HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-0217 Council Meeting MIN
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 17, 2009
PAGE 1 of9
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
February 17, 2009
Council Chambers
1175 E. Main Street
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 7 :00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Councilors Voisin, Navickas, Lemhouse, Jackson and Silbiger were present. Councilor Chapman was absent.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCIES
Mayor Stromberg announced that applications are being accepted for the annual appointments to Commissions
& Committees and the deadline for submitting applications is March 13,2009.
SHOULD THE COUNCIL APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THESE MEETINGS?
The minutes of the Regular Council meeting of February 3,2009 were approved as presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS None.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Does the Council accept the Minutes of Boards, Commissions, and Committees?
2. Does the Council wish to approve a Liquor License Application from Anne Root dba Myron Root &
Co. at 17 N. Main Street?
3. Does the Council wish to confirm the Mayor's appointment of Laurence Blake to the Planning
Commission with a term to expire April 30, 2009?
4. Does the Council wish to confirm the Mayor's appointment of tbe following individuals for the
newly formed Transportation Commission?
· Term to expire April 30, 2012: Matt Warshawsky, Eric Heesacker, David Young
· Term to expire April 30, 2011: Colin Swales, Julie Sommer, Brent Thompson
· Term to expire April 30, 2010: Tom Burnham, John Gaffey
5. Will the COlincil, acting as the Local Contract Review Board, approve the additional public
contracts required to complete the Distribution Rack Expansion Project at the Mountain Avenue
Substation?
6. Will the Council approve two contracts for flexible surveying services that will exceed a 24-month
contract period and may exceed the $50,000 contract threshold?
7. Does the Council wish to approve a Liquor License Application from Lisa Beam dba Sesame Asian
Kitchen at 21 Winburn Way?
8. Does Council have any questions about the quarterly financial report as presented?
Councilor Voisin requested that Consent Agenda item #6 be pulled for discussion.
Councilor JacksonlLemhouse mls to approve Consent Agenda items #1-5 and #7-8. Voice Vote: all
AYES. Motion passed.
Engineering Services Manager Jim Olson explained the Council approves contracts that exceed 24 months or
$50,000. The contract before them is for two years with two additional one-year contracts to cover possible
extensions. It was unlikely the project would exceed $50,000 and presenting the contract in this format
provided time and cost savings to the City.
Councilor V oisinlLemhouse mls to approve Consent Agenda item #6. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion
passed.
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ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 17,2009
PAGE 2 of9
PUBLIC HEARINGS None.
PUBLIC FORUM
Zach Brombacher/640 Tolman Creek RoadN oiced concern with truck congestion near his property when
the freeway is closed due to weather and requested the City provides police direction. He added the lights on
Siskiyou Boulevard were inadequate, and that the Croman development will increase traffic in the area and
suggested having another interchange on Siskiyou Boulevard.
Julie Norman/596 Helman Street/Spoke regarding a proposed ordinance on the Water Resource Protection
Zone that will be on the City Council Agenda March 3, 2009 and extended an invitation to a meeting February
25,2009 to build on the information already gathered.
Mayor Stromberg added he was hosting a community dialogue the same night, February 25, 2009 in the
Gresham Room at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the use of chemicals in watercourses.
Arlen Gregorio/474 Williamson Way/Shared the problems with glare neighbors are having due to the
lighting at Falcon Heights (479 Russell Street). He stated there is warehouse type lighting on the (14) fourteen
exterior lights with (4) four additional lights on balconies that have not been lit yet. The building is above the
neighborhood and the lighting disturbs sleep and affects the streetscape. The developer made some
adjustments but it is still excessive and intrusive. He asked the Council to set a hearing to look into the
possibility that this could be a public nuisance under Section 9.08.190 and to strengthen the ordinance.
Janet Tuneberg/327 Starflower Lane/Explained her home is exposed to the orange light from the back of the
building and (8) eight lights from the streetscape not including the balcony lights. The second story lights are
often on all night and noted additional (6) six streetlights along Russell Street. The lighting is overkill, looks
very industrial, and eliminates the night sky.
