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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-1228 SPECIAL MINMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 28, 1971 I. ROLL CALL: The special meeting of the Ashland City Council was called to order by Mayor Charles McKeen at 7:30 p.m. on the above date in the Council Chambers, City Hall, Ashland, Oregon. Councilman Roble was absent; all other members were present. ~, II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: McCannon moved to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of December 21, 1971 and place them on file; Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. III. STANDING COmmITTEE REPORTS: A. Finance and Property Committee: Roberts stated that the request by the A.E.D.C. to expend $389.S0 to enclose the industrial site on Mistletoe Road with security fencing was being continued from the last meeting. He noted there had been questions asked at that time which had not yet been resolved. After considerable discussion regarding a budgetary transfer, McCannon moved that the item be set for the next regular meeting; Conklin seconded. Soderberg recommended acting upon this after consideration of a budgetary transfer, also to be on the next agenda. On voice vote, passed unanimously. B. Streets and Traffic Committee: Conklin presented plans for the proposed TOPICS-funded highway · project on Siskiyou Boulevard from Wightman to Walker Streets. Director of Public Works Alsing elaborated on the two maps prepared by City staff, pointed out the alternate ways of establishing islands and left-turn refuges along Siskiyou Blvd. In Plan 1, the islands would be 22' wide and could create a problem in throwing the edges of the roadway near property lines. In Plan 2, a series of smaller islands only 16-~ wide would allow cars to stack between islands (thus creatingleft- turn duck-outs) in addition to bringing the edges of the highway closer to the center. Alsing noted these islands around light poles could be landscaped, and were quite flexible to allow use as a pedestrian refuge. After Willstatter pointed out this was-a counter proposal to the preliminary plans drawn up by the State, Alsing said the Council should adopt one of the proposed plans in order for the City and State Highway Commission to begin discussions. -1- Special Meeting ~ .and City Council .. _~mber 28, 1971 III. B. 1. (continued) McCannon felt sidewalks were essential, and Soderberg wondered if they could be ~o~tihued out the highway to the Richmaid Ice Cream area, since there was heavy pedestrian traffic at that point; Alsing said this would be stretching the dollars and possibly could be separated into another project, since it would have to include storm drains, etc. McCannon moved to approve Plan 2 for presentation to the State Highway Commission as a preliminary plan; Conklin seconded. Alsing pointed out a proposal should include the Council's suggestions; McCannon stated sidewalks should be definitely included to Walker Street, and Willstatter felt monies should be expended on sidewalks instead of the longer islands. On roll call, passed unanimously for Plan 2. Conklin stated that the Council should determine the delegation to go tb the State Highway Commission hearing on January 11, 1972, relative to Highway 66 and other priorities. He suggested a member of the Council or the Mayor, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and a representative from Southern Oregon College. Since only 15 minutes of time was allotted, each could speak approximately five minutes in support of this. The Mayor stated that, if it were the Council wishes, he would be willing to go, but felt that perhaps a member of the Streets and Traffic Committee--possibly the Chairman, who was familiar with all the details--should go as a Council representative to answer any questions that might arise. Willstatter felt the suggestion of the Mayor was a valid one and that of Streets ~ Traffic Chairman a logical one. McCannon suggested Councilwoman Soderberg as a representative, since she had done quite a lot of work and was very concerned. 'City Attorney Salter recommended that a letter be sent to the S~ate Highway Commission indicating those authorized to speak. McCannon felt the Mayor should delegate who should represent the Council, while Willstatter did not think it was proper to delegate that responsibility. Soderberg stated she had offered her services for some time on behalf of another freeway interchange and agrpe~ H~ghway 66 was important. Some discussion ensued regarding the petition previ6usly submitted on the priority of Highway 66. Soderberg felt the matter of the interchange should still be brought to the attention of the State Highway Commission, even though Highway 66 had been a matter of concern for a long time. Willstatter reiterated Hwy. 66 was whet the people wanted now. s-'zial Meeting ~and City Eouncil L~cember 28, 1971 !II. B. 2. (continued) Conklin moved that the Mayor be appointed to make the presentation to the State 'Highway Commission, along with a representative of the Chamber of Commerce'and the college. Roberrs seconded. Soderberg added that any other citizens of Ashland that would like to attend for support would be welcome, although Conklin pointed out they would not be allowed to participate by the State Highway Commission. It was agreed to hold a meeting of the Streets ~ Traffic Committee to go over the presentation. On voice vote, passed. IV. COMMUNICATIONS: Written An audit report had been received from Tischhauser, Bubb ~ Co. for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1971. Soderberg suggested that, in c~der to more fully utilize the services of the auditor, a meeting might be held with company representatives, the Director of Finance and the City Administrator at a study session. She then moved to accept the audit report and place it on file; Willstatter seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. A petition from residents on Harrison Street (between Iowa and Holly Streets) had been received requesting the Council to take steps to require two (2) parking spaces per unit for proposed apartment developments on Tax Lot 9600, Map 9DB. Willstatter moved to refer the matter to the Planning Commission for their recommendation (Soderberg later seconded the motion). Dr. Lamb, who initiated the petition among residents, was advised by the Planning Commission