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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-0621 REG MINMINUTES FOR ~iE REGULAR ~ETING ASHLAb~D City COUNCIL June 21, 1977 ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING ASHLAND HILLS Zone Change No. 52 C.P. ~nendment No. 8 Annexation Withdrawal from JCFD #5 Appeal from PC decision Mayor Prickett led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., on the above date in the Council Chambers. Councilmembers Phelps, Drescher, McCannon and Hamilton were presen~ Ragland arrived moments late. McCannon requested that minutes for the regular meeting of June 7, 1977 be corrected on page two, line four, to add "in the future" after the word "couples", and moved to approve as corrected; second by Hamilton and passed unanimously on voice vote. City Administrator Almquist requested that the following be entered into the proceedings as part of the record: Staff Report dated April 8, 1977 relative to Comprehensive Plan Change No. 8, Zone Change No. 52, Conditional Use Permit No. 191, and Site Review No.5 Minutes sf the Planning Commission of April 11, 1977, Staff Report dated May 5, 1977 relative to CUP No. 191 and S~te Review No. 56, Minutes of the Planning Commission on May 9, 1977 and Findings of Fact as adepted by the Planning Coxmnigsion in the matter of the application by Ashland tlills, Inc. for Comprehensive Plan Change ~ Zone Cha~ge #52.' Almquist then asked that Staff presentation be given ~y Winterowd. Slides were shown of the location an~ WinteroL pointed out that trees would be saved, that the natural drainage d~tch as sbo~ wo~ld b~ preserved by building around it to enhance and maintain the natural setting and the homes of the sppeilanns were shown in the background along with easement serving the prop- erty. Winterowd called attention to the criteria for conditional use and the conditions set forth in Staff Report of April 8, 1977. Almquist called attention to Consent to Annexation application and .~ttached exhibits. Noel Lesley, Vice President of Ashland Hills ~'orporation was introduced by Richard Cottie, representing the rganization. Lesley reviewed accommodations at the proposed con- vention center including parking facilities, shuttle services and said that the center would employ about eighty five people, many who would be part-time and many could come from the college commun- ity with-a payrcll o~ about $25,000 per month. Les~ey gave na:n~ of people in the organization saying that Donna Wooley of Dra~n an Nels Sandstrom were not able to be present. Mark Housen was intro- duced as secretary-treasurer of the corporation and Lesley request~ that Ralph Bonadurer, architect for the project, review the plans relating to the terrain, parking and shuttle services, shops and preservation of the natural environment. Bonsdurer repori'ed detai of plans including plans to have dry wells for drainage if found ~ essary and about the over-all plan said the complex would be b~{i]~ ~n a park-like setting and the buildings would be no more than tw~ stories tall with exception of ravine area where it would be three stories. Colors would be in grays and browns to blend with the country atmosphere according to the architect. Bonadurer, on que= tion by Hamilton, said the buses would park away from the nlotel itself. On question from Cottie, Bonadurer described plans for expandable meeting rooms and stressed the need for comnunity supF~ in scheduling of use by service clubs etc. Cottie asked Bonadurer to explain wby he wouldn't put a motel the four acre Norton Lumber property to satisfy the "land avails~ 6/2]/77 Pg. ASHLAND HILLS P.H. only criteria and Bonadurer said it would be/suitable for an ordinary motel and the environment would have to be created and you would ~iss the highway clientele by locating in the heart of town. As to possibility of Bi-Mart property Bonadurer cited the railroad track as a distinct disadvantage saying that people don't want to stay near a ~ailroad because of vibrations and possible switching. Duane Venekamp, a licensed real estate appraiser was asked by Cottl~ to give an opinion on the possibility of location next to Knight's Inn and he said because of the terrain you couldn't develop what yo' have planned on the proposed site. When asked for opinion on possi- bility of six acres near Bi ~rt, Venekamp said the cost of acreage would be prohibitive - $42,000 per acre. Sidney Ainsworth, attorney representing the Appellants Johnson and Neeley, said that all that is being discussed is the motel proposed and that it is confusing to see the Planning Commission voted for the zone change which isn't even in the city limits. John Evey of the Oregon Shakespearean Festival Association addresse the criteria on public need saying that recent research pointed out the need for quality lodging and