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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-1219 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AS~D CITY COI~CIL December 19, 1978 ROLL C~'~LL APPROVAL OF MINUTES CORRECTION OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Gary Prickett called the meeting to order after leading the Pledge of Allegiance on the above date at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers. All members were present with the exception of McCannon. Laws moved to approve minutes of the regular meeting of December 5, 1978; Hamilton seconded and on voice vote motion passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist requested that minutes of the November 7, 1978 include motion by Drescher and second by Ragland to sign agree- ment for purchase of PP&L Nevada Street substation which motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Also requested was inclusion in min- utes of October 3, 1978 meeting at which time Ragland moved to pur- chase PP&L property on Nevada Street. Laws seconded the motion to purchase from electrical revenue account and on roll call, all YES; Laws moved amendments be made; Ragland seconded and on voice, all Y~,S. Ragland said he was please with the ~ublic's acceptance of the morator- ium concept to give the City time to plan for safe~ traffic planning and aesthetic traits not otherwise achievable if the development con- tinues in the fashion occurring at this time. The City Administrator read a memorandum from City Attorney Salter and submitted an ordin.- ance and map of area for consideration. The Mayor opened the public hearing. Local real estate salesman Leo Zupan of 1680 Homes Avenue spoke against the moratorium calling such implementation as irrespons- ible and suggested we should live with the Comprehensive Plan. On question of Zupan as to what development potential is creating the need for a moratorium, Planner Box outlined various projects either in the planning process at this time or serious investigations on uses for development of motels and possible shopping center. Zack Brombacher of 640 Tolman Creek Road said he could see no emergency or early development of anything on Highway 66 and says he has had land along there for sometime. Cleo Hutchinson of the Hungry Bear Restaur- ant said she has been out in that area for five years in the business and has yet to-see development On a large scale. Brita Hazell of 804 Twin Pin~s Circle said she is not taking a position on the morator- ium but feels careful planning can eliminate errors and cited the bridge to Ashland Hills which is blind as an example of what may have been averted by more study of generation of traffic caused by develop- ment. Mayor Prickett responded to opposing statements by stating that many of the opposing voices on the downtown beautification and sig~ ordinance. control have accepted the need and admit that planning and aesthetics have revitalized downtown economically as a place to shop and tourist attraction etc. Laws said that opposition to the morator- ium based on the premise there is no development would point up the fact that it will therefore hurt no one. Hank Hampton spoke in opposi- tion and agreed with Zupan's contentions regarding the control. Box pointed out that the ordinance exempts people who are having to move for the widening of the highway and said that greater density is being planned rather than less. Ragland pointed out that the result would be not for planning building by building but the overall pict- ure as the southern entrance into Ashland. ]2/1q/78 P~. 1 ~ratorium Hearing cont. MINUTES OF BOARDS etc. OSFA Accessway ~OR - Pioneer closure CUFFEL RESIGNATION ELKADER STREET PUBLIC FORUM Ragland reviewed efforts by City to get median stips for separation of traffic and landscape beauty and suggested that revenue sharing monies be used to put in the plantings that are necessary. Dr. DeT~niz Sweet, owner of Ashland Veterinary Hospital spoke in opposition to the moratorium plan and agreed with the State that a median stip would create traffic hazards inStea~ of preventing accidents. Caroly Eidman called attention to the fact that traffic on Siskiyou should not be compared with Hwy 66 since most of Siskiyou is made up of res- idences rather than businesses. She said she has mixed emotions but feels the State is the expert. Eidman said that the short medians on Barnett have made it extremely dangerous. Mayor closed the public hearing and returned the discussion to the Council. Drescher moved that the ordinance be amended to read tkac anything which already has a building permit or a planning action in progress as of December 19 would be exempt and asked that the ord~ ance be read as amended and that the findings be amended to agree with ordinance; Phelps seconded and motion passed unanimously on voiz vote. After some discussion of property to be included Council agre~ to stop the moratorium at the commercial line. Ragland moved 'to second reading as amended and Phelps seconded the monion which passed" unanimously on roll call vote. CStaff was instructed amend ordinance as ruled, to change map and to amend findings for second reading of the ordinance at the next regular meeting.) Laws moved to accept minutes of boards, commissions & committees as submitted; Phelps seconded and on voice vote passed unanimously. A letter requesting permission to construct accessway between OSFA administration building and the newly acquired Oregon Hotel was read and Drescher moved to grant request; Ragland seconded and on roll call motion passed unanimously. A letter was read from Ron Kramer requesting closure of Pione~r St. ~ =wean E. Main and Hargadine on New Year's Eve. After some discuss ion it was decided that Alsing would provide necessary barricades and flares and that