Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-1103.REG.MINMINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL November 3, 1998 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m., in the Civic Center Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Wheeldon, and DeBoer were present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting of October 20th, 1998 were approved as presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS None. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees. 2. Authorize additional Federal Funding for the Central Ashland Bike Path project. Councilors Hauck/Wheeldon m/s to accept the consent agenda. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Adoption of the Transportation System Plan (excluding Chapters 10, 11 & 12 relating to the Financing Plan) as part of the Ashland Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Element. Director of Community Development John McLaughlin provided background information. Noted that this is an implementation measure, over the next twenty years, as part of the Transportation Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Explained that cities of Ashland's size are not required to prepare financing plans, but that this was done based on the likelihood of available funding over the next 20 years. Stated that these portions need not be adopted by the Council, as they are dependent on available funding, and are above and beyond what is required by state law. Noted that the Planning Commission recommended changes in a memo that was sent to the Council in the packet materials. Explained that Councilor DeBoer had recommended the addition of a North Mountain Avenue freeway interchange, but that the Planning Commission chose not to include this in their recommendations. Councilor Wheeldon happy with plan, suggests looking at "soft element" to discuss items to be done that won't cost a lot in order to make the most of available resources. Suggested she would be willing to be involved. McLaughlin suggested that this could be included as an implementing item, and noted that they will be preparing 2-5 year short term plans. Clarified that Wheeldon wanted a committee to look at the implementation of pieces that are low or no cost. Shaw noted disappointment that North Mountain recommendation for interchange was not embraced by the Planning Commission. Stated that with increased development, she feels that it is unfair not to include an interchange. Public hearing opened at 7:16 p.m. No speakers came forward. Public hearing closed at 7:16 p.m. City Council Meeting 11-03-98 1 Council discussion of the need for a freeway interchange for North Mountain Avenue. Noted concerns that current configuration would funnel interchange traffic directly past the high school. Councilor DeBoer emphasized that he would like to see this included in the twenty year plan, even if it were a half interchange to supplement the current interchanges. McLaughlin explained for Councilor Wheeldon that funding would be from federal monies, through the state, and would not likely be approved given traffic counts. Stated that funding would have to be found locally if an interchange was desired sooner. Explained that in any event, a proposed interchange would have to meet federal and state warrants. Councilor Wheeldon stated that she would not want an interchange included in the plan if it would compete with the Nevada Street bridge. Mayor Shaw and Councilor DeBoer concurred. Councilor Laws questioned the possibility of including wording in the Transportation System Plan to keep the possibility of an interchange open in future designs. McLaughlin confirmed that this was in place with the existing street standards, and the construction of an interchange would only require retrofitting of the existing streets. Mayor Shaw noted that the Nevada Street bridge is important, but stated that it would compromise the quality of life in the neighborhood if the interchange were not constructed as well. Councilor Wheeldon disagreed, noting that the freeway interchange's being constructed is unlikely. Councilor Laws stated that in any case, traffic will need to be routed through the area before an interchange is constructed. Mayor Shaw suggested that some sub-text in the Plan indicate that future road development must take into account the possibility of an interchange. Councilor Hauck stated that this would require changes in the Transportation Element. Emphasized that there is no realistic possibility of this item being completed in the next twenty years. Mayor Shaw urged that no freeway commercial development be allowed around the interchange. McLaughlin confirmed that because the location is within the City limits, this can be done as part of the Comprehensive Plan. McLaughlin asked Council to clarify for staffwhat wording they would like to have included in the Transportation System Plan. Councilor Laws suggested that it be indicated that future streets in the area not be designed so as to preclude the eventual construction of an interchange. Councilors DeBoer/Reid m/s to include a narrative reference to a freeway interchange or half-interchange at North Mountain Avenue (just a reference) which includes the comment that no commercial development will be allowed. Roll call vote: Laws, Reid, and DeBoer, YES. Hauck and Wheeldon, NO. Motion passed 3-2. Staff was directed to draft an ordinance for the Council's adoption to implement the plan, as amended above. Council discussion of the language used with regard to "avenues" and "half-streets". 