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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-0305 REG MINROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMUNICATIONS Hospital Bd. Minutes Parks ~ Recreation MinUtes Pioneer Building Lithid Cab rate increase request PUBLIC PORUM Guanajuato Friendship Committee UNFINISHED BUSINESS Water Quality Program MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ' A~HLAND CITY COUNCIL March 5, 1974 The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Pries at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers on the above date. Conklin, McCannon, Roble, Allen and Prickett were present. Soderberg arrived five minutes late. Minutes for the regular meeting of ~ebruar~ 19, 1974, executive session of February 21, 1974 and adjourned meeting of February 21, 1974' were approved as submitted and placed on file. .. Roble moved that minutes of the Hospital Board for meeting of February 20, 1974 be accepted and placed on file. Allen seconded. On voice vote, all YES. McCannon moved that minutes for the Parks '~ Recreation COmmission meeting of February 14, 1974 be accepted and placed on file. Seconded by Allen; approved unanimously on voice vote. A letter from W. H. Hampton offering to sell the P~oneer Building for $75,000 for possible expansion of City Hall was presented to Council. , Mayor Fries appointed Prickerr as Chairman with Roble and McCannon to serve on committee to study matter and return recommendation to Council at next regular meeting, if convenient. A letter from R. W. Voris, Ashland Lithid Cab Company requesting a 10¢ increase in meter drop rate was presented to the Council. City Administrator Almquist advised that the Franchise calls for Council approval of rate increases, and recommended a committee be appointed for study. Conklin said we all must know of the inflated cost of gasoline and moved for allowance of rate increase as requested. McCannon seconded for discussion. McCannon said he would like a report on rates and services especially since the only comments he has heard have been in the form of complaints from senior citizens who were supposed to have enjoyed reduced rates. McCannon and Conklin voted YES on roll call vote. Allen, Soderberg, Roble and Prickett voted against the motion. Mayor Fries appointed Allen, Chairman, Soderberg and Conklin to serve on committee'and to report back next week. Conklin asked to be excused from serving. Mayor Fries appointed Roble in Conklin's place. Soderberg asked that McCannon be substitu- ted for her since he is in closer contact with the problem relative to senior Citizens, and Mayor Fries changed the appointment to McCannon. Ken Jones o{~he'Guanajuato Friendship Committee asked to distribute an annual report and program to members of the Council, Staff and Press and suggested that a meeting between the committee and Council be held later. Dr. Marvin Kocks introduced Donna Brackman, a student from SOC who had, along with forty others from Ashland, travelled to Guanajuato in recent months and asked her to give a brief talk on her visit. Donna detailed the hospitality the group had received from officials, service clubs, news media and entire community on their tour and invited all of the citizens of Ashland to become involved in the festivities planned for May S, 1974 when the people from Guanajuato will be here for the annual celebration of the Friendship Cities. City Administrator Almquist submitted a report on proposed priorities in work program (See Attachment "A".) Soderberg asked reasons for not bringing people in from throughout the valley to do the necessary work. Public Works Director Alsing said that monies had been budgeted for materials and to employ more [eople would be cutting into that material funding. Almquist said there would · some money coming from the federal government and some for force account work. Prickett asked Alsing what kind of waiting period there has been for hook-ups after initial request is in and was told it normally takes about one week and that he has no knowledge of any completed homes waiting for a hook-up. Prickerr suggested that an ordinance be drawn up to give the department lead time by having builders request connects a reasonable time in advance of completion. $oderberg felt that 30 days would seem a reasonable period for notice. On Sod- erberg's question as to the progress of the paving program, Alsing said that it may be delayed a few weeks. Allen questioned the type of work being done now and where help is needed. Water Quality Superintendent Fallen outlined work at the filter plant, pumping station and mains where skilled labor is needed and that on the less technical jobs unskilled labor is being used. Allen said that he is aware of five or six companies in the area who contract pipe installation and tapping. Alsing said that the necessary equipment for tapping under pressure is usually owned by municipalities. Prickett moved to adopt a policy of requir- ing 30 days notice on water and sewer connects, Soderberg seconded and asked A/sing if unskilled people were working o~ flood repair. Alsing said they are Water Q~ality Program cent. Sewer Plant Access Hospital Bd._Request Budget Overrun Hospital Bonds using them where they can. Motion passed unanimously on roll call rate. Allen asked status of funds budgeted for work force projects and was advised by Aim- quist that since the federal government would be reimburing these items, the funds would remain unexpended. On question from Soderberg, Almquist said that we may or may not get federal monies by July 1, t974. Soderberg asked if the force account would be reimbursed by the $400,000 bond monies, and City Admin- istrator Almquist stated that the bond money was specifically earmarked for reservoir rehabilitation and connecting roads and bridges. Prickerr commented on the lack of a dollar figure and requested accounting of unexpended budgeted funds. The Mayor and AdmlnlstratoT both explained that unexpended funds will be rebudgeted for the coming year. .Soderberg stated that she had been in touch with the Employment Division and was advised that there are some 27 men avail- able to do skilled labor and that we should get back to our normal work program. Prickerr asked whether we