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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-0918 REG MINMINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL September 18, 1973 ROLL CALL P & R C0WLMISS- lONER ELECTION APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMUNICATIONS Planning Comm. Parks & Rec. ~YOR'S APPT. Lindsay Lmbr Oredson Req. Bear Creek Greenway Comm. Planning Comm. request - Water St. Improve. The regular meeting was calle~ to order by Mayor Fries at 7:30 p.m. on the ahove date in the Council Chambers. Conklin, McCannon, Allen, Roble and Prickett were present. Soderberg arrived moments late. Parks & Recreation Commission reported the following candidates for Commissioner to replace Don Dedrick, St., who resigned in August. Joan M. Axon, Kay Bernard,.Beth Bornet, Jay Coster, W. H. Hampton III, Joan Hill, Edie Willstatter, Bruce Whaley, Jerald Whitsett and Cathy Wolff. They further reported that the Commissioners' recommendation was Kay Bernard~ Conklin moved to cast a unanimous ballot for Kay Bernard. On roll call vote, passed unanimously. Conklin moved for approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 4, 1973. Soderberg requested minutes be amended as follows: In pp 9 of page 1, it should have read "Soderberg stated that when the by-laws of the Council of Governments are changed, that provision should be made to increase the size of the Executive Committee. Minutes approved as corrected on unanimous voice vote. Conklin moved to accept and place on file, minutes for the September 10, 1973 meeting of the Planning Commission. Soder- berg asked Planning Commissioner MacCracken to clarify Page 2, pp. 6 by having Staff communicate with Council. On voice vote, passed unanimously. Soderberg moved that minutes for special meeting of Parks Recreation held on September 6, 1973 be accepted and placed on file. Passed unanimonslv on voice vote. Mayor Fries appoiuted Janet Mayo as Executive Director of the Senior Citizens Forum. Conklin moved for approval of appointment. On roll call vote, passed unanimously. Almquist read a letter from Lindsay Lumber in which they requested a sewer connection on Oak Street outside the City, but with the understanding that only the land on the City side of Bear Creek be described on an agreement for annexation. Conklin moved to accept Lindsay's request. On question from Soderberg, Almquist said this land is not contiguous to the City. Passed unanimously on roll call vote. City Adm{Hist~ator Almquist reported that Oredson wished to with draw his request for a variance in street width. Chairman Isabel Sickels requested by letter that the City set aside the Lithia Springs area for future park develop- ment. Conklin moved that Mayor appoint committee to look into matter and report back to Council. Soderberg said the Parks Department is already familiar with the problem. Conklin stated that he would prefer the matter be handled independently of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Mayor appointed Prickerr as Chairman and Allen & Conklin to serve on committee. Soderberg moved that Conklln motion and Mayor's appointment be approved. On voice vote, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist read letter from Planning Conunission requesting that City Council submit a request to State Highway Department for permission for civic ,groups and voluute~rs to install improvements on State property and assistance in making proposcd improvements. Planning Commissioner Ragland spoke in favor of the pro'ect and cited other areas making such improve- meats. Maws on s~owcd plans f6r improvement stating that State DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS PUBLIC FORUM UNFINISHED BUS. Richard's Heating Req. would be asked to install curbs, sidewalks, landscaping and un- derground irrigation for low maintenance. Roble compli~ented Ragland and volunteers who worked to make Bluebird P~ a realitD and said he is in favor of the project. Roble moved ,aest be granted. Conklin congratulated Ragland also but said he fears that ultimately the job of upkeep will fall ou the city and the city will eventually be asked to purchase the land. Allen dis- agreed, saying that the State would have no plan to sell under an overpass and felt the upkeep would be no problem. Ragland sa! said that maintenance at Bluebird has been no problem and that people enjoy the work and he doesn't envision the city ever B,,v- ~- the nroDerty. On roll call vote, all y~c P~Ickett moved for acceptance of Departmental Reports. Soder- berg asked City Administrator Almquist for explanation of Item ~ on ElectricConsultant's report relative to time and one half problems on emergency repairs. The City Administrator reported that the problem had been resolved. Passed unanimously on voice vote. Planning Commissioner Elliott MacC~acken spoke against the narrowing of streets and recommended the 36 ft. width as being appropriate. Roble reported that he, Allen, Conklln, Nelson and City Adminis- trator Almquist had met with Richards at the site on Hlstletoe to discuss pie-shaped parcel of land owned by the City (old Cotton mill site) Richards is interested in. Roble and City Administrator agreed and said it was