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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-0803 REG MINMINUTES FOR ]'lie REGULAR MEETING ASIILAND CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 3, 1971 I. ROLl. CALL The regular meeting of the City Council was held in the Council Chambers, City ttall, on the above date at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor McKeen; on roll call, Councilman Roble was absent; all others, present. II. }~ls~IijVAIi'ij'FiI~IN'O]']i~': Minutes of duly 20, 1971 Regular Meeting Willstatter noted that, on Page 2 of the minutes, the bicycle racks were available "through the Fire Department", although one had been donated by the Employees Association. There being no further corrections, the Mayor directed that the minutes as amended be approved and placed on file. Willstatter moved to accept and place on file; On voice vote, passed unanimdus]y. Conklin seconded. I v.. S T A N D I N G 'C'0~ f~ i]~q~E ~2'~ffPBHYT~S A. F ~_La3Lc2__LXr oEgyt~[_qolam i t~,t,,~9' Recommendation to provide utility deposit refunds to customers with satisfactory payment records. The committee recontn~ended a liberalization of the City policy regarding deposits. Roberrs moved to make auton~atic reftmd of deposits to customers with a two--year satisfactory payment record, effective December 1, 1971. Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. -l- IV. 2. Recommendation to authorize the Jackson County Housing Authority to operate in the City of Ashland. The committee recommended approval of the ftousing Authority operating in Ashland for several reasons: (1) satisfactory performance in Medford; (2) a favorable response on the questionnaire from the citizens of Ashland for such a project; and (3) the recommendation by the League of Women Voters. Roberrs moved to hold over until the next council meeting, as other persons indicated they wished to be heard on the matter; Soderberg seconded. Conk]in moved to amend to have the staff prepare an ordinance authorizing such operation; Wi]]statter seconded. On roll call, both passed unanimously. B. Public Service Committee Although no business }tad been scheduled on the agenda, Conkiln presented a request on behalf of Councilman Roble, who was absent, to restrict the Talent Rural Fire Depart- ment from traveling through Ashland at high speeds and without due caution. Soderbcrg noted this would probably be covered by State Highway laws for emergency vehicles. The Mayor suggested there might be an alternate route, and turned the matter over to the Street's & Traffic Committee for further stndy. C. Streets & Traffic Committee Recommendation relative to request by Barak Biedek for permission to vend hand-made wares from public property. The recommendation of the Committee was to deny the request. Conklin so moved; Willstatter seconded. It was noted the Police Department (Chief tlays) simply wanted clarification from the Council on this matter, and was not objecting to it. Gary Afseth noted it could be a problem if it got out Of hand; ho~.~ever, it could bc of benefit to Ashland in adoling to the "atmosphere". }ie did suggest limits- tions or starelards be imposed, perhaps in the form of a license, to govern these activities. McCannon suggested a permit, with the staff to decide suitability of the applicant's request. Wi]]statter noted that would be discrimination. -2- IV. C. 1. (continued) Mrs. Beck, a resident, objected to "peddling" in general, but suggested a festival or period of time (i.e., a week) in which these sales could take place. On roll call, passed unanimously to deny the request. Recommendation to amend Ordinance No. 1102 to prohibit peddling from public streets, sidewalks, parks and other public places. Soderberg objected to the broad wording of the amendment, in that it would restrict charitable organizations, schools, sidewalk sales, etc. Salter noted "peddling" ~ersus "soljcit.ing") was a case in which a person was approached with wares on hand for immediate delivery/reimbursement. City Administrator Almquist noted the park ordinance already prohibited sales there, but reference could be made to that or noted in the amendment "except as provided in the Park Ordinance (No. )" Conklin stated the intent of the amendment was to protect visitors and persons jn the downtown area from being subjected to constantly being approached on public sidewalks for sales. The Mayor set this for further study. Recommendation to (a) establisb 2-hour parking from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m- jn the City parking lot on Hargadine between First and Pioneer; and (b) to provide a loadjng zone behind the Ashland Flower Shop. Conk]in moved that (a) be set for further study, so that items not previously brought to attention could be considered (such as Theatre matinees); and (b) provide for a loading zone as requested. (Wi]liams of the Flower Shop presented a first set of plans ~ndicat~ng an excavation to allow three parking places behind the Shop; however, no work on this was