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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-0507 REG MINMINUTES FOR TIlE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 7, 1974 INVOCATION ROLL CALL OPENING OF BIDS ~YOR'S APPOINTMENT APPROVAL OF MINUTES Council Parks & Recreation Hospital Board Planning Commission Truck Ordinance Protest Invocation was given by Mayor Fries and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Fries in the Council Chambers on the above date at 7:30 p.m. Present were Conklin, McCannon, Allen, Soderberg and Prickerr. Councilman Roble was absent. Recorder Butler opened bids on Hospital Improvement Bonds which were submitted as follows: U.S. National Bank - Interest rate of 6.1705% or $331,360; Oregon Bank 6.2215% or $334,095; Foster & Marshall 6.1811% or $331,930; First National 6.1640% or $S31,010. Finance ~irector Nelson was asked to check bids and return to Council later in the evening with recommendation of award. Mayor Fries appointed Floyd Vogel to serve on the Citizem Budget Committee to replace Jim Lee who res'igned, and asked for approval by Council. Soderberg moved to appro~ Mayor's appointment and McCannon seconded. Council approved unanimously on voice vote. Mayor Fries read a note of thanks from Ida & Charles White relative to annual Employees Awards Dinner. 'The Mayor announced that the' Students Awards Dinner will be held on May 20th at Knights Buff and that invitations will be mailed. According to the Mayor a letter was received from Oregon Shakespearean Festival Association with donation of $1,576.76 for assessment of redent downtown improvements. Prickett moved the minutes of the regular meeting of April 16, 1973 and the adjourned meeting of April 23, 1974 be approved and placed on file. Conklin seconded and the motion passed unanimously on voice vote. Prickett moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting of May 1, 1974. Conklin seconded and motion passed unanimously'voice vot~ Soderberg moved that minutes for the meeting of the Hos- pital Board of April 19, 1974 be accepted and placed on file. Prickett seconded and the motion-carried unanimou~ ly, on voice vote. McCannon moved and Soderberg seconded that minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of April 22, 1974 be accepted and placed on file. On voice vote, all YES. A letterswas read by City Administrator Almquist from James A. Everest protesting the recent ~uck ordinance and requesting that he be allowed to park a truck used in his business on private property. City Attorney Salter said that this prohibition of truck parking is written in th.e ordinance and asked for Council decision. Prickett said he does not believe this was the real in- tent of the ordinance and suggested that the ordinance be revoked or amended and if the problem comes up it should be reconsidered at that time. Soderberg moved that the ordinance be revoked. McCannon seconded. On roll call, Soderberg and McCannon voted YES. Conklin, Prickerr and Allen voted a~ainst the motion. Motion defeated. ,gular Meeting Ashland City Council Pg. two Communications cent. Truck Ordinance cent. Dept. Environmental Quality - Reservoir Water & Sewer Connect Req. Jacksoil County Dept. of Transportation - StoFs Jackion County Dept. of Transportation - Budget Allen said that he used to live in the area on Harmony , Lane and said that he never objected to their parking the truck and that it was driven in a careful manner. Allen moved that the ordinance be amended to provide that trucks could be parked at owner's residence and that City Attorney be instructed to draw up such amendment. Prickett seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. City Administrator Almqulst read letter from DEQ and signed by Kessler R. Cannon relative to the dredging operation of Reeder Reservoir. Conklin said the City should bundle up all available reports and data to con- firm the necessity for dredging. Prickerr suggested that serious consideration be given the letter so that we don't come up to Jan. 1, 197S leaving the possibility open that we could be denied at that time.. Staff rec- ommended that study of situation be made using outside expertise expected to cost in the neighborhood of $S,000. City Administrator Al~quist suggested that monies be set aside in the current budget so that we can proceed with the study now. Mayor Fries said that DEQ is inconsistent in their demands and recommendations and noted that the silt will continue to come down into Ashland Creek whether or not the Cfty uses the reservoir for it's water source. Soderberg said that it is her understanding that Medford has enough water for the whole valley and that a regional water system is in the planning stage. Soder- berg moved that Staff be directed to get bids for consult ant and to investigate what funding might be available for