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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-0817 REG MINREGULAR MEETING AStlLAND CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17, 1971 I. ROLL CALL The regular meeting of the City Council was held in the Council Chambers, City Itall, on the above date at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor McKeen; on roll call, Councilman Roberrs was abseut due to an accident; all others were present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of August 3, 1971 Regular Meeting Willstatter moved to accept the minutes and place on file; Conklin seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. III. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Month of July Willstatter questioned an item on Page 2 of the Electric Depart- ment reDoft regarding Phase 1I work. Conklin moved to accept the report, with the exception, and place on file. McCannon seconded; on voice vote~ passed unanimously. IV. STANDING COMiMITTEE REPORTS A. Finance & Property Committee Soderberg recommended extension of the lease to be granted to the Parks Commission and the Ashland Civic Improvement Club for property situated on Winburn Way. Roble pointed out the ladies had spent a considerable sum of money to bring the building up the state fire regulation standards. He suggested there should be some indication in the lease of who was to pay for any future improvements required by law, and that the City should share in such expenses. Mr. Van Dyke, attorney for the Civic Club, noted the ladies had thought the building belonged to them, and had given regular maintenance and even bought furniture. They requested that the City put in (at its own expense) an electric meter and that the Parks Commission pay S40 with the meter or $50 without. They also requested that half the cost of painting the exterior be shared. Mr. Van Dyke fe]t a provision should be made for paying utilities--perhaps on a percentage basis. IV. A. 1. (continued) Willstatter moved that this be referred to the Finance & Property Committee, and that the City Attorney negotiate an acceptable lease before presenting it to the Council. Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. Soderberg moved to recommend approval of expenditures for secretarial services provided by the Chamber of Commerce from the Economic Development Fund as requested by the Economic Development Commission, and also that regularly budgeted items from the EDC for everything except developmental activities be paid as submitted. McCannon seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. Soderborg presented a request to authorize expenditures for a base map for the City of Ashland Industrial Area. This was recommended for approval, along with a request that the EDC take requests under consideration from any citizen (or businessman) who wishes to bring industry to town that may have a projected plan for industrial development. Willstatter ~uestioned whether it was legal to spend money to advertise privately-owned property, to which Salter replied he had reservations and would check. Soderberg ~,~ove~ to place this matter on the agenda for the next regular Council meeting and get a legal opinion from the City Attorney. ~cCannon seconded~ on voice vote, passed unanimously. B. Public Service Committee Although there had been no reports scheduled on the agenda, Roble wanted to commend the Talent Rural Fire Department for its cooperation with the City of Ashland regarding its route through town in keeping the vehicles under control and operating in a safe manner. C. Streets & Traffic Committee Conklin recommended the establishment of one-way traffic on Water Street from "B" Street to North Main Street, and moved to ]lave a Resolution prepared. Roble seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Conklin recomn~ended paving or oiling and marking parking places on the old Cascade M-D property at the end of "B" Street. This area could be used for parking to lessen tile load on the new Plaza area. He so moved, and Wjl]stattcr seconded. On ro]l call, passed unanimously. IV. Conklin recommended to prohibit left-turnmovements across traffic at the Plaza exit to Oak Street. Alsing said it would l~ave to be checked with the State Highway Division, but would probably be all right, as it would facilitate the flow of traffic. Conklin moved to prepare a Resolution; Roble seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Another recommendation by Conklin was to have a traffic light installed at Walker and Highway 66, and to try to work it in with the TOPICS project. A lady from the audience stated they had been trying to get one there for several years due to the safety hazard for school children, and urged the Council to press the issue. The Mayor noted the plans as he had seen them did include such a traffic signal already. V. COMMUNICATIONS: Oral from the Audience No new business was presented. VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Written ;Villstatter moved to accept the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of July 26, 1971 and place on file. Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. VII. SPECIAL AGENDA JTEMS A. Unfinished Business Letter appealing the decision of the Sign Review Board by the Medford Neon Sign Company, representing Cee-D-Jay's Music at 300 E. Main Street (continued from the August 3 meeting). There was some discussion as to whether the proposed sign met the definition of a "bulletin" versus "reader" board sign. Conklin stated the concept of reader board was different and moved that the sign should be allowed. Chuck Ramp, of Cee-D-Jay's Music, said there had been a lack of cooperation on the part of the Sign Review Board, and that they had been in business for three months without beinp, allowed a sign, which was btlrtin~ business. Jim Ragland frc,m the Sign Review Board defended their decision, stating that if approved there would be no control over a changing-type s~gn. VII. A. 1. (continued) Soderbcrg questioned whether an overhanging sign would be a safety hazard or be distracting to traffic. She also noted this would be setting a pre- cedent for reader board-type signs all down the street. Willstatter wanted the sign ordinance revised to take care of the many exceptions in it. On roll call, passed 3-2, with McCannon and Soderberg dissenting. Request from Director of Finance Nuclear & Thermal Energy Council Operating Contingency (continued meeting). to charge dues for to the Utility Fund from the August 3 City Administrator Almquist noted that, after an investigation of the matter, the fee would have to be paid. Soderberg moved to have the Director of Finance make payment and charge the fund accordingly; Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed with Willstatter dissenting. and Miscellaneous Business 8:00 p.m. Public.!Iearin_K: Proposed vacation of an alley easement on land owned by IIi]lah Temple, adjacent to the Lithis Park Extension project. This was in regards to a driveway for the park extension. City Administrator Almquist noted the sidewalk was not being vacated by the City. Willstatter said it was an inequitable exchange to trade over 1,000 feet for only 112 feet, and was unjust to the City. He also stated a vacation was irreversible. McCam~on felt the part being traded by the City was of less value than that being received. Conklin noted no taxes were being paid on this large piece of land either by the City or Hillah Temple. He then asked the Council's permission to refrain from voting on this issue due to a conflict of interest (in that he is a member of Hillah Temple). City Administrator Aimquest noted there would not be adequate access without the land, and that the area being traded by the City was not critical to the parIcing area or the Park Extension. The Mayor deferred this matter to the Streets & Traffic Committee for further study. -4- VII . B. 2. Public IIear~ng: Proposed annexation of property situated on the north side of Hwy. 66 east of Tolman Creek Road for the Oregon College of Art (Richard Walsh, applicant). City Administrator Almquist noted the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the annexation be approved. ~r. Walsh had agreed to pay an annexation fee of one cent per square foot prior to annexation of the land. and to absolve the City from responsibility for the bonded debt of the Talent Rural Fire Department. Willstatter did not feel the City could afford to annex. Salter noted ~r. Walsh was agreeable to entering into a contract to meet conditions which would satisfy the City. Con~lin moved that the annexation be allowed and an Ordinance prepared. Soderberg seconded; on roll call, passed with Willstatter dissenting. Public Hearing: Proposed improvement of the S.P.R.R. to Nevada Street with curbs, paving. Oak Street from gutters and City Administrator Almquist noted a been issued to residents noting the exceed $3.95 per..." revised notice had cost would "not A gentleman from the audience, in favor of the paving but opposed to curbs, felt there would be more traffic and speeding on the street. Soderberg moved that the proposed improvement be for a 40-foot wide (rather than 36 feet) street; Willstatter seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. Alsing noted the City funds would be used to pave the extra width (about $2,000 extra). Funding would be available for storm drains from this year's budget, and for paving from next year ' s. Request by Councilwoman Soderberg to schedule a study session to establ~sl~ 5- and ]O-year capital improvement funds to provide for the orderly growth of Asialand and to establish council policies and set priorities for projects, based on: a. greatest needs b. cost and funding available c. retaining historical qualities of City VII. (continued) She requested that the Council, Boards and Commissions get together to study these items and bring matters up for Council consideration: a. Water service plan (for inside existing and one mile radius surrounding the city limits). b. Comprehensive plan. c. Sewerage plan (for inside existing and one mile radius surrounding the city limits). d. Zoning plans for future expansion of city limits and an evaluation of existing zoning with the City e. Review of industry--tourism, light industry and the college. Soderberg noted there could be assistance from the County, state or federal governments for these studies. She moved to set the meeting; Conklin seconded; on voice vote', passed unanimously. The Mayor then set the study session for Tuesday, August 24. C. Ordinances, Resolutions and Contracts First reading of Ordinance authorizing the Jackson County Housing Authority to olDerate in Ashland pursuant to the United States Housing Act of 1937 was read by City Administrator Almquist. McCannon moved to approve and pass to a second reading; Soderberg seconded. McCannon gave several reasons for authorizing the ttousi~g Authority to operate: a. Real need to help low income persons. He noted there were 107 dwellings in Ashland that rented for less than $40/month--and in poor living co~ditions. b. Support of League of Women Voters for the project. c. No problems in Medford, in talking with their C~ty Manager. d. According to results of the questionnaire, the citizens of Ashland felt something should be done about low- income housing. e. A headline said the U.S. Govt. would deny federal aid to communities barring ~trFr~m~Trrc housing aid for the poor. Soderherg said the Director of HUD ~n Portland had confirmed this last statement, saying the stipulation was true and any application for grants for public service can be turned down. Conklin noted Ash]and was presently supplying service to low-inco~ae or needy persons. The 236 prograin provided apartment dwellings (and a lady