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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1969-0805 REG MINMINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 5, 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. All Councilmen were present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Haines, seconded by Roberts that the minutes for the July 15, 1969, regular meeting and the July 23 and 31, 1969, adjourned meetings be accepted and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. STANDING COmmITTEE REPORTS: Finance & Property Committee - No report b. Streets & Traffic Committee - No report c. Public Service Co~nittee - No report SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman O'Harra gave a brief report of the last regular meeting of the Hospital Board. He indicated that the Hospital.Board had expressed a desire to meet with members of the Council in the near future to discuss hospital procedures and to familiarize the Council with future plans of the Hospital. It was the decision of the Council that Friday, September 19, 1969, be scheduled for the meeting with the Hospital Board and CounCil. COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Letter from Richard C. Cottle resigning as a member of the Ashland City Council - City Administrator Boshears read Mr. Cottle's letter and brought to Council's attention a second letter from Mr. Cottle explaining the reasons for his resignation and giving his views on the future growth of the City. It was moved by Haines, seconded by Willstatter that Council accept Mr. Cottle's resignation with regret effective this date. On roll call, carried unanimously. It was then moved by O'Harra, seconded by Roberrs that a resolution be prepared thanking Mr. Cottie for his service to the City of Ashland and the community. On roll call, carried unanimously. 2. Letter from the Oregon Insurance Rating Bureau - notification of City grading - City Administrator Boshears read letter indicating that the fire defense grading for the City of Ashland has been completed. The letter further stated that the City has a total of 2,236 deficiency points, which places the City approximately in the middle of the Class 5 category. City Administrator Boshears indicated that he would be able to obtain a copy of the detailed summary of the deficiency points, etc., for further study. The Mayor asked what the ratings Were of nearby cities. Chief Roble indicated that Klamath Falls and Grants Pass are in Class 5; Medford is in Class 4 because of its fire alarm box system. Brief discussion followed. Council Minutes August 5, 1969 Page Two SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: Unfinished Business: 1. 8:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Zone Change No. 19A - Jacobs and Bounds - City Attorney Skerry read ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1361 to rezone certain property to R-l, residential single famil~ to C-l, commercial retail district. Following brief discussion, it was moved by Roberts, seconded by Willstatter that the 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 Haines, seconded by O'Harra that Ordinance No. 1617 be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS: (continued) 3. From Southern Pacific Company - revised petition to permit trains to increase speed within the City - City Administrator Boshears read letter from Southern Pacific Company indicating that the Company will file a petition to increase speed of trains after the last crossing outbound from the City. Mr. Boshears pointed out that the Council previously objected to Southern Pacific's request to increase train speed within the City and transmitted its objection to the Public Utility Commissioner. During the discussion, he pointed out that Helman Street crossing gates have been installed on a 50-50 basis with Southern Pacific and the City was asked to participate in the same manner on Walker Street; however, due to the budgetary problems this year, the City has requested that action on the Walker Street crossing gates be deferred. City Attorney Skerry suggested that the Council reconsider their former action. He pointed out if the Council still wishes to object, the City should be prepared for the time and expense of appearing at a hearing, etc. Following some discussion, the matter was referred by the Mayor to the Public Service Committee for further study. 4. City Administrator Boshears read letter from Harry Arnold, Manager, Varsity Theatre, requesting permission to use two parking spaces directly in front of the yellow zone to the alley way by the hotel. to park two "Love Bugs" in connection with the promotion of the motion picture "The Love Bug." Following some discussion, it was moved by Haines, seconded by O'Harra that the matter be referred to the Streets & Traffic Committee for study. It was pointed out that the dates requested for the parking spaces are August 6-13. On roll call, carried 3-2, with Roberts and Willstatter dissenting.. Unfinished Business: (continued) 2. Cancellation of August 19 Council session and establishment of September Council dates - City Administrator Boshears pointed out~ that Council normally cancels their second meeting in August since this is the time when many of the Council and staff are on vacation. He also pointed out that the first Tuesday in September falls on the Council Minutes August 5, 1969 Page Three day after Labor Day and suggested changing the September meeting dates to the second and fourth Tuesdays. Haines indicated that since the Council has regularly established meeting dates of the first and third Tuesdays of each month, he sees no reason for changing them at this time. He pointed out that he felt the Council had too much unfinished business not to have a second Council meeting in August. No action was taken by Council. At this time, Haines brought up the matter of the Council's request that the Mayor write a letter to the State Board of Higher Education regarding the possibility of appearing at the public hearing at Southern Oregon College on Monday, July 21, 1969. He pointed out that the letter had not been written as requested. Mayor McKeen indicated that every attempt was made by the Mayor and staff to secure a place on the agenda; however, he was informed by State Board officials that it was too late to appear on the July 21 agenda. In addition, the Mayor pointed out that after checking with some Council members, he realized that a planned presentation had not been prepared for the hearing; therefore, he felt it most reasonable not to write the letter. City Administrator Boshears pointed out that he had been in contact with League of Oregon Cities officials regarding the matter of in lieu of tax payments and he has information on the subject which needs to be updated. It was Council's feeling that staff update the presently prepared information and present it for study by Council at the next regular Council meeting. At this time, Mayor McKeen appointed Councilman O'Harra as Chairman of the Finance & Property Committee. 