HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967-0322 ADJOURNED MINADJOURNED COUNCIL MEETINT
Public Hearing
March 22, 1967
Members of the Council present: Mayor Neill, Councilmen Baker, Cottle,
Jones, Roberts and Whitham. Councilman Ward was absent.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
Mayor Neill indicated that the purpose of this public hearing was to
give the public the opportunity to express their feelings, ideas and/
or suggestions either in support of or againstthis proposed plan.
At this time, Mayor Neill asked those in opposition of the plan to
speak.
Mr. Clifford Moran, President of the Ashland Independent Motel and Restau-
rant Association, indicated that they were opposed, not to the plan itself,
but to a particular segment of the plan, that being, "A co-ordinator hired
by the City to begin solicitation for motel and convenience center
developerS." Mr. Moran indicated that this must be deleted from the plan
in order for the Association's approval of the plan.
Mayor Richard Neill, at this time, asked for those supporting the plan
to speak.
Mr. William Patton, representing the Oregon Shakespearean Festival, read
a letter from the Board, again emphasizing their endorsement of the plan,
indicating they are willing to do all they can to help the plan become
a realization.
Mrs. Virginia Cotton, Chairman of the Ashland Library Board, read a letter
from the Board of Trustees. The letter commended the planners on all
aspects of the plan, particularly pleased with the future location site
for the new library.
Mr. Lyle Knower, President, Ashland Chamber of Commerce, read a letter
from the Board of Directors, indicating that the Chamber went on record
as unanimously supporting adoption of the downtown revitalization plan
and stands ready to assist in the role of the voice of the business
community. The letter also expressed appreciation to the Committee of 50
for their interest over the past year and commended the City for undertaking
this study.
City Administrator Ayre read a letter submitted by K. Yvonne Mearns,
representing the American Association of University Women, indicating
that they found the plan acceptable, commended the planners and stated that
if the businessmen of the community are in favor of this project, and can
see the possibility of financing it, they would go along. The AAUW also
indicated that they would give their attention and assistance when the
time comes.
City Administrator Ayre read a letter from Mr. Elmer South, representing
the IOOF Lodge. The letter expressed their approval of the plan in
general. The Lodge indicated that they would like to see this plan
expedited with a minimum of federal assistance.
.... lic Hearing
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Mr. Donal P. Rounds, Chairman, Ashland Civic Improvement Association,
read a letter from said group reaffirming its wholehearted recommendation
that the City Council accept the Central Area Plan as a basis for the future
development of Ashland. The letter indicated that the ACIA remains available
to aid in the effecting of this development in any capacities at its
disposal.
Mr. Pierre Roberts, representing the Ashland Education Association, read
a letter in support of the plan as proposed, also indicating their willing-
ness to assist where needed.
City Administrator Ayre read a report from the Ashland Planning Commission
approving the plan. The Planning Commission ~lt the Central Area Plan to
be very commendable for many reasons: retains Ashland's unique character,
modernizes the central business district, provides for needed cultural
and recreational facilities and prepares Ashland to retain its unique
tivability in the face of an accelerating increase in population. The
report also indicated the Commission's readiness to assist in any area
or areas within their jurisdiction.
The question was raised as to why the Planning Commission, at their Public
Hearing, did not discuss the financing of this project. Mayor Neill
indicated that it was not the job of the Planning Commission to delve into
the problem of finances, only the physical aspects of the plan.
At this time, Mro Robert Sullivan asked the Council how this plan is to
be financed. City Administrator Ayre answered by saying this plan will
be financed in stages, just as everything else is phased, over a period
of time. He suggested several different means of raising the money:
revenue bonding, bond issue (bonding capacity of city is such that a
bond issue would be feasible) and parking meter revenue to finance, for
example, parking lots.
At this time, Mr. Lloyd Selby stated that he believed this plan to be good
and he indicated that now is the time to prepare planning for the future of
Ashland. He felt that this is the best plan submitted so far.
Mr. Dick Herndobler expressed his concern over the fact of no loading zones
provided for businesses on Main Street. City Administrator Ayre indicated
that this has been recognized by the planners as a problem and it is to
be given further study.
City Attorney Skerry, at this time, stated that he thought the plan to
be a magnificant one. Skerry indicated that t~s plan accentuates and
stresses the many natural beauty and assets of Ashland.
Dr. E. C. McGill, Chairman of the Committee of 50, stated that it was
his feeling that the people of Ashland had to be behind this plan 100%
before it would be successful.
The question was raised as to what the City will look like during the
ten year building period. City Administrator Ayre said that the 43
phases of the plan are proposed to minimize disruption while building.
The plan proposes to accomplish one project at a time.
Mr. Merrick Thornton asked the Council if any contact had been made with
the State in regard to "C" Street. City Administrator Ayre indicated
that the State was supposed to have gotten some kind of reaction to him
Public Hearing
-3- March 22, 1967
by this evening's meeting, but none had been received. He did say,
however, that the State was not in favor of going back to the two-
way streets, but that if this is what the City desires, they will
probably go along.
At this time, Councilman Jones indicated his opposition to the Plan.
It was his feeling that the property owners should have to pay their
own way. Mr. Jones felt that some of this money should be spent on
repairing Ashland's streets.
Mrs. Virginia Cotton stated that after the plan was underway, and a
coordinator hired, the public should be kept informed of what is
going on.
At this time, Mr. Sherman Gardner, representing the V.F.W., indicated
that he was generally in favor of the plan, but thought there should
be fewer phases.
The question was raised as to why Oak Street had been selected by
the planners as the freeway access into the downtown area. Ayre
indicated that the planners had been undecided between Mountin Avenue
and Oak Street, but finally decided on Oak because it follows Ashland
Creek and would make a more attractive drive.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Neill entertained a motion.
It was moved by Cottle, seconded by Whitham that the City Council adopt
the Ashland Central Area Plan in planning principle, as presented in
the document discussed. On roll call, carried 4-1 with Councilman
Jones dissenting.
The Council unanimously agreed to adjourn subject to the call of the
Mayor.
City Recorder
SRP