Surya Bulow/470 Williamson WayINoted her house is flooded with light from the 479 Russell Street
development all night long, disrupting her sleep patterns even with the blinds closed. She was concerned with
the quantity and type of lights used and that the lights were on continually. The development is the entire
south side of her property. With lights lit during the day, she is unable to open her blinds because of the glare.
She added the lights from the storage unit and roof create a glare. She would appreciate motion lights and
stated the current lighting makes the development look like a factory or prison.
Cheryl Briggs/472 Williamson Way/Explained her property is directly behind the development and the glare
in her bedroom make it difficult to rest. She would support the Council's consideration that the lighting is a
public nuisance and would appreciate any help the Council could provide. ,
Councilor LemhouseN oisin m/s to place item on agenda for discussion. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion
passed.
Monica TrockerlN oted the history for managing cougars is to kill them and hoped that process would be
reconsidered. She expressed concern on the number of people present during the incident that should not have
been there. She suggested ongoing education on living with wildlife versus having to kill them.
Sally Maclder/Explained she is the Wildlife Chair for the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club and eXplained
that Clay Street is somewhat of a wildlife corridor. Oregon State ordinance allows public killing of bears and
cougars for safety reasons, Ms. Mackler did not believe this incident reached that bar. The State rule is not to
re-Iocate bears or cougars; the response is always to kill them. Public safety is a matter of concern but there are
other ways to deal with these situations and even prevent them from occurring using non-lethal control
methods prior to going to lethal. She encouraged the City to consider non-lethal methods. The best way to
prevent these types of conflicts is to educate people on how to deal with wildlife and how to avoid
confrontations. Research over decades show that constantly killing the cougar population disrupts its social
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 17,2009
PAGE 3 of9
system and actually creates better conditions for conflict with humans, by removing the adult cougars, the
younger juveniles move in and they are the age-class structure likely involved in conflict. Fifteen cougars have
been killed in Oregon over the last 15 years is possibly contributing to current conflicts. The public needs to
be better educated about big predators and wildlife and learn how to minimize conflict by keeping things that
attract wildlife in check.
Elise Thiel/321 Clay Street/Commented on her personal experience on viewing the cougar and the
consequences she and her daughter suffered due to what they witnessed. She suggested the City adopt a
coherent policy for Ashland Police on how to proceed with large predators. She noted Jackson Wyoming's
three-strike policy where cougars are tagged and moved out of town, if the cougar returns, the third time it is
terminated. She encouraged the City to establish a bear and cougar friendly policy where animals are removed
in a humane and respectful manner.
Helene De Martinez/321 Clay Street/Stated that the City of Ashland is trying to become a sustainable City
where people want to visit and experience all of its beauty, which includes wildlife. She requested that policy
be adopted that law enforcement, public figures and citizens could follow. She commented that during the
incident, the Ashland Police were calm, sensitive to the situation and trying to protect the citizens that had
gathered. The City should research other States where the policy is tranquilizing and transferring wildlife.
Karen Salley/801 Pinecrest Terrace/Requested that the City of Ashland to create a policy and eventually
change Oregon State code on wildlife. She shared information on the wildlife policies from other states.
Larry Laitner/801 Pinecrest Terrace/Explained that 15 people have been killed due to cougar attacks in the
entire United States since record keeping began and that the risk of a cougar attack is low. He asked if it was
appropriate for public safety people, the police and wildlife officials to protect every individual from every risk
and suggested that individuals should be responsible for their own welfare. Public education efforts to inform
people of some of these risks would be beneficial. He felt that Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife's
(ODFW) policy is out-dated and it is not reasonable to kill cougars that just appear in Ashland. An acceptable
approach would have been to do nothing. He asked the Council to form a citizen commission to work with
City and State Police, ODFW, the Council and community on establishing a policy that reflects modem values.
