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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-0717 Council MIN MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASlll,AND CITY COUNCIL July 17, 2007 Civic Center Council Chambers 1175 E. Main Street ASHLAND CiTY COUNCiL MEETiNG JULY 17, 2007 PAGE i of9 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Morrison called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Councilors Hardesty, Navickas, Hartzell, Jackson, Silbiger and Chapman were present. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCIES Mayor Morrison noted volunteer positions available on the Bicycle & Pedestrian, Conservation, Forest Lands, Housing, Public Arts, Traffic Safety, and Tree Commissions. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the Executive Session meeting of June 8, 2007, Continued Regular Council meeting of June 8,2007, Executive Session meeting of June 19,2007, Regular Council meeting of June 19,2007, Executive Session meeting of June 27, 2007 and Special Meeting of June 27, 2007 were approved as presented. The minutes of the Executive Session meeting of June 15,2007 were approved with the correction to reflect "a.m." rather than "p.m." SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS 1. Update on Status of Oregon Shakespeare Festival "Bricks". Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) Director Paul Nicholson and Greg Pardee provided a presentation on the Courtyard Renovation Project. Mr. Nicholson noted the goals of the project are to: 1) Improve the design aesthetics of the "bricks" and ensure that the courtyard is in harmony with other OSF public facilities, 2) Enhance the Green Show experience with better sightlines, improved seating and upgraded stage, and 3) Improve accessibility to the Angus Bowmer and Elizabethan Theatres by reducing slopes and providing pavement with better traction. Mr. Pardee displayed several representations of what the completed project will look like and noted this project will be completed in February 2009. It was clarified that the "old bricks" will be replaced with new ones, and they will be laid on a solid surface to prevent the bricks from breaking and becoming uneven. Mr. Nicholson also clarified they are following all of the guidelines and regulations for the installation of bricks and pavement in the public right-of-way. Comment was made encouraging OSF to consider using bricks that have a more abrasive surface as opposed to the standard wire cut bricks. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions, and Committees. 2. Intergovernmental Agreement - City of Medford Building Department. 3. Approval of Grant Distribution Greater than $75,000 (OSF). 4. Appointment to Ashland Community Healthcare Services Board of Directors. 5. Approval of Sole Source Two Public Contracts with Hunter Communications Data and Radio Fiber Optic Network Services. 6. Expansion of Sanitary Sewer Service at the Ashland Port of Entry. 7. Approval of Public Contract Greater than $75,000 Janitorial Service - Pathways Enterprises, Inc (QRF). 8. Approval of the Fiscal Year 2007-08 Agreement with RVTD. ASHLAND CiTY COUNCiL MEETING JULY 17,2007 PAGE 2 of9 Councilor Hartzell requested Item #8 be pulled for discussion. Councilor Hartzell/Navickas m/s to approve Consent Agenda Items #1-#7. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed 6-0. Public Works Director Paula Brown clarified staff has not yet written the RFP for the transit-planning consultant and noted Council could decide to place a dollar limit on that contract. Councilor Hartzell questioned the age limitation for high school students needing bus fare assistance and noted she is also in support of middle school students using the Reduced Fare passes as well. Ms. Brown indicated staff would make the Reduced Fare passes available to these students. Art Bullock/Expressed concern with the RVTD budget being within Public Works Department and stated this proposal shifts bus money to sidewalk money and Public Works projects. Mr. Bullock stated the City is under funding the bus line as it is, and encouraged the Council to allocate these funds only to the bus and not use it for sidewalks or studies. Councilor Chapman/Jackson m/s to approve Consent Agenda Item #8 with the additional stipulation that the recommendation for Reduced Fare passes be rescinded. DISCUSSION: Councilor Hartzell provided an explanation of why she put forward the recommendation for Reduced Fare assistance. Ms. Brown briefly noted the staff time it would take to administer this program. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Jackson and Chapman, YES. Councilor Navickas, Hartzell, Silbiger, and Hardesty, NO. Motion fails 4-2. Councilor Hartzell/Hardesty m/s to approve Consent Agenda Item #8. