
disadvantaged and the one we need to use is the installment plan. Mayor
Prickett said that we may not be doing people who consistently have over-
due bills a favor by allowing them to go for sixty days before taking
action to disconnect in the fifteen day period from that time. Almquist
said we generate about 250 notices a month and only six or eight are
turned off. After Council discussion of methods to handle disconnect
problem, Mayor Prickett recommended a committee be set up to study his-
torical data and to work together until solutions can be formulated.
Ruth Craw, 466 "C" Street reported her power was disconnected without an
overdue bill or shut off notice when bill was returned from the Post
Office marked "moved left no forwarding address" and suggested neighbors
be consulted etc. before taking action. Craw noted her car was in the
driveway and there was no indication that anyone had moved. Craw added
that the lack of courtesy in the utility department disturbed her and
strongly snggested tbst Customer Relations be trained personnel. Mayor
Prickett said he rarely hears discourtesy among City employees, and that
steps should be taken to correct any such problem. Sims said that should
a person file an appeal the service should be continued until a hearing is
held. Ahnquist said this is now the policy. Craw said her recent experi-
ence with the utility department points up the come
.... continued
P5
Disconnect Policy cent.
out with a logical policy for [he citizens of Ashland and have them talk
or write to someone other than the person now in the position. Sims
outlined what he considered as fair steps for customer. Referring to
the memo Almquist said that this is as far as the City needs to go and
it is a great deal more than we are doing now saying that we do not have
the staff nor does he feel thst we should go to that cost of chasing
people.down. Almquist suggested that each customer be given his bill of
rights and the print should be larger and the present policy of equal
payment 'plan which could alleviate a lot of problems and we could make
that available all year around.
Hamil[on suggested a CBR (can be reached) number to be left by customer
whereby people would leave work number or that of friend etc. so that
better attempt can be made to reach them at lesser cost.
After further discussion Laws moved to table motion until second meeting
in June; Phelps seconded. On roll call Phelps, Laws and Hamilton
voted YES. Ragland and Sims voted NO.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Councilman Ragland, Council; Madeline Hill, Budget Committee, Bill Ramsey
Hospital Board and l.~yor Prickett were appointed to the Audit Committee
and it was noted that a meeting will Be held next week.
Laws moved that items 6 & 10 under Ordinances, Resolutions and Contracts
be considered and the balance be taken up on May 27, 1980 at the adjournec
meeting. Hamilton seconded and on voice vote, all YES.
ASH. SANITARY SERVICE
ORDINANCE - FRANCHISE
First reading was given an ordinance amending franchise with Ashland
Sanitary Service relative to notice requirements and Sims moved to pass
to second reading; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, all YES.
TRANSFER OF APPROPS.
A resolution transferring appropriations within a fund was read and
Phelps moved for adoption; Laws seconded the motion which passed unanimou~
ly on roll call vote.
City Recorder Mayor