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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-0318.CONT.MINMINUTES FOR THE CONTINUED MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL March 18, 1998 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 12:45 p.m., Civic Center Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Councilors Hauck, Laws, Hagen, Reid, and Laws were present. Councilor Wheeldon was absent. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Report on Ashland Creek Turbidity Issues Public Works Director Paula Brown noted her memo, addressing this issue, was included in the council packets. She stressed the community's ownership of Ashland Creek, and expressed her appreciation to JoAnne Eggers for her concern. Stated that temporary solutions are in place. Both Brown and Eggers distributed photos to Councilors illustrating the turbidity issues being discussed. Recognized the need for short term solutions to get through the spring season, and the need to look at longer term measures to address problems. Emphasized that there is not much that can be done during periods of rainfall, but recognized that the issue does need to be dealt with. Questioned the long term use of the Granite Street site as a granite pit, in light of the mixed soils, vegetation, and proximity to the Creek. Eggers noted the location of a storm water pipe at the pit. Stated that she appreciates staff efforts and staff response to this matter. Feels that City employees take pride and expend genuine efforts, but considers this more of a policy issue than one needing work when a problem is identified. Feels that this is a pervasive issue, and that the Council needs to address the protection of Ashland Creek. Emphasized the need to pay attention and look at policy to save time, money and environmental costs in the long run. Suggested that what is needed is an overseer to look at consequences/impacts of city activities to the Creek. Would have to be someone trained, educated and with explicit responsibility for Ashland Creek. Eggers noted that she is committed to supporting the City in taking responsibility, and while there have been many interruptions preventing the Council from addressing Creek issues, these issues must be brought up now. Discussion of the interruptions, transitional periods and the need to put Valdez Principles into practice on this issue. Noted that Creek oversight could be applied to private as well as public projects. Stated that Roca Study is the first step in addressing all drainages and watercourses within the City. Councilor Laws noted the broad state of transition within society where humans are realizing they must look at the effects of their actions. Councilor Reid suggested the Roca Study as example of using experts outside of government to help with projects of this nature, and stated that she is committed to using this study as a model in future endeavors. Public Works Director Brown stated that work is currently being done on a Storm Drain master plan, and the Roca Study will be used as an example. JoAnne Eggers recommended that those interested in these issues refer to Department of Environmental Quality booklets and pamphlets from 1992-94 dealing with management practices, concerns and legal practices. Continued City Council Meeting 03-18-98 Councilor Hagen noted the conspicuous absence of the environmental community on issues such as LID's. Cited the Strawberry Lane LID as an example, since run-off from an unpaved road there lead to sedimentation into the stream channels and had an affect on air quality as well. Authorization of City Council for termination (or adjustment) of two easements on newly created lots in the Fordyce Street area. Councilor Reid asked if all easements for public right-of-way, open space, parks, neighborhood, etc. are in place. Brown stated that they are in place, and that the matter before council is one easement termination and one easement adjustment. All other necessary easements are in place. Councilors Reid/Hauck m/s to authorize the termination/adjustment of two easements on newly created lots in the Fordyce Street area. Voice vote, all AYES. Motion passed. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS 1. Second reading by title only of "An Ordinance Adding Title 16 to the Ashland Municipal Code to Regulate, Facilitate, and Provide for Telecommunications within the City of Ashland." Councilors Hagen/Reid m/s to adopt ordinance #2814. Roll call vote: Reid, Hagen, Laws, DeBoer and Hauck, all YES. Motion passed. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Shaw adjourned the meeting at 1:10 p.m. Barbara Christensen, City Recorder Catherine M. Shaw, Mayor Continued City Council Meeting 03-18-98