3. Authorization to issue warrants - interim financing for the EDA Shakespeare Expansion Project - City Administrator Boshears indicated that a small technicality requires attention in regard to Council's instructions that lines of credit be established with the bank regarding further issuance of warrants for the interim financing of the OSFA EDA Project. City Administrator Boshears explained that the bank feels under the issuance of warrants, they need to have a budget that has been adopted by this Council for the specific time period of 1969-70--not an accrual type capital improvement fund. This, they feel, is necessary under their require- ments for issuing warrants in the amount designated. It will take approximately three weeks to finalize in that the City must set a hearing date and readopt the budget. Following some discussion, Finance Director Nelson presented the figures reflecting the capital improvement budget totaling $1,238,404. He pointed out that there are no new figures involved--they are figures from the previously adopted and approved budget. Considerable discussion followed. The Mayor referred the matter of studying perspective cash flow figures to the Finance & Property Committee. It was moved by O'Harra, seconded by Roberts that a public hearing be set for August 25, 1969, at 1 p.m. There was some discussion Council Minutes A~gust 5, 1969 Page Four regarding how these funds would be handled through the project account. Council requested that staff obtain written assurance from EDA that the warrants will be acceptable. On roll call on public hearing, carried unanimously. Roberts requested that a progress report be made to Council at regular intervals regarding our compliance with project requirements, etc. Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts: 1. Resolution authorizing membership in Rogue Valley Council of Governments - Mayor McKeen indicated that he had attended meetings of the RVCG regularly and felt it a very worthwhile organization. City Attorney Skerry read resolution authorizing payment of the sum of $150 to the Rogue Valley Council of Governments as membership fee for 1969-70 fiscal year. It was moved by Haines, seconded by Roberrs that the rules be suspended and resolution passed to second reading by title only. Motion carried unanimously. Following second reading, it was moved by Haines, seconded by Roberts that the resolution be adopted. Motion carried unanimously. The Mayor brought to Council's attention the fact that he is presently a nominee for Chairman of the Rogue Valley Council of Governments. 2. Resolution designating "Willing Water Week" - August 10-16. Public Works Director Alsing indicated that the American Waterworks Association each year designates a week to focus attention to water and contributions to cities in that regard. He felt it might be particularly interesting for the City of Ashland to participate this year, placing special emphasis on the work recently completed at the filter treatment plant. Mr. Skerry read resolution designating the week of August 10-16 as "Willing Water Wee~" It was moved by Haines, seconded by O'Harra that the resolution be adopted. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1451 regarding sewer connect fees - Following brief discussion, City Attorney Skerry read ordinance amending Ordinance 1451 to provide that persons failing to connect to a sewer line will pay the sewer rate and fixing penalties for violations. Public Works Director Alsing pointed out that there are several residents in the City who have access to sewer lines but are presently on septic tanks. It was moved by Haines, seconded by O'Harra that the 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 Haines, seconded by Willstatter that Ordinance No. 1618 be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 4. Resolution authorizing agreement with the State Highway Commission for financing of Lithia Park Phase III development - City Attorney Skerry read resolution authorizing Mayor and City Recorder to execute an agreement with the State Highway Commission, Jackson County Council Minutes August 5, 1969 Page Five and the City of Ashland for the Lithia Park Phase III development. It was moved by Roberts, seconded by O'Harra that the rules be suspended and resolution passed to second reading by title only. On roll call, carried 5-1, with Willstatter abstaining. Willstatter indicated he abstained because the Parks & Recreation Director, Mr. Eberhart, was not at the meeting and therefore, could not make a presentation regarding the project, etc. Following second reading by title only, it was moved by O'Harra, seconded by Roberts that the resolution be adopted. On roll call, carried 5-1, with Willstatter abstaining. At this time, Haines brought to the Mayor's attention the fact that aCouncil Chairman needed to be nominated. Nominations were as follows: - - Jones nominated Haines Willstatter nominated Roberts Haines nominated O'Harra O'Harra nominated Jones Councilmen Jones, O'Harra and Roberts declined the nominations. On roll call to elect Councilman Haines as Council Chairman, carried unanimously. At this time, Jones moved to reconsider the request from the Varsity Theatre for two parking spaces in front of the yellow zone. Motion seconded by Haines and carried unanimously. POlice Chief Hays pointed out that there was one parking Space available between the theatre and the Tidings Office. Haines moved to accept the Chief's recommen- dation that one parking space be granted in the designated area. Motion seconded by Jones. Fire Chief Roble pointed out that that particular parking space is yellow zoned and no parking can be allowed. ~aines withdrew his motion and Jones his second. It was then moved by Willstatter, seconded by Roberts that the request be denied. On roll call, carried unanimously. Mr. John Hall addressed the Council regarding the deficiencies in manpower and equipment in the Police and Fire Departments. He expressed concern that crime would increase in Lithia Park without a larger Police force, etc. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned subject' to the call of the Mayor. 1cr