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Home My WebLink About1978-0516 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 16, 1978 ROLL CALL MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING VACATION OF ALLEY NATIVITY DISPLAY PROPOSED BIrDGET 78-79 PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY Mayor Prickerr led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. in the English Lecture Hall, AHS on the above date. Ragland, 'Drescher, Phelps, Hamilton and Laws were present. McCannon was absent. Ragland moved to approve minutes of regular meeting of May 2, 1978; Hamilton seconded and on voice vote, all YES. The City Administrator reviewed the proposal to vacate an alley located between Wimer and Manzanita Streets at Scenic Drive and running easterly a distance of about 185 feet to a proposed cul-de-sac and showed the location on a map. Almquist reported the concern of Mr. H. G. Brown who would not support the proposal unless he were assured of future possibility of subdividing prop- erty into two lots. The public hearing was opened and opposition was asked to speak. H. G. Brown reiterated the concerns expressed by Almquist and asked for a letter of reassurance relative to the possibility of accommodating two lots for future subdivision. Alm- quist agreed to send letter to that effect. Jay S,~merhays of 346 Scenic spoke in favor as Chairman of the ~eighborhood group organized in an effort to plan needs for their area and as petit- ioner for the vacation. Laws moved to approve and direct letter be sent Brown as requested; Phelps seconded and on roll call, the motion passed unanimously. The request for consideration relative to the Nativity display on the plaza was moved ahead to accommodate a large audience. A letter from Fred Krasner, Chairperson of the Jackson County Chapter of American Civil Liberties Union was read and Councilman Drescher cautioned Council of its legal responsibilities and costs involved should it be confronted with a suit similar to that experienced by the City of Eugene, and moved to refer problem to City Attorney Salter for his opinion to be reported back for next meeting; Phelps seconded. Although this was not a public hearing Mayor Prickerr invited comments from the audience saying that the next meeting would be a more appropriate time to speak. Jean Hall of 600 Roca Street wondered what had brought the matter up at this time and Almquist explained there are many months to resolve it before the holidays. Ken Darling of 1988 Mohawk, Marie Ireland, Estelle Soh- ler and others spoke in favor of allowing the display. Marjorie Benspn said she felt the display was to celebrate the birthday of Christ and everyone agrees he was born. On motion to refer to City Attorney, the measure passed unanimously on roll call vote. Laws moved the proposed budget for fiscal year 1978-79 be adopted; Phelps seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote Mayor Prickett reported he had only one applicant for the vacancy on the Planning Commission and urged Council contact people and bring recon~endations for consideration at next meeting. 5/16/78 Pg. 1 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 5/16/78 Pg.2 MINUTES OF BOARDS ETC. SLUDGE DISPOSAL STUDY PHOENIX HIGH GRADUATION COMMUNITY HEALTH DANCE PUBLIC FORUM Phelps moved to accept minutes of Boards, Conmissions and Commnit- tees as submitted; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, all YES. A letter from John LaRiviere of RVCOG was read relating a study of sludge disposal being done for the City of Medford and inviting participation by Ashland and a memorandum from Alsing reconmending that Ashland not participate was considered. Alsing related that although there is enough agricultural land for sludge disposal.now there could be a change in that availability as we approach the ye. of 2000 and suggested acquisition of land for this purpose be researched. Laws agreed and moved that Alsing bring back report at to notify LaRiviere of our intention not to participate in the proposed study at this time. Phelps seconded and the motion passe, unanimously on roll call vote. Hamilton moved for approval of temporary closure of Winburn Way for graduation exercises on June 4; Ragland seconded and motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Laws moved to waive license fee and bond for dance sponsored by Community Health Center on June 17, 1978; Hamilton moved and on roll call, all YES, Bob Hudson submitted questions related to solar energy and Mayor asked that Laws answer and return to Mr. Hudson by mail. SISKIYOU & WIGHTMAN TRAFFIC FLAG WEEK PROCLAMATION MEASURE 3 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION