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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-1121 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL November 21, 1978 ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES APPEAL OF P.U.D. Council Chairman McCannon called the meeting to order after leading the Pledge of Allegiance on the above date at 7:30 P.M. in the Eng- lish Lecture Hall. Mayor Prickett and Councilwoman Hamilton were absent. Councilman Ragland arrived five minutes late. Drescher moved to approve minutes of November 7, 1978; Phelps sec- onded and on voice vote, all YES. A letter of appeal from George Hocking of 157 Church Street was read by the City Administrator and entered into the records was a memo from Planning Commission dated November 15, 1978; minutes of the Planning Commission dated November 15, 1978 and staff report dated October 11, 1978. Almquist read a letter from William S. Wiley dated November 14, 1978 dealing with various proposals to solve access problems. Planner Box reviewed the proposal and reported that the Planning Conmission had heard a great deal of testimony on access problems and reminded Council that overall traffic picture might be reviewed because of plans for Kneebone property and Susitna Heights. McCannon opened the public hearing and George Hocking, appellant spoke at length on lack of access and said that should Church St. become a one-way street he would be deprived of the use of his drive- way. Hocking noted that 98% of the people he had contacted feel the quality of the neighborhood will suffer as a result of this pro- posal. Hocking expressed resentment of having to go eight or ten blocks out of his way to go to his home should this development change the traffic pattern. Driving hazards during the winter season were cited as serious under normal circumstances and the problem would be compounded with more vehicles and parked cars on the steep street. Hocking said to approve the P.U.D. would be opening the contiguous' hilly area into more development and reminded Council that the traffic problem has existed for some time and needs to be solved ~ven if the development is not approved. Hocking said down-zoning would help the situation and preserve the quality of the neighborhood. Michael Bast of 361 Scenic Drive agreed with Hocking relative to down-zoning and added there would be drainage problems if that many people were concentrated in the small area and said since there are no sidewalks more accidents could result and children living in the single-family residential neighborhood would be jeopardized in walk- ing to school etc. A lady spoke saying that she owns one and a half acres and unless the developers of the P.U.D. purchase the parcel she is interested in selling she will not be able to sell it at all as it won't have access, and said she feels it is awkward to have to depend on development to decide on fate of her land. Jay Lunt of 145 Manzanita noted numerous accidents in the area, one in which he was involved when his vehicle was standing still. Lunt cited the fact that Briscoe School is at the foot of the hill and children walk down to school in the middle of the street and spoke in opposition to the development based on'Sbviou~'traffic and access problems. Hunter Hill of 147 Nutley said the proposed high density is an erosio~ of the comprehensive plan which was envisioned by the neighborhood groups studying the plan. 11/21/1978 Pg. Regul~r__Meeting Ashland City Council 11/21/78 Pg. 2 P.U.D. Appeal cont. Faith McCullough of 137 Church Street said the street is already a raceway so polluted that its almost impossible to enjoy the use of a bedroom on the street side of the house and said that the proposed development would turn a nice old single family neighborhood into a slum area. McCullough reminded Council of the beHuty of Ashland and said that unique beauty will be gone with such proposals as the P.U.D. John Welch of 147 Church said he is not in opposition to the proposal but opposes it because it is against the original comprehen- sive plan of Ashland and reviewed the traffic problem at present and the resultant traffic of still a new development. Welch said there is already too much traffic being diverted to Nutley and the park from Strawberry Lane. (Welch submitted a petition from "Concerned Citi- zens of Ashland" for the record). Mary Dew of 283 Scenic Drive said the soft granite from the proposed site washes down from the development and fills the drains and noted that services by the City are not what they used to be. Dew said people living in the development would find it difficult to walk anywhere. McCannon called for those in opposition to allowing the appeal. Bill Wiley, developer, said he has taken note of the problems exist- ing in the neighborhood as they relate to traffic and access and said the citizens appear at the public hearing to bring the problem to the attention of the City. Wiley said the development will not create any through streets and it is located only 1,000 ft. from N. Main Street. Wiley noted that speakers in opposition were not speaking against the development but against existing traffic and access problems. John Fowler, 1012 N.W. 20th St., Corvallis, said that the Planning Commission is in support of proposal and to deny development would be to go against P.U.D. concept which would be in contradiction to the comprehensive plan. Fowler said they are directing P.U.D. use to senior citizens and retired persons and that the proximity to the core area would be attractive to their needs. Planning Commissioner Shapiro recommended that Council return the issue to the commission for reconsideration based on the different issues addressed during the public hearing not previously heard before the planning commission. Box agreed with Shapiro. McCannon