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Jackson, Navickas, Hartzell, Silbiger, Hardesty and Chapman, YES. Motion passed 6-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public Hearing to consider Exempting from Competitive Bidding for the Ashland Solar Pioneer IT PhotovoItaic System. Electric Department Director Dick Wanderscheid presented the staff report on the Ashland Solar Pioneer II Photovoltaic System. He explained this system was bid previously as a construction project and no acceptable bids were received. He stated the request is for the City to bid out the system and use a point system to award the project. In addition, staff is requesting that Council grant an exemption to competitive bidding. Mr. Wanderscheid clarified that rebidding this project does not commit the City to building the system, but allows for potential acceptable bids in order to move forward on this project. Public Hearinl! Open: 7:49 p.m. Art BullockIV oiced concern with the following three areas concerning this project: I) the scheduling issue, 2) the shifting on the bonding to a warranty, and 3) the point system. Public Hearinl! Closed: 7:53 p.m. Mr. Wanderscheid commented on the difference between a warranty and a bond and noted one of the bidders had indicated it was not possible to find a company who would issue a IO-year bond. He clarified the City would handle this by including a monetary penalty and if the system drops below what was proposed in the warranty then the hired company would have to either repair the system, replace the system, or pay the penalty. Mr. Wanderscheid clarified a construction bond would still be required. ASHLAND CiTY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 17, 2007 PAGE 3 of9 Councilor Jackson/Silbiger m/s to approve Resolution #2007-30 with adoption of findings. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Hartzell, Jackson, Navickas, Hardesty, Chapman and Silbiger, YES. Motion passed 6-0. 2. Public Hearing to consider and Appeal of Planning Action 2006-01784 - Request for a Physical Constraints Review Permit for Development in the Wrights Creek Floodplain and Riparian Preservation Area to improve and widen a portion of an existing driveway, regrade a portion of Grandview Drive and extend utilities to serve a single-family residence for the property located at 720 Grandview Drive. Mayor Morrison called the Public Hearing to order at 7:58 p.m. and read aloud the procedures for a public land use hearing. Abstentions. Conflicts. Ex Parte Contacts Councilor Jackson indicated she has had no ex parte contact, but did participate in the Council site visit held yesterday. Councilor Chapman indicated he has had no ex parte contact, but did participate in the Council site visit held yesterday. He also noted this property is located in his neighborhood and the husband of the appellant is his dentist. Councilor Silbiger indicated he has had no ex parte contact, but did participate in the Council site visit held yesterday. Councilor Navickas indicated he participated in the Council site visit held yesterday and noted he is an acquaintance of the appellant Bonnie Broderson. Councilor Hardesty indicated she participated in the Council site visit held yesterday and is also an acquaintance of Bonnie Broderson. She stated this would not have an influence on her ability to make an impartial decision. Councilor Hartzell indicated she has had no ex parte contact, but did participate in the Council site visit held yesterday. Mayor Morrison indicated he has had no ex parte contact, but did participate in the Council site visit held yesterday. City Recorder Barbara Christensen read aloud the statements pursuant to the City's Land Use Code and ORS 197.763(5). Challene:es (None) Staff Report Community Development Director David Stalheim presented the staff report. He noted the Planning Commission approved the applicant's request for a Physical Constraints Review Permit and stated this is a time sensitive issue and the extension period granted by the applicant expires on August 31, 2007. Mr. Stalheim explained the access point to the applicant's property has historically crossed two tax lots, and the survey indicates that a small triangular area of 3 sq. ft. of existing driveway is located on the appellant's property (tax lot 412). The driveway also crosses tax lot 411, however the owner of that property has indicated ASHLAND CiTY COUNCiL MEETiNG JULY 17, 2007 PAGE 4 of9 her willingness to to grant an access easement to the applicant. Mr. Stalheim noted the preliminary grading and drainage plans include moving the proposed driveway completely off of tax lot 412. Mr. Stalheim commented on the location of the utility trench in the Grandview right-of-way and stated the applicant has