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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1969-0701 REG MINMINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL JULY 1, 1969 The regular meeting of the City Council was held in the Council Chambers of the City Hall on the above date. The meeting was called to order by Mayor McKeen. Councilmen Haines, Jones, O'Harra, Roberts and Willstatter were present. Councilman Cottle was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Haines, seconded by O'Harra that the minutes of the June 17, 1969, regular Council meeting and the June 26 adjourned meeting be accepted and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: None STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Finance & Property Committee - No report b. Streets & Traffic Committee - No report c. Public Service Committee - No report SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: None COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Minutes of the Ashland Development Commission Meeting of June 23, 1969 - Coordinator Soderberg reported that the Development Commission recommended the exercising of two options to the City Council: (1) Hill property for $34,000; (2) Van Dewalker property for $11,000. Coordinator Soderberg explained that both options were within the appraised property values and budgeted amounts. Haines asked if there had been any kind of a traffic flow study made pertaining to the possibility of making South Pioneer a one- way street. Coordinator Soderberg indicated that some preliminary studies have been made; however, this matter is an advanced type project and should be considered thoroughly when the parking lot itself is designed. He further pointed out that preliminary plans have indicated that some revision should be made on South Pioneer in front of the church to make a more even fl0w of ~raffic on Fourth Street. Haines expressed concern that any traffic studies made should be worked out on the basis of total downtown traffic flow. Following some discussion, it WaS moved by Haines, seconded by Roberrs that Council direct the Ashland Development Commission to exercise the options on the Hill and Van Dewalker properties as specified in the Minutes Of the Ashland Development Commission dated June 23, 1969. Jones pointed out that he does not like to approve something of this nature when he has not seen the appraisals or had an opportunity to inspect the property in question. On roll call, carried 4-1, with Jones dissenting. Ceuncil Minutes July 1, 1969 Page Two It was moved by Haines, seconded by O'Harra that the minutes of the Ashland Development Commission dated June 23, 1969, be accepted and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. 2. City Administrator Boshears read a letter from John R. Reid, President, Oak Knoll Corporation, requesting green fee changes at Oak Knoll Golf Course. Mr. Reid explained in his letter that at the present, the fees are $1.50 for nine holes or $2.50 for eighteen on weekdays and $3 for weekend or holiday play regardless of holes played. The proposed change would be $2 for nine holes and $4 for eighteen with no variance for weekend play. Mr. Reid was present and spoke briefly regarding the request. Following some discussion, it was moved by Haines, seconded by Willstatter that Council grant approval of Mr, Reid's request to change green fee rates effective August 1, 1969. On roll call, carried unani- mously. 3. City Administrator Boshears read letter from Bill Hampton requesting permission to paint the curb yellow (one parking space) in front of his new real estate office on C Street. Chief Hays indicated his approval of the yellow curbing. It was moved by O'Harra, seconded by Haines that the matter be referred to the Streets & Traffic Committee for study. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor McKeen brought to Council's attention a letter which had been received by all Councilmen from the Ashland Citizens Housing Committee regarding information on housing authorities and leased housing. No action was taken. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: Unfinished Business: 1. Award of bids - Cast Iron Pipe and Appurten'ances - Public Works Director Alsing reviewed the bids with Council and recommended approval of low bid for the following: Cast Iron Fittings, U.S. Pipe and Foundry Co. $712.71 Fire Hydrants, Budge-McHugh Supply Co. - $2,690.60 NRS Gate Valves, Budge-McHugh Supply Co. - $2,017.23 Cast Iron Pipe, U.S. Pipe & Foundry Co. $12,785.00 It was moved by Haines, seconded by Roberts that bids be awarded to apparent low bidders as recommended by the Public Works Director. On roll call, carried unanimously. 