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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-0115 ADJOURNEDMINUTES FOR THE ADJOURNED MEETIN~ ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL January IS, 1974 ROLL CALL SEWER TREATMENT GEN. OBLIGATION BONDS MAYOR'S REPORT M~YOR'S APPTS. PLANNING COMM. APPOINTMENTS COUNCIL CHAIRbIAN P.C. Committees APPROVAL OF MINUTES DEPARTMENTAL REPTS. COMMUNICATIONS Hospital Minutes Parks Minutes Dance License The adjourned meeting was called to order by Mayor Eries at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers on the above date. Conklin, McCannoh, Allen, Soderberg, Roble and Prickerr were present. Bid from Department of Environmental Quality was opened'and read showing interest rate of 4.9469%. Mayor Pries asked that Finance Director Nelson analyze figure and report back later in the meeting. Mayor Pries read his annual report. (See Attackment "A") Mayor made appointments to various committees [attached) and asked Council for confirmation of Karl Mawson as City Planner. Prickett moved to confirm. Conklin said he felt that Karl Maw- son was a good choice but that he could not agree that City could afford a fulltime planner and that he preferred to see the updating of the Comprehensive Plan done by a consultant. Conklin seconded the motion with exception of Mawson confirm- ation. On roll call, McCannon, Allen, Soderberg, Roble and Prickerr voted YES. Conklin voted YES with exception. Conklin nominated Lois Wenker and recommended that Elliott MacCracken be retained on the Planning Commission. Allen nominated Rich Hartsen. McCannon nominated Gil Plunkett. Secret ballot was ~aken v~te~ f~vo~in~ Lois Wenker and Rich Hansen. Conklin moved that Roble remain as Council Chairman. Prickett moved for unanimous ballot. On voice vote, unanimously con- firmed. Prickett moved that subcommittee appointments be made by full Planning Commission. Prickett withdrew motion and asked that Planning Commission make recommendations and submit same to Council. On voice vote, motion passed without opposition. Mayor Fries pointed out error in minutes of the regular meeting of December 18, 1975 on page 2, pp 7 in which it is stated that Soderberg approved the motion when actually she opposed. Prickerr moved that minutes be accepted as corrected. On voice vote, passed unanimously. Conklin moved to accept and place on file the Departmental Re~orts for the month of December. Passed unanimously on Voice Vote: Roble moved that minutes of the December 17, 1973 hospital board meeting be accepted and placed on file. On voice vote, passed. unanimously. Conklin moved that minutes for Parks ~ Recreation Commission meeting of December 13, 1973 be accepted and placed on file. Passed unanimously on voice vote. Mayor Fries presented request for dance permit and waiver of fee for benefit dance (concert) as submitted by James Hays for Ashland Coop. City Attorney Salter recommended denial of waiver. Prickett moved to deny waiver of fee. Conklin said he felt that denial was discriminating against Coop and that' there has been a struggle to get new location for their store. Roble agreed with Conklin. McCannon said he is against the request. Soderberg said she is no.t against Coop but thdt it is a business and should be treated as such. On roll call /-/~g/ Adjourned Meeting Ashland City Council Page 2 Communications cent. Dance License Req. vote to deny waiver, Allen, Prickett, McCannon and Soderberg voted YES. Roble and Conklin voted NO. Soderberg moved to grant license subject to payment of license fee and posting bond. Bear Creek Green- Way PUBLIC FORUM UNFINISHED BUS. Greenway Land Acquisition Conklin's Bus Report Mr. James Sims, member of the Board of Directors of Coop, said he had spoken to persons who had signed the request and that they had not been aware that the request was going to City Council. Discussion ensued and Soderberg withdrew her previous motion ~nd moved to table request. On roll call, Soderberg, McCannon and Conklin voted YES. Prickerr, Roble and Allen voted NO. Mayor voted NO to break the tie. Prickerr explained'he voted NO because the request appeared to be in order as submitted.. Sims said he wanted a vote of the Board of Directors as a body or full membership before making any requests of the City. Sims and Applicant Hays apologized for the confusion. Allen moved to approve the license. On roll call, Allen, Conklin, Roble,.McCannon and Prickerr voted YES. Soderberg opposed. Mrs. Isabel Sickels, Chairman of Bear Creek Greenway Committee explained that the Rogue Valley Council of Governments had appointed certain people to do a feasibility study of Bear Creek Greenway through the use of $6,000 from H.U.D., which was adopted last February by the