the feeling of the comm- ittee that the property shouldn't be sold in a small portion but the S.?? acre might be sold or leased in its entirety. Roble recommended that City Administrator Almquist write to Richards stating the City's position. Allen suggested that Wranglers may be interested in release of part of their lease. Roble stated the negotiations would be up to Richards. City Adminis.trator Almquist said he would mention the Wranglers property in his letter to Richards. Roble so moved. On voice vote, all YES. Ashland Green- way Committee Soderberg reported that one of the first things we need is a minimum amount of land along Ashland Creek which is designated On the map and suggested a strip approximately 100 feet wide. Soderberg said it is necessary to get an appraisal of the land as outlined in order to bring back a dollar figure to work with and that the County Commissioners had offered some assistance.- Soderberg asked that the Council request assistance on the appraisal and quoted an estimated cost of $2S0 to $300 per par= col with a total cost range between $5,500 and $7,700. Soder- berg read a letter from the League of Women Voters in support of the project and urging Council to enlist aid of County for appraisals. Prickett asked Soderberg if City would be obligated for any fund ing of proposed park chain. Soderberg replied "No". Conklin asked Soderberg where the rest of the money would be coming from should the County give us only $2,000. Conklin criticized the committee for not having contacted the property owners involved before appraising their property and did not want to ask for County assistance until it i~ needed. Soder- berg said she felt that to approach people before havin~ a della figure would be premature. Soderberg moved that Council send re quest to County Commissioners giving estimated cost figures for appraisal and asking their assistance. Roble gave a minority report and stated he had voted against the move for appraisal because he felt the people should be contacted first and that he had heard rumors that at least two property owners will not consider giving up a part of their land and that the people should be approached. Roble said that Commissioner Deason had mentioned a "few thousand" dollars and for these two reasons he (Roble) felt it inappropriate to ask for financial help. Allen stated the Committee was charged with reporting estimated cost, and that the park chain concept does not mean we are going right out there to buy up property but to continue to work on it and worry about where th~ funds will come from later. Allen also said that the prop6sal would have to be accepted by Regular Meeting Ashland City Council Ashland Creek Green. cent. Council of Governments NEW & MISC. BUSINESS Public ltrg. PUD the citizenry before going further. McCannon suggested it would be possible to purchase some of the lands now and more later as .they may become available. Soderberg said "we are not talking about purchasing land tonight." Park Commission Chairman D'Olivo said that the County Commiss- ioners knew the cost estimatb before they left the meeting and charged that there are road blocks being put up to stop the whole thing. Prickerr asked what the point was of appraising property if people may not be interested in selling and suggested a less formal appraisal at a lower cost.. Soderberg said it is necess- ary to have the value of theland whether it applies to purchas~ tax write-off or whatever. Ragland said that over the past six years exhaustive studies were done on the Comprehensive Plan showing the park chain proposed area and artended many public hearings and has never heard any opposition. Salter asked if we had though~ about what kind of appraisal we want saying that once such appraisal is made public, it could work agaist us in condemnation suit or acquisition and it is his opinion that if we could get something general as to value it should cost considerably less than the estimated figure. On roll call votei Allen, Soderberg, McCannon and Prickett voted YES. Roble and Conklin opposed the motion to request assistance from County. Mayor presented proposed bud'get for Rogue Valley Council of Governments and recommended we accept our fair share of the costs. Conklin moved for approval of $2,920 for our contrib- ution for the 1973-74 budget. On roll call, all YES. Public Hearing was opened on Planned Unit Development Ordinance and Mawson wa~ asked to explain it. Soderberg asked for a change of wording in Sec. 4, item 6 to add "owned by the appli- cant" with reference to adjacent land. Conklin ques tiened the $75.00 figure for the filing fee saying that it would never cover the cost of staff time spent on the application. Mawson said that we had thought of keeping the application fee at . $75.00 and levy another $30 plus charge for each unit upon completion. Mawson said that it takes more staff time but the ordinance was written to place more of the burden on the devel- oper instead of the staff. Stan Dew of Scenic Drive asked with reference to page 1, sec. 2 "~ho deems it an appropriate development of land?" Dew felt that the ordinance does not provide enough protection for neighbors. Mawson said there are two