2. Award of bids - 1969 Paving SEason - Public Works Director Alsing indicated two bids had been received: (1) Concrete Steel, $60,592.75; (2) Rogue River Paving, $59,933. He recommended approval of low bidder, Rogue River Paving. Director of Public Works Alsing CoUncil Minutes July 1, 1969 Page Three pointed out that the ~urb and paving estimate is approximately $10/front foot--a little higher than had been anticipated. He indicated that the increase was due to the increased prices in asphalt per ton. Following some discussion, it was moved by Haines, seconded by O'Harra that sufficient legal notice be given to property owners / on proposed assessments only on an estimated basis ($10) and any objections to the assessment be submitted in writing before July 21. On roll call carried unanimously. Award of bids will be deferred until after ~uly 21, 1969. Mrs. Grace Tapp and Dr. Marvin Kochs were present at the meeting to share their recent visit in Guanajuato with the Council and invite the Council to meet two Guanajuato girls arriving Wednesday evening to take part in Ashland's Fourth of July festivities. Dr. Kochs briefly reviewed the schedule of events which included the visiting Guanajuato representitives. He also pointed out that Guanajuato has invited four SOC students to study in Guanajuato for a four- week period, all expenses paid. Unfinished Business (Continued) City Administrator Boshears indicated the City had received a report from Stevens, Thompson and Runyan, Inc., Consulting Engineers, who were retained to inspect the dam at Reeder Gulch. He indicated the report stated that the structure is in safe and good condition; however, several items of general maintenance have been recommended. No action required by Council. Mayor McKeen gave a brief review of his trip to Portland, as a guest of the Portland Chamber of Commerce. He was honored, along with several Mayors throughout Oregon, for his outstanding work in the community. At this time, Councilman Haines presented a proposed ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1588 to eliminate the amortization of signs. During discussion, City Administrator Boshears pointed out that perhaps the Planning Commission should have an opportunity to review the ordinance since it was the preliminary body which held many of the public hearings and did much of the initial work on the Sign Ordinance. Haines indicated he had spent a great deal Of time talking to people who own signs, particularly seeking out people who have not registered their signs. The almost unanimous statement of those people was that they had not registered because they felt registering was forcing them to list their signs merely for the purpose of taking them down. He further stated that by eliminating the amortization schedule, we would have a gradual disappearance of nonconforming signs in the course of time. He pointed out that some people had informed him that they would not vote for a City budget exceeding the 6 percent limitation unless something is done about the amortization schedule. City Attorney Skerry recommended that Council thoroughly review the Sign Ordinance before taking any action. Considerable discussion followed. Mayor Council Minutes July 1, 1969 Page Four McKeen pointed out that an individual suggested to him that a committee be formed to make recommendations to Council regarding changes in the amortization schedule and other aspects of the Sign Ordinance. Following lengthy discussion, it was moved by Haines, seconded by Jones that the ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1588 to eliminate the amortization of signs be passed to second reading. At this point, City Administrator Boshears pointed out that if the motion carried, he would hope that the Council makes it clear that this is not a municipal blackmail measure which has been acted on with the hope of obtaining votes for the July 14 election. He suggested that member representatives of the Planning Commission, the Sign Ordinance Drafting Committee and the ABA meet with the Council before the next regular Council meeting to discuss the amortization schedule. Following more discussion, on roll call, carried 3-2, with O'Harra and Roberts dissenting. Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts: 1. City Attorney Skerry reviewed ordinance calling a public hearing for curb, gutter and paving of Glenwood Drive south of Ashland Street. Public Works Director Alsing pointed out that the petition had been signed by 100 percent of the property owners with the exception of the County, who owns a small portion of land in the subject area. The County agreed to go along with the majority's opinion. It was moved by Haines, seconded by Jones that rules be suspended and ordinance passed to second reading by title only. On roll call, carried unanimously. Following second reading by title only, it was moved by O'Harra, seconded by Haines that Ordinance No. 1613 be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. City Administrator pointed out that no bills would be paid until such time as the City had an adopted budget. Any emergency bills will be brought to Council's attention. Haines indicated that he would like the City Attorney to consider an amendment to the Sign Ordinance regarding the change in ownership of a shop and the conformance of the shop's sign with the Sign Ordinance. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the Mayor. 1cr