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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-0202 REG MINMINUTES FOR PEGULAR MEETING ASIILAND CiTY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 2, 1971 The regular meeting of the City Council was held in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, on the above date. The meeting was called to order to Mayor McKeen. Councilmen present: Conklin, McCannon, Roble, Roberrs, Soderberg. Councilmen absent: Willstatter APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Conklan, seconded by Roberrs that the minutes of the January 19, 1971, regular meeting be accepted and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: City Attorney: t. Alley vacation located between Elm and Prospect in the vicinity of Leonard Street and Palmer Road - City Attorney Salter requested postponement of matter since involved parties are out of town. 2. City Attorney Salter requested Council authorization to proceed in the defense of the Robinette vs. City of Ashland case and the prosecu- tion of the City of Ashland vs. Busch case. It was moved by Conklin, seconded by Soderberg that Council authorization be granted as requested. On roll call, carried unanimously. 3. Following presentation of background on illegal sewer connect by Pierson, City Attorney Salter requested Council authorization to prosecute and take all action necessary in the matter. Following brief discussion, it was moved by McCannon, seconded by Roble that the City Attorney be authorized to file a suit on the matter. On roll call, carried unanimously. 4. City Attorney Salter requested that a public hearing be scheduled in regard to an appeal submitted on the Planning Com- mission's decision in connection with a fence variance (Borne). Following some discussion, it was moved by Conklin, seconded by Roble that a public hearing be scheduled for March 2, at 8 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. At this time, Mayor McKeen made the following appointments to the Revenue Steering Conm~jttee: Councilman McCannon, Chairman; Mrs. Julian Battaile; Dr. William Cornelius; Robert O'}iarra; Donald Pinnock. It was moved by Soderberg, seconded by Roble that the appointments be accepted. On roll call, carried unanimousIV. -2- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: Finance & Property Committee: 1. Chairman Roberrs moved %o adopt committee's recommendation to refer an annexation request in the vicinity of Highway 66 and I-5 to the Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission for study. Motion seconded by McCannon. On roll call, carried unanimously. 2. Chairman RoberLs reported that it was the cormmittee's recommendaLion to adopt an ordinance increasing lien search fees from the present $5 to $7.50. He reported that staff indicated this increase would more accurately reflect the cost of performing this service. Roble asked the Council to consjder increasing the fee to $10. He thought perhaps the extra $2 would help pay the salary of a part-time secretary who could assist in the lien searches, etc. Considerable discussion followed. Finance Director Nelson explained that he thought the $10 would be a reasonable fee. He pointed out that the $7.50 recommended by staff covers the actual cost of performing the routine search; however, it does not compensate the City for any liability in connection with the lien search. Following more discussion, it was moved by Roberts, seconded by Roble to accept the committee's recommendation to increase the lien search fee from $5 to $7.50. On roll call, carried unanimously. 3. Chairman Roberrs reported that it was the con~nittee's recommendation to authorize the Mayor and Recorder to execute an employment agreement regarding the City Attorney. Following brief discussion, it was moved by Roberrs, seconded by McCannon to approve the agreement in principle. On roll call, carried unanimously. 4. Chairman Roberts reported that it was the conunittee's recommendation to authorize the Mayor and Recorder to sign a surrender of lease agreement regarding the United States Forestry Service property on Mistletoe Road. City Administrator Almquist reported that the Forestry Service has requested that the City sign a surrender of the original lease dated December 1961 in return for the new ]_ease dated December 1970, relating %o the Coastal Dynamics/City of Ashland property exchange. It was moved by Roberrs, seconded by McCannon that the recommendation be accepted. On roll call, carried unani- mously. Public Service Committee: No Report Streets & Traffic Co~mnittee: 1. Chairman Conklin reported that, after careful study and 5nvesti- gation, it was the committee's recommendation to adopt an emergency ordinance restricting parking to one side only on narrow streets in the vicinity of SOC for a period of 150 days. The committee also recommended the scheduling of a public hearing on June 15, ]971. (Item continued following 8 p.m. public hearing) -3- SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: Unfinished Business: 1. 8:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Zone Change No. 075 proposing the reclassificatjon of the HUB Lithid Park Extension Project Area from C-2 and R-3-1.2 to R-I:B-10 - City Administrator Almquist presented a map which depicted the property in question. He pointed out that there were no private properties involved in the proposed zone change. He explained the purpose of the zone change is to bring the entire park area into conformance with the balance of Lithid Park. City Administrator Almquist then read a recommendation from the Planning Commission dated December 30, 1970, in favor of the zone change. Following some discussion, it was moved by McCannon, seconded by Roble that the City Attorney be instructed to prepare an ordinance on the zone change for submission at the next Council meeting. On roll call, carried unanimously. Streets & Traffic Committee: (continued) At this time, City Administrator A]mquist gave a detailed explanation of the streets to be included in the parking restriction around the college area. Mr. Robert McCoy expressed opposition to many of the streets included in the ordinance. He pointed out that he had personally measured several of the streets in question where cars had been parked on both sides and found that many streets had over 20 feet of clearance between cars. Mr. McCoy then listed several streets and clearance statistics included in his survey. Mr. McCoy pointed out that an emergency situation also exists on over half of the streets in Ashland now in relation to emergency vehicle clearance. Considerable discussion followed. Roble suggesfed painting a five-foot strip on each side of driveways to alleviate the blocked driveway problem, in addition to providing more room for cars to pull. off the road when an emergency vehicle is trying to pass. Several Southern Oregon College students were present to express opposition to the proposed parking restrictions around the college. It was pointed out by one of the students that by June 15 (date suggested for public hearing), most of the students would be gone from college and would not, therefore, have an opportunity to voice their opjnions regarding the parking restrictions. (Item continued later jn meeting.) COT,D4UNICATIONS: 1. It was moved by Conkljn, seconded by Roberrs that the Development Con!mission minutes of January 8, 1971, be accepted and placed on file. Mol:ion cartrice] unanimously. -4- 2. It was moved by McCannon, seconded by Soderberg that the Economic Developmen~ Commission minutes of January 13, 1971, be accepted and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. 