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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-1017 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL October 17, 1972 I. 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, by Mayor McKeen. Council- man McCannon was noted absent, all other members present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Soderberg requested a change in the minutes of the regular meeting of October 3, 1972; On Page 4, paragraph 6, Soderberq requested that "Com- prehensive Plan" be added after "Ashland's." Willstatter moved that the minutes be accepted as amended and placed on file; Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. III. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Roble moved that the Departmental Reports for the month of September be accepted and placed on file. Roberts seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. IV. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Streets & Traffic Committee: None B. Public Service Committee: None V. COMMUNICATIONS: Oral Conklin stated that the October 24th Special Election is one Of the most important decisions the Council has ever had to make, and cited the need for making citizens aware of the issues through publicity. On questions from Roble and Conklin, City Attorney Salter said the City could not advertise the election, but that a citizens' committee could be formed for that purpose. All Council members and Mayor McKeen agreed with Roble and Conklin on the importance of informing the voters. Willstatter went further and reminded the group that the measure on the ballot which would ratify the 1970 Charter was also a matter of grave concern and cited the need for making people aware of this issue. Mayor McKeen said it was important for Ashland to move ahead toward getting something done relative to our environment, or the state will step in if we don't make our own decisions toward this end, and felt it is our responsibility as a city to keep the water clear. Soderberg pointed out that Ashland residents would be wise to approve the sewer bond issue since it would not involve any tax increases; but would re- sult in a slight increase in users' fees. VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Written Soderberg moved the Planning Commission Minutes for September 1~972 be accepted and placed on file. Willstatter seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist read a letter from Eugene F. Parent, 2205 Hwy. 66, requesting water and sewer connections outside the city limits, and showed a map designating the proposed homesite where a building is to be moved. A memo from the Director of Public Works was read, recommending denial of the request. Soderberg felt that the site proposal showed good planning. Will- starter stated he was opposed to any proposal to allow sewer andj.' water connections outside the city limits.~Conklxn suggested Council wait until after election to make a decision. Roble moved that request be referred to Public Service Committee for analysis and report. Roberts seconded; On voice vote, passed unanimously. 3. City Administrator Almquist read a petition and request for curbs, gutters and paving on Terrace Street between Iowa and Summit Sts. VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Written (cont.) 3. (cont.) He advised that a Resolution setting a public hea~ .~' could be implemented later during the meeting. Mayor McKeen postponed the discussion until later in the meeting. VII. NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Public Hearing concerning proposed construction of concrete sidewalks and curbs on Siskiyou Blvd., from Park Street to Tolman Creek Road was opened by the Mayor. City Administrator Almquist read correspondence from the State Highway Department agreeing to install "no parking" signs as requested by the Council and stated that Hwy Dept. has graded a path and will fill in with cinders or gravel for winter use. He also cited cooperation from the State on the matter. A letter was read from Med- ford-Jackson County Safety Council recommending sidewalks on both sides of Siskiyou for the protection of children attending Bellview School. 'A letter from Don Skillman (United Farm Agency) was also read opposing sidewalks in the area and suggesting that law enforcement and speed lim- its would held solve the problem. A letter and petition signed by 400 people submitted by Bellview PTA was noted requesting improve- ments. Almquist showed plans and gave costs of two alternatives. Pro- posed curbs and sidewalks would cost $90,873 while bikeway/footpath would cost a total of $11,514. Mr. Thomas Gee of 2275 Siskiyou opposed concrete curb and sidewalk plan as too expensive but said he would support bikeway/footpath concept if the property owners do not have to stand the entire expense. Mr. William Harnden, 2225 Siskiyou opposed both plans stating that the children wouldn't necessarily use sidewalks or path even if it were there - that they walk on the left hand shoulder around parked cars, etc. Said taxes are already prohibitive and suggested "no parking" be enforced. GiGi Bates of 2275 Siskiyou opposed improvements and recommended that children be taught safety at home. Mildred Quinn of Tolman & Siskiyou stated her frontage is already safe for children and they don't use it. Mrs. Frank Mix Of 2190 Siskiyou opposed and felt school should be responsible for traffic control for more than 1/2 block of school. Laurence Jacobs of 2405 Siskiyou cited speeding as major hazard. Bellview School Prinicpal Paul Retter said he felt the request for side- walks and curbs