requested for the utility trench to continue to be located in the center of the existing driveway as originally proposed. He noted that if the Council agrees with this, Condition #6 placed by the Planning Commission will need to be amended or struck. He clarified the revised topographic survey outlining the location of the trees was not available when the Planning Commission made their decision and he does not believe the Planning Commission would have added this condition if they knew it would result in the removal of vegetation. Mr. Stalheim noted the three potential motions listed the Council Communication. Applicant's Presentation Tom Giardano/Stated he is the Planning Agent for the applicant, and noted the Surveyor, Civil Engineer, Land Use Attorney, and Applicant are also present. Mr. Giordano stated it is important to look at the size and scale of this project and stated this planning action will have a very insignificant impact on the environment. He explained the proposed project is a modest single family residence and noted they wil be providing mitigation. He stated the project will not change the flood impact, they are not changing the grade of the road, and they will install a drainage ditch and a pipe which will lead into the creek tributary. Stuart Osmus, Surveyor for the project, explained that he took a conservation approach when conducting the survey and noted that this was a difficult area to define the creekbed itself. Mike Thornton, Engineer for the project, explained that he was responsible for preparing the plans and provided a brief description of the plans provided in the packet materials. Mr. Thornton noted the trench will be located in the existing gravel driveway until they reach the applicant's property and it will then be located in the new driveway. He noted there are existing utilities in that driveway now. He explained the proposed driveway improvements will begin where the gravel drive splits off from the the main drive and stated they are proposing to widen the driveway to 15 ft. to meet the Ashland Municipal Code requirements until they get past where the existing driveway branches off to the residence and then the driveway will narrow to 12 feet. Mr. Thornton noted it will be a gravel surface until the driveway reaches the applicant's property and then it will switch to permeable pavement. He also provided a brief explanation of the drainage improvements. Mark Bartholomew, Attorney for the applicant, noted this project was originally approved in 2004 as a simple building permit, but that was subsequently was appealed by Ms. Broderson. He explained the voluntary remand and noted the Council is required to address the appellant's assignment of error. Lynn McDonald, property owner, explained her history in Southern Oregon and stated she loves this neighborhood and the riparian area. She explained that she wanted to be present at this hearing to show how important this is to her and her family. Mr. Osmus briefly clarified where the top of the creek bank is located. Mr. Thornton clarified their goal is to construct the new road improvements at grade and are trying to not do any filling. He stated they may run into a portion of a driveway that needs to be transition ed, but they are confident that this will be acceptable for manueaverability. Mr. Thornton clarified they are well above the projected 100-year flood elevations and stated their primary concern is the environment of the riparian corridor. ASHLAND CiTY COUNCiL MEETiNG JULY 17, 2007 PAGE 5019 Opponents and Their Representatives Bonnie Brodersen/Stated the applicant proposes to place their driveway in the public right-of-way and noted a portion of her tax lot is located in the dirt drive. Ms. Broderson stated the Ashland Municipal Code indicates that the driveway must be 20 ft. wide, not 15 ft., and the driveway must be paved. She stated the applicant's driveway is 5 ft. short of where it must end up and if they extend the driveway 5 ft. past the makers it will destroy the native vegetation. She also claimed the markers the Council viewed during their site visit were inaccurate. Ms. Broderson stated one of the markers sits underneath the drip line of a 25" diameter tree and there is nothing about this in the applicant's plan. She also commented that use of the drive for the property located on County land was "grandfathered in" and only that property has the right to use the road. Ms. Broderson commented on how this application differs from previous projects said to be similar and stated in both of the previous cases the right-of-ways were closed to the public, the driveways were not paved, and neither of the right-of-ways were located in a floodplain or riparian area. She stated it would be unprecedented for the City to permit construction of a private driveway in a right-of-way that is open to the public and abuts a public street. She also commented that this may be a liability issue for the City. Ms. Broderson stated the existing drive could not be constructed today due to the riparian and floodplain ordinances and commented on the issue of "fill". She also commented on the stormdrain and stated they cannot pipe stormdrain water into Wrights Creek, which is what has been proposed. Councilor Hartzell/Jackson m/s to extend Public Hearing until 9:30 p.m. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed 6-0. Ms. Broderson concluded by adding that the proposed turn around does not meet the code requirements. Ms. Broderson clarified she did not raise the point regarding the existing driveway being grandfathered in when she was before the Planning Commission. She stated the dirt road trespasses over her property and tax lot 411, but the woman who owns the property in the County has their permission to use it and stated no one else has permission to trespass over these properties. Those Wishinl! to Provide Testimonv Art Bullock/Stated the planning action record shows the driveway encroaches within 20 ft. of the creek and questioned where to measure the top of the bank when there is no top. He stated given this ambiguity, it is clearly within that 20 ft. measurement. Mr. Bullock commented on the utility trench and stated it is not crossing the riparian area, it is parallel to it, and is therefore is not consistent with the Ashland Municipal Code. He stated the planning action record and the facts as presented show that the code requirements are not being met and stated the Council is being asked to exercise discretion in an area where the code does not grant discretion. Lloyd Haines/96 N Main StreetINoted he owns the property adjacent to applicant's and stated he is in favor ofthe applicant's request. Mr. Haines stated the driveway will continue to be used by the person down the road and does not understand why the applicant would not be permitted to place a house on her property. He added that it would be a shame to not find a way to permit the applicant to put a house on her property. Joseph Bova/821 Grandview DriveINoted his property is located in the County and stated the fact that the applicant has applied for a Physical Constraints Review Permit shows their willingness to make everyone happy. Mr. Bova commented on four ofthe alleged assignments of error raised by Ms. Broderson. Regarding Issue #3, he stated any driveway development on Grandview would be a great improvement to the street since the City's Public Works Department refuses to maintain any ofthe street west of the fork that leads to the McDonald's lot. He noted the purpose of a public right-of-way is to provide public access and stated even the opponent's driveway is located in the Wrights Creek Drive right-of-way. Regarding Issue #5, Mr. Bova stated ASHLAND C1TY COUNCiL MEETiNG JULY 17,2007 PAGE 6 of9 the approval was legal and noted the process that was completed in 1979. Regarding Issue #6, he stated this is not a significant riparian corridor due to its determination in 2005 as not being a fish bearing stream and noted that these are intermittent branches and do not run year round. He also noted in 1995 the County hearings officer ruled that this area is outside any designated impacted or sensitive wildlife habitat area. Lastly, Mr. Bova commented on the stormdrain issue and stated all the subdivisions to the south and east of this area dump into Wrights Creek and urged the Council to approve the application for development with the conditions cited by the Planning Commission. Rebuttal bv the Applicant Mark Bartholomew/Clarified they have an easement from Ms. Hulse, who owns tax lot 411, but Ms. Broderson declined to do the same. He stated if she would have authorized the easement, they would not have to encroach within the 20 ft. Mr. Bartholomew commented on the appellant's claim that they are not permitted to access the property through the right-of-way and stated that anytime you build a new house the driveway cuts across the sidewalk and the curbface is in the public right-of-way. He commented on the opponent's speculation that there is some sort of grandfathered arrangement with the property sharing that fork of dirt road and that noone else can use that other than those people. He stated that this is not true, and if it were the McDonald's would be landlocked with no way to access it. He added the law would not allow for this possibility. Regarding the discharging of stormdrain into the creek, Mr. Bartholomew stated this is common practice and the opponent failed to cite why this wouldn't be allowed. He also clarified that the width requirement for the driveway where it