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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-0320 REG MINROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MIN~UTES PARTIAL REHEARI~G COMtL PLAIN AMENDMENT (HUNTER & If. HILL) COMP. PLAN AMENDMENT 79-12 RICHARDS, App. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLiND CIIY COUNCIL March 20, 1979 Having led the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Prickett called the meeting to order on the above date at 7:30 P.M., in the English Lecture Hall at Ashland Senior High School. All members were present. Ragland moved for approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 1979 and Phelps seconded the motion. On voice vote, all YES. City Administrator Almquist reviewed the Hill Amendment proposal saying that map previously sent out was in error, that the corrected map had now been sent and the public hearing would include that section of the area proposed. The City Administrator read a letter from developers of the Pine Meadow proposal and asked that it be made part of the record The Mayor opened the public hearing and there were no comments, pro or con from the audience. Phelps moved to approve appeal; Ragland seconded and on roll call passed unanimously. Almquist read a memorandum from Planning Conmission dated March 2, 1979 and request that it be made part of the record, as well as findings cf fact submitted by applicant, map of area, staff report dated February 14, 1979, minutes of February 12, 1979, legal. notice, findings & orders, and m~norandum from the Historic Conmission in which their recot~endatie was rever~ed to preclude approval of comp plan change. Councilman Sir~ said he lives in the Railroad District and that he has no other con- flict but would agree to abstain if anyone felt strongly about it. Planner Box explained the dilema the applicant finds himself in explaine ~hat staff and Planning. Commission felt that the applicant should not be required to hold the property over a long period of time until it would call for a retail business as opposed to heavy commercial which is b~ing proposed at this time. Box said that evidence has been given that it is not economical to be commercial use to preserve esthetics in ~he hisEori cal Railroad District. Ragland said he was disappointed that the P2an- ning Commission had not remembered Council~s policy relative to th~ Rai2 road District and that this applicatio~ would amount to spot zoning. Mayor Prickett opened the public hearing and asked for conunents in fever of the proposal. Applicant Tim Richards presented a letter to Counc~! and reviewed his proposal saying that he has held property for severa~ years and new wishes to locate a metal fabrication shop on s portion .Dr the property on Fourth Street. Richards said that it was his understan~ ing that his property would remain designated as C-3 in the ComFrshe~siv Plan and this was his original consideration when he chose zhe property- Richards cited the need for more C-3 land in Ashland, saying that th~s is the ma~n re~son service-oriented businesses locate elsewhere causing the higher costs to Ashland residents because of the distance from their shGps. Richards said he wants to stay in Ashland and service Ashlznd residents for a reasonable s,~n and feels the site would not be good f~r retail because of the lack of foot traffic and referred to Ashland C~pRny's decision to relocate because of such need to succeed. Rich~r~i said that traffic generation would not be a problem nor woul~ off-str~t parking be a problem. Dave Hoffman representing tile Historic Conmission explained the reversal of that comnission's original recommendation to approve application because of need to preserve architecture and historic esthetics in 3/20/79 Regular Meeting Ashlana City Council 3/20/79 ~.i COMP. PLAN AML~DMENT 79-12 continued APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS MLP APPEAL (Hudson) from H & S. Const. HITT ROAD PROPOSAL (Hudson) MEDFORD CHAMBER AIri'OMOTIVE EMISSIONS Mark Moskowitz of 363 B Street said that since the Historical designa- tion the area has been considerably upgraded and the quality as a result has made it a more livable residential neighborhood and said he feels heavy commercial would have a negative impact on the neighborhood. Jackie Shivers of 269 B Street spoke against the proposal saying that the residential area where homes are being restored would lend itself to retail and offices but heavy commercial would cause deterioration by a "domino" affect extending into Railroad District destroying long range plans for eventual retail purposes. Councilman Sims said he had received a phone call from Hoffarth who said there was no contact for locating such a business in that indust- rial area on the other side of the tracks. Sims suggested that Rich- ards would be less apt to have his plans resisted in that area and other such businesses should be encouraged to such development plans. On Medaris' question as to who in the area are in favor of his plan, Richards said that Dan Moon, Wally Cannon and Jake Lahr all spoke previously in favor. Medaris said that in some instances there is little difference between retail and commercial. Ragland moved for denial of Comprehensive Plan Amendment 79-12 and Phelps seconded the motion. Medaris agreed with Laws that Richards is being caught in the middle. On roll call Phelps, Sims, Ragland, Laws and Hamilton voted in favor of denial; Medaris opposed and the motion carried. Phelps moved for acceptance of minutes of various boards, commissions and committees as submitted; Ragland seconded and on voice vote, all YES. A letter was read from H & S Construction appealing MLP 79-21 and the Mayor set April 3, 1979 for public hearing at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The City Administrator read a letter from Jere & Roberta Hudson pro- posing closure of Hitt Road except to owners of property who use Hitt Road for access, fire & forestry crews, police and service or official vehicles. Laws moved to place letter on file; Sims seconded. Hamilton said the Traffic Commission would look at the problem and the Mayor so directed. On roll call, all NO. It was decided to take up this item combined with Item #1 under New and Miscellaneous Business on the same subject. City Administrator Almquist read a letter from the Medford Chamber of Commerce asking support of implementation of inspection & maintenance program for auto emissions testing. Councilman Laws reviewed the pollution prob- lem in the Rogue Valley pointing out that air quality standards were violated on 176 days during i978 and urged Council to support HB28~2 to implement emission control system in Jackson County and so moved. 