HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-0615 Study Session MIN
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
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June 15, 2009
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MINUTES FOR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Monday, June 15,2009
Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Councilor Chapman, Navickas, Voisin, Jackson, Lemhouse and Silbiger were present.
Mayor Stromberg added a discussion regarding the Gas Tax to the agenda.
I. Will Council review and discuss the draft RFP for the future use of the "Imperatrice
Ranch" property and authorize the advertisement for a request for proposals for that
use.
Public Works Director Mike Faught, Engineering Services Manager Jim Olson and GIS
Coordinator Jason Wegner provided a presentation ofthe lmperatrice ranch that included:
. Background
. Use of Land Since Purchase
. Is Cattle Grazing the Best Use of the Property?
. Draft Request for Proposal (RFP)
Conditions of development could include a tree preservation area, riparian protection zones,
environmental and cultural overlays, recreational uses, soil hazard area and must comply with
Jackson County Land Use ordinances,
. Proposal Submittals
RFP's would address sustainability, public benefit, business plan, environmental stewardship,
possible wastewater effluent use, water right usage and must comply with Jackson County Land
Use ordinances. Staff included a point system for the criteria to help weigh requirements.
The City's effluent is Level 4 Class A, can be applied to crops for human consumption and the
Imperatrice property is a good resource for that usage. Effluent could be placed into the Talent
Irrigation Ditch (TID) on the property to supplement the water removed through the effluent
transfer. The City was more than the 40% of total flows during that time of the year at the creek
and therefore needed to replace the effluent. Staff recommended the Council retain the effluent
option in order to deal with the temperature issues.
Staff clarified the point system associated with the RFP criteria could be changed to a Yes,No
category. They would also add a Quality of Overall Design requirement to the criteria.
. Lessee Requirements
Adding Indemnification to the lease would make the lessee liable instead of the, City.
. RFP Appendix
. Base Map: 2005 Aerial Photo, Parcels, PPL and Access Points
Staff discussed how a specific lot that was difficult to develop due to preserves and utility lines
could merge with the adjacent lot as one parcel.
. Soils Wetlands and Springs Map
. Geology, Debris Flow Hazard, and Relative Earthquake Hazard Map
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
June 15. 2009
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. Zoning, Vegetation Overlay, Elevation and Water Features Map
. Conservation Easement
. Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
. Potential Conservatiou Values Map
Diane Garcia from the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy explained public access on a
conservation easement was not required unless the landowner authorized access, The City could
apply to the State for the special assessment on a conservation easement and receive a reduced
tax.
. Conservation Easement Pros
. Conservation Easement Cons
It was explained that restricting portions of the property with a conservation easement would
require a public hearing and the City could add an indemnification process to the lease to protect
against violations,
Staff confirmed the upper tax lots do not have water rights,
If the Council established a conservation easement, the City would negotiate the types of uses
allowed on the easement. The Council could use the conservation easement as a master plan to
establish which areas to protect first.
Interest was expressed in using the land for utilities, solar and wind power with the City receiving
a return for any kind of power generation that might occur on the property. Staff stated proposals
for power generation from solar or wind energy would have to connect to the City's grid.. Large
solar projects were usually a combination of public and private enterprises. Establishing wind
power was more complicated and required specific studies, some prior to initiating the project.
The Council commented on the need for a master plan, if an easement was necessary for the
entire property, possibly requesting RFPs for the lower lots with water rights now and addressing
the remaining property later.
Alex Amarotico/Commented that the City as landowners had authority to make restrIctIons
without a conservation easement at any time and could establish restrictions to protect the
viewshed if they sold the land.
Ms. Garcia explained how a conservation easement could be a tool the City referred to when
reviewing proposals to help retain important values like conservation, trails, recreation, use of
effluent. Mr, Amarotico cautioned on the possibility of having a good opportunity precluded due
to a conservation easement.
David Wick/Inquired on next steps. Ms. Bennett explained there would be another Study
Session in approximately two months and if an RFP process went to a City Council meeting,
there would be a Public Hearing noticed accordingly.
2. Gas Tax discussion.
Mayor Stromberg explained to the Council that establishing a 1 -cent per gallon gas tax locally
could generate $144,000 for the City annually and offset the Transit Utility fee. He noted a 3-
cent per gallon gas tax had been suggested and asked for the Council's level of interest in
.
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pursuing a local gas tax, The Council discussed pros and cons and debated whether to discuss the
gas tax further at another meeting.
3. Does Council want to adopt the City Council Goals for 2009-201O? Does Council wish
to release the Draft Valnes' Statement and Draft Vision for a two-month public
comment period?
Mayor Stromberg explained he would work with staff to coordinate the Council goal setting and
budget processes in their normal sequence for this year.
Councilor Lemhouse commented on the Meeting Summary at the end of the regular City Council
meetings. He suggested the Council use that time for reports and announcements instead.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m,
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Smith
Assistant to the City Recorder