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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-0316 REG MINMINUTES FOR THE REGULAR _MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL March 16, 1976 ROLL CAJJL: APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT MINUTES OF BOARDS League Regional Meet Food Stamp Letter After leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Prickett called the meetfnz to order on the abeve date at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers. Councilmembers Allen, McCannon, Hoffarth, Laws, Ragland and McDowell were present. McCannon moved for approval of minutes for the regular meeting of March 2, 1976 as submitted. McDowell seconded and on voice vote, all YES }~yor Prickett moved Item 1 under VIII to the top of the agenda for the convenience of interested audience. Councilman Allen said that he, and possibly other members, had not had the opportunity to study the final report and requested that a study session be held for that purpose on March 23, 1976. McCannon suggested that all members of the ccnm~ittee be invited to attend to answer questions and that both Fire and Police Chiefs be urged to attend. Mayor Prickett set the study session for March 23. McDowell seconded the motion and added that public hearing date should be set at that time and that the location of the meeting should be at Hillah Temple in order to accommodate the public - the meet ing to be held at 7:30 p.m. On roll call, passed unanimously. H. C. Harmelick of San Diego County, California (Firefighters Union Representative) asked if the study session would be a parallel to a public hearing and was told by Mayor Prickett that no action could be taken at a study session but anyone interested in c~nmenting would be welcome as study sessions are open to the public. The Mayor added that a public hearing would be set at that time. Fred Pratt of Crestview Drive asked if copies of the final proposal will be available to the public and was assured that copies would be avaiiabl both at City Hall and the libraries - downtown and at S.O.S.C. On question from Murray Gardner oi 1340 Ponderosa as to whether Council planned to examine what "amounts .~ malfeasance" by City Administrator Almquist, Mayor Prickett said thaL the Administrative Cormnittee must accept that responsibility and make judgment relative to the report. Allen moved to accept minutes of all Boards, Commissions and Committees as submitted; Hoffarth seconded and motion passed unanimously on voice vote. City Administrator Almquist reminded Council of the regional meeting of the League of Oregon Cities on March 30 in Grants Pass and asked for planned attendance~ City Administrator Almqnist read a letter from the Food Stamp Center requesting that information relative to distribution of food stamps to senior citizens through inclusion of information with City utility bills be considered. McCanncn moved that request be granted; second by McDowell. Ragland took exception to the concept saying that it is not a City function and could very well set a precedent. Hoffarth sa~d that a fe~; ads in the Daily Tidings might bring the same results to wbicb McCannon added that lots of senior citizens could riot afford a newspaper delivered 3/16/76 Pg. 1 Food Stamps cont. PUBLIC FORUM S 0 Cable TV Committee Underground Utilities WATER QUALITY PLAN Allen suggested that a list of the seniors be given the Food Stamp Center and asked City Attorney Salter if such action would be legal. The City Attorney could see no reason why it would not be. Laws said that the City should have concern for its people. McDowell said she could see no problem. Mayor Prickett said he felt there would be no precedent and that each individual request of any sort would have to ~' Judged on its own merit. On roll call, McDowell, Laws and McCsnnon voted in favor; Ragland, Allen and Hoffarth opposed. Mayor Prickett broke the tie with a YES vote, City Administrator Almquist was dir- ected to make necessary arrangements. ~ There was no response from the audience. Mayor Prickett appointed Frank Thompson to serve on the Cable TV Comm- ittee and noted two vacancies remain. McCannon moved to approve; second by McDowell and passed unanimously on roll call vote. A memorandum relative to undergrounding utilities in the area of 1129 Iowa Street was read by City Administrator Almquist who asked that Director of Electric Utilities explain background of work and cost of proposal~ Bernie Krug estimated that materials and labor would cost about $3,600 and that if five services are undergrounded, another $1,500 should be added to that amount. On Ragland's question as to whether such work is covered by an ordinance, City Administrator Alm- quist said he didn't think there was one which would cover conversion from overhead (existing) to underground but Just for future installa- tions. Hoffsrth suggested matter be looked into so that Council mi~t form policy. Ragland moved Ehat matter be postponed to next meeting and asked that Planning Commission con~unicate on subject. Ragland requested that old ordinance be made available. McDowell seconded. On roll call, all YES. Proposed Plan Adoption Procedures for the Water Quality Management Pla~ ning Program was read by City Administrator Almquist. Ragland 7eporte~ that he had requested that this matter be put on the agenda ft. Counci~ consideration and that EPA bad ~edrafted the plan because of the veto power that Eagle Point and Medford had as a result of an ordinance passed. Ragland expressed concern relative to overall plan which could conceivably preclude our using water resonrces unique to Ashland and cited the difficulty in drafting plans acceptable to all cities. According to Ragland another meeting will be held in three wcel~q and then the task force will respond back to EPA for acceptance. Ol~ Mayor question as to what Ragland might feel would make the plan incompatibl with the comprehensive plan, Ragland said he could think of uothing st the moment. Council agreed that Ashland could do its own stndy so the would be no problem tieing in with other cities~ plans. Mayor Pricket said he would like to think about it and place it on the next agenda. Ragland reported that USGS agreed to do the sewer study but fonnd they could not fund the project. On Murray Gardner's question as to what happened to the original $50,000 project, Ragland explained that the $50,000 was our part of the study and the funding discussed was for regional study. McCannon suggested item be placed oe next agenda. Mayor asked that Jeff Gibbs be present to answer questions. Council agreed on meeting. 