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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-1021 Council Mtg MIN MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL October 21, 1997 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Golden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., Civic Center Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Wheeldon and DeBoer were present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Amendment to minutes of the Regular meeting of October 7, 1997 were requested by Councilor Hauck. Councilor Hauck believed that he did not make the second to the motion as indicated on page 1 returning the proposed Hillside Ordinance back to committee level. City Recorder verified through vocal tape and video that Councilor Hauck did make the second to the motion, minutes will stand as presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS 1. Introduction and Presentation by Ashland Housing Commission. Councilor Hauck introduced Gerri Sea, chairperson of the Housing Commission and member Madelyn Hill. Sea gave update as to what was happening with the Housing Commission. Explained information on three goals that the Housing Commission is working on. The goals are: 1) Rental Assistance Program; 2) House Buying/Purchasing Assistance program; and 3) Evaluating the housing element which is part of the Comprehensive Plan. Sea explained that the Housing Commission is also partners in a Housing Repair Program that is being organized by the Rural Housing Corporation. Stated that the mission of the Housing Commission is to encourage housing that is available and affordable to a wider range of city residents, and to preserve the diversity and character of the community. City Administrator Brian Almquist clarified for council what the Housing Trust Fund is. He explained that the money that is in the trust fund, is money that was paid back by HUD when the program was developed across from Garfield Park. The land was purchased many years ago from Jackson County and when the project was allowed to be developed on the property, HUD reimbursed the city for around $80,000 which has been accruing interest. Almquist explained that the city has about $235,000 outstanding in Iow income loans. Sea noted that another goal, is to increase leverage for funding. 2. Proclamation by Mayor of October 24, 1997 as "United Nations Day" in the City of Ashland. 3. Proclamation by Mayor of week of October 23-31 as "1997 National Red Ribbon Celebration Week" for the elimination of substance abuse. Mayor Golden read proclamations by title only. Mayor Golden commented on the excellent work completed by Kay Atwood, on the photos of all the past Mayors and City Administrators. The photos are displayed in the lobby of the Council Chambers. Kay Atwood explained that this was a year long project and shared how the photos were obtained. 4. Presentation of retirement certificate to Mike Biondi for 20 years of service. 5. Presentation of retirement certificate to Brian Almquist for 27 years of service. Certificates of retirement were given out to Mike Biondi and Brian Almquist by Mayor Golden. Mayor Golden read background and history information on these individuals. Noted many credits due to these individuals and extended many well wishes. City Council Meeting 10-21-97 I Blue Quill award was presented to Brian Almquist for the number of 640 agendas that he has prepared. Mayor noted the many projects that have been completed under the administration of Brian Almquist. Vic Lively shared his past history and relationship with Brian Almquist when he was Police Chief. Ken Mickelson, Director of Parks & Recreation shared how Almquist had been supportive of the department and noted the facilities and programs that have been accomplished through the administration of Almquist. Bob Nelson, former Finance Director, shared his past relationship with Almquist. Noted the many projects that they had been involved in and how Almquist was able to grasp and understand issues quickly in order to make a decision. Jill Turner, Finance Director, shared how supportive Almquist was as a administrator. Noted projects and solutions to problems that they had worked on together. Mayor shared her relationship with Almquist and noted the loss of institutional history by his leaving. Councilor Laws shared his history with Almquist through the past twenty years and commented on the foresightedness of Almquist. Councilor Wheeldon noted the education that she has been given through the tutor of Almquist. Councilor Hagen noted how innovated Almquist is regardless of difference on opinion or belief. Councilor Hauck commented on his appreciation of the frankness in discussion of issues with Almquist. City Administrator AImquist noted his appreciation of past and current employees, Mayors and Council members. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of boards, commissions and committees. 2. Monthly Departmental Reports - September, 1997. 3. Authorization for Mayor and City Recorder to sign quitclaim deed for 20 foot easement on Ashland Street. 4. Notice of joint study session for Historic Commission for Tuesday, October 28 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Councilors Hauck/Reid m/s to approve items #1, #2 and #4 of the Consent Agenda. Item #3 was pulled at the request of Councilor DeBoer. Voice vote: all AYES. Motion passed. Councilor DeBoer understood that this piece of property had been with the city since 1890, and even though it may not have been properly handled in 1890, the rules of usage pertains and is considered owned by the city. Public Works Director Paula Brown explained to council that it was never theirs to give by the current property owners at that time. It was the proposal of the new property owners to do this as a Quit Claim Deed so that it clearly shows that the city owns the twenty feet. DeBoer understands that the city is quit claiming deed the whole piece back to the property owners and then just taking an easement, which is not part of this. City Attorney Paul Nolte