3/20/79 Pg. 2 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 3/20/79 Emission Control HERSEY ST. F.A.U.S. IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PUBLIC FORUM YOUTH COMMISSION NORTH INTERCHANGE Ragland said he could not support the legislative bill calling for $350,000 for implementation when there is already equipment throughoot the County and said the automobile dealers met with the County Comm- issioners and said they are willing to inspect each year free of chsr~ and charge $5.00 for maintenance and all they would ask would be that the County advertise that forms are available. Ragland moved to amend support HB2822 but not the $350,000 for County to be in the business themselves. Medaris seconded the motion and added he would also like to see brakes, lights, windshield wipers etc. included in inspection (not amendment to Ragland's motion). Alfred White said that the pro- gram would penalize senior citizens. Phelps disagreed with Ragland and said the health of the citizens should come before the costs. Ragland said the $350,000 would be just the beginning of costs. Phelps said the concept is very important. Ragland withdrew motion; Medaris withdrew second. Laws withdrew original motion; Hamilton withdrew second and Laws then moved to endorse implementation of ins- pection and maintenance of emission controls throughout the County; Phelps seconded and on roll call, all YES. (Council made it clear that it was in support of the concept but could not go along with the $350,000 proposed funding for program by County). The City Administrator read a memo from Director of Finance Nalson ~nd reviewed ~osals and asked that Director of Public Works Alsing report on costs and available funding of Hersey Street improvements. Alsing reported on 88% and 82% match funding for periods of 3, 5 and 7 years advanced borrowihg and City's share. Mayor recommended item #2 saying that seven years would be too far ahead to project. Alsing recommended that we get as much as possible and stop when the monies run out saying that the portion from Oak to Mountain would tie in with recently paved streets. Prickerr said he felt the whole project could be in jeopardy on the 7 year loan basis. Sims suggested we take a look at doing the overpass and present the issue to the voters, say- ing he hates to see us settling for such a short stretch. After fur- ther discussion Ragland moved the area of concern be between Oak and Mountain including seven yesr plan for funding, and if not apprGved we go for five year; Hamilton seconded. On roll call, Phelps, Raglan~ Laws, Hamilton and Medaris voted in favor; Sims opposed and the motion carried. Ragland moved to place appointment of Youth Commission member on agenda; Hamilton seconded and on voice vote motion passed unanimous!7. Mayor Prickett appointed Barbara Tucker to serve on the commission. Phelps moved to confirm; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, all YES. Planning Director Box reported on the interchange zone change moratcr~- ium saying that Commissioner Doty had called a meeting which be, Sima~ Wenker, Medinger and Wanderschied had attended. Box said the area of concern was the Valle7 View area and that the County, takimg into account earlier Urban Growth Boundary and Interchange discussioms ~ith the City, thought it might be logical that the areas that are commer- cial now could remaiD and thoge areas the present Count~ Plan i~roposes as commercial in the future, would be redesignated Rural Residential, except for a small area around the Interchange, and a few parcels in the General Commercial area at H~· 99 that would be showa as 3/20/79 Pg. 3 ,.liar Meeting Ashland City Council ~ORTH INTERCHANGE UBLIC HEARINGS .RESET [1LL IkMEF~MENT FINDINGS ;.O. CABLE TV RATE HIKE ~ONDOMINIUM CONTROL WATER CONSULTANT IMP, OF tPdY 66 - MEISTER as Commercial on the Comprehensive Plan but zoned Rural Residential; they would be restricted until need arose. Box said the property across the Creek was a concern and it was being considered for a more rural use. On question of Council attendance at the meeting, Box said Co~n. Doty called the meeting at the last minute to get input to recommend to the County Hearings Board about potential zone changes. Box said the Board of Commissioners is not sure of it's ability to cen- trol the area's development and is concerned about the future of the south side of Hwy 99 and that the City might consider the desirability of annexing the area to provide services in exchange for some retro- active site design control. Mayor asked for copy of plan and said we need some kind of public hearing. Laws asked that the record show the City had not had the opportunity to look at the ~nole thing and hopes it comes back to Council. Box said the County will come back with plans. Public Hearings were reset for April 3, 1979 on the following matters, Susitna Heights Subdivision Appeal; Pine Meadows P.U.D. and Zone Chang~ Request from Henry Kneebone. Ragland moved to adopt findings of fact as submitted; Laws seconded and on roll call, all YES. A letter was read from Southern Oregon Cable TV submitting rate incr- ease schedule to become effective April 1, 1979. The City Administrat- or was directed by Mayor to, check as to whether Medford's rate was increased and how much. A m~mo was read from City Attorney Salter relative to regulations for condominiums. Laws moved that resolution and ordinance be drawn as per Salter's recommendations; Medaris seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. A memorandum from the Director of Public Works was read recommending the R. W. Beck & Associates be retained to prepare Ashland's Ccmpre.