Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-1203 Council Mtg PACKET council Meeting Pkt. J BARBARA CHRISTENS.EN CITY RECORDER Important:-Any citizen attenaing council meetings may speak on any item on the agenda, unless it is the subject of a public hearing which has been closed. If you wish to speak, please fill out the Speaker Request form located near the entrance to the Council Chambers. The chair will recognize you and inform you as to the amount of time allotted to you. The time granted will be dependent to some extent on the nature of the item under discussion, the number of people who wish to be heard, and the length of the agenda. AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL December 3,1996 I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 7:00 p.m., Civic Center Council Chambers. II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular meeting minutes of November 19, 1996. IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS: X Presentation of plaque.t9 Marty_Rurns by :v'layor Golden in recognition of . 25 years' saivice. ....:\:, .. ..- ~ Mayor's Proclamation of "10th Annual Christmas Tree Recycle Day". V. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of boards, commissions, and committees. 2. Monthly Departmental Reports - November, 1996. ~ Appointment of Paul Nolte as Judge Pro-tem for December 28, 1996. 4. Memo from Assistant City Engineer regarding extension of notice period of water well at Oak Knoll Meadows to January 3, 1997. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Testimony limited to 5 minutes per speaker. All hearings must conclude by 9:30 p.m. or be continued to a subsequent meeting). 1. Citizen/Board and Commission members input on 96-97 council goals not previously submitted in writing. 2. Recommended changes to LID policies and establishment of Arterial Street Assistance Account. 3. Adoption of the N. Mountain Neighborhood Plan, including comprehensive plan map and zone changes, Physical and Environmental Ordinance amendment, adoption of specific development standards and guidelines, NM zoning ordinance, and adoption of local street plan. VII. PUBLIC FORUM: Business from the audience not included on the agenda. (Umited to 5 minutes per speaker and 15 minutes total.) VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Report from Council Committee regarding sidewalk repair/tree replacement (Councilor Laws, Mayor Golden, Rick Landt). . ~"EW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: ~~ Request from Lester Zimmerlee, 250 Clay Street, for water connection outside of the city limits. 2. Receipt of recommendation for Sluicing Alternatives Committee with comments by Montgomery-Watson Engineers. X. DINANCES RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS: First reading by title only of "an Ordinance Replacing Chapter 18.106 of the Ashland Municipal Code in Order to Modify Approval Standards for /':"\ Annexations." --tV fE:st reading by title only of "an Ordinance Granting to AT&T, its . successors, assigns, lessees and agents, the right, privilege, authority and franchise to construct, operate, maintain, replace and remove such communications equipment as may, from time to time, be required, consisting of underground cables, wires, conduits, manholes, drains, splicing boxes, surface location markers and other facilities for similar uses, in, upon, over, under, along, across and through the franchise area for the purpose of operating as a carrier of long distance telecommunications traffic." Second reading by title only of "an Ordinance Amending Chapter 4.20 of the AMC relating to Systems Development Charges." Reading by title only of "a Resolution directing the City Administration to give Notice to Owners to Repair Sidewalks on Siskiyou Boulevard, Oak Street (Old Armory), Uncoln School, and Triangle Park or Charge Such ~wners if City Makes Repairs." ~ Reading by title only of "a Resolution Declaring the Canvass of the Vote" .. and the Mayor's Proclamation for Election of November 5, 1996. XI. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS XII. ADJOURNMENT r' MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL November 19, 1996 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Golden called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. at Civic Center Counpil Chambers. ROLL CALL Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, and Thompson were present. Councilor Wheeldon was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the Regular meeting of November 5, 1996 and Executive Session of November 12, 1996 were approved as presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of boards, commissions, and committees. 2. Monthly Departmental Reports - October, 1996. 3. City Administrator's Monthly Report - October, 1996. 4. Authorization for Mayor and Recorder to sign Quitclaim Deed for property in Ashland Creek floodway to Jeff Golden for $200.00. 5. Confirmation of Mayor's appointment of Richard Brock to Forest Lands Commission. Councilors Hagen/Reid m/s to approve consent agenda Items 1,2,3 and 5. Voice vote: all AYES. Motion passed. Councilor Thompson requested that Item No. 4 be pulled off consent agenda and placed under New and Miscellaneous Business. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Request for modification of Chapter 18.106 of the Ashland Municipal Code pertaining to annexation criteria. Specific modifications Involve clarification for determining "adequate transportation" and "affordable housing" requirements. Planning Director John Mclaughlin addressed issues regarding the annexation criteria and spoke of modifications. His suggested changes included clarification of standards to be met for an annexation. He stated city facilities would include adequate provision of water to a site, raising questions as to whether there is enough water to grow, for example, sewers, transportation (vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian and transit), and stated this would allow discretion as to what is adequate transportation. A new requirement involving residential annexations is a minimum density requirement for land to be used as efficiently as possible. He said that 25% of the units must be affordable and available to qualifying buyers. Council Meeting Minutes 11-19-96 1 . ; Mayor Golden quel?qon~b~idea of natural features to transfer density out and whether that woul~6fi!nge-1f\e zoning for the parcel to be developed. Her feeling is that the city has crear regulations on where development can occur in terms of hillsides and wetlands. Her feeling is a criteria is needed in annexation that disallows density increase on remaining land because of environmental constraints. Planning Director John Mclaughlin replied that they are trying to meet minimum density requirement and allowing reductions in the totals to accommodate natural features. Councilor Thompson inquired as to the planned unit development concept. Councilor Reid inquired of City Attorney Paul Nolte as to whether there should be two sets of rules, one for citizens within the city limits, and one for citizens in the urban growth boundary. City Attorney Paul Nolte replied that it would be more appropriate to implement that type of policy legally and also look at what is inside the city. He stated that