from the audience said the 235 program had been phased out due to lack of funds).. CoDhlin also noted there was no funding available for the Jackson Cmn~ty tlous]ng Authority to operate. VII . C. 1. (continued) A gentleman from the audience was opposed to the Authority due to his bad experience in finding suitable housing. ttis opinion was that this would create an overabundance of apartment houses and would require more City services, the burden of which would lie on the middles class homeowner. He also felt the program would allow a lot of people to come in for rent subsidy and thus lower the standards of the community. Willstatter did not oppose low-income housing per se, but was against the Jackson County Housing Authority. Since the City of Ashland does~ have its own Uniform Building Code, it would necessitate adopting one from anotber~city/county. Soderberg did not feel the City should "turn its back on a'need in the community". There were persons with limited income, such as retirees, whose pensions did not keep up with the cost of living ~ncrease. Jessie Fitch of the audience pointed out that this was strictly a volunteer program--the owner would come to them--and only for existing buildings. If new buildings were made, it would entail a separate agreement. Also, property was kept on the tax rolls, an advantage. Provisions were made to allow present tenants to pay full rent.and live in the same building; new rentals would be made only to persons who qualified. Conklin questioned the impact on the rental market in Ashland; he opposed buying the "whole package". McCannon felt it would encourage owners of property in sub-standard condition to improve them. tie noted the tenant would not be paying more than 25% of his income for rent--the federal government would pick up the rest. Another lady noted the Ilousing Authority would not consume housing, but rather start the road to building more housing for everyone. On roll call, McCannon & Soderberg approvcd; Roble, Willstatter and Conklin dissented. Motion denied. City Administrator Almquist gave the first reading of an Ordinance ordering improvement of Oak Street from the S.P.R.R. to Nevad3 Street. Willstatter moved reading; McCannon unanjmously. to approve and pass to a second seconded. On ro]] call, passed -7- VII. C. 3. The City Administrator gave the second reading of an Ordiuance certifying delinquent benefit assessments to the Jackson County assessor. Conklin moved to adopt the ordinance; Willstatter seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Second reading of a Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Recorder to execute Agreement with the State Highway Division for TOPICS Project T-5002(2), for modification of traffic control on the Wightman Street & Walker Avenue section project on Siskiyou Boulevard was given by City Administrator Almquist. City Attorney Salter had reviewed the agreement from a legal standpoint, and found nothing objectionable. He consulted Alsjng, who found no engineering problems. Salter noted the agreement was vague on cost, but it was pointed out by Almquist that the City's engineering department would be working with the State Highway Division. There was reasonable assurance the cost would not exceed 20 percent. Conklin moved that the Resolution be read, under suspen- sion of the rules, by title only. Willstatter seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist gave the second reading by title only. McCannon moved for adoptjon; Conkiln seconded; on roll call, passed unan~- raously. A resolution establishing a loading zone behind 130 E. Main Street and six 30~minute parkjng zones in the Plaza was read by the City Administrator. Under sus- pension of the rules, Conkljn moved to pass to a second reading by title only. McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almqujst gave the second reading by title on]y; Rob]e moved for adoption; Conklan seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. Soderberg moved that the Resolution commending Faith McCullough for faithful service be placed on the next a~enda in order that ~lrs. McCu]lou~h and frSends might be present. Conklan seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously to defer to the next meeting. -8- The following items had not been but due to time factors involved, them for Council action: scheduled for the even~ng's agenda, the City Administrator presented The low bidder for paving on Glendower, Park, Randy and Willow Streets was Concrete Steel Corporation. Their bid was 1/2 percent below the engineer's estimate. Conklin moved to axcard the contract; Soderberg seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. A request from the Ashland High School Rally Squad for waiver of. the bond and license fee for a teen dance to be held at the Ashland Armory was presented. Roble moved that the request be granted after approval by the Police Department; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimous ly. A request from Alsing to authorize the Public Works depart- merit to submit a bid to the City of Medford for surplus property, involving a sev~age pumping station at a greatly reduced price. Water superintendent Ed Fallen had inspected the equipment and found it to be in good condition. Alsing noted plans were already in process for a pumping station for which such equipment would be needed. The original cost of the equipment was $14,000, and the C~ty of Ashland could possibly obtain it for approximately $3,000 (the exact figure was not revealed due to sealed bids requested). Conklin moved to authorize the submit a bid for the equipment; voice vote, passed unalqimously. Public Works Department to Wl].lstatter seconded; on Roble moved for adjournment; Willstatter seconded. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m. st~bject to the call of the Nayor. Respectfully submitted, W. E. Barte] t City Recorder/Treasurer /rick