to take it to the Council. Willstatter pointed out they were an advisory board, and these matters should be referred to them. Conklin felt to single out one development and say they must meet certain requirements (and allow another development to be built without the same) was discriminatory, and there should be an overall plan for both houses and apartments. The Mayor stated a chan~e in the code to require more parking spaces per unit was under consideration. Dr. Lamb said that his primary concern was immediate results. Although he didUnderstand the concern of the Council against discrimination, he felt some- thing needed to be done now. He also said the Council should consider the individual citizens and special circumstances, and asked if the people who live in a neighborhood have.the perog&tive of determining what happens there. Dr. Lamb wanted a moratorium on this unit being developed while a study wa~ being done. Willstatter said he sympathized, having belabored the point for almost three years. His concern was with older homes now chopped up into several apartments. -~ :ial Meeting .el.a d C' y IV. 2. (continued) Conklin felt an immediate moratorium would be unfair to the contractor considering the investment made. Dr. Lamb replied that it was the same as invested in homes there, ~nd possibly the residents had a larger one, considering fire pro- tection and the safety of children. Carl Nielsen introduced himself as the purchaser of the property in question. He stated there was no immediate intention of building on the property, since he had acquired some in a better location that would be worked on first. He emphasized no plans were being made and there were no intentions of applying for a building permit. Mr. Nielsen also cited parking at other properties which he owned, and said there was no congestion and there was no parking on the street. He felt the 235 front feet on Harrison was more than adequate for parking. On driving down Harrison, Mr. Nielsen noted several homes with only one parking space and two or even three vehicles. Dr. Lamb then detailed the amount of vehicles per home and parking facilities. Willstatter said the Planning Commission was needed; this was not just an isolated instance, but amplified the problem. Soderberg seconded the motion to refer the matter to the Planning Commission, and recommended this be made a priority commitment. She pointed out that older homes being revised into apartments caused a lot of problems, and the Commission should consider the number of parking spaces in relation to the number of sleeping quarters. Dr. Lamb agreed that family dwellings also ought to provide more than one parking space. McCannon said the Council would accept Mr. Nielsen's intentions to hold off on a building permit in good faith until such time as the Planning Commission reached a decision in this matter. Mr. Nielsen pointed out that there could not be an Ordinance requiring more parking spaces if you rent to students. On roll call, passed unanimously. City Attorney Salter read a letter from Southern Oregon College petitioning the City of Ashland to vacate Palm Avenue between Siskiyou Boulevard and Ashland Street. Salter noted that the request must be made by 2/3 of the property owners according to Oregon Revised Statutes, and this requirement was met since the college owned 77.3% of the surrounding land. Willstatter had felt that the original correspondence was not sufficient for a petition, but had the City Attorney read a letter~ from the Oregon State System of Higher Education (J~ I. Hunderup, Vice Chancellor) requesting the vacation of Palm Avenue. -4- ~-~-.ial Meeting and City Council Te~ember 28, 1971 IV. 3. (continued) Salter read the Resolution setting a date for a Public Hearing on the proposed vacation for February 1, 1972 at 8:00 p.m. Conkin moved to pass to a second reading by title only, under suspension of the rules; Soderberg seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Salter read by title only. McCannon moved for the adoption of the Resolution; Conklin seconded; on · roll call, passed unanimously. V. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: A. Unfinished Business: Alsing requested Council action on the proposed BCATS Project enumeration and narrative, stating this would be submitted for the preliminary write-up for the final report on the Bear Creek Area Transportation Study. He pointed out the list did not indicate priorities. Soderberg moved to submit the enumeration and narrative, stating these were the ideas under discussion at the Streets & Traffic Committee; McCannon seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. New 1. & Miscellaneous Business: City Recorder Bartelt presented an application from the Black Forest, 1700 Ashland Street, for a change in their Liquor License Application (to include wine). This had been checked out by the Police Department, and Chief Hays stated they did not foresee any problems. McCannon moved to approve the application to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission; Willstatter seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. The applicant asked for the approved copy as sonn as possible, as this also included a renewal application. C. Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts: City Attorney Salter read a resolution setting a hearing relative to a petition for street improvements on Oxford Street from the east sideline of Quiet Village Subdivision No. III to Coventry Street for January 4, 1972 at 8:15 p.m. Although the notice had already been published, the applicants would be signing an agreement waiving any defects in procedures. Salter pointed out this was a 100% petition, but the public hearing would still have to be held. Under suspension of the rules, Conklin moved to pass to a second reading by title only; McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. '-5- ial Meeting As~!and City Council December 28, 1971 V. C. 1. (continued) Conklin moved for adoption of the Resolution. McCannon seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. Z. The Resolution setting a date for a Public Hearing on the vacation of Palm Avenue had been passed earlier. There being no further business, Conklin moved for adjournment; Willstatter seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m., subject to the call of the Mayor. Respectfully submitted, /nck W. F~. Bartelt City Recorder