such a study. Conklin said that everything points tc a regional water system but that he is not in favor of giving up our water. Prickett moved that Mayor Fries appoint committee to study matter; Conklin seconded. Mayor appointed McCannon, Chairman, Conklin, Almquist, Alsing, Fallen and himself to committee to draft res- ponse to DEQ and that staff and Council be available to discuss matter in person with DEQ personnel. On roll call, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist read letter from Julian Bat- taile requesting water end sewer service for home he plans to build which would be partially outside city limits. Allen moved application be granted. Soderberg seconded. Prickett asked that Council go on record say- ing that although they were granting this request, it in no way become a precedent and that each case in future decisions would be treated individually. On roll call, all YES. City Administrator Almquist presented letter from Dept. of Transportation outlining proposed bus stops, signing, etc., suggested a committee of three from Council review such requests. Mayor appointed Allen, Chairman, Roble and Prjckctt to study the request and return to Council with recommendation. Conklin moved that committee be approved; Allen seconded and motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. City Administrator Almquist read letter from JCDT req- uesting that City of Ashland subsidize the bus system with appropriation of $14,000, $1.00 per resident, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1974. Prickett moved the matter be taken before the Citizens Budget Committee. Soderberg seconded. Milt Nelson, general manager, said it is hoped that the bus system could get into public management once the system could be considered organized and effcctive..Prickerr said that it would seem to be ~gular Meeting Ashland City Council Pg. three Dept. of Trans. Budget cent. Jackson County Legal Services - Budget SOC Noise Permit Request Planning Comm. Authority Sewer Access Road PUBLIC FORUM Street Cuts an item for revenue sharing and shouln't be considered within the limitations of our own budget. On roll call~ Soderberg, Allen, Prickett and McCannon voted YES. Con- klin opposed. A letter from Jackson Coumty Legal Services was presented by City Administrator Almquist outlining the functions of service and benefits to people of Ashland and requested that Council consider contribution to its $60,000 budget. McCannon moved that matter be taken before Budget Comm- ittee. Soderberg seconded. Prickerr asked clarification as to the position of Legal Services relative to funding, profits and standing in Bar Association. City Attorney Salter said that he understands it is a professional corporation and believes it to be non-profit. Stuart Foster, attorney from Medford who was in the audience said that service was sanctioned by the Jackson County Bar Association and that the salaries of the attorneys giving the service is negligible. Paula Krakas, formerly coordinator for Meals on Wheels said her experience with low income people proved the serviEe was of value to then and worthwhile to ma]ntain. On roll call, Soderberg, McCannon, Conklin and Prickett voted YES. Allen NO. City Administrator A!mquist read request for noise per- mit for dance to be held from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., on May 16, 1974 because of lend music and explained that the dance is to be held in the parking lot between the music building and new Ed-Psych building, and advisedFare Lawrence, program chairman, that it would be necessary to also get a dance license. Lawrence said that he plans on aiming the speakers toward the campus with the hope that the buildings etc., would help absorb the sounds. Prickerr moved that request be granted with the under- standing that the music would be kept down; McCannon seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote. City Attorney'Salter, in answer to Allen's question regarding Planning Commission authority relative to conditional use permits and recommendations, said the Planning Commissioners are within the law in requiring landscaping, irrigation and sidewalks. City Attorney Salter reported on the sewer access road and said the Judge had asked City and Complainant to come to some agreement. Hal Offel of 590 Siskiyou Blvd., said that bike paths are unsafe for pedestrians and requested tha~ warning devices be required for bicycles and that the City should have a bicycle inspection station. He said he called both the Police and Fire Departments and was unsuccessful in his efforts to get either department to go along with inspec- tions. lte also suggested that SOC Security might be able to do the job. Prickett said there had been discussions in the past and that it was decided that warning devices could be more dangerous with sudden use especially