Councilor NavickasN oisin m/s to place item on agenda under Other Business From Council. Roll Call
Vote: Councilor Navickas, Voisin, Lemhouse, Jackson, Silbiger, YES. Motion passed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Does the City Council agree with the recommendations of Mayor Stromberg, Councilor Jackson,
and Councilor Voisin regarding 2009 City Council Goal Setting?
Councilor Voisin stated that the City should not pay for a facilitator and that an effort to find someone in-house
or free from the Rogue Valley Council of Government (RVCOG) would be the better solution. City
Administrator Martha Bennett noted the meeting was scheduled for March 14, 2009. Councilor Jackson
emphasized that goals be short term, address the current economic situation in the community and that staff
make additional information available at the meeting or prior to the meeting about the Strategic Sustainability
Plan. Council requested staff provide them goals that they thought had the most impact and were achievable for
the community in a 12-18 month period. Ms. Bennett responded staff would bring a draft agenda and
homework assignments to the next Council meeting.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1. Will the Council direct staff to begin the process of adopting the Croman Mill Site Redevelopment
Plan and to prepare the necessary accompanying Ashland Land Use Ordinance and Comprehensive
Plan Amendments?
Councilor Silbiger declared a conflict of financial interest and asked that the Council recuse him from the
discussion.
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ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 17, 2009
PAGE 4 of9
Councilor VoisinlNavickas m/s to allow Councilor Silbiger be recused from this discussion.
Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed.
Councilor Silbiger left the room at 7 :58 p.m.
Community Development Director Bill Molnar and Planning Manager Maria Harris provided a presentation
that included:
Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 9 Economic Development
Economic Opportunity Analysis 2007
Draft Plan Development Timeline 2007/2008
Ashland's Employment Centers - Maps and Aerials of Ashland's Commercial, Employment and
Industrial Zones C-l, C-I-D, E-l, M-l and acreage
Draft Plan Contents - Goals and Objectives
. Balanced circulation system for bikes, autos, pedestrians, trucks and transit
. Create an identity for the area
. Preserve rail access for commuters and freight
. Provide for a large number of family wage jobs
. Allow for light industrial and manufacturing
. Allow for a mix of uses
. Evaluate funding opportunities for specific infrastructure improvements
. Mandate sustainable and green development codes - may require additional funding outside of
property owners
. Develop standards for "dark skies"
Context - Plan Concept - Maps/Photos
. Croman Mill Site Redevelopment Plan
. Office and Employment District with a target of 60 employees per acre
. Compatible Industrial District - clean/sustainable industrial uses with a target of 25 employees per
acre
. Neighborhood Center - housing and small scale pedestrian oriented commercial center to serve
neighborhood, employees and people using the transit line
. Open Space containing Central Park, Transit Plaza and enhancing the creeks that run alongside the
property - mandating and funding for these areas will be determined by the Council
. Signature Street & Central Park
. Street Framework
. Pedestrian and Bicycle Framework
. Transit Framework
. Parking
. Green Streets and Parking Lots with 500/0 pervious paving for parking lots and require enough trees
for 500/0 shade cover
Implementation -Priority Projects
. Adopt Croman Mill Redevelopment Plan
. Create and Adopt Zoning Overlay
. Update Comprehensive Plan and Transportation System Plan
. Identify Feasibility of Urban Renewal District and Plan
. Develop a Parking Management and Funding Strategy for Structured Parking
Next Steps
. Council Initiates Process of Adopting Draft Plan
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ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 17,2009
PAGE 5019
. Staff Develops New Zoning District and Chapter for Ashland Land Use Ordinance with Necessary
Comprehensive Plan Amendments
. Planning Commission/City Council Study Session and Public Hearing Process
Draft Croman Mill Site Redevelopment Plan www.ashland.or.us/croman
Jerry Powell/2565 Eagle Creek Lane/Requested further information on funding for this development and
questioned a proposal for an II-story building. He thought the height would obstruct the natural beauty and
requested a height limit for the buildings.