2. Amendment of portions of the Physical and Environmental Constraints Chapter of the Ashland Land Use Ordinance, specifically relating to Hillside Development Standards. McLaughlin provided background information, noting the on-going appeal by the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors. Stated that the Hillside Ordinance, as originally adopted, is in use and being enforced. Public hearing opened at 7:41 p.m. John Freedom/150 Nursery St./Stated that he attended the Planning Commission meeting, and supports the proposed changes. Emphasized the need to be cognizant of the environment and to protect our natural resources. Expressed concerns after witnessing recent decisions with regard to development. Stated that while he favors development and private property rights, he also favors Ashland's historic concept as a small, pleasant village in Southern Oregon. Feels that the strategic planning process discussed earlier, with the determination of a defining vision and identification of collective values, will help to galvanize the City. Emphasized the importance of strategic planning both for its role in City Council Meeting 11-03-98 2 defining vision and values and in achieving goals and objectives. Urged that decisions with regard to development need to fall within acceptable values that do not change the City's future. Approves of the changes taking place in this ordinance, and recognizes the importance of structuring a vision of the future. Stated that the Planning Commission cannot be held fully responsible for development, and noted that there are more resources available. Suggested that the City may need to expand the role of existing commissions to address development with reports. (Mayor Shaw clarified City processes relative to development and the role of the existing commissions.) Mayor Shaw read a letter from David J. Hunnicutt, the attorney for Oregonians in Action, into the record. Public hearing closed at 7:54 p.m. City Attorney Paul Nolte confirmed for the Council that procedurally, letters need not be read if a copy is included in the record. First reading of"An Ordinance Amending the Physical and Environmental Constraints Chapter (Chapter 18.62) of the Ashland Municipal Code to Make Certain Sections Clear and Objective." City Administrator Mike Freeman read this item in its entirety. Councilors Reid/Hauck m/s to move the ordinance to a second reading. Roll call vote: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Wheeldon, and DeBoer, YES. Motion Passed. PUBLIC FORUM No speakers came forward. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Council Meeting Look Ahead. Freeman noted that item # 18, the study session on water planning, has been scheduled for December 7th at 7 p.m. It was also stated that the public hearing and decision on the water plan have been scheduled for the regular meeting of December 15th. Councilor DeBoer stated that he would like to finish with the LID issue before the end of the year if at all possible. 2. Update on the Implementation of Council's 1998 - 1999 Goals Freeman indicated that this was a routine update, and stated that Councilors could call him with any questions they might have. Noted that staff is moving ahead rapidly with the Fire Stations and Council will be updated at a later date. 3. Ashland Emergency Preparedness Exercise Schedule. Fire Chief Keith Woodley read his memo to Council into the record. 4. Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SOREDI) Partnership Agreement. Freeman noted that legislation passed by Governor Kitzhaber calls for an analysis of the delivery of services by state and local agencies. Noted that he had been invited to initial meetings, and it was decided that Southern Oregon would be used as a pilot case. Explained that this puts the region in a better place to receive state funds and grants. Stated that SOREDI has met with the Jackson and Josephine County Commissions, and they have asked that SOREDI be in charge of implementing this state agreement. Freeman expressed concerns over some uncertainty in the details, but stated that he has been assured that this will be worked out. Noted that the three Southern Oregon cities involved are Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass, and none have signed agreements to date. City Council Meeting 11-03-98 3 Councilor Wheeldon explained that she became involved at this point in the process, as the Council's liaison to SOREDI. Stated that she had been told that this was not about money, and that SOREDI would not be recommending projects, but would merely serve as a "pass-through" for the discussion of regional concerns. Indicated that she would bring back further information as it becomes available. 