would be reimbursed for equipment used on flood damage and Finance Director Nelson said the reimbursement would he on federal rates and · went on to say that the bond issue was for interim financing for restoration on canyon road and reservoir. Nelson said that the revenue situation in the utility fund is grim due to the energy crisis, and foresees only small carryovers and said that some of the items mentioned like the sewer rehabilitation could be deferred %tntil after July and we could still get them done during the construction season. Soderberg asked Alsing if two years work could be done in one and Alsing explained that the work would be done in the same year but with next years' budget. Allen commented on the labor force account and said he did not want to see budget- juggling again at the end of this year. Almquist said that ~e are talking about City labor to do the Grandview job and that the cost of contracting would be pro- hibitive with the cost of labor and overhead. Allen disagreed in principle and stated that he has confidence in free enterprise to generate tompotion. Soderberg said that the voters had passed the bond issue, but if it was only sold to do the access road and reservoir we should'not have regular city employees work on flood restoration but should continue with budgeted work. Prickerr asked for accounting of all costs related to flood damage by departments and Nelson said that he would make cost details available. McCannon moved that we have study session to discuss this. Study session was set for March 26, I974. On voice vote, all YES. City Attorney Salter reported on status of litigation on sewer plant access road, saying that the Title Company had confined that our recorded road runs across Ponderosa Packing Company and part of it probably goes through the mocking house building. Soltar said he will ask for permission to cross it but wouldn't ask anyone to move a building before asking that we maintain access to the sewer plant Salter told of having been summoned to appear at another "show cause" hearing next Monday. Request from R. H. Strewbridge, Administrator, for overrun of budget for Ashland Community Hospital was considered. Mr. Strewbridge explained that the increased business has created an increase in both income and expenses. Prickerr moved that request be granted. Roble seconded. On roll call, all YES. A Resolution making additional appropriations concerning the Hospital funds was was read by City Administrator Almquist. McCannon moved for adoption. Prickerr seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Dick Isaacs, member of the Finance Committee at Ashland Community Hospital reports financial status of the hospital and submitted request for General Obligation Bond: in the amount of $360,000 - the projected cost being $401,008.00 plus 5% amounting to $421,000. Isaacs suggested that an election be held off April 9; 1974 because their "certificate of need" had been approved and would expire on May 15, 1974 so it will he necessary to get bids in by that time. Isaacs said that the bonds can be r~ired from revenue at no tax increase. According to tsaacs, out-patient fac- ilities, physical therapy, emergency room intensive care, laboratory, inhalation therapy and staff meeting rooms would be constructed or improved. The need for citizens of Ashland to go out of town for medical reasons is-becoming less frequen as the hospital develops more facilities. Prickerr moved to accept request for election. Roble seconded. Conklin complained that he would hate to see the ill people paying off the bonds because of a higher rate and Administrator Strewbridge said their.;ates will still be lower than those of other hospitals in area if the rates are raised $3.50 per day to retire the bonds. Strowbrid~e explained that increased space, better facilities and new equipment would create more hospital activity through use by the'Doctors and when you have more activity you have more money for more facilities, and said that he would-have preferred not to make this request now on the heels o f the flood damage but plans had been made for over six months and to delay would bring higher costs in construction. Ground must be broken by June 30th if Hill-Burton funds were granted, and althrouah such possibil lty is remote, the Hospital Board would rather not take a chance in becoming dis- qualified by poor timing and that Ashland is first alternate if any of the other three hospitals default. Co~klln said that he could not go along with request for special election at this time. Soderberg felt we should present this to the voters. On roll call on Prickett's motion to approve, Allen, Soderberg, Roble, McCannon and Prickart voted YES. Conklin opposed. Re g' P' 3 Meeting Ashland City Council Sewer Rates Asst. Chief/Fire Mar- shai Position Bmergency Declaration Request Boatwright ~ Assoc. Consulting Engineers Mayor Pries asked that sewer rates be deferred to adjourned meetin of Mar. 12,197 On Roble's question as to whether matter should be dxscussed at nu~lic hearing, Almquist said it could be if Council wished. Prickerr asked if anyone in the audi- ence had come to discuss rates. A show of hands indicated three people interested and all agreed to return to the adjourned meeting. Mrs. Joan Jensen said she was concerned with the 450% increase proposed for laundromats and asked the City Admin- istrator for a copy of the E.P.A. letter to which his memo referred. Almquist sai~ there would be a copy available. Request from City Administrator Alm~uist and Chie~ Reed to creat position of "Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal" was read by Almquist who added that an oral examina- tion would be conducted inunediately if agreeable to Council. Roble said he felt that such a person could be brought up through the ranks in our own department as he believes that we have qualified people who deserve the opportunity many of whom have taken courses on their own time. He said he could see no point in going into the valley to recruit. Conklin agreed with Roble. Prickerr mentioned Equal Oppor- tunity statutes and said it may be an illegal practice not to open the position to people outside. McCannon said while he hoped we could find a candidate with the department, he questioned the