Mayor Stromberg clarified the actual height limits would be worked out in the process of implementing the
plan and would not be implied at this point.
Councilor JacksonlLemhouse m/s to direct staff to initiate the planning for creating a Croman Area
Master Plan. DISCUSSION: Councilor Jackson, Lemhouse and Voisin thought it was a great opportunity
and public comment would be taken seriously. Councilor Navickas supported the concept but had concerns
regarding height issues, the plan was not as eco oriented as proposed. Other issues were parking and the
potential for hotels in residential areas. Mayor Stromberg agreed with Councils support and observations and
added one major failing for the plan was the need for workforce housing in the proposed area. Councilor
Navickas agreed with the Mayor noting the high-end condominiums built in the E-l Zone dominated
workforce housing.
Roll Call Vote: Councilor Jackson, Navickas, Lemhouse and Voisin, YES. Motion passed.
2. Does the Council wish to consider changes in the allocation of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
revenue different from those dollars and percentages identified in Resolution 2008-35 because of the
projected decrease in revenue to be generated and changes in economic conditions?
Administrative Services Director Lee Tuneberg presented the staff report that recommended the Council
consider revising the allocations of TOT revenue, given the impact on the City's grant program from declining
revenue. Staff is predicting $100,000 less in revenue generated than currently budgeted. He explained that
earlier in the year Council had identified how to allocate monies for this year predicting $1,775,000 as part of
the budget process.
With $1,720,000 for 2009-2010 revenue generated from the 9% tax, the calculation would be $1,262,079 for
non-tourism as opposed to the $1.3 million and $457,921 for tourism. The formula and how the resolution is
written shows more allocated towards tourism than non-tourism activities, the targets suggested in the
resolution leaves $112,079 for small grants and the Chamber for economic development or cultural activities
and more money on the tourism side. The resolution requires a shift in the money to meet State requirements.
The question is how to budget for next year and what programs to fund in order to meet the State requirement
of spending money on tourism.
Mr. Tuneberg clarified the City is required to use $457,921 for tourism. The percentages used for the
allocations identified by the Council last year could be changed by repealing the resolution. The resolution
allows the Council to make decisions on how to allocate in both categories. There is $112,000 in non-tourism
and $45,7-90 in tourism that through the resolution, the Council decides how to use that money.
City Administrator Martha Bennett commented staff could bring back a recommendation for consideration if
the Council wanted to change the allocations.
Councilor Navickas suggested putting the entire $112,000 into Small Grants in the non-tourism related
category and shifting tourism monies so the Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB) receives $275,000, Oregon
Shakespeare Festival (OSF) receives $110,000, the Small Tourism Grants receive $45,000, Public Art $13,000
and retain the remaining $14,000 as a buffer for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. The intent
is to look at the original resolution, shift more money into small grants, have the Chamber of Commerce handle
tours and promotions, and do more of the economic development on the side of the City.
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ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 17,2009
PAGE 6 of9
Chuck Young/1313 Clay Street/Stated that he was the Vice President of the Ashland Bed and Breakfast
Network and owner of Country Willows Bed and Breakfast. He nQted the economic downturn and stated that
the City should increase, not decrease, marketing. The Bed and Breakfast community had concerns that some
of the TOT money earmarked for tourism would shift towards to non-tourism and wanted to go on the record
as being against shifting funds from that general category.
Tom Olbrich/356 Alta Street/Stated he was the Executive Director of the Southern Oregon Film Festival and
voiced his concern with the shift in percentages. As a non-profit organization, they rely heavily on City grant
monies that come from non-tourism funding. Mr. Olbrich was glad to see the recommendation to have small
grants going to non-tourism grants, but voiced his surprise on the large shift away from something that had
been discussed for months.
Councilor Navickas responded the Council was looking at moving all of the non-tourism related money into
small grantees pulling it out of tourism promotion. In the past, many of the grants focused on promoting
tourism but in the end, it did not happen. The Council would rather have the VCB focus on tourism promotion
and give all the economic development money to the small grantees instead.