closed the public hearing. Ragland wondered what the Planning Com- mission would be charged with doing and Shapiro said the commission had not heard 90% of the comments made and may wish to study access problems discussed. Carroll Corliss of the Traffic Commission said that body had taken up the question and had requested a map for such study and had received no map. A1 Berman of the Traffic ~ommission said nothing had been received in the past two or three meetings on the subject. Phelps said he had been at the Planning Commission when the access problem was discussed some time ago and that he feels the citizens are becoming weary of the perennial traffic battle. Phelps said that Wiley has done a good Job in providing information but City has a Job to do and moved that matter be returned to Plan- ning Commission; Laws seconded. Ragland said he had heard arguments when he served on the Planning Commission and said the two major pro- blems as he sees them are vehicles and people and is reluctant to turn it back to Planning Commission, 11/21/78 Pg. Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 11/21/78 3 P.U.D. continued SIGN APPEAL - American Sign ZONE CHANGE NO. 57 Drescher described traffic conditions since he lives in the area caused by steep narrow streets and said he feels the problems even more severe than stressed in the public hearing. McCannon agreed with Ragland but said he would like to act on matter at this meeting. On roll call, all YES. (Note: Letter in opposition read into record from John Farquhar Jr. & Margaret M. Farquhar.) A letter from American Sign & Indicator Corp. appealing decision of Planning Conmission denying use of proposed time & temperature sign as a flashing sign at Pioneer & East Main Streets was read. Lonnie Sherrick spoke in favor when the public hearing was opened and showed sign design as proposed which was changed for the purpose of flash- ing only when time or temperature changes rather than the constant flashing of the information. The public hearing was closed. (No one spoke against the appeal). Laws moved to deny appeal; Ragland sec- onded and on roll call Phelps, Drescher, Laws and Ragland voted YES. McCannon voted against denial. Motion carried The City Administrator read a memo from Planning Conmission on ZC #57 and requested that Applicant~s Statement, Minutes of Planning Commiss- ion and Staff Report of September 13, 1978, Applicant's Response to Statewide Goals, Subdivision Approval List 1977 to present, Vicinity Map & Public Hearing Notice. Planner Box said in lieu of presentation he would suggest continuation of Z,C. 57 request because of the traffi.c problems Just considered. McCannon opened tha public hearing. Thomas Howset, representing the applicant (Henry Kneebone) reviewed plans and said the proposal wss mad~ although inmediate development is not contemplated at this time. Howser said applicant is interested in orderly development and reviewed obligation to provide access to Susttna Heights expressed concern should criteria call for five acre parcels, Howset said the undeveloped area is a fire hazard in the s~muner. Howaer said the public need has been demonstrated, it meets comprehensive plan criteria and has less of an impact on area than the proposal heard in th~ previous public hearing. John Welch and George Hocking both spoke urging that further study be given access and traffic problems before approving. Don Rhodes of 51 Scenic said he and others in his neighborhood have struggled through this same process so often they are getting worn out by proposals while the initial problems remain. Rhodes said the taxpayers are not going to be willing to contribute to the impact of further development ~y providing fire, polic~, pumping stations and other needs. McCannon closed the public hearing and Ragland moved to table; Laws seconded. On roll call, McCannon, Laws and Ragland voted in favor and Phelps and Drescher voted in opposition. Laws said there should be a request that Planning Commission deal.w±th traffic problem of Grandview area. 11/21/78 Pg. 3 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 11/21/78 Pg. 4 YOUTH COUNCIL & COMMISSION PONY EXPRESS FOOD & BREW Liquor License cont. COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS & REMDNSTRANCES Improvement Petitions Pavement Cut Request PUBLIC FORUM CHAMBER OF COP[MERCE Secretarial Position Emmission Control Report CONSERVATION COMMITTEE After a lengthy discussion Laws requested that 2.25.010 (Membership) section of the ordinance read "attending Ashland ~tementary and second- ary public or private schools, including those of like age who have dropped out of school, and that 2.25.030 read "who have graduated from high school (in place of over the age of years) and so moved. Ragland seconded the motion to amend and motion passed on voice vote. Almquist read the ordinance as amended and Drescher moved to second reading; Ragland seconded and on roll call, passed unanimously. Laws said he would be watching that a certain group would not take over the commission in which case he would see that the ordinance is changed. The City Administrator read a memorandum from Acting Chief Lively the problem of serving liquor to a minor was questioned. Applicant David Singleton explained the circumstances surrounding the problem to the satisfaction of Council and Drescher said he would vote for approval with reservation attached to assure orderly business and so moved; Ragland seconded and on roll call, all YES. Almquist submitted petitions for improvement on Diane Street from Tol- man Creek Road to Jacquelin Street requesting installation of curbs, gutters and pavement and noted the resolution would appear later on agenda. A petition was read requesting the installation of paving along alley East. of'Laurel-noted resolution would appear later on agenda. A