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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-0201 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 1, 1972 I. ROLL CALL: The regular meeting of the Ashland City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Charles McKeen. All Council members were present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Conklin moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of January 18, 1972 be accepted and placed on file. Willstatter seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. III. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Finance & Property Committee: Conklin moved that the expenses of approximately $800 for the special election to be held February 29, 1972 be charged to the General Fund Operating Contingency. McCannon seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. Conklin recommended that the $200 required filing fee be changed in the future to meet actual costs of a special election. Such a motion was made by Roble, seconded by Willstatter, then both withdrawn. Roble then moved that, in any future elections, the staff be instructed to draw an amendment to the existing ordinance that a bond or dollar consideration of a minimum of $800 be deposited for any special election by initiative or referendum. Willstatter seconded, with the stipulation that the fee be adjusted in accordance with actual costs. So derberg felt that by taking such action, the Council was placing a burden on the people and was taking away their freedom of initiative or referendum petition. She wanted to delay action and instruct the staff to find out how other cities handled this or whether restricted by State law. She then moved to table; Roberts seconded, and stated there was no haste involved, although he would like to see the City recover its costs. Willstatter pointed out that the "cost" would figure out to between $1.00 and $1.2S per person for any initiative or referendum petition, and that the action would simply update costs since 1947 when the Ordinance was originally passed. On roll call to table - YES: Roberts, Soderberg, McCannon; NO: Roble, Willstatter, Conklin. The Mayor voted "YES" to break the tie and table the increase. -1- gular Meeting ~land City Council february 1, 1972 III. A. 2. Conklin moved that the agreement with Marquess & Marquess for electrical consulting services be amended to provide a $12.60/hour fee, with annual limits to remain unchanged through June 30, 1972. Roberts seconded. Almquist pointed out that the number of hours spent would be about 5% less, but that there would not be the same number of hours now required due to completion of the Oak Knoll feeder line. On roll call to increase the fee - NO: Roble, Soderberg and Willstatter; YES: Conklin, McCannon and Roberts. The Mayor voted "YES" to break the tie vote and increase the hourly rate. City Administrator Almquist gave the background information on costs for construction of the Oak Knoll feeder line, and noted that interest expense could be saved by paying the unexpected additional cash balance. Conklin moved that a resolution be adopted transferring $38,000 from Utility Fund Interfund Transfers to Electric Construction. McCannon seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. B. Public Service Committee: McCannon stated that there had been a lot of controversy over the present Sign Ordinance, and that four members of the Sign Review Board had resigned. McCannon moved that the present Sign Ordinance be considered still in effect until such time as a new code is adopted and that it be enforced by the Chief Building Inspector, with appeals made directly to the Council; Conklin seconded. McCannon also felt that the former members of the Sign Review Board, as well as businessmen in the community, should be consulted. Willstatter felt that the Council should accept the resigna- tions of these members who have felt frustrated and get a fresh start. After some discussion, on roll call R0ble and Willstatter - NO; all others yes. Motion carried. Willstatter then moved that the staff be instructed to draw up a new Sign Ordinance and then have people concerned take a look at it; Conklin seconded and felt there should be a workable sign Ordinance in Ashland. Soderberg felt that the Council should first establish its policy on signs, and suggested a study session be held (with slides and films) to see what has already been accomplished, in order to give the staff some direction as to being more strict or lenient. The Mayor pointed out that the original Ordinance was a long time evolving, and the staff would have a lot of work. In reply to a question from McCannon, Almquist stated that basic issues should be decided (such as size, placement, type) and consideration of relating sign size to bulk of property and whether the Council should legislate color and graphics. -2- gular Meeting ~land City Council r~Druary 1,.1972 III. B. 1. (continued) Willstatter wanted no exceptions for special interests; Roberts assumed the staff would use the old Ordinance as a basis for drawing up the new, making it more lenient. On roll call - NO: Soderberg; YES - all others. Staff so instructed to prepare an Ordinance. City Administrator Almquist read a portion of a letter from Dick Cottie relative to