practice of limiting the openin~ to the depart- ment and suggested that they might get percentage points for servxce when applying. City Administrator said that he had heard of Veterans getting S percentage points Conklin as ked about the type of test and Almquist-said it would be an oral exam- ination to select someone with administrative ability and that he would ask three independent people in the valley for evaluation with the final'decision to be made by himself and Chief Reed. Soderberg suggested getting someone from Upstate to evaluate and Roble said it would be too expensive to have someone come down. Prickett said thatto stay within the department could be unfair to the City in the event we should get someone less qualified than available outside. Conklin objectt to getting evaluation from ~ledford and Almquist said he had made no decision as to who he would ask but that the0rdinance directs him to anticipate needs in personn~ and Chief Reed's retirement will come in a mere three years time and therefore fee: it necessary to seek a qualified person now to prepare for a smooth transition. Prickett moved to table. Soderberg seconded. On roll call, Roble, McCannon and Conklin voted against the motion. Soderberg, Prickett and Allen voted YES. Mayor F~ies broke the tie by voting NO. Soderberg said that the added cost for salary should be considered and that there is no guarantee a new man will stay on and that it doesn't seem necessary to have Assistant unless Chief Reed needs help now. Conklin moved to accept Staff recommendation with exception that choice be left to City Administrator with Mayor and Chief Reed to assist in the interviews. Roble seconded. On roll call, Conklin, Allen, McCannon and Roble voted YES. Soderberg and Prickerr voted NO. MOTION PASSED. City Administrator Almquist read his request for Declaration of Emergency Csee attached memos from Administrator and City Attorney) and stipulated that such declaration is to be limited to Damage Survey CE1 only P~ickett moved to declare A emergency limited to DSR CE1 (restoratiOn of canyon road and reservoir). llen seconded. Conklin said he had been lead to believe that there are other dredges and feels that there should be calls for bids. Alsing said that it may be that we could negotiate with other companies but we have not seen their equipment. Prickett said his motion is to use bids whenever practical. Almquist said this is his intention. Conklin complained that although he realized the urgency of ' the restoration work, specifications should have been prepared and choices of contractors Iooked into rather than having to decide on uBknown factor. Prickett'~ motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. PubIic Works Director introduced Mr. Martin Boatwright whose consulting firm was recommended by the Regional Director of the Federal Disaster Assistance Administra tion, City Administrator Almquist and himself. Boatwright said he has a good ret* ationship with officials of the FDAA and has worked on many projects including · aSor jobs in Bay City and Garibaldi. Boatwright described the problems anticipa- te and said that it would take three or four weeks to get the road and bridges im shape to even get to the reservoir. He said he plans on building the bridges and road at higher elevation because the bridges had acted as dams during the flood. He-said he plans to work closely with the.'Fofest Service people and recons, t~uction will be brought up to current standards to minimize future flood damage. Project records, photographs, payroll and all details necessary would be taken car~ of in his office, Boatwright'said, and all contracting will be done under his firm' supervision and that the City will work closely in an advisory capacity. He said that the Office of Emergency Preparedness has no staff with the exception of a technical staff to document project properly. Conklin asked Boatwright if he woul, be using local people wherever possible. Boatwright said he would where possible but that bridge bids would go statewide later this year. On question from Allen, Almquist said FDAA made only one recommendation which was Boatwright ~ Associates. McCannon moved to accept recg~mendationto hire Boatwright ~ Associates. Conklin seconded. Allen asked Boatwright how his fee is figured and was told he is paid R{ ,r Meet~n~ Consulting Bng. Ordinance - Truck Route Graphic Identification Adjournment Ashland City Council ~ge 4 on the multiplier basis which is normal in his trade. He said at this point he does not understand all of the problems involved and therefore could not estimate project costs but added that Wellman of FDAA often uses his firm to get fee estim- ates. Boatwright said he would be contacting ~he Fish ~ Game people and would like to get DEQ on the site so that they can see what needs to be done and then decide whether or not you need dredging. If necessary dredging would probably be done prior to June 1st and bridges could possibly be done by July or August. Sod- erberg said she is concerned about completion date and will vote for the recommend ation on Boatwright's word that we will have water by June 1, 1974. On roll call, Roble, McCannon, Prickerr, Conklin and Soderberg YES. Allen opposed. City' Administrator Almquist gave first reading of an Ordinance to designate truck route within City of Ashland. Conklin moved to second reading. Prickerr seconded On roll call vote, Allen, Roble and Conklin voted YES. Soderberg, McCannon and Prickerr voted NO. Mayor Fries voted YES to break the tie. MOTION PASSED. Soderberg asked that Council consider another matter relative to the presentation of a logo recently designed for use by the City and would like the subject to be placed on this evening's Agenda. Prickerr moved that the logo be shown. Sodether seconded stating that he is interested in using emblem in Cen.~ennial plans should it be approved. On roll call vote, Allen, Soderberg, Roble, McCannon and Prickerr YES; Conklin NO. Almquist presented a variety of emblems submitted by Laufer a Associates and one designed especially for the City of Ashland. Soderberg asked that the matter be placed on next Tuesday's Ageodd. Prickerr mo~ed to adjourn to.Adjourned Meeting of March 12, 1974. Meeting adjourn at 10:40 p.m. Mayor ih