HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-1018.CONT.MIN MINUTES FOR THE CONTINUED MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
O~tober 18, 2000, 7:00 p.m.
Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street
Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck and Hanson were present; Wheeldon and Fine were absent.
PUBLIC FORUM
Bob Tuber/97 Scenic DrivdReed the following statement used to gather signatures: 'We the undersigned support the
library bond measure to provide the community with a new resource center and the upgrading of the existing historic
library. We do not support any plan that requires the clear-cutting of the existing mature ~'ees and landscaping on the
property next to the existing library. We maintain that people did not receive adequate public review and input. As a
result, the bond levy was passed without an informed vote of the people in accord with democratic procedures. We were
completely unaware that the removal of this urban forest wus a nacessary condition of this development. We request
that you, our elected council, stop this project until a thorough public review has been accomplished and the citizen's
will is determined to assure majority approval of the clear-cutting of this urban forest as a condition of this project."
Taber presented a petition with 1,400 concerned Ashland residents' signatures and fe It that this is a substantial statement
of the feelings of the people of Ashland. He noted that the people who signed the petition were angry, and stated they
were completely unaware that there would be clear-cutting. He feels there was a lack of public process, and there was
no disclosure for a project of this magnitude. Tuber requested that the council use its power to stop the project until a
thorough public review has been accomplished, and the citizen's will is determined to assure majority approval.
l~rbara Ryberg/373 Vista/Noted her participation in the process of the Library expansion from the very beginning.
She noted that the Carnegie (library) is a centerpiece of the project, and she would like to see it preserved and expanded.
In addition, there is no tree ordinance protecting ~rees. She does not feel that signatures on a petition are a substitute for
a law. The park is 6/10tbs of a landscaped acre and not an urban forest with old-growth ~'ees like the hillsidas
surrounding the city. She noted the overcrowding and illness of the old trees, and noted that new trees would be planted
during the expansion. Ryberg commented on the democratic process and if the votes on the petition are accepted, it
is like saying the people who voted on the levy do not count.
Erik Naviclu~/711 Faith/Noted that he voted for the library expansion, and added he was unaware of the intent to
remove the ~'es. He described examples from other cities maintaining urban parks, and how they benefit the health of
the communities. He feeis that this is an atrocious proposal and is appalled that the City is supporting the plan. He does
not feel that the current plan is supportive of the Carnegie design, but is actually destroying the concept of the building.
Don Reynolds/64 Graham/Commented on how the focus was to maintain the Carnegie design. He stated that the
newspaper published a picture, and a model was available for viewing within the library. He feels there has been
enough discussion, and it is t/me for the changes to go through.
Bryon Holley~324 Liberty St/Read statements from the October 3 council meeting which included the following
statement from Bob Taber, "They didn't have the slightest idea they were voting for this." Shaw responded that the
tree issue was way in the forefront of the entire campaign, and was very much a part of any discussion. Holley
described emall conversations with Barbara Ryberg, where he had requested information about removal of the trees,
and that after more than fourteen months, he still had not received a map designating the ~rees for removal. He
requested that the ~rees to be removed be marked more prominently. Holley requested a map, and an article in the
newspaper, along with the date the trees will be removed so that he could hold a vigil.
Frank Towner/1120 Oak KuolYQuestioned whether the council had the legal right to take action, given that the voters
passed the library levy, he does not think the council has any authority to do se.
Bob Wilson214 N 2'~, Talent/As the Ashland librarian, he presented himself to answer any questions, and stated that
the majority of the voters chose to keep the Carnegie. He explained that In order to do so, there had to be compromises
on the trees, parking, and building design. He noted that handicap access is provided, which does not now exist, and
that it is important to move on and save the Carnegie
Council Meeting 10/18/00 Page 1 of 2
John Sexton/264 Alta/Commented on how he wes initially uncomfortable with the location of the library, but that
~/ccording to a 1990 survey, them was public desire for the library to remain on Gresham. He felt that to shift the
building, in order to save the trees, would only shift the focal point and purpose of the library in the community. He
stated that many compromises were made in order to keep the location of the library, and it is an historic, symbolic, and
meaningful building in the community.
Amy Blossom/140 Susan L~ne/Noted that she is an employee of the library, and hes been involved in the process for
the library expansion from the beginning. She shared the process that the committee took to involve the public, which
included direction f~om a landscape architect who worked with the committee in addressing concerns the pub lic brought
forward. She stated that the plans are currently displayed at the library for anyone seeking information.
Laws voiced his value of trees, but that Uees must be put into perspective. He did not feel that the ttees surrounding
the library were an urban forest. He stated that it is important, to the value of the city, in maintaining a canopy of trees,
but that there are other values that noed to be considered. These values include the architecture and design of the
building, and the dissemination of knowledge. In addition, he noted he would like to relocate the library elsewhere, but
due to community support, it will remain where it is. Ne noted that everyone wes welcome to come forwaid during the
design of the building, that the community voted on the library, and agreed to the project. I-Ie stated that, unless there
is convincing evidence that something wes done wrong, he could not recommend the council make any changes.
Shaw clarified for the council that there wes a 62% voter turn out for the election, and 80% of those voted yes on the
levy.
Reid felt that it was not the option of the council to overturn the vote of the community. She noted her concern with the
city setting an example with this project and at the same time ~eveloping a strict ~ee ordinance. Hauck noted that the
ttee ordinance currently under draft does take into account the process of removing the ttees at the library. He agreed,
along with Hanson, that they are not inclined to change anything at this point.
Shaw explahied that the idea of having an extension to the library at ano~ther location created essociated costs which
made the idea impossible. She noted that she had reviewed the planning action for the last year, and over 600 trees were
removed in the name of private property rights+ Sbe stated that the Tree Commission hes bean urged to come up with
a tree ordinance addressing these concerns. Shaw felt that it would take a vote of the county, not the city, and suggested
that the only option would be to circulate a petition county wide, placing the entire county library meesure back to a
vote of all of the citizens of Jackson County.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None)
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1. Council Meeting Look Ahead.
City Administrator Greg Scoles noted that an update on the status of AFN was added to the November 8, Study Session.
Reid noted her knowledge of people in Talent interested in connecting to AFN. Scoles stated more information would
be available at the meeting.
2. Designation of voting delegate for Annual Business Meeting at League of Oregon CRies Conference.
Hanson wes designated es the delegate.
OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
d 1:00 p.m.
~ar~oara Christensen, City Reeorder/Treesurer
Catherine M. Shaw, Mayor
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