3/16/76 Pg. 2 Supplemental Budget Senior Forum Structure Parking Violation Ord. Electric Rate Schedule Ordinance A request from Finance Director Nelson for setting of a supplemental budget hearing date was read by the City Administrator. Mayor Prickett set the date for April 20, 1976 at 7:30 P.M. Mayor Prickett recoranended that Senior Forum Director Mayo be placed under supervision of City Administrator Almquist for review and approval in advance of overtime, vacation requests, budgetary control and any related problems. The Mayor also recommended that funding for the posi- tion be taken out of Parks & Recreation and be placed under the General Fund of the budget. Laws, who is liaison, agreed with the Mayor and so moved; McCannon seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. First reading of an ordinance adding to ~lapter 11.28 of the Ashland Municipal Code relating to parking restrictions was given by City Admin- istrator Almquist. City Attorney Salter explained that the ordinance is to provide a trial without a juD' on parkin% violations and that it gives Judge discretion. McCannon moved to second readin%, second by Ragland. Chief Hays added to Salter's explanation by saying that the ordinance limiting fines to $100.00 would also cover failure to park securely. On roll call !notion Dassed unanimously. City Adminiskrator Almquist gave first reading of an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1855 relative to electric rates. On McCannon's question as to residential rates, City Administrator Almquist stated that the ordinance reflects a 6.2% increase and that the major increase is with the College which will add up to $16,400 which represents an increase of 16.4% plus a $2,000 add on for use of facilities charge. The City Administrator explained that the average increase on C-25 schedule was 2.1% overall excluding the college and that the C-37 rate structure is based on consumption. Murrsy Gardner asked x~hat effect the increase would have on senior citizens using the minimum of 500 ~ to which Alm- 'quist gave the figure of about 64¢ or 6%. Fred Pratt of Crestview Drive asked Council what the City of As~]and needs the additional money for and expressed the feeling that s, ch a method to balance the budget is being used as a ruse to preclude the citizens from getting the opportunity to vote on its passage. Mayor Prickerr disagreed with Pratt's use of the word "ruse" and reminded him that the budget committee voted almost unanimou~y to expend $95,000 to build a new feeder line and this increase is to bring in capital to help provide for expense and that the increase of $16,400 is in only entity. On Pratt's suggestion that property taxes be increased to pick up necessary monies so that such assessment could be tax deductible, th~ Mayor explained that about 40% of the property is Ashland is tax exempt and recommended that the more equitable way won!d be for the consumer to pay. Donna Tait congratulated Council and budget committee on the job they are doing on the budget in Ashland and that as a taxpayer she is satisfied. Fred Pratt commended Chief of Police Iiays on behal~ of his neighbors ~o asked him to relay the message. Gardner asked that freeze be placed on all staff salaries in excess of $18,000 during budg~ ~queeze. Councllman Laws took exception to the manner in which Gardner criticized the City Administrator relative to the electric rate increas and sai~ that City Administrstor Almquist was act~r!g under the dlrect~l~ of Mayor and Coupoil who sets the policy and that he makes recon!n!en~ia- tions,which is his Job. Lm~s suggested Gardner attack Revenue SharinK program, and that top management does not get as much in salaries as Elec. Rates Cont. Transferring Approp. Scannell Letter Adjournment: ~ose~h ~ ~utler ~ ~eenrder p~ivate industry. Gardner claimed that the City of Ashland does not have the same financial responsibilities as PP&L because it has no dividends to Day nor money to spend researching resources. Allen said that the City returns 100% of the profits to the citizens of Ashland - one way or another~ and moved to pass'ordinance to second reading. McCannon seconded. On roll call McCannon, Laws, and Allen voted YES, McDowell, Ragland, and Hoffarth opposed. Mayor Drickett broke the tie with a YES, passing the motion. , City Admipistrator A]mqutst read a memorandum from Director of Finance Nelson .requesting transfer of appropriations and then read the Resolut- ion. McCannon moved to adopt; second by Laws. On McDowell's question, City Administrator Almquist explained Item 2 as being cost of hearing by Public Employes Relations Board. The cost of $5,500 for the Mountain Avenue signal was brought up by Hoffarth who said the college would be participating in half of that amount. Laws said he would like to postpone project until the college is heard from on original agreement. Mayor Prickett said he had checked wi~ Administration at the college and that they had originally pledged $5,000 for the project but when it did not come to pass they used the sum of $10,000 for storm drain project so they met their obligation and still plan to participate with $2,700 at this time as agreed. Laws said that there is a possible adjustment of Human Resources approp- riation necessary at a later date as he is not certain of figures given. On roll call vote, motion passed unanimously. A letter received from ScanneI! relative to suggested name for unnamed 'street was referred to the Planning Commission for consideration. Mayor Prickett said it was not necessary to adjourn the meeting 'o Thursday, March 18, 1976 and suggested that Council keep in m~nJ that the Budget Committee had ovan~helmingly voted in favor of constt'ction of the feeder line and that those who voted against increasing the electric rates to help defray the expense should come up with alternate suggestions. Ragland said he voted NO because he is not in favor of the feeder line. The Mayer said he would be interested in hearing other cuts in the budget before second reading of the ordinance. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m ! / Gary L. ~ric:~tt Mayor