someone would be manning each end of the barri- caded street during the hours specified and Phelps so moved; second by Ragland and passed unanimously on roll call vote. A letter was read from R. C. Cuffel resigning from Citizens Planning Advisory Committee. No action necessary. Petition was submitted by 100% of the residents in favor for improve ments on Elkader Street between Prospect and Ivy Lane. On question of Phelps as to clearance of property lines, Alsing said that would be take care of before the project. Resolution later on agenda. Ragland reminded Council the date has arrived for the grandfather clause for billboards to run out and wondered how many remain. Box said he would check and that letters have been sent out. 12/19/78 rg.: Regula, r_~eeting Ashland City Council 12/Lq2~8 P.3 208 Water Facility City Administrator Almquist reported on meeting of Water Resources Committee and Budget Subcommittee and read memo from Director of Public Works requesting delay of specific time schedule for implementa tion of recommendations by DEO; Drescher moved letter be written to request delay; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, all YES. ENERGY CONSERVATION BUILDING/PLANNING CONSOLIDATION WATER FACILITY PLAN SUP. & MGMT. SALARIES Councilman Laws read his memo recommending tasks to be undertaken by newly appointed Energy Conservation Committee and Ragland moved to accept recommendation; seconded by Phelps and on voice vote, all YES. Planning Director Box reviewed the results of the temporary consolida- tion of the planning and building departments and brought Council to date on the results of new filing systems etc. and said that he and Dale Bohannan have no particular recommendation on matter but the methods have made for well organized service. It was noted that Boh- annan now has his certification so could work independently of the Planning/Building concept. Mayor Prickett said that if the program is worked out so that it is run effectively either way that he sees no reason for the $50 differential in the Planning Director's salary. Laws said if the departments were returned to Public Works then he would have a problem with the $50 differential based on combination of the two. Drescher moved to continue with present organization and salary on permanent basis; Laws seconded. On roll hall Ragland, Phelps, Laws and Drescher voted YES. Hamilton opposed. A memorandum was read from Director of Public Works Alsing relative to a study of capital improvements for water facilities as recommend- ed by the water quali~y budget subcommittee and requesting that pro- posals be sent out to finns for the on-going study based on minimum survey requirement of $6,000 or aerial photo maps for an additional $9,000. Laws moved to authorize proposal letters be sent and Dres- cher seconded. (It was agreed the funds for maps be routed through budget procedure). On roll call, all YES. Date was changed from December 4, 1978 to a future date not yet decided upon. Memorandum was read relative to deferred salary increases for super- visory and management employes. Mayor Prickett recommended downgrad- ing street superintendent classification to foreman at the same salary he now receives. Alsing said it would cause problems inasmuch as there is a foreman already in that position. Almquist disagreed with the downgrade saying that it had been the consensus that in the case of the previous street superintendent the position should have been foreman because of the work he was performing but that would be changed when personnel was changed. (The individual was due to retire shortly). Laws felt the salary is out of line. On Mayor's question as to whether the job description covers the job the super- intendent is doing, Almquist replied that it does and is consistent with other cities and'mentioned Alsing would have to do a lot more in the field should degrading occur. Almquist said that the salary for the classification is now below average. Laws requested that this matter be taken up again when the job of reorganization starts again and moved that the three recommendations be approved at this time. Phelps seconded and on roll call, all YES. 12/19/78 P.3 ~r_M,e~eting Ashland City Council C0}R'- PLAN CHANGE No. 10 Public hearing date was set for January 16, 1979 at 7:30 P.M. MAYqR'S APPOINTMENT ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS ETC. Subdivision Ord. Sherman alley vacation Diane St. Improvement Winburn Way sidewalks Comp. Plan Amendment #9 Fee Schedule Ordinance Transfer of Approp. Emergency Services Res. Mayor Prickett appointed Sherry Neal to the Citizens Planning Advis- ory Committee. Dreseher moved for approval; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, all YES. Almquist gave second reading by title only of an ordinance amending the subdivision ordinance relative to submission of final plat and Drescher moved for adoption; Phelps seconded and on roll call motion passed unanimously. Second reading was given by title only of an ordinance vacating an alley located off Sherman Street, east of Siskiyou Blvd. Drescher moved for adoption; Ragland seconded and on roll call, all YES. Second reading by title only was given an ordinance ordering the improvement of Diane Street from Telman Creek Road to Jacquelin St. Phelps mo~ed for adoption; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, all voted YES. Second reading was given by title only of an ordinance ordering the installation of sidewalks on Winburn Way from the end of the exist- ing sidewalk southerly. Drescher moved.for adoption; Ragland sec- onded and on roll call the motion passed unanimously. First reading was given an ordinance amending the Ashland Comprehen- sive Plan and making findings of fact in support thereof.. Drescher moved and Hamilton seconded the motion; all YES