done and therefore a loading zone was requested.) ~lcCannon seconded. On roll call, passed una~imous]y. Conkiln presented an item not on the agenda: to have six 30 minute zeroes :in various spot~ in the Plaza, at the request of the merchants, i~ order to have some parkring available at a]] times dnring the day, the zones to be placed at the discretion off Public Works. l','i]]stat~er roeveil to ~clopt; Conk]jn secondeta; on roll call, passed unanimously. V. COMMUNICATIONS: Oral from the Audience No new business was presented. VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Wri tten Appeal by the Medford Neon Sign Company from a decision of the Sign Review Board, denying a projecting reader board sign at Cee~D-Jay's Music, 300 E. Main St. City Administrator Almquist suggested this be deferred to the August 17 meeting so that Mr. Brenneman of the Medford Neon Sign Company coxlid be present. The Mayor so deferred. Letter from Mrs. Arnold Niedermeyer, 349 Cambridge Street, relative to Building Division request to remove overheight fence erected on City rright~of-way. This came to attention because the fence obstructed a fire hydrant. The department would be satisfied with the obstructring portion removed or modified to not obstruct. Willstatter made a request that the Planning Commission give recommendations on fences in a specific manner. He then moved to contact the resident and make arrangements to have the hydrant clearrid. Conk]in seconded. Majorie Smith, from the qudience, asked whether the Building Inspector had to approve fences. City Attorney Salter rep]ied that these were covered by zoning ordinances only. City Adminristrato~; A]mquist noted the resident cou]d have applied for a variance, but drid not choose to do so when informed of such rights. Althongh there is no ordinance to specificall), keep fire hydrants clear, they cannot legally be blocked (and in this case, the hydrant had been insta31ed first). On roll call, passed unanimously to contact the resident to have the hydrant cleared. Letter from Mr. Glenn B. Franklin, Jr., 2705 E. Main St. requestring permrissrion to connect home outside of City limits to sewer trunk line on Scenic tli]ls Road. Soderberg felt this was only part of a whole area to be annexed. Conklin noted the past Council had refused aid, as well as Bear Creek Sanitation Authority, and this left a "moral obligation" on the part of the City to take action. Salter noted this was not a legal responsribility. VI. (continued) City Administrator Almquist noted that no fee structure was set up for connects outside the City limits. Soderberg outlined the area desired for annexation; Alsing noted this area was included on a timetable of facilities to be enlarged (reference: the sewer study). Soderberg wanted a General Obligation Bond rather than an increase in sewer rates. Willstatter stated the City could not afford the annexation and outside development was just being snbsidized. Conklin felt this was not a County problem, rather a City one, and that it should be handled on an individual basis; rules should not be hard and fast, but flexible (especially if the present ways were unsafe and polluting). Willstatter said it needed further study; McCannon moved to refer to the Public Service Committee; Conklin seconded; on voice vote; passed unanimously. Petition from Oak Street property owners requesting the installation of street improvements. Soderberg asked what the cost difference would be between the proposed 36' wide street and a 40' wide street, to Which A]sing noted it would be about $2,000. There are two trees which may or may not have to be moved for the 36' wide, and definitely for the 40' wide street. Conk]in noted this was only a secondary arterial, so the extra width might not be necessary. City Administrator Almquist read a proposed resolution setting a public hearing for August 17, 1971 at 8:00 p.m. McCannon moved to pass to a second reading by title only. Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist read the proposed resolut~on by title only. Willstatter moved for adoption; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. The Mayor c0inbined the following items: E. Minutes of Planning F. Minutes of Economjc and July 14, 1971 Commission for July ]2, Deve]opment Cominiss ion 1971. for June 29 Sealerberg moved to accept and place on file; Conk]i~ seconded; on voice vote, passed una~imous]y. VII . SPECIAL AGENDA ITE,NIS A. Unfinished Business Memorandum relative to City/Hospital Coordination, and consideration of proposed Resolution transferring appropriations within funds (continued from July 20, 1971 meeting). Willstatter suggested delaying action until written concurrence was received from the hospital. Soderberg questioned insurance for non-emergency hospital vehicles, and Almquist stated there may be a savings if these vehicles were combined with city vehicles under the same policy (as calls for bids were sent out, rather than obtaining it off the regular market, as the hosp~tal was presently doing). Soderberg