3. City Administrator Almquist read letter dated January 28, 1971, from R. E. Van Vleet requesting annexation of property situated on the north side of Highway 66, east of the I-5 Freeway. It was moved by Soderberg, seconded by McCannon to refer the request to the Finance & Property Cosnittee for recommendation; and that staff be instructed to provide Council with additional information relating to the surrounding property (Greensprings Subdivision). On roll call, carried unanimously. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: (continued) 2. Acceptance of Annual Audit Report prepared by Tischhauser, Bubb & Company for fiscal year 1969-70 Roble asked why Oak Knoll had not been included in the audit report. Finance Director Nelson explained that this particular lease did not involve any accounting on the City's part and would, therefore, not be required to appear in the annual audit. He further pointed out that the City is currently in the process of analyzing all contracts and leases and will provide Council with a list as soon as it is completed. Considerable discussion followed. Council requested annual reports from the Municipal Airport and Oak Knoll Golf Course. City Administrator Almquist indicated he had recently received a report from the Airport covering activities up to December 31, 1970. This report will be presented at the next Council meeting. Following more discussion, it was moved by Soderberg, seconded by Roberrs that the 1969--70 annual audit report be accepted. On roll call, carried unanimously. New'& Miscellaneous Business: 1. City Administrator Almquist submitted an invoice from former Cjty Attorney Gerald Scannell and Barnes for legal services for perlod of January 4 21, 1971. He explained that the special legal services were ~n connection with the Morrow contract, the EDA and }IUD Projects. Mr. Almquist explained that he could not recommend payment of the $916.05 at this time. It was moved by Roberrs, seconded by Roble to refer the matter to the Finance & Property Committee. Motion carried unanimously. 2. City Administrator Almquist read a memorahdum dated January 26, 197], from Public Works Director Alsing requesting authorization to purchase a chlorinator for the Sewage Treatment Plant. The purchase price was listed as $1,500. It was moved by Conklin, seconded by McCannen that staff be authorized to mako the purchase. On roll call, carried unanimously. 3. City Administrator Almquist requested Council authorization to advertise and award miscellaneous sealed bids in connection with the HUD Lithie Park Extension Project. Mr. Almquist explained that sealed bids will be necessary for three small public works contracts for aspbaltic paving ($1,600); concrete bridge {$4,800); and a wood deck and stair system {$7,040). He explained that sealed bids will. also be required for all material purchases in excess of $1,000; ~n addition to two additional public works contracts exceeding $10,000. 1% was moved by McCannon, seconded by Conklin that staff be authorized to call for competitive sealed bids and make the awards based on low bid. On roll call, carried unanimously. Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts: 1. City Administrator Almquist read ordinance providing for parking prohibitions on one side of certain streets from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Sundays and holidays except where parking has heretofore, or may hereafter, be more restricted; providing for the enforcement and penalty for violation thereof; providing for the effective date of said ordinance; and declaring an emergency. It was moved by Conklin, seconded by Soderberg that the ordinance be passed to second reading. There was considereble discussion regarding the amount of clearance on the various streets listed in the ordinance. One individual who owned property in the vicinity of the college' indicated she would not appreciate the inconvenience created by prohibiti=ng parking on one side of her street. Several Southern Oregon College students felt the proposed prohibition was discriminatory, since the hours specified were 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and aimed directly at the college student traffic. Soderberg pointed out that during the Streets & Traffic Committee deliberations on the issue, the first concern was that of safety. She urged the citizeus to give the program a chance on a trial basis. More discussion followed. Conklin emphasized the fact that his cos{~ittee had studied the problem thoroughly and have determined the proposed course of action to be the best solution at the present time. It was agreed that the Nroposed effective period of the ordinance should be changed from 150 ~ay~ to 120 days. McCannon urged the committee to give the matter more consideration, which would include investigating the possibility of painting 5--foo[ strips on both sides of driveways and perhaps eliminating a few of the wider streets from the prohibition. On roll call on meNion to pass ordinance to second reading, carried unanimously. 2. Cjty Administrator Almquist read ordinance amending Ordinance No. ]644, increasing the fees to be ch,-~rged for lien searches. It was moved by Sealerberg, seconded bt, McCannon thst the ordinance be passed to second reading by title only. On roll ca].], carried unanimous] y. -6- 3. City Administrator Almquist presented an Agreement of Employment for City Attorney Salter. It was moved by McCannon, seconded by Soderberg that the Mayor and Recorder be authorized to execute the agreement. On roll call, carried unanimously. Following more discussion regarding the proposed parking restrictions around the college, Roberrs urged t!le Streets & Traffic Committee to further investigate the possibilities of painting both sides of driveways or otherwis~ attempt to reach a more compromising solution. Roble commended the Police Department for a very comprehensive and informative annual report. There being no further business, subject to the call of the Mayor. the meeting was adjourned f .;',. _ ! : ,: .............. Actin9 Recorder 1cr