agreed, and explained that the easement has already been granted, signed and recorded. Nolte explained that it is the grantor signing the easement, the city as a grantee does not have to sign. This was done on the basis that closing was necessary to both the buyer and seller. The city represented to them, that if they would grant this easement to the city, we would present this quit claim to the council and recommend that it be adopted. City Council Meeting 10-21-97 2 Nolte stated that there could be litigation to determine adverse possession of the right-of-way. It was disclosed that there is a buried water line there and it was important to have a clear easement because of the intention of putting in another water line. Adverse possession would be for the use that has been made for the requisite 10 years, which is required under law. Believes it could be argued that there are rights to have one water line there, but not two water lines. Councilor Reid commented on the direction of council, which was to identify areas that could be acquired for open space needs in neighborhoods. Councilor Laws questioned whether this property would be suitable for a street. Planning Director John McLaughlin explained that there is no reason to make this street accessible as there is no plans for future development. Council discussion on the probability of making this into a street. Councilor Laws disagrees that there is potential for street access. Councilor DeBoer urged council to be more cautious before quit claiming this property to a new owner when it has been shown on a map as an extension of Ashland Street for many years. Council consensus to hold this item until the next meeting for further information and legal counsel. Information from staff would be based on engineering data to determine whether there is any value for a road in the future. Additionally, researched legal opinion was requested. PUBLIC FORUM Kelly Madding/1313 Pond/Commented that she would not be able to attend scheduled work study session on Local Improvement Districts. Stated as a homeowner, her experience with the LID process and how it effected her. Explained that when she became a homeowner, she was involved in an LID process. Spoke regarding how the costs are shared for a development and the standards that are placed on the LID's. Noted the options available and flexibility with the standards that are available through the LID process. Commented on the cost policy set for LID's. Doesn't believe that the general public should be asked to pay for improvements to other property owners involved in an Local Improvement District when they have already paid for their improvement. Requests council to keep in mind the equity to the citizens. Brant Thompson/PO Box 201, Ashland/Spoke regarding the Solar Access ordinance and how it may prevent property owners from achieving construction of second stories. Commented on the lack of funding for the state transportation fund and how the city may need to take more responsibility in completing projects. Commented on the parking problem on Walker Street, will bring this up to the Traffic Safety Committee. It was suggested that the Solar Access ordinance request should be taken to the Planning Commission for discussion. DeBoer noted that the provision spoken of regarding the Solar Access ordinance, is currently in the ordinance. Council discussed the progress currently being made through discussion with the state regarding the transportation fund. Paula Brown, Public Works Director explained for council status of construction through the state funding process of the transportation fund. Councilor Reid commented that the painted green areas in the media would be a good way to test how it would be received on Ashland Street. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Recommendation from the Ashland Historic Commission for moving of an historic building from Almond Street to 7th and "B" Street. Planning Director John McLaughlin presented recommendation from the Ashland Historic Commission. Commented that the house is in disrepair and the Commission recommends moving it. City Council Meeting 10-21-97 3 Councilors DeBoer/Laws m/s to approve recommendation. Voice vote: all AYES. Motion passed. Confirmation of Mayor's appointment of Greg Scoles as Interim City Administrator effective November 1, 1997. Councilors Hauck/Reid m/s to approve confirmation. DISCUSSION: Mayor Golden explained for council that the issue of salary had been resolved. Voice vote: all AYES. Motion passed. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS 1. Authorization for Mayor and City Recorder to sign grant of easement and lease agreement for joint-use elevator at the rear of Ashland City Hall. Councilors Hagen/Wheeldon m/s to approve authorization. Roll call vote: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Wheeldon and DeBoer, YES. Motion passed. Authorization for Mayor and City Recorder to sign Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Contract. Councilors Reid/Hauck m/s to approve authorization. Voice vote: all AYES. Motion passed. Reading by title only of "A Resolution Authorizing an Interfund Loan to the Community Development Block Grant Fund." Councilors Hauck/Wheeldon m/s to approve Resolution #97-36. Roll call vote: DeBoer, Wheeldon, Hagen, Hauck, Reid and Laws, YES. Motion passed. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Council was reminded of Study Session scheduled on Wednesday with the topic on Local Improvement Districts. Council discussion regarding appointing or re-appointing the upcoming positions for the Budget Committee. It was noted to have new appointments or re-appointments on board prior to January so they could be included in future discussions. Council discussed scheduling joint study session with the Parks and Recreation Commissioners. It was suggested that this be scheduled for the next normal study session in November. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 9:18 p.m. Barbara Christensen, City Recorder Catherine M. Golden, Mayor City Council Meeting 10-21-97 4