adoption of the 1970 Uniform Building Code. Mr. Cottie then pointed out to the Council the problems in using the 1967 U.BoC., and recommended that an impartial board be appointed and the Council be willing to put enough money in the budget to sufficiently work on the Sign Ordinance and Uniform Building Code and amendments for the City. Roble noted the liberalizing of new materials in the 1970 code, and wanted the Council to consider fire zones and the City's insurance rating. McCanncnmoved that the 1970 Uniform Building Code be adopted and reviewed by the Contractor's Code Review Committee and the Building Appeals Board for amendments; Conklin seconded. Alsing noted that all of Ashland's amending Ordinances refer to the 1967 code, and that the 1970 code should be studied before being adopted. The Mayor stated that the staff was being instructed to to draw up the Ordinance to adopt the code and it would have two separate readings. On roll call, passed unanimously. Soderberg then moved that the staff contact a joint committee of the Contractor's Code Review Committee and the Building Appeals Board, and they be instructed to bring to the Council their recommendations to amend the 1970 U.B.C. in those areas necessary at the same time the Ordinance is presented to the Council for first reading. Roble seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. C. Streets & Traffic Committee: Soderberg stated that a staff report from the Bicycle Committee (approved by the Planning Commission) had been received giving recommendations for bicycle path priorities to be submitted to the State Highway Commission, and read such priorities. Mrs. Kathy Newcomb presented a poll taken of residents on Siskiyou Boulevard, recommending another bike path along there. She noted that the sidewalks would have to be widened, but trees, parking bays, etc. might prevent this in some areas. Also, some proposed routes were too steep to be practical. Soderberg then moved to accept the Planning Commission and Bicycle Committee map as discussed, and that State Highway Commission recommendations be requested in relation to such paths and funding as can be allocated to the City of Ashland. Conklin seconded. Alsing noted that there were four to six -3- gular Meeting ~land City Council r~Druary 1, 1972 III. C. 1. (continued) different areas where dollars might be available (as additional funding sources). Willstatter felt the Siskiyou Boulevard route would be the most feasible. On voice vote, passed unanimously. Soderberg stated that complaints had been received regarding parkingin the new lot at the Library, and therefore moved that 2-hour parking limitations be imposed, except in designated areas (for employee parking). Conklin seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. Soderberg moved that the staff be instructed to provide three 2-hour parking stalls on the southerly side of "C" Street, east of Pioneer Street (adjacent to Ashland General Hardware). Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. Soderberg moved that stop signs be installed on Winburn Way where it intersects with Granite. She noted that there was a visual hazard at this point, with no yield or right-of-way signs. Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. At this time, Councilwoman Soderberg pointed out to the Council that Ashland Ordinance No. 1557 allows the City Administrator to order in such regular items of traffic business, which would cut down on such items being acted upon directly by the Council, and that the Stre t~ ~ Traffic Committee would provide the directives to the City A~mlnlstrator. COMMUNICATIONS: Oral from the Audience Concerning Business Not Included on the Agenda Although there was no business presented from the audience, McCannon moved that the three commissions (Planning Commission, Ashland Development Commission and the Economic Development Commission) be combined into one, thus pooling the $15,000 budgeted, and the matter referred to the Finance & Property Committee for study of combining them; Conklin seconded. Soderberg felt such a matter should be referred to the Council as a whole; on voice vote, passed unanimously. V. COMMUNICATIONS: Written Willstatter had three questions concerning the minutes of the Ashland Community Hospital Board for December 17 and December 30, 1971: defraying cost of inhalation-therapist; property acquisition discussed; and establishing guaranteed rent of a building to be used as a medical clinic. Willstatter asked the City Attorney what the responsibility of the City was as to expenditures made by the hospital. Roble interjected comments in reply to the questions posed, explaining that the inhalation therapist was at the hospital at no cost to them and the Board was simply looking into purchasing some property. Roble recommended that the City Attorney and the Hospital Administrator should discuss r~sponsibilities. gular Meeting ~land City Council ~ruary 1, 1972 V. 1. (continued) Salter stated that the Hospital did not have the authority to make purchases or in any way bind themselves or the City without previously bringing the matter to the Council. McCannon moved that the minutes of the Hospital Board (as discussed) of December 17 and December 30, 1972, be accepted and placed on file. In addition. he moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Planning Commission for December 13 and 27, 1971 and January 10, 1972; and the minutes of the Ashland Development Commission for December 17, 1971. Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist presented the other portion of the letter written by Mr. Cottie, proposing an amendment to the Sign Ordinance. Mr. Cottle told the Council that the Sign Ordinance was discriminatory against businessmen in the shopping center, and was asking the Council to take action on the pro- posed amendment. Considerable discussion ensued. At this time, the second reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1657, the Sign Ordinance, and declaring an emergency, was read by Almquist. Conklin moved for the adoption; Willstatter seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. VI. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: A. Unfinished Business: Request for variance from the Bayview Myrtlewood Shop, appealing a decision of the Sign Review Board denying an overheight sign, was read by City Administrator Almquist. Soderberg moved to grant the variance and allow the sign to be hung. Willstatter seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. B. New & Miscellaneous Business: Public Hearing - 8:00 p.m.: to consider the proposed vacation of Palm Avenue, between the southerly line of Siskiyou Boulevard and the northerly line of Ashland Street. City Administrator Almquist read the petition from the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Southern Oregon College. It was nsted that the filing fee had been received, and ownership requirements met. Don Lewis, Dean of Administration of SOC, was present to answer any questions the Council might have. There was no opposition from the audience. -5- Regular Meeting land City Council february 1, 1972 VI. B. 1. (continued) Soderberg moved that the Council authorize the vacation of P~lm Avenue and instruct the staff to prepare the necessary papers; Conklin seconded. Willstatter asked whether this would pose any problems for emergency equipment to service the hillside (no). Some discussion about parking ensued. Lewis stated this closure would have no effect on the perimeter road for the college, and that SOC was "vigorously pursuing" this as a first priority. On roll call, passed unanimously. Lewis thanked the Council for their help. Will- statter stated that "he only hoped the college would be as generous when Hwy. 66 was widened adjacent to the college". Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts: The first reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1558, which pertained to offenses in the City of Ashland and declaring an emergency, was postponed until the next meeting. At this time, the Mayor changed the order of the agenda: City Administrator Almquist gave the second reading of an Ordinance authorizing and ordering the improvement of Oxford Street from the east sideline of Quiet Village Subdivision No. III to Coventry Street by constructing thereon curbs, gutters and paving; authorizing the assess- ment of cost of said improvement against property to be benefitted thereby; and providing that warrants issued for the cost thereof be general obligations of the City of Ashland. Conklin moved for adoption; Roberts seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. The City Administrator gave the second reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1415, which adopted and created a position classification plan for the City of Ashland and declaring an emergency. Conklin moved for adoption; Roble seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. 4. (Previously read and passed.) Almquist gave the first reading of a Resolution calling a special election on the 29th day of February, 1972 in the City of Ashland, for the purpose of submitting to the legal voters a measure calling for the repeal of Ashland City Ordinance No. 1706. McCannon moved, under suspension of the rules, to pass to a second reading by title only; Roble seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. Soderberg mentioned that she had received several calls from older persons expressing a preference for a polling place at Lincoln School. Almquist noted that the ones scheduled for this election were the same as for the cigarette tax vote, and pointed out a problem with the Lincoln School location was the lack of off-street parking (available at the Jr. High). City Recorder Butler also stated that having just these two would help keep costs down, and that the Jackson County -6- ~ular Meeting ~s~land City Council February 1, 1972 VI. C. 5. (continued) Elections Department had felt this was adequate. Almquist read by title. Roble moved for adop- tion; Willstatter seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. The City Administrator read a resolution transferring appro- priations within funds. Willstatter moved to pass to a second reading by title only, under suspension of the rules. Soderberg seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist read by title; Conklin moved for adoption; McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. There being no subject to the /nck further business, call of the Mayor. the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m., Respectfully submitted, / Joseph M. Butler City Recorder