restaurants and gave statistics as result of sampling on mode of travel, money spent and number of rooms needed for patrons of the festival. Dr. Tom Jones who con- ducted the survey reported on average amount of money spent by fan~i!ies visiting Ashland ~ich figures agreed with ~n~ormat~on gathered by the Highway Conmission. Peter Farrow, businessman in Ashland, spoke on the business potenti related to the convention center and gave his background as a solic tor of conventions and indicated it is a lucrative business and would bring outside money into the City of Ashland with little demand on schools and City services. Nancy Gilliland of the Chamber of Commerce who handles housing for tourists in private homes gave report on number of persons turned away from motels during Shakespearean season and need for conventic center to provide rooms, restaurants and meeting facilities fer large groups saying that there are no accommodations for more than forty people now in the City. Gilliland stressed the economic im- pact. Cottle submitted a letter to Council from Director of Finance Nelsc= showing impact a convention center could have on City finances. Elmont G~orge who operates the municipal airport expressed interest in location of convention center saying that Ashland would be an ideal location for conventions, seminars and large meetings of any kind and the close proximity for air passengers coming into Ashlan~ for plays, skiing etc., would preclude their need for a vehicle by use of the shuttle service available. As for possible pollution in the area, Gecrge said that there is always a good movement of air because of a hzeeze from the northwest. 6/21/77 Pg. 2 ASHLAND HILLS PH CONT. Cottle introduced a letter from Ashland Public Schools supporting the proposal and citing tax benefits to the system. Bob Reinholdt, 383 E. Main, expressed enthusiasm over the project saying that we have need such a facility since the Shakespearean Theatre was Built in 1957. Cottle introduced a letter from Talent Irrigation District and said that TID water allocated for Lot 800 could be used for all landscaping and felt it to be s~gnificant that Ashland water resou- rces would not be drained. On question from Cottle as to impact of area to Police Department, Chief Hays said he had no reason to believe there would be special problems but said that more personnel may be necessary to handle the area along with the newly annexed Oak Knoll. Cottie said he had contacted Chief Reed before he went on vacation and that he didn't anticipate any fire protection problems. Ainsworth said that the greater the change of use, the greater the burden on the applicant and c~ted the request as severe and to say that the applicant has establish to your satisfaction tiTat there will Be no harm to air, land and water is the wrong conclusion in view of the parking lots for 385 automobiles; the effect on the residences by polluted air; and added that the findings of a soil scientist show the ground to be heavily impervious and drainage may necessitate holes and holding tanks. Ainsworth stated that the applicant has not brought out the effect of soil on surrounding property By the parking lot and said that the statement made by tbe applicant that there is no sli!e potential was unfounded and that Staff and the Planning Comm~sgton had disagreedon this point s~ncc some of the slope is 45 degrees. Ainsworth said that experts have said there would be adverse effects to nearby property and that it might decrease 75% in value. Cottie took exception to the statemen and asked Ainsworth not to refer to expert opinions when the expert are not present at the hearing. Ainsworth asked Venekamp what effe~ he felt the motel complex would have on neighboring residential property and Venekamp said if there was devaluation of value, it took place when Valentine had property annexed and zoned C-1 for a motel. The question of "other land available" was discussed in depth and drawbacks of each brought out and Cottie said if you were able tD purchase just two or three acres;you would still have to be making substantially the same requests now being considered. Maureen Hale who owns the Texaco Station adjoining the proposed complex asked how close the development would be to her property and was told about seventy five feet. On Hale's question as to drainage, she was assured it would not drain into her property but down the hill. Mayor Prickett closed the public hearing. Mayor Prickett asked for any additional comments in support of Items A, B, C and D. No ~urther comment. ~_e_g~x].ar Meeting __ Ashland City Council ASHLAND HILLS PH CENT. Ainsworth asked that minutes and findings of previous meetings be made part of the record and Almquist told him that Staff Report an~ minutes are part of record. Ainsworth said that Tax Lot 400 for parking is currently