Pam Hammond/632 Walnut Street/Stated that she owned Paddington Station and shared some of the tasks
associated with the business. The most challenging is marketing and the Chamber of Commerce provides
marketing through the tourism program. It would be impossible for Paddington Station to provide these
services themselves and there is a need to continue to fund the Chamber of Commerce's V CB. As the current
President of the Chamber of Commerce, she hoped the Council had reviewed the Chamber's Annual Report
and that it was apparent the Chamber has proved it is the best organization to carry out marketing and tourism
for the benefit of the City.
Don Anway/212 E Main Street/Stated that he was the General Manager of the Ashland Springs Hotel and
current Chair of the VCB for Ashland. He appreciated the proposal that Councilor Navickas made and stated
that it is important to organize the money for marketing campaigns that are successful and provided examples.
It is crucial to keep the money in one fund and offer to help in small tourism grants and important to keep the
amenities of the community alive.
Josh Hamik/555 Siskiyou Blvd/Stated he is manager and family owner of the Stratford Inn. He explained
that they had worked hard to meet the current percentage and reinvest in tourism. Taking money away from
Chamber or VCB and allowing the Council to allocate it was not a good decision for the community. He
supported the VCB and the Chamber of Commerce keeping and allocating the funds.
Mark DiRienzo/931 Beswick Way/Stated he was the Executive Director at Science Works Museum. Science
Works brings in a completely different demographic to the community in tourism, employment and education
and it is important to have funds available to pull people in from outside of 50 miles. It is equally important to
have a broad marketing path and funds available for the Science Works education programs that extend to nine
counties. Science Works cannot deliver these services without grant monies. The museum is creating an
economic development benefit by hiring teachers, bringing in summer camp educators as well as people
exiting 1-5 and staying to visit the museum. As much money that can be spread to organizations who are
bringing in people from beyond 50 miles is critical and is the original intent of this money.
Sandra Slattery/1405 Pinecrest Street/Stated she was the Executive Director of the Ashland Chamber of
Commerce. The Chamber's job is to help businesses succeed and the community move through the current
economic situation the best way possible. The Chamber is a partner in promoting the economy, creating
materials to showcase the City, to those interested in expanding or relocating their companies, growing their
families, visiting the community and accessing the City's organizations and services. The Council's support to
the Chamber helps their effort through economic development and the VCB to promote the entire community
and that now is not a time to cut back. The Chamber needs programs and promotions to help the City get
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February J 7, 2009
PAGE 70f9
through these difficult economic times and supports the industry that brings in $3.5 million through TOT and
the Food Beverage Tax. It is imperative to work together in these unprecedented times.
Ms. Slattery provided a letter from Dr. Mary Cullinan, the President of Southern Oregon University (SOU) that
encouraged support for grant monies to SOU and the Chamber of Commerce. SOU depends on the Chamber's
publications and web site to attract visitors, employees and students to the region along with the special
partnership the Chamber has with SOU's School of Business and conferences. Dr. Cullinan encouraged the
Council's strong support for economic development and the VCB.
Katherine Flanagan/II 0 E Main/Stated she was the Director of the VCB and marketing for the Chamber of
Commerce. For 27 years, Ashland has relied on the VCB to promote the community to visitors traveling more
than 50 miles to Ashland. The VCB mission is to promote visitors year round with the prime focus on fall,
winter and spring. The VCB committee is comprised of representatives from each of the industries that relate
to tourism that rely on the VCB to gain the most effective market exposure for the Ashland experience. The
VCB offers cooperative advertising opportunities that do more than individual businesses. According to
Travel Oregon, every $1 spent on marketing tourism equals $159 in visitor spending and translates to $6 in
State and local tax revenue. Providing the VCB with funding for promoting tourism brings money into
Ashland and supports the local tax base. Ms. Flanagan appreciated the Council's support through the funding
that enables the VCB to promote Ashland.