should be withdrawn because of the expense involved. Conklin asked if Assessment District plan had been brought up to divide cost of bikeway/footpath in Bellview area. Soderberg agreed that assess- ment district might be the answer. Conktin suggested that assistance may be available from State Bikeway Funds. City Administrator Almquist advised that formal application should be made. Bob Voris of Faith & Siskiyou asked for law on crosswalk right-of-way. Police Chief Hays said the law in Oregon states that once a pedestrian steps off the curbe he has right-of-way. Voris then asked why such a law is not ~nforced. Chief Hays explained ~"~ y One ha nl officer to patrol. Voris wondered what the Council can do to create more patrolmen for Chief Hays to enforce the law at various crossings. Voris called attention to a need for more patrol/~ng around Angelo's Pizza Parlor between the hours of 1 & 3 p.m. Mrs. Mix of 2190 Siskiyou questioned the validity of PTA petition sig- natures. Mrs. Marcia Gilbert representing the PTA said that names were not necessarily related to the school children but concerned citizens who want safe provisions for children. Gene Wattles of 2465 Siskiyou suggested that since the apartment house complex brought the congestion, they might also do the improving. REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL P"~e 3 VII. NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: 1. Public Hearing (Siskiyou) cent. Roble moved for Public Hearing on proposal Of Assessment District for construction of bikeway/footpath;Soderberg seconded. On roll call, carried with Willstatter and Roberrs dissenting. Public Hearing concerning Draft Environmental Assessment Statement for public coF~ent, City Administrator Almquist read the Draft Environmental Assessment Statement and said it was not necessary to resolve each issue tonight, but that the Staff would prepare written responses to each of the questions for inclusion in the final copy of the statement. Harry Demaray representing the Issak Walton League and the Jackson- Josephine Comprehensive Health Council requested that the Council ear- mark the effluent for recreation and gamefish use and prohibit withdrawal for irrigation to improve the quality of water. { Jay Lensch Of 142 B Street, submitted questions On how industry would pay its fair share of treatment plant operation; how the quality of water in Bear Creek was projected to improve as a result of the project; and whether the plant could be expanded without providing for population growth. 3: Stanford Dew of 282 Scenic stated that unless phosphates and detergents can be removed he cannot see how water quality can be improved. He also suggested that new treatment plant would create growth; and that he would like to know how the new plant would affect the bacteria count, and whether a 5% improvement in the effluent would be worth the cost. Roble moved that Staff prepare a response to each question received; Soderberg seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. Public Hearing to consider an amendment to Ordinance No. 1361. City Administrator Almquist submitted Findings and Recommendations of the Planning Commission proposing an amendment to Ordinance No. 1361 rel- ative to the Zoning Adjustment Committee. Soderberg moved for accept- ance of the findings and recommendations and that ordinance be read later; Roberts seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. Public Hearing to consider application by Stuart D. Johnson of 975 Walker Avenue requesting an Open space designation was opened by the Mayor. City Administrator Almquist read the application and a report by the Planning Commission approving the application excluding the homesite. It was also pointed out that 60% of the land is unused. Willstatter said it would preempt the City to special interest groups and will open the door for others to be tax subdized. Conklin agreed with Willstatter and stated it does not enhance scenic resources and will only cause problems in the future. City Administrator Almquist explained that legislation provides that such an application cannot be denied simply because of the loss of rev- enue. Mayor McKeen recommended that Council act on the application. Conklin moved to overrule the Planning Commission and reject the applic- ation based on the fact it does not conserve or enhance resources; Willstatter seconded. On voice vote, Conklin and Willstatter, YES; Roberts, Roble and Soderberg, NO. Roble questioned City Administrator Almquist as to whether a new owner would have to pay unpaid taxes. City Administrator Almquist said he would plus at least 6% interest. Roble moved to table application; seconded by Soderberg. On roll call vote, Roble and Soderberg, YES; Roberts, Conklin and Willstatter, NO. Sederberg moved we accept application on the basis recommended by the Planning Commission; Roble seconded. On roll call vote, Soderberg, Roble and Roberts, YES, Conklin and Willstatter, NO. Fage 4 VIII. Public Hearing to consider improvements on Schofield Street. City Adm~ inistrator Almquist presented proposal for construction of curbs, gutters and paving on Schofield Street from N. Main Street approximately 476 ft., Sly. Mrs. Dalton and Ed Pentkowski opposed project. Pentkowski with- drew proposal until such time as all work in the area can be done at one time. · Soderberg said the Street & Traffic Committee had looked at the road aSd wondered if fire equipment could get access to the area. Chief Reed~ccess was no problem. Roble moved proposal requesting improvements be withdrawn. Conklin seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. The