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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-0516 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 16, 1972 Io ROLL CALL: The regular meeting of the Ashland City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. On roll call, Mayor McKeen was absent; all others present. Council Chairman Willstatter then proceeded with the agenda, acting for the Mayor. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Conklin moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of May 2, 1972 be accepted and placed on file; Soderberg seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. III. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: IV. Roble moved that the departmental reports for the month of April, 1972 be received and placed on file; McCannen seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Streets & Traffic Committee: 1. Soderberg reported that, at a meeting held the previous evening between the Streets & Traffic Committee and affected property owners on Telman Creek Road, residents opposed any widening, grading or installation of curbs and gutters. They wanted to "hold the line" as long as possible to keep the road rural, but offered suggestions regarding load limits on the road and improvement of the Southern Pacific Railroad crossing. Soderberg moved that the Council request the County to post a load limit; Director of Public Works Alsing felt such a determination should be left up to the County. Roble noted that much of the heavy traffic involved State Highway Dept. vehicles hauling granite, log trucks, etc. Some discussion ensued regarding use of the road. It was noted that the citizens had formed a community group to take action and request load limits and improvements of the railroad crossing. Soderberg then requested that the staff investigate the matter and keep the Council informed. The Committee recommended that two-hour parking be reinstailed year-round on "C" Street from First Street westerly about 110 feet, adjacent to the Tempest Court building. Soderberg noted that persons attending District Court often had diffi- culty locating a parking space due to the all-day parking presently allowed. A resolution on this would be presented later on the agenda. ~lar Meeting ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 16, 1972 IV. A. 3. VI. Soderberg presented a request from Southern Oregon College, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Oregon Shakespearean Festival Association, co-sponsors of the "Rennaisance Faire" to be held Saturday, May 20 to block Winburn Way from Nutley to Granite Street. The County Health Department would then allow perishable food to be served in this area. Chief Hays recommended keeping a lane open for emergency vehicles. Soderberg moved that the request be allowed, subject to provisions for a fire lane; McCannon seconded. A representative from SOC noted that over 90% of the participants were from the immediate area. COMMUNICATIONS: None. Oral from the Audience Concerning Business Not Included on the Agenda COMMUNICATIONS: W~itten 1. The Rogue Valley Council on Aging requested to appear before the Council relative to a letter mailed to each Council member in March. Ms. Nancy O'Connor, Director, thanked the Council for the opportunity to appear; a slide presentation was then shown, focusing on the problems faced by senior citizens in Jackson County and the Council on Aging's programs (such as social activities, food programs, employment, health and medical services, etc.). Mr. Lowell Anderson, Chairman of the Council on Aging~ then detailed some aspects of the program and presented a request to the City Council for a $2,420 contribution to bring such services to Ashland. Willstatter thanked him for the presentation. Soderberg noted the matter had been discussed at the budget committee meeting, but perhaps all details had not been understood. After some discussion, the RVCA representatives agreed to attend the public hearing on the budget scheduled for June 6. City Administrator Almquist read a petition from property owners on Clay Street between Mohawk Street and the south City limits, requesting the installation of curb, gutters and paving under the City/County Arterial Streets program. Alsing stated the County had allocated sufficient funds for their share of the project. Soderberg moved that a public hearing be set for June 6 at 7:40 p.m.; Roberts seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist read a report from the Planning Commission recommending approval of Zone Change No. 34 from R-3:1.2 to R-i:B-8 on the property situated on the south side of Siskiyou Blvd. between Harmony Lane and Beswick Way (Lottie Beswick, applicant). Soderberg moved that a public hearing be set for June 20 at 8:00 p.m.; McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. ~sular Meeting ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 16, 1972 VI. 4. The City Administrator read a report from the Planning Commission recommending approval of Zone Change No. 35 (L. A. Ruth, applicant) from R-I:B-8 to R-3:2.4 on property situated on the east side of Normal Avenue, 125 feet south of Fremont Street. Roble moved that a public hearing be set for June 20 at 8:15 p.m.; McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. 5. Before reading a report from the Planning Commission endorsing the adoption of an Ordinance relative to the installation of underground utilities, Conklin asked that the matter be deferred to the next meeting in order that further study could be made. Willstatter so deferred. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1o Councilman Roble reported on a meeting held to formulate an Achievement Awards Program, stating that a buffet banquet had been suggested, to cost no more than $375. He then moved ~t!.at this amount be allocated to the program for honoring Ashland High School students in their various efforts; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. 