to elderly pedestrians. Conklin said he has heard of many complaints. Soderberg said the pedestrian has the right- of-way. Prickett suggested that the Mayor may be able to enlist the aid of the news media by citing the need for careful and courteous bike riders. Prickett wanted to know who is responsible for making cuts in the streets which even after having been patched are still creating a hazard to drivers and damage to automobiles. Mayor suggested that the street cleaner operator might ~otify Street Dept., of such cuts. ,egular Meeting Ashland City Cooncil Pg. four ~enior Citizen Taxi Discount Rate "No Parking" Sign Removal - Vito's Pizza Neighborhood Forum Homes Avenue Parking Prohibition Report Urban Boundary R. W. Beck Report NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS - Zoae Chg. No. 43 McCannon said that the committee appointed to invesfigate the possibility of securing discount rates with the Lithia Cab company at the time a request was made for a 10¢ drop rate was considered had not as yet come up with a discount plan. Soderberg said that when the franchise was granted that the owner had agreed to a discount rate for senior citizens and they could be qualified through the utility discount records. McCannon suggested the committee get together to report back to Council at next meeting. Mayor Fries read a letter from Vic Abatino of Vito's Pizza requesting that "No Parking" sign be removed from the sidewalk in front of his business and that he had no objection to the curb being made a yellow zone. Soderberg suggested the matter be brought to the attention of Public Works Director Alsing for decision. Norm Wyers of 107 Manzanita spoke relative. to formulation of Ashland Neighborhood Forum which is attempting to make social services available in Ashland and requested oppor- tunity to go before the Citizens BUdget Committee during this budget session. Mayor said he would ask the City Administrator to invite him. Conklin, chairman of committee reported its decision to grant request of Park~ & Recreation Commission relative to prohibition of parking on Homes Avenue and said efforts will be made toprovide for more parking behind the tennis courts. Conklin moved that no pa~king designations for c~rtain hours be implemented. .Allen seconded the motion which passed unanimously on roll call vote. City Administrator Almquist showed map of proposed urban boundary along City boundary lines. Conklin moved for its establishment; Allen seconded the motion which pass on roll call vote unanimously. City Administrator Almquist read letter from Marquess & Marquess, Electrical Consulting Engineers, relative to question on underground leoping plan and recommended that it be installed at Southern Oregon College and in the bus- iness area but not primarily for residential areas. On question from Prickett, Electrical Superintendent Krug' said they do underground subdivisions. Prickett moved that study be adopted as modified. Allen seconded. Passed unanimously on roll call vote. Planner Mawson presented request for Zone. Change No. 43 with slides of area, findings and staff report. Applic- ant's request for zone change from R-1 to multiple density was for the purpose of building a duplex. The Public ltearing was opened and Mayor Fries invited proponents to speak. There was no response from the audience in favor. Opposed to the request was ~!rs. Myrna Ochs of 287 Avery stating that she runs a day nursery in the area which is already overpopulated as a result of apartment complexes; that the traffic is hazardous for children on the street .and that there is an uncontrollable overpopulation of dogs in the area. Also opposed to the request was J. H. McAvoy of 260 Avery who submitted the names of Merritt, Taylor, Kelly and VanBlarcom of the immediate area who were also ~gainst the proposal. Prickerr moved to deny request as recommended by the Planning Commiszion; Conklin seconded and the motion carried tmanimously on roll call vote. Zone Change No. 44 Public Hearing Ramoss, Applicant Conditional Use Permit # 142, Glen Swaren, App. Public Hearing Zone Change No. 42 Oredson, Applicant Public Hearing Planner Karl Mawson presented request for Zone Change No. 44, T. J. Ramoss, applicant, to fezone the property from C-1 to R-I:B-8 for single-family dwelling in order to build a residence on the lot. Mawson showed aerial slides of the area, read findings and submitted Planning Commiss- ion recommendation for approval of zone change. Th6 Pub~l Public Hearing was opened and there was no response from the audience. Conklin moved for adoption of findings and approval of request; Allen seconded and on roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Presentation of request for conditional use permit was made by Planner Mawson showing loc~tion of property at 4S0 Clover Lane where applicant wishes to expand