HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/01/02 Council - Reg. Minutes MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
October 1, 2002, 7:00 p.m.
Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor DeBoer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Councilor Laws, Hartzell, Jackson, Morrison, and Hearn were present. Councilor Reid was absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 17, 2002 were approved as presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
Proclamations of "Disability Employment Awareness Month" and "Fire Prevention Week" were read
aloud.
Mayor acknowledged a student from Phoenix High School.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
2. Liquor License Application from Mark Thomas dba Louie's Bar & Grill located at 41 North
Main Street.
3. Confirmation of Mayor's appointment of Jack Catron to the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission
for a term to expire April 30, 2004.
Councilors Morrison/Jackson m/s to approve Consent Agenda. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion
passed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (None)
PU .~ILIC FORUM
Kirk Tierney/no address/Shared scripture. Read reference to Declaration of Independence.
Eric Navickas/711 Faith Ave/Spoke regarding discussed proposals for Affordable Housing and how he
felt the city was moving in the wrong direction. He opposed the proposed development of the Willow
Wind property as affordable housing. He felt that because the land was purchased by the school district
for educational purposes, it should be kept specifically for this purpose. He voiced his desire that this
land be developed as a working farm and opposed to providing city services to this property. He also
spoke regarding the selling of city property and how it relates to Affordable Housing. He spoke regarding
the Big Box Ordinance and sited several areas that he was opposed to. He urged the city to follow the
example of the City of Portland by using a percentage tax on all real estate transactions.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None)
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
1. Purchase of Liberty Street Open Space Property.
Community Development Director John McLaughlin briefly explained the purchasing of this property
and how it met the goals of the Open Space Program. He explained that this property would contain a
portion of the T.I.D. ditch and by having a trail easement off Liberty Street, it would provide a trail to the
ditch. The city would be obtaining a trail easement at the upper end of Liberty Street that would assure
public access in the future. He presented a map that indicated the location of the property and the
placement of the trail that would be open to the public. He noted that there are opportunities to loop trails.
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Morrison noted that this property is on the acquisition list for the Open Space Plan.
Councilors Hartzell/Morrison m/s to approve staff recommendation to purchase the Liberty Street
property for approximately $115,000 to be charged to the Open Space Funds. In addition, to
authorize the Mayor and staff to execute all documents necessary for the purchase, the division of
the property and the conveyance of a portion to the neighbor. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion
passed.
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
1. First reading of "An Ordinance Adding Chapter 2.17, Public Arts Commission, to the Ashland
Municipal Code."
Council held lengthy discussion and debate regarding several sections of the proposed ordinance.
Proposed changes, deletions, correction of grammar, clarity of purpose and intent, addition of pursuing
grants for public arts and outside funding, use of staff time and question of department responsibility for
this ordinance was properly noted.
Bruce Bayard/621 A Street/Spoke as a proponent for this commission and a member of the study group
that brought forward the proposal for an Arts Commission. He explained what the study group was trying
to accomplish and clarified that the intent of the commission was to advise and to be used as a resource.
He stated that the intent of the commission was not to act as booking agents for performing arts groups,
but would like to leave open the option of participating in dedications, events, etc.
Council agreed to bring the ordinance back for first reading next month which would allow staff time to
bring forward a draft with the discussed changes. The council was encouraged to contact staff with any
further suggestions for change.
Eric Navickas/711 Faith Street/Spoke in favor of proposed Arts Commission and brought forward
suggestions for the council to consider. He noted that the City of Medford has an Arts Commission and
allows for funding of this Commission.
2. Second reading by title only of "An Ordinance Authorizing the Mayor to add Student Liaison
Members to Commissions and Committees."
Councilors Laws/Jackson m/s to approve Ordinance//2889. DISCUSSION: Clarification on length
of appointment and replacement of members was made. Morrison voiced favor for youth liaisons and that
they should be voting members. He stated that he would continue to advocate voting privilege for these
liaisons. Roll Call Vote: Jackson, Laws, Hearn and Morrison, YES. Hartzell, NO. Motion passed 4-1
OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS (None)
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder/Treasurer Alan DeBoer, Mayor
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