Council of Governments. She stated that the Highway Department has provided monies in this biennium in the amount of $157,875 to be matched by grant of $157,875 allotted by Jackson County. The Bureau of OUtdoor Recreation has allocated some $635,000 for the project with a grand total adding up to $960,000. Mrs. Sickels said that a concurrence of cooperation of all cities contiguous or adjac- ent to Bear Creek is necessary and that she is seeking the blessing of Ashland and is not seeking funds at this time or in the future, Mrs. ~ickel~ ghnwed a map of the area and told of plan for bike paths and equestrian trails and how the. 96 species of birds which have been sighted would be protected in protecting the stream. McCannon moved to authorize Mayor Fries to write a letter approving the concept. On roll call, passed unanimously. No one commented from the audience. Prickett said that he understood there is nothing for the City to do according to Mrs. Sickels. She explained that the Bear Creek Greenway was an entity in itself and that it would not effect the Ashland Greenway. Mrs. Sickels brought up ways of acquisition of greenway land including donations, rights of first refusal and others which could qualify for matching funds. Prickett said that he had been led to believe that the City's involvement was necessary and that now he felt reluctant to present his proposal for acquisition, and there- fore moved to table proposal. Allen, Roble, Conklin and Prickett voted YES. Soderberg and McCannon opposed the motion. Conklin said the committee had come up with at least a ~temporary solution on bus parking for Shakespearean Festival and that Patton would like two parking places for buses azr~It &-- the church on Pioneer between the walkway and corner and six bus spaces on Water Street City property. Con- klin moved that City parking lot be designated for buses and two spaces by old church and that white loading zone be marked and reserve one parking space at corner for safety in negotiab ing corner. On roll call, all YES. Wastewater Treat- ment Plant Bonds City Administrator Almquist read Finance Director's memo stat- ing that DEQ bid is in order and recommends that Council authorize the purchase by resolution. Reading of the resoluT tion was deferred to later in the meeting. Adjourned Meeting Ashland City Council Page 3 NEW & MISC. BUS. Public Hearing Corallo Mayor Fries opened the public hearing and asked for comments from anyone opposing proposed mobile home park. Richard Cottie stated that he was representing McGraw Bros., and that in the audience were several employees whose jobs may be threatened by such proposed development. Fred Robarts of 143 Nutlay said that although he is sympathetic with Corallo, he feels that if the Council should approve the plan which is located in close proximity with McGraw Bros., that he could see some of the problems develop which Parson's Pine Products is now experiencing by being located near a residential area. Edd Rountree, 2782 Siskiyou, said he owns 150 acres across from McGrew Bros., and he can hear the planers and can imagine what an annoyance it could be to people living in a mobile home park near the mill. Gordon Maurer of 107 7th Street said he doesn't know why this proposal keeps coming up and says that he enjoys his job at McGraw Bros., spends his money in Ashland and feels it is not fair to jeopardize his job and hundreds of others. Jerry McGraw said that his industry causes noise and dust and he is surprised that the City having ah industrial park with- out a buffer zone except for the railroad tracks 'would go along with a mobile home park right across from the log deck area and that he thought eventually it would jeopardize his plant and he finds it necessary that he protect his investment. He said last year his payroll reached $1.928.00. that he DaYs $56,000 for utilities and his annual taxes amount.to some $59,000. He said his gross sales were $6,800,000 and pointed out that monies from timber harvest come back to the County. He said he feels he is in partnership with the City and if their l~oper~ is jeopardized, so is that of the City. He said that he has ]65 employees and S20 6ene~dent people d~rectly re~sted to that payroll and said that if such development caused ~=- to move, the City would be a loser as well as he and his employees. Prickett asked McGraw if the Department of Environmental Qualit~ had done noise level (decibel) tests. McGraw said his planer is in violation at this time and must be improved. He said the' trucks start leaving the plant at 5 A.M. and a peak of 150 trips in and out in the summer. McGraw said he tries to eliminate dust during the summer months but that paving would be very expensive. Cottle reminded the