REQUESTS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS Phelps expressed concern on disruption of traffic during construc- tion of tunnel and suggested the Traffic Safety Conmission offer an alternative route around that Juncture, and suggested all park- ing be taken off Walker from Siskiyou to E. Main for detour around Wightman tunnel. Phelps said he is hopeful the County will com- plete work on Walker Avenue. A Flag Week Proclamation was read by the City Administrator desig- nating observation between June 11 through June 17 as Flag Week. Mayor Prickerr said he would sign the document upon agreement by Council. Council agreed. Kathy Newcomb had asked for Council opinion on Ballot Measure No. and Ragland recoumended that Council not take position on any of the measures and moved the request be accepted and placed on file; seconded by Hamilton and on roll call, passed unanimously. Drescher moved to direct Staff to prepare resolution to establish loading zone on East Main Street; Phelps seconded and on roll call! motion passed unanimously. Laws moved Staff be directed to draw up ordinance establishing a No Parking zone on E. Main from Lithia Way to SPRR. Ragland seconded and on roll call~ all YES. 5/16/78 RegUlar Meeting Ashland City Council 5/16/78 Pg. TRAFFIC COMMISSION REQUESTS HELMAN/NEVADA IMPROVEMENTS ORDINANCE AMENDING ORD 1873 ORDINANCE - BOND POSTING ADOPTION OF BUDGET ORD. TAX LEVY A request from OSFA was considered to provide parking for the buses. Phelps expressed concern that some dust cover be used on the Newbry site where it was decided the buses would park. On Mayor's ques- tion as to whether the Street Department could do the work, Alsing said the City no longer has an oil spreader. Phelps moved to approve request and request dust cover; Laws seconded and the motion passed without opposition on roll call vote. After considerable discussion the Mayor decided that a citizen ad hoc committee for downtown parking should be a 9 member group. Hamilton explained that if the Traffic Safety Commission were to study downtown parking they would get nothing else accomplished. The Mayor said he would like two members of the conmission plus a member of Council and Alsing to work with the citizen members. Phelps moved to provide more bike racks and specified at least one per block each side of street; DresSer seconded and on roll call, passed unanimously. Phelps moved to draw up Ordinance to provide recommended 2-hour parking on "C" Street and Lithia Way on year around basis; Ragland seconded and on roll call, passed unanimously. A letter from the Director of Public Works was read asking recom- mendation of Council on proposed improvement (paving) of Helman Street south of Nevada and Nevada Street west of Oak Street. The cost to property owners fronting on Nevada Street would is estim- ated at $230.00 plus $4.00/front foot for curb and gutter and $230.00 per parcel in the balance of the assessment district. Laws moved to call public hearing; Ragland seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Almquist read the Resolution setting a public hearing for June 6, 1978 at 7:30 P.M. Drescher moved for adoption; Ragland seconded and on roll call, all YES. First reading was given an ordinance amending Ordinance #1873 and Drescher moved to second reading. Ragland seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. First reading was given an ordinance amending the Ashland Municipal Code (Sec. 17.24.070A) pertaining to bond to be posted for subdivi- sion improvements and Drescher moved to second reading. Phelps seconded and on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist gave first reading of an ordinance adopting the annual budget and Phelps moved to second reading; seconded by Hamilton and passed unanimously on roll call vote. Almquist gave first reading of an ordinance levying taxes for the period of July 1, 1978 to June 30, 1979. Laws moved to second read- ing; Ragland seconded and on roll call, all YES. 5!16/78 ReS~lar Meeting Ashland City Council 5/16/78 Pg. 4 TRANSFER APPROPRIATIONS ADJOURNMENT Almquist read a resolution transferring appropriations within funds. Mayor Prickett asked about Item 3 and Almquist explained funds were needed because of retirement payoffs and went on to say the Police and Fire personnel are able to buy units at retirement which created the need for the transfer. The Mayor directed Staff to anticipate and keep reserve funds for this purpose. Ragland moved for adopt- ion; seconded by Laws and passed unanimously on roll call vote. Meeting was adjourned to Executive session at 7:00 P.M. on May 23, 1978 in Council Chambers at City Hall. Time of adjournment was 9:35PM City Recorder 5/16/78 Pg. 4