2. City Administrator Almquist read a report relative to the use of welfare recipients for City work, and recommended utilizing the Work Incentive (WIN) Program on a trial basis. Replying to Roble, Almquist stated the City of Ashland would not be financially obligated, since the program was funded by the federal government. McCannon moved that the program be adopted on a trial basis; Roble seconded. David Patton of the Community Action Council gave background on their organizatien's successful experience in the program, stressing this was basically a training program which equipped welfare workers with skills. Almquist concurred, stating the primary purpose of the program was to provide meaningful job training experience. On roll call, passed unanimously. The City Administrator then reported on the feasibility of utilizing HUD Intergovernmental Personnel assignments, and recommended such persons could very well assist the Rogue Valley Council of Governments. Roberts moved that the recommendation and reports be accepted; Roble seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Soderberg noted that the RVCG was required to implement a housing study by December of this year and that the City of Ashland would be asked for some funds to conduct the study, which was required for federal and state grants. City Attorney Salter reported to the Council relative to the Crossing Guard Agreement with the School District. He noted that, although the agreement was not signed at the present time, -3- ~ular Meeting ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 16, 197Z VII . 3. VIII. NEW 1. (continued) the School District had been ma~ing payments when billed by the City for their share of costs. Salter recommended that an agreement be signed prior to the nexT school year. Roble moved that the City Attorney be directed to pursue an agreement for the 1972-73 school year; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: The City Administrator read a letter from Ronald F. Corallo requesting annexation of property situated north of Nevada Street, westerly of Ashland Creek, for use as a 69-unit mobile home park. Soderberg requested that this be delayed until such time as there was a better understanding with the Department of Environmental Quality; she then moved to table the r~quest until a reply was received from DEQ. (The motion died for lack of a second.) Roberts felt the Council's first obligation was to properties located within the City limits, and that it would be prudent not to consider annexations at this time. Willstatter stated he was traditionally opposed to annexation until areas within the City limits were utilized. Mr. Corallo stated he had attempted to work with all City depart- ments at all times in fulfilling a need in the community for a mobile home park (pointing out there was no property available within the City for such a development). Soderberg personally felt that more than the 40' wide strip along Ashland Creek should be provided for the proposed park chain; Mr. Corallo indicated he would be willing to work out whatever was necessary and that he had been given this width as an adequate figure for the preliminary plans. Corallo also stated he had contacted all the neighbors about the proposed mobile home park, and they seemed agreeable to it; at this time, Corallo wanted some indication of encouragement for the project from the Council before considerable time and expense was involved. (Corallo noted that the proposal included 50' x 90' lots for each mobile home, almost the size of a residential lot.) Some discussion regarding the present and future sewage problems of the City ensued. John d'Entremont, representing a citizens group from the Tolman Creek/Bellview area, stated they were in opposition to any new development (whether in or outside of the City limits) which would put a greater burden on the sewage system. Corallo pointed out the increasing number of apartments being built in Ashland, and that waste from mobile homes was far less than this. He agreed with the problem, however, but felt there should be some relationship established in order that mobile home parks not be excluded from development. -4- ~alar Meeting ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 16, 1972 VIII. (continued) Conklin agreed there was a need in Ashland for a mobile home park. Roberts felt it was the time for the Council to set a definite policy regarding annexations to the City; Soderberg felt a study session should be called, and moved that one be set for May 30 at 7:30 p.m. t0 discuss annexation policy as well as the sewage system. (The motion died for lack of a second.) After considerable discussion, McCannon moved that the matter be referred to the Planning Commission for study to see whether it would be approved to the Council, subject to the recommendations of the Planning Commission. Roble seconded for discussion. Roberts would support the motion without the committment to approve. On roll call, YES - Conklin, McCannon; NO - Roberts, Roble, Willstatter and Soderberg. Conklin noted the Planning Commission would be advised of the Council decision on annexation policy, and would be considered before a recommenda- tion on the request was returned to the Council. Soderberg felt this would color the decision of the Planning Commission. Roberts then moved that the request for annexation by Mr. Corallo for an ll-acre parcel of land situated north of Nevada Street be referred to the Planning Commission; Roble seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Soderberg then moved that a study session be held on May 30, 1972 at 7:30 p.m. to study the annexation policy and information on the sewer system and DEQ; Roble seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist read a request to write off uncollec- tible utility bills totalling $18,072.64, including the Lithia Mill account ($13,350). He noted these included bills from deceased persons, accounts referred to a credit bureau which had been uncollectible, bankrupt accounts, etc. In reply to Roble and Willstatter, City Attorney Salter said there were federal and state tax liens against the money held in trust for the Lithia Mill property, which would be paid before any utility bill. Conklin moved to approve the request; Roble seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. City Recorder Butler presented an application for a Class C Retail Malt Liquor License (beer and wine) at 75 North Main Street for Victor N. Abatin0 (Vito's Pizza). Conklin moved for approval to the State Liquor Control Commission; Roble seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. IX. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS: City Administrator Almquist gave the first reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1361, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Ashland, to rezone certain property from R-i:B-8 (single-family -5- ~,~gular Meeting ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 16, 1972 IX. 1. (continued) residential) to R-3:2.4 (multiple-family residential) at 1850 Fremont Street (L. A. Ruth, applicant). Soderberg moved to pass the Ordinance to a second reading; Roberrs seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. 2. Almquist gave the first reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1361, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Ashland, to rezone certain property from R-i:B-8 (single-family residen- tial) to R-3:1.2 (multiple-family residential) at 368 Bridge Street (Tau Kappa Epsilon, Inc., applicant). McCannon moved to pass to a second reading; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. 3. The City Administrator gave the first reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1721 by adding wall and landscaping standards to the design requirements for parking areas, and declaring an emergency. Conklin requested some changes, stating he felt the hedges should be included in total landscaping, not to exceed the 7% stipulated. McCannon said the 7% was for the interior parking area, not the walls. (Therefore, a parking lot could be paved, with brick or masonry walls, and no landscaping-- thus defeating the purpose of this section.) Conklin moved that the wording in Section 7 (Landscaping) be changed from "...in addition to.. "to" including "; Roble seconded. Willstatter felt landscaping should not be part of a parking ordinance. On roll call, YES - Roble, Roberts, Willstatter and Conklin; NO Soderberg and McCannon. The City Administrator then read the section again with changed wording. Conklin moved to pass to a second reading; Roble seconded. Soderberg felt the total percentage should then be increased to the original 10%, since walls and hedges were being included. McCannon reminded the Council that 93% of those answering the questionnaire indicated they were in favor of more landscaping; Ashland is unique and it should be kept beautiful, he added. On roll call, passed to a second reading with Soderberg dissenting. 4. The Underground Utilities Ordinance was deferred until June 6. 5. The City Administrator gave the first reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1578, as amended by Ordinances No. 1587, 1704 and 1718, which concerns parking limitations in the City of Ashland, and declaring an emergency. Conklin moved to pass to a second reading; Soderberg seconded; Willstatter pointed out the original intent of the ordinance was to make parking limita- tions from Water Street; Conklin included this correction in his motion; on roll call, passed unanimously. 6. Almquist gave the second reading of an Ordinance authorizing the issuance of City Improvement Bonds in the matter of paving City streets in what has been designated as Street Improvement District No. 37 (portions of Randy, Willow, Orange, Glendower and Park), and declaring an emergency. Soderberg moved for adoption; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. -6- ular Meeting ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 16, 1972 IX. 7. The City Administrator read a resolution designating "B" Street as a through street and providing a penalty for violation of the resolution. Conklin moved to pass to a second reading by title only, under suspension of the rules; McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist read by title; Conklin moved for adoption; Roble seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. 8. City Administrator Almquist read a resolution setting a public hearing to consider providing for the construction of curbs, gutter and paving on Coventry Place, from Glendower Street westerly approximately 110 feet, in the City of Ashland, Oregon for June 6, 1972 at 7:45 p.m.; and for the assessment of the cost thereof on adjacent property; providing for a meeting of the Common Council to consider protests against said improvements and providing for the serving of the owners of adjacent property with notice thereof by the Recorder. Conklin 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; Soderberg seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist then read a similar resolution by title setting a public hearing for Crestview Drive, from Park Street to the City limits, for June 6, 1972 at 7:55 p.m.; Roberrs moved for adoption; Roble seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist then read a similar resolution by title setting a public hearing for Linda Avenue from Mohawk Street to Crestview Drive, for June 6, 1972 at 7:50 p.m.; Conklin moved for adoption; McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist then read a similar resolution by title setting a public hearing for Clay Street, from Mohawk Street to the south City limits, for June 6, 1972 at 7:40 p.m.; Roble moved for adoption; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. 9. City Administrator Almquist read a letter from the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) proposing a second contract amendment to decrease the payment for land acquisition and increase the payment for development costs. Almquist then read a resolution authorizing the Mayor and Recorder to sign the agreement. Under suspension of the rules, Conklin moved to pass to a second reading by title only; McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist read by title; Conklin moved for adoption; Soderberg seconded; on roll call, unanimous. Conklin business, the Mayor. /nck moved for adjournment; Roble seconded. There being no further the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m., subject to the call of Respectfully submitted, Joseph M. Butler City Recorder