on roll call vote. First reading was given an ordinance repealing certain special lic- ence fees, repealing local provisions on defertel of special assess- ments, and amending certain fees. Almquist reviewed the needs for modification including housekeeping of code. Drescher moved to second reading after Almquist read the amended ordinance in full and Hamilton seconded. On roll call vote motion passed unanimously. Hampton said that most cities don't charge lien search fees and sug- gested such a fee be dropped. Drescher disagreed saying that the operation of the city is shared by all property owners and citizens anf feels the service to facilitate a real estate transaction should be paid by the beneficiary. Councilelect Sims agreed with Drescher saying that if people want the information they should pay for it. Drescher moved to second reading; Laws seconded and on roll call, all YES. Almquist read a memorand~ from Director of Finance Nelson and read the resolution transferring appropriations within funds. Sims asked why the postal charges were so high and Almquist explained that noti- fication of property owners etc. creates such a need and Sims felt such fees should be charged applicants and Almquist said after the first of January recommendations will be made. Phelps moved for adoption; Drescher seconded and on roll call, all YES. A memorandum from the City Administrator was read relative to setting up an emergency medical services plan which will be adopted by the State Health Division when adopted by the local committee. Almquist 12/19/78 P. 4 ~u!~j~eeting Ashland City Council 12/1_J~/78 P5 Emergency Services res. Elkader Improvement State Highway Agreement explained that the local committee is made up principally of private businesses (ambulance service etc.) and excludes any local government criteria and therefore requests for postponement of adoption of the plan. Almquist read the resolution. Drescher moved for adoption and Laws seconded. Corliss supported passage 6f the resolution based on lifetime work in field in question. On roll call motion passed unanimously. A resolution was read calling for improvement of Elkader Street from Prospect to Ivy Lane and public hearing was set for 7:30 P.M. on January 2, 1979. Drescher moved for adoption;.Hamilton seconded and on roll call motion passed unanimously. Almquist read the Resolution authorizing execution of contract with Oregon State Highway Division for widening of Hwy. 66 from Park Street to Siskiyou Blvd. Alsing reviewed the project saying that median strips requested by City were not accepted as feasible and that landscaping and sprinklers would be installed on both sides of the highway. Laws spoke out against the widening saying that we don't need a runway coming into south Ashland and he would vote against the project. It was pointed out that the Widening had been requested by property owners and citizens and the Administrator and Mayor Fries took petition to Salem to assure project. It was pointed out that most of the project has been completed and to modify any plans now would be to cancel the entire project. On question as to whether a bike path would be part of the plan, Alsing said that 3' has been reserved on both sides for such use. Almquist explained that it is more and more difficult to match federal funds and if we do not start in 1979, we may never see it. Dr. Sweetir~said that items have been published and plans made around widening and to scuttle the plan now would be to back to square one, and the four lane highway is needed. Hamilton said she was disappointed that the recommendation was turned down on medians but the State was adamant about it and there is noth- ing we can do and if the contract is voted down tonight, we may as well forget about it. Ragland said the State would be against the proposal even if the City used its own funds and he cannot understand State's rationale. Dr. Sweeting pointed out that everything has been done with the exception of four blocks. The kinds and numbers of cuts for driveways etc. were discussed as being inappropriate and considered a real traffic hazard and "Papa D's" establishment was used as an example. Dora Folsom spoke representing the Highway Div- ision and said she had met with staff on two occasions to work out such problems as accesses. Box offered to check design and come back with a recommendation as to what can be done at this point. Hamilton suggested a meeting be held with Ms. Folsom. Ragland asked if matters would be complicated if the item were postponed until the f~rst meeting in January. Almquist suggested that City's position would not be negotiated from a position of strength because it had been pushed but we could go back to State in good faith. Laws said if Council feels this project has to be done it had better vote on it. Phelps said he couldn't vote for it either at this time. Rag- land said too many years have gone into this and he doesa't like to 12/19/78 P. 5 .?,~_~iuJar-~{eeting Ashland City Council t2/~9/78 P.6 Sta~e Highway Widening cont. Zoundary Agreement Laase Renewal/City Offices .'~an E. Franklin City Recorder see it end like this and said it is too major a decision to make on this short notice. Hamilton movedto postpone to first meeting in January. Phelps seconded. It was decided that meeting be arranged with Ms. Folsom, Alsing, Almquist, Box and Hamilton and that bike signs, cuts and other matters be settled and returned to Council with details agreed to. On roll call motion passed unanimously. A Boundary Agreement between City of Ashland and Hampton & Wikholm, adjacent to Ashland Cemetery on E. Main Street was submitted and Drescher moved to authorize signatures of Mayor and Recorder; Ham- ilton seconded and on roll call, all YES. Drescher moved to authorize Mayor and Recorderrs signatures to Mayo~