Ms. Bennett explained it was the beginning of the grant process and staff needed direction on allocation.
Council commented on Councilor Navickas' grant allocation proposal that consisted of putting the non-tourism
amount into small grants and for tourism, allocating $275,000 to the VCB, $110,000 to the OSF, $45,000 to
Small Tourism Grants, $13,000 to Public Art and the remaining $14,000 as a buffer. Clarification that small
grantees were not doing tourism promotion and allocating promotion dollars to the VCB would make the
process cleaner.
Council commented that the Chamber, OSF; Small Tourism Grants would all be affected and that by
allocating $275,000 to the Chamber and giving the Chamber Economic Development funds to the City makes
sense. It was noted that the Council was doing what the people suggested by giving the money to the group
that knows best how to spend it and that the City was constrained by the tourism split requirement on the
funds. Concern was raised that the economic development portion of the resolution, which allocated $150,000,
would suffer. That it was going backwards to repurpose the economic development to strategic planning and
that the Council should be wary of economic development being a slice of the strategic plan. It was suggested
that a portion of the economic development money should go to the Chamber.
Ms. Bennett shared that staff had delayed filling the staff position associated with economic development due
to the decline in TOT.. Reducing the funding jeopardizes the Strategic and Economic Development Plans
because it eliminates the staff position for those proj ects. If the Council decided to reduce the amount and shift
funds in grant form for economic development, it should not exceed $10,000-$15,000.
Council continued their discussion with the following comments:
. Concern regarding repurposing Economic Development to Strategic Planning
. Strategic Planning has been a council goal for several years
. State law mandates 1 % in 70% of City's bed tax for tourism which has created this division
. Lack of flexibility to place money targeted for tourism into economic development
. Need to keep in mind the "big picture" in regards to Economic Development
. Need for staff person to focus on strategic planning with large economic development component
Councilor Silbiger noted that this year was for developing the plan, and next year would be for implementing
the plan. Currently the City is a year away from the plan and he could not speak to the activities associated with
it because the plan was not developed. Giving money to the Chamber for economic development would
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 17,2009
PAGE 8 of9
maintain what is in place until a plan is developed. Councilor Navickas added this is not the Chamber's
complete budget, they have other revenue sources they could put into economic development.
Suggestion was made that a cap at $112,000 for small grants, with additional revenue going to the Chamber
Economic Development was made. Ms. Bennett explained that all would need to be distributed through the
budget process.
Mayor Stromberg commented that the intention is to have an Economic Development Plan in place and at that
point, no longer deal with trade offs because it would transfer to the City. Councilor Silbiger clarified the
intention was to have a certain amount of revenue for this coming fiscal year so there would not be these
issues. Councilor Jackson added one of the other purposes of creating small tourism grants as a separate
category was to facilitate the distinction that exists within the small grants; some are clearly used as tourism.
She was most comfortable with Councilor Navickas' suggestion.
Councilor Lemhouse shared the view voiced by Councilor Silbiger and asked if the City could afford to wait
one year on economic development. He was uncomfortable taking money from the Chamber and not filling the
gap it would create for a year.
Councilor Navickas thought the focus should be on what the Chamber of Commerce wanted to support which
was tourism promotion. The Council was offering the Chamber the opportunity to increase tourism promotion,
and wanted to see the Chamber promote tourism in other cities, not necessarily local events.
Councilor N avickasN oisin m/s to approve TOT allocation that sets small grants at $112,000 and change
in non-tourism category, in tourism category the VCB grant would be $275,000, the OSF grant would
be $110,000, small tourism grants would be $45,000, Public Art would be $13,000 and change and the
amount allocated to City projects would be $14,000 and change and additionally, to direct staff to come
back with a revised resolution.
DISCUSSION: Councilor Silbiger clarified that that there is no dollar amount that would make sense without
eating into the Economic Development Program. Ms. Bennett clarified that if the projected revenue were less,
it would come out of the General Fund, Economic Development, Public Art and the $14,000 buffer. Mr.