5. Council discussion regarding appointment of Council Position No. 4. Mayor Shaw suggested that the Council consider waiting to appoint someone for this position until after the election is decided to allow for some continuity. Councilor Reid noted she was appointed in this way, and feels this is traditionally thc way to deal with these circumstances. Councilors Hauck and DeBoer concurred. It was indicated that this issue will be carried forward to the next meeting, for discussion after the election results are available. 6. (New item, added at Councilor Reid's request) Discussion regarding the Northwest Energy Coalition's (NWEC) recommendation to support breaching of four dams on the lower Snake River. Councilor Reid noted meetings with NWEC, and explained that the information distributed to Council included an editorial from thc Lewiston Morning Tribune. Stated that the NWEC has met with each of its members to discuss thc removal of four dams on the lower Snake River. Emphasized that this removal would help fish, and be the most cost- effective option. Concluded that NWEC will be meeting next Saturday to make a decision. Director of Electrical Utilities Pete Lovrovich noted that this is a controversial issue. Stated that it is not merely about losing dollars, but about re-evaluating existing practices and attempting to re-establish salmon in the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Explained that the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has said that this could increase the cost of providing power, and feels that other options are available. Councilor Reid noted that NWEC feels they are able to replace the lost power at no greater cost. Stated that she wanted to give the Council, as an associate member of NWEC, awareness of this issue prior to the decision. Mayor Shaw and Councilor Reid suggested that the City seek full voting member status. Discussion of taking out the dams versus going around them, noting that removal would be considerably more expensive. Councilor Reid clarified for Council that this was presented purely for informational purposes, and no action was requested from the Council at this time. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS 1. Second reading by title only of"An Ordinance Replacing Chapter 2.22 of the Ashland Municipal Code to Change the Name of the Bicycle Commission to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission and to Amend Its Powers and Duties. Councilors Hauck/Wheeldon m/s to adopt Ordinance # 2832. Roll call vote: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Wheeldon, and DeBoer, YES. Motion passed. First reading by title only of "An Ordinance Amending the Liquor License Review Chapter (Chapter 6.32) of the Ashland Municipal Code to Update Provisions Relating to Evaluation of Applications." Councilors Hauck/Wheeldon m/s to move the ordinance to a second reading. Roll call vote: DeBoer, Wheeldon, Hauck, Reid, and Laws, YES. Motion passed. 3. First reading of "An Ordinance Amending the Physical and Environmental Constraints Chapter (Chapter 18.62) of the Ashland Municipal Code to Make Certain Sections Clear and Objective." Dealt with during Public Hearing. City Council Meeting 11-03-98 4 OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilor Wheeldon questioned the recent changes in the styrofoam ordinance. Administrative Services Director Dick Wanderscheid clarified that the change applied to allowing the packaging of all meat, poultry and sea food in styrofoam. Wanderscheid emphasized that the recent amendment was to ensure that nothing be repackaged, so as not to increase the waste stream, and explained that styrofoam is a better packaging material because it is breathable, durable, and will not break and cut store personnel. In addition, the recent amendment means that only one type of material appears on store shelves. Wanderscheid noted that the issue paper on styrofoam was included in the packets in response to concerns expressed by Councilor DeBoer. Councilor DeBoer noted that the previous ordinance had actually worked to create more landfill, so the amendment was an improvement. Stated that styrofoam is no longer made the way it was when the ordinance was originally adopted, and is no longer a big issue for landfills. Stated that he had researched this issue at length, and would be passing his findings on to Wanderscheid. Councilor Reid noted that she had received information on the "Y2K" issue from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). City Administrator Freeman stated that a link would be created between the City's web-page and BPA's in order to make this information readily available to the public. Councilors and viewers were reminded that there will be an executive session at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17 for the City Attorney's annual evaluation. It was also noted that there will be a study session at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 20 to discuss the status of the Ashland Creek Restoration Project and potential Downstream Improvements and Update on the Wetlands Demonstration Project. ADJOURNMENT The/~i~ing was adjourned at ~p.m. City Council Meeting 11-03-98 5