forks off of Grandview is 20 ft. clear, and the driveway itself does not have to be 20 ft. wide. Mike Thornton/Commented on the issue of the utilities and stated they could get closer to meeting the requirements in the municipal code by creating more impact in the corridor, but the applicant wanted to minimize the impact in the floodplain corridor lands. Close Public Hearine:: 9:24 p.m. with no requests for continuance. Requests to submit final written are:ument (None) Advice from Lee:al counsel and staff Assistant City Attorney Richard Appicello clarified the Planning Commission found the storm drainage issue was not an approval criterion, however they did ask the the applicant to use some kind of dispersal system for the storm water (Condition #5). Mr. Stalheim clarified the issues raised by the opponent including the storm water, impervious surface and turnarounds are not subject to the appeal tonight. He stated the only item subject to appeal is the issue of the Physical Constraints Permit and that criteria only. Mr. Stalheim commented on authorizing private improvements within public right-of-ways and stated the private improvements have to be authorized and the mechanism used by the City for this is an encroachment permit. He stated the improvements would be paid privately, but are a benefit to the public. Mr. Appicello noted that AMC 18.62.075 expressly states that fill and culverting shall be permitted for streets, access, or utilities. He stated 18.62.070A(3)(b) also allows fill for the purpose of aggregate base and paving materials, and fill associated with approved public and private street and driveway construction. Therefore, driveways are expressly authorized as being allowed to be constructed in the floodplain corridor. ASHLAND CiTY COUNCiL MEETiNG JULY i7, 2007 PAGE 70f9 Mr. Stalheim clarified the intention of AMC 18.62.070M is to apply to new roadways and utility connections, not existing improvements in right-of-ways. He also clarified the paved surface will only be located on the applicant's property and not in the public right-of-way. Mr. Stalheim clarified the newer drawings are included in the Council's record for this Planning Action and clarified the drawing on page A 17 indicates where the existing utilities are located. Council Deliberation and Decision Councilor JacksonlChapman mls to approve the application for a Physical Constraints Permit substantially as in record created by the Planning Commission with additional survey materials in the Council's appeal packet and the materials submitted by the Appellant; and to change Condition #6 to read, "... the public utility trench and line shall be moved away from the top of bank ofWrights Creek as far to the north as possible without disturbing the row of trees in the right of way", and allowing for adjustments during the issuance of the encroachment permit. DISCUSSION: Councilor Jackson stated this motion provides a reasonable balance. Mr. Stalheim clarified the City does not perform site reviews for single family residences. Councilor Navickas voiced his opinion that the application fails to comply with AMC 18.62.070M. Councilor Hartzell/Hardesty mls to amend motion regarding Condition #6 to incorporate maintaining the 20 ft. distance from top of bank, except along the outer dripline of trees mapped. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Navickas, Hartzell and Hardesty, YES. Councilor Jackson, Chapman, and Silbiger, NO. Mayor Morrison, NO. Motion failed 3-4. Roll Call Vote on Original Motion: Councilor Jackson, Chapman, Hardesty and Silbiger, YES. Councilor Hartzell and Navickas, NO. Motion passed 4-2. Councilor Hartzell/Navickas mls to extend meeting until 10:30 p.m. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed 6-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. County Rural Use Ordinance Comments. Councilor Hartzell/Silbiger mls for staff to send letter as presented tonight at the soonest possible opportunity.Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed 6-0. ORDINANCES. RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS City Recorder Barbara Christensen reqeusted that Council make a motion to allow a scribners correction to the previously approved Resolution for the Ashland Solar Pioneer II, and clarified the Resolution should have indicated ORS 279 and AMC 2.50.085(b). Councilor Hartzell/Silbiger mls to approve correction to the Resolution. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed 6-0. 1. First Reading by title only of and Ordinance titled, "An Ordinance Amending the Ashland Municipal Code, Land Use Ordinance, Regarding Conversion of Existing Rentals into For-Purchase Housing in Multi-Family Zoning Districts." Councilor Navickas/Hartzell mls to extend first reading ofthis ordinance to August 21, 2007. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Hartzell, Hardesty, Navickas, Silbiger and Jackson, YES. Councilor Chapman, NO. ASHLAND CiTY COUNCiL MEETiNG JULY 17,2007 PAGE 8 of9 Motion passed 5-1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Cont.) 2. Follow-Up on Items Related to Mt. Ashland. Councilor Jackson/Hartzell mls to extend contract with HarrangILong for the purpose of defending the City from the Mt. Ashland Association lawsuit up to the amount of $50,000. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed 6-0. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Approval of Sole-Source Procurement Greater than $75,000 - Cable Modem Termination System. City Administrator Martha Bennett clarified this approval is necessary in order to stay competitive and continue offering high-speed data products. Councilor SilbigerlChapman mls approval of Sole Source Procurement greater than $75,000 for the Cable Modem Termination System. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed 6-0. ORDINANCES. RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS (Cont.) 2. Reading of a Resolution titled, "A Resolution Amending the Pay Schedule for Management and Confidential Employees for Fiscal Year 2007-2008." Human Resource Manager Tina Gray provided the staff report on the Resolution Amending the Pay Schedule as well as the Resolution Clarifying Conditions of Employment. She clarified the changes to the Resolution Clarifying Conditions are housekeeping changes only. Regarding the Salary Resolution, Ms. Gray explained the recommendation is for a 4% Cost of Living Adjustment for management and confidential employees. She stated this group includes about 58 employees who are not part of a bargaining unit and includes executive management, division managers, mid managers, and confidential support staff. She noted there is also a separate recommendation for a 10.23% increase specifically to the Police Sargent position and stated this is due to severe compression problems brought on by the settlement of the most recent police contract. Ms. Gray stated the third piece of the salary recommendation is set forth by the City Charter and is for the Municipal Judge and City Recorder to receive an increase based on the average that is given to the management group. Ms. Gray submitted additional information on the Salary Resolution to the Council and provided a brief explanation of those materials. Councilor JacksonlSilbiger mls to approve Resolution #2007-30. DISCUSSION: Councilor Hardesty stated the City employees are outstanding, but voiced concern with the union contracts when they push salaries that the City cannot afford. She also noted there are two groups receiving a lesser percentage increase and suggested all employees receive a 3.1 % increase this year. Councilor Hartzell stated the City needs to start making changes in this area and voiced her desire to have received different options. Councilor Navickas voiced support for the resolution and stated the City saves money in the long run by attracting and hiring qualified professionals. Councilor Hartzell commented that the cost of living problems are associated to the housing in Ashland and voiced support for developing a housing assistance program for employees. Mayor Morrison voiced his support for the Resolution. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Jackson, Silbiger, Navickas, and Chapman, YES. Councilor Hardesty and Hartzell, NO. Motion passed 4-2. 3. Reading of a Resolution titled, "A Resolution of the City of Ashland Clarifying Certain Conditions of Employment for Management and Confidential Employees and Repealing Resolution 2006-16 and 2006-20." ASHLAND CiTY COUNCiL MEETiNG JUL Y 17, 2007 PAGE 9 of9 Councilor Silbiger/Chapman m/s to approve Resolution #2007-31. Councilor Jackson, Navickas, Silbiger, Chapman and Hardesty, YES. Councilor Hartzell, NO. Motion passed 5-1. 4. Second Reading by title only of an Ordinance titled, "An Ordinance Amending AMC 3.08.020 To Apply Ethics Provisions to Employees, Appointed Officials and Elected Officials." Delayed due to time constraints PUBLIC FORUM UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Cont.) 3. Prioritize Desired Library Services. 4. City Attorney Recruitment Process Update. 5. LUBA 2007-113 (Deliberation only) PA 2006-02354. Delayed until August 7, 2007. 6. Adoption of 2007 City Council Goals. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Renewal of Cooperative Marketing Agreement with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation for the Sale of Green Tags. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS ADJOURNMENT Meeting continued to Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. 0hn W. Morrison, ~ Barbara Christensen, City Recorder