Tuneberg added that if it came out higher it would require a budget transfer for the current year, moving
monies from contingency to spend on tourism, recognizing additional monies that have come in. Councilor
Navickas commented his intent would be to cut into the $14,000 buffer first.
Roll Call Vote: Councilor Jackson, Lemhouse, Navickas, Voisin, YES; Councilor Silbiger NO.
Motion passed 4-1.
ORDINANCES.. RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
1. Should Council approve Second Reading of an Ordinance titled, "An Ordinance Amending the
Ashland Municipal Code Chapter 2.36.030 Initiatives and Referendums - Deposit Required?"
City Attorney Richard Appicello read the title in full.
Councilor Jackson/Lemhouse m/s to approve Ordinance #2979. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Jackson,
Voisin, Lemhouse, Navickas and Silbiger, YES. Motion passed.
2. Should the Council approve a Resolution titled, "A Resolution Establishing Deposit Required on
any Initiative or Referendum Petition for Final Filing?"
City Attorney Richard Appicello read the title in full.
Councilor Voisin/Jackson m/s to approve Resolution #2009-05. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed.
3. Should Council approve Second Reading of an Ordinance titled, "An Ordinance Relating to
Ambulance Response Times and Amending AMC 6.40.060?"
City Attorney Richard Appicello read the title in full.
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 17, 2009
PAGE 9 of9
Councilor LemhouseN oisin m/s to approve Ordinance #2978. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Lemhouse,'
Silbiger, Jackson, Navickas and Voisin, YES. Motion passed.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS-(continued)
3. Discussion regarding lighting on Russell Lane as noted during Public Forum.
Mayor Stromberg noted a provision in Chapter 18. 72. 140-stating lights in one zone cannot shine directly into
another zone. Community Development Director Bill Molnar added the code also states lighting shall not
directly illuminate a residential area and currently the Planning Department is evaluating the situation on
Russell Lane. City Administrator Martha Bennett explained the criteria in the code is opened ended and
subject to interpretation and applying it to this situation could result in a counter suit form the property owner
saying the City has abused their authority.
City Attorney Richard Appicello explained the Land Use Enforcement Provision 18.112 contains language
regarding the enforcement of the Land Use Code. Mr. Molnar added the project has not received the final
Certificate of Occupancy and the Planning Department was in the process of coming to a determination.
Mr. Appicello further explained there could a planning enforcement action depending on the solution. If
Council wanted to change the code, they should do it through legislative action in a possible dark sky
ordinance establishing limitations on lighting that applies everywhere. Ms. Bennett suggested staff bring a
draft ordinance to the Council if the decision was to pursue a legislative amendment.
Council consensus was to allow staff to continue with the conditions of approval on the Planning Approval
process, address the mitigation of light, and glare issues. It was noted that the "dark sky" ordinance has been
on the Council's list of goals for years.
Mr. Molnar stated he has been working with Russ Dale and the general contractor, who is working with the
neighbors, to evaluate the specific issues. 'There are five or six more lots to develop and with the Planning
Department focusing on lighting for the remainder of the project, it would be prudent for the developers to
remedy the situation now. Mr. Molnar will keep the neighbors apprised of the progress and currently was
trying to arrange a meeting for the neighbors and developer to discuss the issues.
4. Will the Council adopt staff's recommended pavement management strategy?
Councilor VoisinlNavickas m/s to approve staff recommended pavement management strategy.
Roll Call Vote: Councilor Navickas, Voisin, Lemhouse, Jackson, Silbiger, YES. Motion passed.
5. Discussion regarding Wildlife Management P~licy for the City due to recent by Ashland Police
shooting of cougar on Clay Street.
Councilor Lemhouse requested staff provide information regarding the cougar shooting. City Administrator
Martha Bennett explained staffhad spoken to ODFW and would forward information when received.
OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS
ADJOURNMENT
k~
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
IV~