Council that the City is McGrew's landlord and said it hardly makes sense to recruit new industries all over the country on one hand and not protect the ones already here. DEQ can decide on the noise and dust and the Council can no longer say anything about it. Conklin agreed with McGrew and said he would like to see the area commercial and industrial and that I-5 makes an ideal buffer zone and high density concerns him. Cottle said that the Comprehensive Plan must be up-dated and it should be ram- remembered that the only cure for dust and noise is open space. He suggested lots be made up of 5 acre or more parcels. Mrs. Corallo asked McGrew why he had not told Mr. Corallo of his objections before they had come this far in their project. McGrew said that he had told Corallo of his objections. Maurer asked how d~velopers can promise their residents won't complain before they have experienced the problems. Adjourned MeetinR Asnlano Ll~y bouncll ~age 4 Public Hearin~ co~t; Corallo Kuest Building Rental Blec. Curtailment Changes - P.U.C. Audit Report Jackson County Jail Agreement "Vintage Inn" Liquor Lic. ORDINANCES, RESOLU- TIONS ~ CONTRACTS Oredson Annex. Corallo said for two and one-half years he has been trying to put in a mobile home park and has gone along carefully with every procedure and now after having tied up Mr. Walker's prop- erty for over a year he finds himself back where he started. He further stated that his lenders felt the idea was financially sound. Mr. Walker said that he could not conceive of the mobile home park putting McGrew out of business. Conklin said one aspect that hadn't been brought up is the effect it would have on our utilities and thought any annexation at this time is wrong for the citizens of Ashland. Soderberg stated that we had postponed a decision on Meister proposal until after a Study Session slated for January 22, and that she cannot envision having people living in a poor environment. Roble moved that request for annexation be denied. Prickerr said that Corallo had gone through a long period of endeavor and both sides should be considered but that Mr. Parsons had no idea that he would have the problems he faces today. McCannon said he feels the situation has changed since the last time it came up. He said he would hate to have anything happen to the sawmill now that requirements are so strict. On roll call, all YES. Allen moved to grant authorization to rent space in the Kuest Building. On question from Roble, Almquist said Mawson and the Building Inspectors will move. On roll call, all YES. Prickeli moved to adopt changes. On roll chatl, Soderberg, McCannon, Prickeli and Allen voted YES. Roble and Conklin opposed. (Se~ Appendix "C" Attached to Resolution _7__3235) Prickerr moved to accept audit report as prcparcd by Tisch- hauser, Bubb ~ Co. Soderberg asked about Fixed Asset Report. Mayor Fries asked to defer Soderberg request for clarification until Recorder, Administrator, Mayor and Finance Director could have a meeting. Prickett withdrew his motion and Allen withdrew his second until after the meeting is held. Chief Hays pointed out problems involved in arresting people, particularly females, on Municipal Ordinance violation and warrants, and recommended negotiating an agreement with Jackson County on lodging prisoners in County Jail before sentencing. Conklin moved to accept recommendation. Roble commented on the expense involving the lodging of prisioners at the Jackson Coun~ Jail and asked the Mayor to request Staff to plan a cell for overnight prisoners in City Hall. Soderberg asked about releas- ing prisoners on their own recognizance and Chief Hays said he is speaking of people with no bail provisions. Conklin withdrew his motion. City Administrator Almquist said that with'the strict State standards for jail construction he didn't think it possible to comply with present conditions. Allen asked for estimate of cost over next year. Roble requested that the question be deferred for further study. Conklin moved for approval of RMB liquor license for Rosemary Mahar in Vic Abatino's building at Granite and North Main Sts. Chief Hays said he has no reason to deny request. Passed unan- imously on roll call vote. City Administrator Almquist gave second reading of an ordinance by title only dispensing with an election and setting a public hearing for February 5, 1974. Conklin moved to deny. Prickett said that the Planning Commission hasn't yet considered it and wondered how the citizens could react to a public hearing on a matter not yet passed by the Planning Commission. Adjourned Meeting Ashland City Council Page 5. Ordinances, Resolu- tions ~ Contracts cent. Oredso~ Annex. Electric Depto Overtime Policy Resolution No.74-1 Oredson said the