sections in which the neighborhood is protected. Conklin questioned the word "substantial" relative to adverse effects. Pri~kett questioned allowing a commercial u~e within a PUD, stating that it would be difficult to confine its use to only the PUD residents. Soderberg suggested that the subsection relating to evidence of findings oa commercial and industrial developments be com- bined to require that such developments be efficient and well organized with adequate access, service and storage. After considerable discussion, Conklln moved to continue publ hearing to October 2, 1973 meeting. On roll call, passed unanimously. Roblc agreed with Prickett and moved to strike phrase on on "commercial service" on page two, ppY. one. Allen, Sodorb, M~Cannon and Cenklin opposed the motion. Roble and Prickeli voted YES. Regular bleeting Ashland City Council Page four PUD Cent. Vince Oredson of 640 Pracht said he is planning a PUD to start with 40 uaits and would like to see the "commercial set- . vice" clause left in the ordinance. Public Hearing Sign Ordinance Public Hearing was opened on the Sign Ordinance. Mrs. Stan Dew of Scenic Drive asked about the "Capital Financial Services" sign recently erected. Planning Commissioner Ragland said he had many adverse comments on sign and had reached the company headquarters and that the company has asked for alternative suggestions. Conklin said that "Abatementof Nuisance Signs" section on Page 10 is Unconstitutional and that we will end up in court. Salter said we could end up in courtbut that Oregon had not set down specifi~ on what we'can do. Conklin moved that "Abatement of Nuisance Signs" and "Abatement of Billboards" sections be deleted. Roble seconded. Conklin asked to rephrase his motion to state "except for abandoned signs". On roll call, Allen,'Soderberg, Roble, McCannon and Prickerr voted NO. Conklin voted YES. Soderberg moved to pass to second reading. On roll call, C~ff~F~77~ '-- Allen, Soderberg, McCannon and Prickeli supported the motion. /~f'~j ~)and Conklin opposed. Oak Knoll Sewer S£udy Session was set for October 18, 1973 at ?:30 p.m. to ~ Water polic- discuss water and sewer policies at Oak Knoll, and at the ies ~ Revenue same meeting proceeds of Revenue Sharing will also be dis- Sharing cussed.' Jack Center Lawsuit City Attorney Satter said that the condemnation suit against Jack Center had subsequently been resolved with the State taking portion of property involved. Soderberg moved for dismissal of the case. On roll call, passed unanimously. Liquor license Renewal-South- side Market Conklin moved that Ficker liquor license renewal request for Southside Market be approved. On roll call, all YES. Liquor license Change-Boar's Head McCannon moved for approval of addition of wife's name on liquor license on Boarg Head. On roll call, passed unanimously. Request from Finance Dir. Finance Director Nelson read a memo requesting permission to borrow $5,000 to cover deferred portion owing on loader/ba~khoe. Nelson reported an offer of a $5,000 loan from.the U.S. National Bank at an interest rate of 5%. Prickerr asked why we need $5,000 outside instead of using interfund loans. Nelson said that according to the Charter that we can borrow $5,000 and this way all of our money will not be tied up. McCannon moved to grant the request. Nelson requested that September 19, 1974 be the due date on the loan. Prick~t asked that such loans be clearly shown in the budget. On roll call vote, passed unan- imOUsly. ORDINANCES, RES. Repeal No. 308 Taxi Franchise Second reading by title only was given Ordinance Ordinance No. 308. Conklin moved for adoption. passed unanimously. to repeal On roll call, City Administrator Almquist gave first reading of an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1746. Soderberg moved to pass to second reading. Prickett questioned the term of five years. Conklin said capital investment would justify longer term to amortize. Passed unanimously on roll call vote. · ular Meeting 3RDINANCES Cent. Excavation Ord. Resolution transferring funds Adjournment Ashland City Council City Administrator Almquist gave first reading of an Ordinance prohibiting excavation in newly paved or resurfaced streets (with the exception wh~rc ~Ax ~m~rgency exists at which time Director of Public Works may permit such excavation and report to City Council at its next meeting). Roble moved to pass to second read- ing. On roll call, passed unanimously. Roble complimented Public Works Director Alsing on the good paving job on Maple: Street. Conklin inquired as to the load limits on streets and wondered if storm sewers are going in. Alslng said he had not been directed to place load limits on but that he could make recommendation; and that storm sewers are being placed where he feels they'are necessary. Finance Director Nelsoh explained a resolution transferring line items within the Municipal Court fund to allow for train- ing of a new court clerk or a salary increase for the present clerk. Almquist read the resolution. Conklin moved for adoption. On roll call, passed Unanimously. On motion by Conklin, meeting adjourned at lO:5B p.m. BurlY'r, Recorder / ~/ Arc ~c C Frie~ Ha r W. P .~ Robl~,' Acting ~ayor Sept. 18, 1973