- hensive Water System Plan and also that aerial survey work be done along with the plan which would be an invaluable tool for various Gt~. C~ty departments in the future and Alsing said the cost would be about $6,000 and would have to be done before the trees lead out this Spring. Ragland asked what would happen if we delay the survey work until next year and Laws asked how much could be done without the sur~ey now. Alsing said that only the background could be put together without surveying. Almquist said that this was singled out by the budget com- mittee for this year. Alsing outlined uses for aerial photos saying that storm drain installation etc. and contour maps would be helpful to Planning and houses etc. could be located at a later date. Laws moved we go with Beck &aerial photo mapping and use money out of Water Contingency for that purpose; seconded by Phelps and on roll call, passed unanimously. A letter from City Attorney Salter relating need for City subordinat{9~ of City lien to an easement for the State Department of Transportation for power lines etc. Phelps moved to subordinate the City lien to eas~ merit; Laws seconded and on roll call passed unanimously. 3120179 Pg. 4 E & G CRUSHING APPLICATION Grizzley Mr. ARMORY COMMITTEE REPORT ARMORY REPORT cont. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS St. Impr. # 44 Ord, No. 1439 Repeal Position Classific. Ord. Resolution - ~ry Jane & Mohawk Stop Sign A memorandum recommending disapproval of an application to allow a 40 acre gravel removed, crushing and storage operation on face of Grizzley Peak was read and discussed. Box explained that the County had delayed the process of application until they hear from the City of Ashland because of the visual/esthetic impact and effect of heavy equipment on the Nevada-Mountain & Eagle Mill area and general disturb. ance of the environment. Phelps reported that the present operation can be observed as a result of road building to site and that trucks would pass homes on Nevada about every 7~ minutes or a total of betweer 45 to 48 trucks per day. Phelps moved to deny; Ragland seconded. Mayor asked that a letter be written to the EQunty Hearings Conncil recommending the application be denied. On roll call, all YES. Councilman Phelps was asked to deliver recommendation to the meeting. Councilman Medaris reported that the committee bad considered uses for Armory including added seating for basketball games etc. but that Don Lewis noted that S.O.S.C. is no longer interested in futnre of b,~]H~o Almquist said thnt now that convention & exhibit facilities are avail- able at Ashland Hills that the City is no longer interested for those reasons. Medaris said the committee will tour the Armory on March 27 at 4:30 P.M. and report back. Medaris said the reason for the tour is to check out feasibility of buying and what department might occupy it. Sims suggested that revitalization Dlans for the building be discussed~ Second reading by title only was given an ordinance levying street assessments for Street Imp. Dist. No 44 and Laws moved for adoption; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, all YES. Second reading by title only was given an ordinance repealing Ordin- ance No. 1439 relative to retention of p~blic records and Phelps moved for adoption; Hamilton seconded and on roll call passed unanimously. Second reading by title only was given an ordinance amending the posi- tion classification plan and Laws moved for adopticn; Hamilton seconde the motion. Phelps compared the minimum qualifications of Police Chic with those of other positions and said he had less than those of bat~a lion chief, parks & recreation director, associate planner and said th only one w~th lesser qualifications ~s the plum~ing ~nspector job. Phelps said it is a source of embarrassment to him to have such low regard for the position of Police Chief. On Phelps questicn to the City Administrator as to who was responsible for drawing up the quaiif ications, Almquist said that he had recommended a college degree and Council did not accept this recomnendation. Ragland and Laws agreed that the position classification is acceptable and can always be changed by a future Council.- Ragland, Laws, Hamilton, Sims and Me~srl voted in favor; Phelps opposed. Motion carried. A resolntion was read relative to the removal of a stop sign au the intersection of Mary Jane and Mohawk Streets and Laws a~oved for adopt- ion; Medaris seconded and on roll call, all YES. 3/20/79 P~ E~ SOSC Drama Lab Res. TRANSFER OF APPROP. Lease Renewal - City Offices 24½ N. Main CPAC Appointment Departmental Reports Liaison Reports A resolution was read supporting the application by Southern Oregon State College for state funding on construction of drama laboratory and Hamilton moved for adoption; Sims seconded. Laws moved that resolution be amended to read "a"(keystone of liberal arts and humanities) in pp. 6. Change accepted by Hamilton and Sims. On roll call, all YES. A resolution transferring appropriation within funds was read. Since Laws had questions relative to the transfer it was decided to postpone until next meeting at which the Director of Finance would be present and so moved; Phelps seconded and on roll call, all YES. Lease renewal was presented and Almquist recommended authority fox Mayor and Recorder to sign. Laws so moved; Phelps seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Laws moved to postone appointments until Mayor Prickett is present; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, all YES. (Mayor left before Ordin- Laws moved to accept Departmental Reports for February; Hamilton sec- onded the motion which passed unanimously on voice vote. Nan E. Frank_~in City Recorder ickett~/~f~7 Mayor 3/20/79 pg. 6