Planning Commission had studied the matter o~ rezoning on January 14, 1974 and passed it but had continued the PUD hearing until February 4, 1974. Soderberg said the public hearing can be continued and sugge.sted an ordinance later to cover advertising costs. On roll call, Roble, Con- klin and Prickett voted YES. Soderborg, Allen and McCannon voted NO. Mayor voted YES to break the tie and Ordinance was denied. City Administrator Almquist gave first reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1404, as amended, relative to Electric Department overtime policies. Conklin moved ordinance be passed to second reading. On roll call, all YES. "AResolution Providing for the Sale, Issuance and Delivery of City of Ashland General Obligation Sewer Bonds" was moved for adoption by Conklin and seconded by Soderberg. Passed unan- imously on a roll call vote. Street Imp. Dis- trict No. 39 Nursery St. Improvement Adjournment City Administrator gave first reading of an ordinance author- izing issuance of City Improvement Bonds. Conklin moved for passage to second reading. On roll call, passed unanimously. Resolution setting a public hearing for January 29, 1974 for improvement of Nursery Street read by City Administrator Almquist. McCannon moved for adoption. Unanimously approved on Toll call vote. Conk]jn moved for a~journment to January 29, 1974. On a voicc ~OL~, pab~e' ' ' . ~iee~ing .~d~journed. Mayor A~UAL REPOR'T of The Mayor 1973 The year 1973 brought many problems, many changes, and created an atmosphere of uncertainty, all of which permeated governmental levels to the grass roots, or s~all city level, including Ashland. At the same ti~e, many positive aspects were evident in our city. BefOre com~!enting on the projects and accomplishments of the past twelve months, it is fitting that we recognize the dedicated and devote~ service of all those who have served our citizens in meeting the day-to-day needs of our people. It has been a pleasure to work with the members of the council and I can say, without equivocation, that each one has been an effective participant in the deliberations inherent in the decision-making process. Our city staff, both individually and collectively, have demonstrated a degree of competence an8 zeal unusual in municipal government. Our city hall employees, our police and fire departments, our electrical, water, sewer, street, cemetery, and other departments are to be commended for the high level of service maintained during this past year. Our city recorder, finance director, and city judge have handled, most capably, the legal and financial affairs peculiar to our operations and . ~pecial thanks are du~ to the many fine citizens who served unselfishly and without pay on the boards, committees, and commissions which are so essential to the success of many of our functions. ~ assure all of you that it has been gratifying to me to be associated with such an excellent group of public servants. The beginning of construction on the new overpass and widening of Highway 66 was welcomed in anticipation that the project would be completed and in use during 1973. Strikes, during the best two weather months, delayed completion which, at best, is still four to five months away. However, when both this project and the Topics project are finished, vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic in these areas will be able to move more freely and with more safety. The City of Ashland received nation-wide publicity in late spring when four national magazines featured articles in praise of the Oregon Shskespearean Festival. Recognition of theater excellence on this scale serves to emphasize to us the importance of the Festival, both economically and culturally. Federal revenue sharing funds enabled our street department to purchase trucks and paving equipment and make a significant contribution to the street improvement program, including the paving of Oak Street. Additional revenue sharing funds, allocated to streets for 1974, v.,ill further eliminate much of the po~r street conditions. The council wisely enacted an ordinance prohibiting penetration of ~ny new paving for a period of five years, except in cases of unforeseen emergency. After several revisions, entailing a considerable amount of work by the city a~ministrator, the council and local business interests arrive~ at a mutually satisfactory sign ordinance, which was s~bse~uently accepted and passed by the council and is now in effect. Understanding the plight of sehior citizens with limited income, and in recognition of the hardship imposed on them by ever increasing prices, the council enacted an ol~dinance providing, for eligible senior citizens, a substantial discount on ~tility bills. The downtown improvement