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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-0822 ADJOURNEDMINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 22, 1972 II. III . IV. ROLL CALL: The adjourned meeting of the Ashland City Council was called to order by Mayor Charles McKeen at 7:30 p.m. on the above date in the Council Chambers, City Hall. Councilman Roberrs was absent; Councilwoman Soderberg arrived later in the meeting. APPOINTMENT: Mr. Oscar Silver of the Hospital Board presented a recommendation to the City Council for Hospital Administrator. He noted that 16 of the 25 applications received by the Screening and Selection Committee were from out of state. The Hospital Board unanimously recommended Mr. Robert H. Strowbridge, currently Administrator for the Lower Umpqua Hospital in Reedsport, Oregon. The Mayor accepted the recommen- dation and made the appointment. Roble moved that it be confirmed by the Council; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Mr. Silver stated the new Hospital Administrator would begin his duties on October 16th. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Willstatter requested several changes be made in the minutes of the regular meeting of August 15, 1972: (a) On Page 4, third paragraph, he wanted the minutes to reflect his comment that appointments by drawing lots for the new Planning Commission did not constitute tenure in office, and he did not want the hands of a future Council tied; (b) On Page 6, first paragraph, he asked that the ordinance be read in full since the first reading had been at an adjourned meeting; (c) Also on Page 6, Item 3, Willstatter wanted to add he could not see the reason for calling a special election rather than having the vote at a general election; (d) On Page 7, second paragraph from the bottom, Willstatter wanted it added that Mr. Provost was making improvements on Main Street without the benefit of federal funding. Roble moved that the minutes be approved as amended; Willstatter seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS: Written McCannon moved that the minutes of the Planning Commission meetings for June 26, July 17 and August 1, 1972, be accepted and placed on file; Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: City Administrator Almquist presented a report on the results of an opinion survey conducted in the Ashland Central Area regarding the pro- posed formation of an assessment district for the installation of aggregate sidewalks, permanent street trees and decorative lighting. He noted that, on Main Street, 8% was publicly-owned, 63% responded positively, 9% negatively, 15% no decision, and S% unable to contact. On "C" Street and Lithia Way, 3% was publicly-owned, 13% responded positively, 42% negatively, 19% unable to contact and 33% no decision. -1- ~.~ ~rned Meeting ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL August 22, 1~72 UNFINISHED BUSINESS (continued): Mr. Thornton, a property owner on Main Street, felt the tree planting on that street, and possibly others, would create an additional problem of water in basements, pointing out many old buildings had a sandstone foundation. The Mayor stated no engineering surveys had been made at this point, since the Council wanted to get a general consensus of whether or not the project was desirable. City Administrator Almquist pointed out there were improved drainage devices available, and that an underground system would be provided. Mr. Thornton felt Federal money was not "free" and that the project would not benefit the community. McCannon replied that all cities were paying such monies in taxes, and an effort should be made to get some of those funds back into City projects, or it would go elsewhere. Some discussion ensued about the cost estimates and methods of payment. McCannon felt, since 63% responded favorably, the Council should proceed to investi- gate it further. Soderberg agreed, stating the Council should put a hold on the Federal funds at least until a public hearing could be held, thereby cutting costs for local property owners by S0%, which offer would not be available any later. Willstatter said he was not closing the door to any beautification project, but wanted further information before going to the federal government. He was of the opinion that the Lithia Park Extension Project would have fared better with more participation by the property owners before the project started. After further discussion, Soderberg moved that the request be made for federal assistance; McCannon seconded. Almquist referred to the reso- lution, noting that monies would not be accepted unless more than 51% of the property owners were in favor of such an assessment district, after public hearings had been held. On roll call, YES - McCannon, Soderberg; NO - Roble, Willstatter, Conklin. VI. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS: 1. The Mayor read by title an Ordinance vacating an alley located between Scenic Drive and Alta Street, in the City of Ashland. Roble asked about the location, which Mr. Stanford Dew of Scenic Drive stated was presently overgrown with weeds. Conklin moved for adoption; Willstatter seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. 2. The Mayor read by title an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1318, as amended; Ordinance No. 1389, as amended; and Ordinance No. 1377, as amended, with respect to underground utilities, and declaring an emergency. McCannon moved for adoption; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. There being no further business, session at 8:15 p.m. /nck the meeting was adjourned to the study Respectfully submitted, Joseph M. Butler City Recorder