zoned for five acre parcels and designated as rural residential in the Comp Plan and said to change 5 acres to parking lot is severe change. McCannon comm. ented on possible reimbursement if it was found that residential properties of Johnson and Neeley would be devalued. Mayor Prickett opened discussion to Council and suggested that motion be made to direct Staff to prepare papers for same and on Item D there is already a Resolution. Salter suggested that the withdrawal procedure from Jackson County Fire Dist. No. 5 be defer- ed until later in the meeting when another property's withdrawal will be discussed. McCannon again asked Cottle if Ashland Hills had considered acquisi tion of the two properties reminding him that Gettling's was pjcke~ up. Cottie said that any such discussion or negotiation would be between he and Ainsworth. Cottle reminded Council that they are considering A, B, and C s~ he. had not yet presented evidence on the two residential propertie~ and was hoping not to get into that at this time. Prickett sugges~ ed that Council could vote to affirm A, B & C and if the CUP is no~ passed there would be no motel. Cottie disagreed. On Hamilton's question as to ~,ackground on residences in area, Cottie said they were never p-rt of the NeE. Ashland Interchange in the Zoning laws and that i i 1967 the Comp Plan designated this Highway Commercial including Tax Lot 800. Cottie noted there is no sewer and water on any of the properties - they have septic tanks and wells and no street frontage for access. Cottie added that Tax Lot 400 has never been used for residential property at all and the Gettlings used portion of it for access to their home. Drescher pointed out that if the northeast end of Tax Lot 400 is annexed it would leave the area wide open for another development to box the residences in. Cottle said there are two reasons they want that section included (1) it is part of Tax Lot 400 and (2) enitre area is shown as highway commercial. Cottie agreed that they could delete that section if they felt better about it. Drescher, said he would feel more comfortable about it. Bob Johnson said that he would have to go through motel parking lot to get to his home and this is his major concern. Relative to acess for residences, Cottie said he and Ainsworth are negotiating t~at. Phelps moved to direct Staff to prepare necessary documents for Items A, B, and C; Drescher seconded and on roll call, all YES. Drescher moved to reconsider last. vote and modify certain particu- lars; M~.Cannon seconded and on voice vote? passed unaDimously. 6/21/77 Pg. 4 PUBLIC HEARING ON OAK KNOLL ANNEXATION PUBLIC FORUM Mayor Prickett opened the public hearing on withdrawal of the Oak Knoll Annexation Area from Jackson County Fire District No. 5 and asked audience for comments in support of withdrawal. No connnent in support. In the absence of any voice against the proposed action, Prickett closed the public hearing. McCannon moved to prepare necessary documents after meeting with Jackson County Fire Dist. No. 5; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, passe unanimously. No comments from the audience. NEW & MISC. BUSINESS E. Main Grocery Liquor Lic. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Letter'from Bar Owners Mayor took up request for liquor license from Jeffcry Ervin, et al dba Johnson's East Main Grocery at 917 E. Main Street for package sales. McCannon moved to approve; Ragland seconded and on roll call, all YES. A letter from the Bar Owners of Ashland asking that Council limit number of licenses appreved in City was read. Kim Appleberry of 323 High Street who ovms an ice cream parlor said he would like tc restrict more ice cream parlors'from locating in town too but saic that isn't part of the free enterprise system. Appleberry said there is need for quality operations. Ragland moved Council shoul not consider denial. Hamilton seconded. Prickett said that each application sbould be considered on it's own merit. On roll call, all YES. Resolution transferring appropriations within furds A Resolution was read transferring appropriations within funds anL McCannon moved for adoption; Ragland seconded and on roll call, all YES. Audit Contract McCsnnon moved that Mayor be authorized to sign a contract for audit with E. G. Tischhauser; Ragland seconded and on roll call, all YES. S. O. Cable TV Ordinance The ordinance covering the franchise contract with Southern Oregot Cable TV, Inc. was d~scussed and after a lengthy review of questi: able sections and language Director of Operations said he couldn'~ accept the contract as redrafted. Because of the hour, Mayor Prickett asked the principles of SOCTV to return to the June 28, 1977 meeting. Mayor Priekett adjourned the me~/%i~gto Tuesday ne 28, at 7:30~P.M. ,.' ~,.j ~ -/~,/~ ~/~ Nan E. Franklin rickerr Recorder 1977