project, which will beautify and improve the sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping, is under way and much has been done under rather severe weather conditions. We are grateful to the merchants and the people for their patience and understanding. When all is completed this spring, including pleating of the trees snd shrubs, I'm sure that everyone will enjoy the result. It will be much more attractive and will crea~e a more pleasant atmosphere for tourists and shoppers. The entire community has responded well to our pleas for conservation of ~nergy. We are reasonably confident that, with the continued cooperation of our consumers, we will be able to meet whatever curtailments are imposed by regional or Federal authorities. It is also gratifying to note that the people of Ashland have not been stampeded into panic buying or hoarding. This spe~s well of the citizens of our area. One of the r~ost satisfying accomplishments of the year was the very successful campaign to raise funds for Rescue 9. Credit for this unusual feat must be accorded to those wonderful people who took part in the many activities, which culminated in raising the sum of ~20,000 to cover the cost of the vehicle and equipment. That Ashland citizens are capable of this achievement is a real tribute to the resourcefulness of our people. Also acquired was a new 1,500 gallon pumper, which upgrades our firefighting capability. From revenue sharing funds, the council has set aside an amount sufficient to purchase a 500 gallon pumper v~ith four- wheel drive to combat ~uicMly and effectively fires on our hill- si~es which threaten either homes or the watershed or both. ~srly in the year, a task force was appointed to 8raw up a proposal for a new justice center incorporating facilities not only for our police department, but ~lso for the ~istrict Court, the county sheriff, the Pistrict Attorney's office, and a program to utilize, in cooperation with the law enforcement studies at Southern Oregon College, those students showing acceptable aptitudes for police work. The task force performe8 its assignment a~mirably, meeting the April deadline ~ith an application for an LE~ grant. That application will come before the regional LEAA co,.mission in Seattle next ~nonth. ~lthough we were ranked third in order of priority at Lincoln City, by the state LE~ council, we believe our proposal has sufficient merit to earn a better rating at Seattle. The Ashland Historic Preservation Coml~itte has made s great start in identifying the historical buildings and places in Ashland. The women comprising this co~mittee deserve special commenSation for the many, many hours spent in this endeavor. Action was taken by the council on several other matters in 1973, including the student traffic problem on Indiana Street, two annexations, adult book stores and movie houses, sociol gambling, the Vialker Street railroad crossing, and our relationship with our sister city, Guanajusto, ~-iexico. Word has been rect~ived from Congressman Dellenback that the additional funds necessary to cover the increased cost of our sewer expansion project hove been aDproved by the EPA. Justa few minutes ago bids were opened for the bonds to cover the city's share.of tho total cost. On the basis of D~r. Dellenback's telegram, the contract for construction was signed last week and forwarded to CII2M. The completed project will ta!~e care of our sewer needs for many years. Perhaps the most pressing problem facing us in the immediate future is the budget for the fiscal year 1974-75. Severe inflation has occurred in the cost of materials used by the city departments and shortages, which are becoming more prevalent, may require some stockpiling to assure uninterrupted services. Both state and Federal a~thorities have imposed mandatory changes which will increase our cost of operation because no funding was provided in the legislation. Some of these changes are an increase in workmen's co~npensation, new~standards for occupational safety, and health programs, s~d mandated unemployment insurance. In addition, 'the state legislature skimmed $270,000 of the top of the liquor revenues to fund the state's haTd cash match under the LEAA Act. This action diminished the amount of anticipated revenue from this source. In addition, the Congress has passed legislation which, in effect, is reverse revenue sharing in that it encourages and regulates unionization and procedures for hiring and promoting municipal employees. The net effect of these policies would wipe out the revenue sharing gains and could decrease the quality of local government. At this time, we do not know what effect on the budget will result from the negotiations with the four unions representing city