Mayor called for a 10 minute recess at 9:50 p.m. COMMUNICATIONS: A letter-from Robert Forrest relative to Dial-a-bus service in Ashland was read. Soderberg moved to refer to Public Service Committee for detailed discussion. Roberts seconded. On voice vote, passed unan- imously. City Attorney Salter gave the background on state law on gravel pits to Westgaard operation on Granite St. Conklin said he understood the raatter was to be dropped. Soderberg said McCannon had asked the City Attorney t~[~to it at her request to keep appraised of state law. Conklin questioned whether a committee could supersede Council action. Discussion ensued on the question of committees getting assistance from Staff without first bringing the matter to the Council. Soderberg moved that committees have access to Staff assistance: Conklin seconded. On question from Roble as to whether advice could be sought according to the ordinance, the City Attorney advised that a motion would be sufficient. On voice vote, passed unanimously. City Attorney Salter gave the background on bill =ubmitted relative to a legal fee for defending Ashland Hospital, and requested approval of payment. Roberts moved authorization of payment of bill as sub- mlt~; Sude~be~g seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. City Attorney Salter reported that City of Ashland is a defendant in a suit filed in U. S. District Court filed by former employee, Albert Fischer in the amount of $20,000, and requested authority to get assistance of associate attorney in Portland to defend City's position. Roberts moved to "have City Attorney defend this ridicul- ous suit vigorously." Conklin seconded. On rpll call,. passed unanimously. 5. City Administrator Almquist read memo recommending action on applic- ation and appeal relative to Fowler/Wiley development of 40 unit P.U.D. and appeal of Stanford Dew. City Attorney Salter explained that while a 40 unit P.U.D. was approved, the findings of fact had never been sub- mitted as required by the zoning ordinance. Conklin moved to grant the appeal and reverse the decision of the Planning Commission on 40 units for lack of findings of fact; Roble seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. Soderberg questioned why the applicant must pre- pare the findings. City Attorney Salter explained that zoning ordinance is quite specific in what findings must be and to take each item to the Planning Commission would be cumbersome and there is a question of $ity responsibility in the event of a challenge. Soderberg moved that Planning Commission give Council direction on rewriting P.U.D. section of the ordinance. Mayor McKeen ruled the motion as out of order. Sod- 6. City Administrator Almquist read a memo from the Planning Commission relative to annexation request of Ronald F. Corallo. Certain recommend- ations were made concerning access, and maps were shown. Conklin said that no annexation should be even considered until after the election of October 24. Conklin moved to table the decision until after the election; Roble seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. It was agreed to reconsider this item at the same meeting when the votes were to be canvassed. MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL Page VIII. COMMUNICATIONS cont. City Administrator Almquist read a memo relative to acquisition of lot on Beswick Way from the County for $175.00 and asked for permission to purchase parcel. Soderberg moved to authorize purchase; Conklin sec- onded. On roll call~ passed unanimously. Finance Director Nelson read results of bid opening on 1500 GPM Pumper Fire Truck and outlined methods of financing. Fire Chief Reed outlined features Of the apparatus and explained different bids. Conklin moved that award be made to Western States~ Soderberg seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. Finance Director submitted financial report outlining June 30, 1972 cash balances and cited the condition of the various city funds. No action was taken. 10. Finance Director Nelson explained need for inter-fund loan to Parks and Recreation Department pending receipt of property taxes and Federal Grant funds. Conklin moved for authorization of the loan funds; Soderberg seconded. On roll call, passed with Willstatter dissenting. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & CONTRACTS~' City Administrator gave first reading of an ordinance amending Ordin- ance 1361 to include printing, publishing or lithography as conditional uses in C-1 and C-2 zones. Conklin moved to pass to second reading; Soderberg seconded. Willstatter recommended ~hat such ordinance be liberalized to include more types of businesses. On roll call, passed unanimously. 2. City Administrator Almquist gave first reading of ordinance amending Ordinance 1361, pertaining to the Zoning Adjustment Committee. Soderberq moved to DaSS to second readinq; Roble seconded. On roll ~al~, passed unanimously. 3. City Administrator Almquist read Improvement Resolution setting hearing on proposed curbs, gutters and paving on Terrace Street from Summit Street to Iowa Street. Conklin moved for adoption; Soderberg seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist read Resolution authorizing interfund loan from the Utilities Fund to the Parks & Recreation Fund. Conklin moved for adoption; Roberrs seconded. On roll call, passed with'Willstatter dissenting. ' Conklin moved to adjourn until October 27, 1972 at 2:00 p.m; Soderberg seconded· On voice vote, passed unanimously. Adjourned to October 27, 1972 at 2:00 p.m. ~.. . -Respectfully submitted, · Butler City Recorder /ih