moved to a second reading by title only. Roberrs seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist gave the second reading; Conklin moved for adoption; McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously, with Willstatter recommending written concurrence from the Ilospita]. Mayor's appointment of 7~mcmber Airport Committee (continued from July .20, 1971 meeting). The Mayor made the following appointments and requested Council confirmation: John Cady Cliff Chaney Ann Maxwell Tom Parker Bob Reinholdt Glenn Revel Walt Weller McCannon moved to confirm appointments; Soderberg seconded; on roll ca]], passed unanimously. Letter from Tischhauser, Bubb & Co., relative to audit contract for 1971-72. McCannon moved to execute the contract as originally presented; Roberts seconded, Willstatter wanted an amendment to the motion to stipulate a fee of $3,600, saying he had contacted three firms which indicated this would be an acceptable practice. VII. A. 3. (continued) City Attorney Salter indicated that, under the present contract and with the letter just received from Tischharlser, Bubb & Co., no more than $3,600 could be collected, provided there are no "unusual or unforeseen difficulties" which would require extra work. Carried on roll call, with Willstatter ~nd Conk]in dissenting. B. New and Miscellaneous Business 1. Request from Director of Public Works to call for paving bids for 1971 paving program. These were for the following streets previously approved by the Council: Randy, Park, Willow and Glendower. The total cost of construction would be approximately $30,000. Willstatter moved to authorize and CoDk]in seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Reqnest and recommendation from Director of Public Works for authorization for design of domestic water pump station by Come]l, How~and, Hay'es & Merryfield (CH2M) of Corvallis. Alsing noted original plans had been cut back because the budgeted amount could not provide complete services; the City staff would have to pick up these items. Therefore, CH2M was chosen because (1) their services had been utilized previously, and they were familiar with the system; and (2) they could get information more efficiently (i.e., equipment and availability) since they did this type of work all the time. Conklin moved that the Director of Public Works be authorized to execute the agreement; McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unan~mously. Request from Director of Finance to charge dues for Nuclear and Thermal Energy Council to the Utility Fund Operating contingency. City Administrator A]mquist reqrlested this matter be deferred until the Artgust 17 meeting so that f~lr~hcr study coulc] be do~e. ~7- VII. C. Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts An ordinance certifying delinquent benefit assess- ments to the Jackson County Assessor was read by City Administrator Almquist. Willstatter moved that the ordinance be passed to a second reading; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1102, prohibiting peddling from public streets, sidewalks, parks or other public places. This action was deferred per an earlier item on the agenda. A resolution designatiug Guthrie Street as a through street and directing stop s~gns to be placed on Herbert Street at its intersection with Guthrie Street was read by City Administrator Almquist. McCannon moved to pass to a second reading by title only; Willstatter seconded; on ro]l call, passed unanimously. Almquis~ read by title only. Conklin moved for adoption; Willstatter seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist presented a proposed agree- meat with the State ttighway Division for TOPICS Project T-5002(2), for the modification of traffic control on the Wightman Street-Walker Avenue section project on Siskiyou Boulevard. Ashland's share of the cost is 25 percent, or $7500. (This had already been badgered.) Salter noted there was a possibility of spending more than the budgeted amount, after briefly reviewing the agreement. Almquist read a proposed agreemcnt authorizing the Mayor and Recorder to exccutc the agreement. Conk]in moved to pass to a second reading; BicCannon seconded. Soderberg wanted tile City Attorney'~ approval on thc agreement at the next meeting. On roll call, passed unanimously to a second reading. -8- VII C. 5 . Proposed extension of lease granted to the Ashland Civic Improvement Club for property situ~qted on ~Vinbnrn Way. City Administrator Almquist requested that this matter be referred to the Finance & Property Committee for further study. The Mayor so referred. Conklin stated there would be a meeting of the Streets & Traffic Committee on Friday, August 6, at 1:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers with D~. Sours regarding College parking, to which the Mayor and Council were invited. Roberts moved for adjour~ment; ~Villstatter seconded. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m., subject to the call of the blayor. Respectfully submitted, /nck W. E. Bartelt City Recorder/Treasurer