petition was read requesting installation of sidewalk on Winburn Way resolution later on agenda. Almquist read a request to cut pavement at 250 Pioneer St. by Heritage Bank and recommended approval; Drescher so moved; Phelps seconded and on roll call, passed unanimously. A1 Fusco spoke from the audience concerning vandalism on Halloween and submitted several petitions from citizens and offering a reward of $1,000 for information leading to culprits engaged in such vandalism - particularly egg throwing at persons, vehicles and buildings. Lively, Acting Police Chief said that they always beef up the department at such times and explained that they cannot arrest juveniles. Laws suggested education of parents and youth in school and recommended Fusco take advantage of the newly formed Youth Commission by getting them to police their peers. It was suggested that Council write a resolution to give more impetus to control of vandalism. Ragland asked that Chief of Police come up with recommendations in the event more funds will be necessary to follow through on the assignment. Drescher moved to approve utilizing Director of Visitor Housing Bureau as part-~ime secretary for Chamber; Ragland seconded and on roll call, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist reviewed a report relative to emission con- trol as submitted by the General Services Supervisor. Deferred untilMayor Prickett~s return. 11/21/78 Pg.4 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 11/21/78 Pg. 5 KEEDER RESERVOIR WATER POLL- UTION CONTROL FAC. PERMIT DEPT. OF ENERGY SMALL GRANTS POWER GENERATION LICENSE SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE ASHLAND HILLS ANNEX #3 JCFD #5 WITHDRAWAL-A.H. #3 REZONING ASH. HILLS #3 THORNTON WAY DIANE STREET Director of Public Works Alsing reviewed need to prioritize time schedule for implementation of recommendations for operation of Reed- er Reservoir resulting from recent 208 Water Facilities Study. Council agreed to act on the matter of the time schedule at the December 19 meeting or ask for extension of time. Almquist requested consideration for submission of grant application with Federal Department of Energy "Appropriate Technology" small grants program and Phelps so moved; Drescher seconded and on roll call vote, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist requested permission to file for rehear- ing on matter of surrender of power generation license and said the City was not notified of such surrender and only learned of the sur- render in a letter from the Forest Service too late to participate in a timely hearing. Almquist said he had immediately sent a tele- gram and now would request permission to file. Drescher moved to approve; Ragland seconded and on roll call passed unanimously. As requested in a previous meeting, City Attorney Salter presented Council with an amended subdivision ordinance which would insure that final plat would be approved in a certain length of time or the pre- liminary plat as filed would become null and void. Salter expressed confidence that such amendment could be upheld in court. Laws moved to place subdivision ordinance on next agenda. Phelps seconded and on roll call, all YES. Second reading by title only was given an ordinance annexing certain property to the City located north of Hwy. 66 and west of E. Main St. and Ragland moved to adopt; Drescher seconded and on roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. Almquist gave second reading by title only of ordinance withdrawing certain recently annexed property from Jackson County Fire District No. 5, located north of Hwy. 66 and west of E. Main Street. Drescher moved to adopt; Ragland seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote, Second reading by title only was given an ordinance rezoning certain property located north of Hwy. 66 and west of E. Main St. from Jackson County RR-5 to City of Ashland R-1 and Drescher moved to adopt; Ragland seconded and motion passed without opposition on roll call vote. Second reading by title only was given an ordinance authorizing and ordering the improvement of Thornton Way from Wrights Creek Drive to Prim Street. Phelps moved for adoption; Drescher seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. A resolution setting a public hearing on the proposed improvement of Diane Street from Tolman Creek Road to Jacquelin Street was read and Drescher moved to adopt; seconded by Ragland and passed unanimous. ly on roll call vote. 11/21/78 Pg, 5 Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 11/21/78'P.6 LAUREL STREET ALLEY IMP. WINBURN WAY SIDEWALKS GENERAL ELECTION PROCLAMATION - ELECTION DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS LIAISON REPORTS ADJOURNMENT A resolution was read setting a public hearing on the proposed im- provement by paving of an alley running east from Laurel Street between Van Ness and the SPRR. Drescher moved to adopt; seconded by Phelps and passed unanimously on roll call vote. A resolution was read setting a public hearing on proposed instal- lation of siewalks on Winburn Way from end of existing sidewalk, southerly. Laws moved for adoption; Ragland seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. A resolution canvassing the vote of the general election held on Tuesday, November 7, 1978. Laws moved for adoption and RAgland seconded. On roll call motion passed unanimously. Mayors Proclamation.concerning the results of the general election held on Tuesday, November 7, 1978 was read and McCannon moved to authorize Mayor & Recorder's signature. Drescher seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Laws moved to accept departmental reports for October 1978; Phelps seconded and on roll call, all YES. None Meeting adjourned at 11:30 P.M. X , ~ Robert Nelson City Recorder (Acting) Mayor (Acting) ih 11/21/78 Pg. 6