wholesale produce business by enlarging his warehouse capacity. Mawson submitted both positive and negative findings on the proposal. City Administrator Almquist read letter from Robert Voris of 1S4S Siskiyou Blvd., who requested permit be denied because of the increase of'truck traffic, width of Clover Lane and further stated that the motel complex now in the planning stage would be adversely affected. Attorney Stuart Foster of 39 S. Central Street, Medford, spoke representing Voris and said that there were plans for a motel complex to be built in the near future. He cited the width of Clover Lane as a critical factor, that the conditional use would not be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan, that there was not shown a public need, nor no other lands available and said the use would be injurious to the motel development. Prickett asked City Attorney Salter if owner of business with existing use would be expected to relocate hi~ business just to expand and said he already is under conditional use. Salter said he could see no reason why he should be com- pelled to move in order to expand as planned, Allen moved that findings be adopted, that appeal be denied and Conditional Use Permit No. 142 be granted. McCannon seconded the motion. Unanimously 'passed on roll call vote Soderberg moved that public hearing be set for Jnne 4,1974 which was agreed to by Council. Prickerr said that public hearing would be a waste of money should the Council not be for the annexation of property. Conklin agreed. Conk- lin reminded Council that annexations had been placed on a moritorium and that this applicant originally had come in with a Planned Unit Development and that the morltorium is still in effect. Soderberg said the moritorium was to be in effect only until flood damage had been assessed. Allen moved for public hearing; Soderberg seconded and on roll call vote Soderberg, Allen and McCannon voted YES. Conklin and Prickett voted against the motion. Inter-fund Loan Request for transfer Centennial Budget Finance Director Nelson requested authorization to trans- fer of inter-fund loan over to Flood Restoration fund and to liquidate Utility Loan. McCannon moved to give author- ity and Conklin seconded. Prickett said it was his under- standing that Council approve all contracts and that he wished to hpld force account work to a minimum. Soderberg said she is concerned with force account and hoped that regular work schedules were being followed. On roll call, passed unanimously. Soderberg presented Centennial Year Budget. Nelson indic- ated there may be funds in the Planning Consultant budget whicb could be n~ade available. Soderberg moved for approval; HcCannon seconded. Conklin said he would admit that the program would be good public relations but was concerned that monies were being expended duri~-~g a deficit ~end~ng period. On roll call vote, Soderberg, Allen, [~cCannonand Prickett supported the motion, Conklin voted against tbe motion. ~alar rlieeting Ashland City Council. Pg. six At 10:30 p.m. Councilman McCannon was excused from the meeting and left the Council Chambers. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS Oredson A~nexation City Administrator ~lmq~xist gave first reading of an Ordinance dispensing with an election within the City of Ashland on the question of proposed annexation and setting the time and place for a public hearing the~eon$ and setting a public date on the withdrawal of certain real property from the Talent Rural Fire Protection Dis- trict. Soderberg moved to pass to second reading; Prickett seconded. On roll call, Prickett, Soderberg and Allen voted YES. Conklin opposed. Special Election on Greenway Concept City Administrator Almquist read Resolution calling for a Special Election to be held on May 28, 1974 relative to voter approval of concept of acquisition of land along Ashland Creek and Bear Creek for greenway purposes. Prickett moved for adoption; Soderberg seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Resolution No. 74-16 Hospital Improvement Bonds "A Resolution amending Resolution No. 74-15 entitled 'A Resolution Relating to the Issuance of City of Ashland General Obligation Hosp'ital Bonds in the Amount of $360,000.00; Provld~ng for the Form of Said Bonds and Maturities Thereof; and Directing Publication of a Call for Bids thereon"' was moved for adoption by Conklin and seconded by Prickett. Allen, Soderberg, Conklin and Prickett voted in favor of the Motion; passed by a majority vote. Resolution No. 74-18: "A Resolution Providing for the Sale, Issuance and Delivery of City of Ashland General Obligation tlospital Improvement Bonds" was moved for adoption by Soderberg and seconded by Prickett. Allen, Soderberg, Conklan and Prickett voted in favor of the motion; passed by a majority vote. .' Butler A CI'' City Recorder J~r/~' Mayor ih