HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-0831 SPECIALI. ROLL CALL:
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
ASHL~]D CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 31, 1972
A special meeting of the Ashland City Council was called to order at
7:30 p.m. on the above date in the Council Chambers, Ashland City Hall,
by Mayor McKeen. All Council members were present.
II. SPECIAL BUSINESS:
Mayor Charles McKeen explained that the meeting was called at the re-
quest of a group of downtown merchants in order to discuss a prelimin-
ary application for federal funds to assist in the beautification of
Main Street by the installation of aggregate sidewalks, permanent street
trees and decorative street lighting.
Councilman Willstatter said the staff recommended the development and
application for Federal aid, and he will seek Federal aid only after
there is a public hearing concerning the development. He said there'is
no history of Federal assistance ever being returned. Conklin asked
the administrator if he had percentages of people in favor of develop-
ment. Almquist said 47 property owners were involved, of which 26 were
in favor, 8 definitely against, 8 did not answer, and 5 unable to con-
tact. Bill Hampton (in the audience), then changed his "yes" to "no".
Mr. Almquist said 8% of the frontage is owned by the City. Mrs. Margaret
Dodge asked who had not been contacted. Administrator Almquist replied
they were John McClellan, Mrs. Boyden, Othar Richey, Mrs. Elliot, and
Joe McVey.
On question from the audience as to who was in favor, the administrator
read the names: Budge, Connors, Claycomb, Voris, Rountree, Jacson
County Federal, Strellman, Mrs. Purdy, Provost, White House Market, Mrs.
Carter, J.C. Hall, J. Fuller, Monsour, Cal.-Pac. Gas Co., Tidings, Hill,
Fortmiller, Wenker, Miller, Parkview Dept. Store, Kuest, Daw, Kroeger,
Abatino, Alexander, Mrs. Barrett, and Ron Chaddock.
Those who had not answered were: First National Bank, Crater National
Bank, Elks Lodge, Portland Electric and Plumbing, Mark Antony Hotel,
Log Cabin, and Masonic Temple.
Those opposed were: Mrs. Dodge, Herndobler, Thornton, Hadfield (Rexall
Drug), Herb Lewis, Edna Dougherty, Jack Williams, Karl Oeser, Bill
Hampton.
On comment from the audience regarding lack of time to make decisions,
Administrator Almquist and Mayor McKeen both pointed out that in order
to form an improvement district, there must be at least one public hear-
ing. The only urgency now was the need to file an application with
H.U.D. for the federal assistance so that the matching funds will be
available in the event a district is formed.
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II. SPECIAL BUSINESS' (continued):
Dom Provost, Emil Kroeger, Lois Alexander, Mr. Claycomb, Ed Budge, and
Dick Strellman all spoke in favor of development. Ellen Hall, Merrick
Thornton, and Bill Hampton spoke against the development.
Councilman McCannon commented that he was impressed by the number of
property owners in favor of the project, and moved to make a prelimin-
ary application for federal funds. Mrs. Soderberg seconded. Council-
man Roble asked the administrator, "If we submit a preliminary applica-
tion, are we obligated to accept?" Almquist said "No". Councilman
Willstatter said he would feel more comfortable if there were a public
hearing, and did not feel that Federal money was free money, and will
vote no. Councilman Roberts pointed out that the impetus to the plan
began with a group of interested affected property owners, and not by
Council initiation. General discussion ensued as to who initiated the
plan, as well as to some of the details of the plan regarding materials.
Gerald Scannell, attorney, said the sidewalk is in the street right-of-
way, and suggested sidewalk expenses are City expenses. Councilman
Roble asked City attorney Salter if property owners can improve their
sidewalks, to which Mr. Salter said they can, and in fact a City Ordinance
requires that property owners must maintain their sidewalks.
On roll call on the motion, all in favor except Willstatter, with Conklin
clarifying his "yes" vote by saying that he agreed with Mr. Willstatter
that being rushed is not desirable, but felt the Council should offer
the property owners the opportunity for assistance if they so desired.
III. RESOLUTIONS:
City Administrator Almquist then read in full "A Resolution Authorizing
the Submission of an Application to the United States Department of Housing
and Urban Development for Federal Assistance to Implement a Program of
Urban Beautification and Improvement in the Ashland Central Area under
Title IV of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970, Legacy of Parks
Progam." Councilwoman Soderberg moved for adoption of the resolution.
McCannon seconded. On roll call vote, motion passed with Willstatter
dissenting.
IV. ADJOURnmENT:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~/joseph M. Butler City Recorder
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