employees. Te establish 6ur goals and to provide a road map guide, Earl Mawson, now city planner, together with the Council, the Planning Commission, the city staff, and others will put together some time, hopefully within the next twelve to eighteen months, a new comp- rehensive plan which, we believe, will incorporate the collective desires of our people as to what Ashland can and should be over the next several years. In my opinion, wc have n~ade real progress in determining our direction. A year of rainfall, substantially below normal, brought to our attention the need to make a thorough study of our water resources and the desirability to initiate steps to augment and assure~aup~lies sufficient to sustain us against the possibility of two such years in succession. Our staff will continue to work on this problem and report to the council on progress and recomm- endations. We are concerned not only with quantity but also maintenance of the high quality of our water. The water departnent will continue to coordinate its efforts with those of the Forest Service, the State Department of Environmental Quality, and Mount Ashland Corporation to find an acceptable solution to the build-up of silt in our mein reservoir. Until such time as additional sources of potable water are Siscovered an8 developed, and because present supplies c~n accomod~te only present commitments both within and without the city limits, I recommend that the present.ban on annexations remain. Pacific Power & Light Co., supplier of our electrical energy, has applied to the state utility comm~issioner for a rather large increase in rates. Inasmuch as we have used most of our revenue sharing funds to overcome the deplorable condition of many of our streets, it is, perhaps, timely that we give consideration to some of the sociel needs in future gronts. Although I am fully convinced that we must pass on to our consumers whatever rate increases are permitted and adopted by P.P. & L., both now and in the future, I also believe that we should maintain the present level of benefits to our senior citizens and absorb those increases. This could be done without loss of general fund revenue by allocating a portion of revenue sharing funds for this purpose. Otherwise, I believe it to be imperative to raise our own rates cemmensurately with those of P.P. & L~ to avoid a catastrophic situation when our present energy contract expires. All in all, 1973 was a good year. Mew restaurants, new bus{nesses, new specialty shops, changes in decor on buildings, the downtown improvement project, an8 other factors combined to broaden and strengthen the image which is becoming i~entifie8 with AshlanS. By concerted, cooperative effort, we now have the opportunity to further Ashland's future around the four major areas which have emerged as the principal areas of our activity, culture centere8 around the Sh~espearean Festival, tourism, recreation, and that quality identified as liveability. Respectfully submitted Archie C. Fries MAYOR I-. :.oy MAYOR' S APPOIFTME}iTS 1974 COUv-CIL LIAISCF WTTH VARIOUS ORGAFIZATIOYS (1 year) CITY PLA~rI'IFG COM;.~I?SION Councilman McCannon HOSPITAL BOARD Councilman Roble PAi~KS & REC~TATIOF COX"ISSICIT Councilwoman Sodetherg AS!~AT'D AIi{POi~T CON.'~ITTEE Councilman A~len ROGUE VALLEY CCUI ~IL OF COVBI~T'/.?FTS [[ayor Fries CoUncilman CoalElla (Alternate) CITY STAFF CITY ADU~I?'ISTie~TOR CTTY ATTOi~FEY ,'iUT'ICIPAL JUDCE MU~ICIPA!. JU~-%E P.~C-TFM DIi~ECTO~Q OF FID'AVCE DIR~TO~ OF ~'~'~'~ ~ -ZiC.~EATIOF DIRECTOI,2 OF DUELIS DIRECTOR OF ELECTRIC UTILITIES POLICE CHIEF FIRE CHIEF HOSPIT~ ADMIi~IST~ATOR CITY iiEALTH OFFICER CIVIL DEFEFSE OFFICE CITY ~S'D ~C~.I:TITTEE CHAIrMAn = Councj I~an Pr~ ckett Councilm~ McConnon ~UILDIFG A?PEALS BOA~D (lyear) Peter Joeschke Vincent Oredson G~y Rigotti Don Skillm~ CITIZEFS ~UDGET C07'T I~E (3 ye~s) ~74 Robert Bailer ~7~ Jim Lee '7~ Albert C, Meyer '75 Clarence V.'illioms ' 76 Don Kiern~ '76 H,E, "Ed" McKeo~vn FRIEIjDSI{IP CITY COiii<ITTEE (1 year) Ken Jones, Chairman Grace Tspp Hocks Marvin Iiocks A1 Schwab Brian L. Almquist Ronald L. Salter Glenn H. Xunsell i~ichere C. Cattle ]~obert D. nelson G~rth ~YcOuire ~llen A. AlsinE Bernie J. Krug Herbert J. !!ays William R. Reed Robert Strewbridge 2obert M. Turner, M.D. Warren Lomax (i y~ar) BArD BOARD - Dr. B.A. Cope, C~n. Dave ':;i~ht Dr. Marcus UFoods CIVIL SERVICE BOkRD(~ years) Jim Lee '74 Everett T.CcGee '76 Charles Lucas HOSPITAL Baird (4 years) '75 ~alt Uosshard '75 Charles Lucas '76 [~s. Harry. Skerry, Jr. Cha~le~ Hodgins '77 Richard IIsaacs '77 Dr. VJilli~m Ranse~ '77 Bud Silver William Roble (Ex-officio) C.P. Held, M.D. (Ex-officie) AIRPORT CO:~TITTEE ( ~ year) Robert !~einholdt, Chairman John Cady Cliff Chaney Stewart Johnson