as long as an owner is not deprived of all economic and viable.use of the property the same rules could be imposed. Councilor Laws stated he would prefer it was left to the discretion of the planning commission and council. . . Mayor Golden stated she felt the city has that discretion, and that density can be increased according to weatherization, affordable housing and open space. She said she would want to prohibit confusing rules to developers and the city that might lead to problems at a later date, and would like to clarify language. Councilor Thompson stated he would like to see an addition as: (Page 4, F. ...in the total number of units is deemed necessary to accommodate... ...topography, access limitations, unbuildable portions, or similar physical constraints. Planning Director John Mclaughlin did not feel that additional language would eliminate discretion and suggested other language be prepared for a new section between F and G called "Undevelopable Lands" - For residentially annexed lands containing undevelopable areas, i.e. wetlands, floodplains, etc., the developer will e!><.d>>Jz acreage for the purpose of density calculations shall not include the undevelopable area." G would become H. City Attorney Paul Nolte suggested that provision be fine-tuned with the deletion of the word "etc." Councilor Hauck noted that under the language of Measure 47 if a piece of property is annexed to only one voter that resides on the property there has to be an election and they have to agree to raise their taxes from the county level to the new city level, or taxes may not be raised. He suggested adding language that unless a successful election is achieved an annexation will not take effect. Council Meeting Minutes 11-19-96 2 . - ~ Mayor Golden suggested that on page 2, under 0, "sewage treatment plant" should be changed to "wastewater treatment plant." Also on page 3, No.4, "Rogue Valley Transportation District" should be changed to 'local transportation proVider." Coundlor Laws stated that on page 4, under F, there is a question as to how evidence could be provided that the development of the entire property will ultimately occur at a minimum density of 90% of the base density of the zone. Planning Director John Mclaughlin concurred there was no formal agreement, but there would be a plan for developers as to how density could be achieved and that would be followed over the years. Councilor Hagen requested clarification of language on Page 3, items 2 and 3, ...bicycle facilities serving those destinations shall be indicated." Planning Director John Mclaughlin replied that as part of applications materials the applicant would provide likely bike routes from project site and that would indicate how safe and accessible routes are in existence serving those destinations. Mayor Golden questioned language on page 6, ...Therefore, for the city the accurately access the request. Planning Director John Mclaughlin replied it should read ...for the city tQ accurately access the request. Mayor Golden questioned the wording under No. 4 as to whether that was the way it had always been written. Planning Director John Mclaughlin replied that the word "County" has been eliminated. Councilor Reid questioned the use of common wall units within residential zones and whether that had been discussed as a way to provide perpetual affordable housing. Planning Director John Mclaughlin replied the ordinance allows for the developer to choose that option in providing that housing type, and if the developer wanted to meet the 25% requirement through smaller attached units or rental units that could be accomplished. Councilor Thompson questioned the language on page 5, No.1, as to the "five-year" determination and wondered if that was in fact unique to the city or a statewide number. Planning Director John Mclaughlin replied it was originally a recommendation of the city while regulating growth rates. PUBLIC HEARING OPEN 7:47pm Bob Taber, 233 4th Street/He stated it is important to consider annexation but feels taxpayers subsidize growth and it doesn't do any good. He feels the city should add realistic costs to development. He thought it was naive to consider promoting growth unless there is a benefit to the city as a whole. Council Meeting Minutes 11-19-96 3 ..~~{ Don Greene, 375 Ashland/He feels city is putting a large burden on a small segment of the community to provide low income housing. He is in favor of affordable housing but all developments should have low income housing. In his opinion the policy will defeat the good the city has had to have a compact city. He feels the policy is too restrictive. Larry Medinger, 1160 Oak Street/He was speaking on behalf of the housing commission. He feels the idea of percentage of median came from 1989 Affordable Housing Committee and is not sure this is appropriate today. His view is the city should look 50-100 years into the future. Marilyn Briggs, 590 Glenview Drive/She wanted clarification as to whether every development has to have 25% of affordable housing and questioned if one had a large lot if you would be forced to develop it. ' Debbie Miller, 160 Normal Street/She feels requirements such as those in the annexation's revisions make Ashland so livable, and was pleased to see annexation may be approved. She feels it is important to maintain a place that is very livable, wants to determine what uses are consistent with open space values, manage land. conservation and develop in a manner that reflects the community's desire for a quality environment and a healthy economy. She urged a plan for an ideal size of the community and what kind of residences can accomplish that to retain the small town character. She asked whether SDC's would be waived for 25% of affordable units. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:12pm Mayor Golden suggested council return with a first reading. Councilor Laws expressed his. concern over the requirement for 25% of the affordable housing and whether that would accomplish the city's goal. Mayor Golden expressed her concerns over the recent annexations of Diamond D, Fordyce and Tolman, which all included 25% affordable housing and that possibly may pit existing residents who would normally be in favor of affordable housing against it. . Councilors Laws said that when those particular annexations came in the criteria was . 125% of the median and now it has been lowered to 100%. Mayor Golden said that issue should be discussed and asked whether council would consider changing the criteria to 25% at 125% and 15% at 100%. Councilor Thompson feels the ordinance change is headed in the right direction and by adjusting the criteria. He said he is convinced affordable housing can be provided by doing it on a smaller scale. Councilor Hauck indicated he was not yet ready to go over all the reasons and would like to gather facts for a later date. Councilor Hagen reiterated that annexation is not to be taken lightly and when land is brought in it also means a huge responsibility. Council Meeting Minutes 11-19-96 4 " Councilor Reid stressed there is a responsibility to neighbors as well but they would still receive city services (police, fire, schools, tc.). She stated ci obligations . would spread to outside the city and adjacent prope 'es as they develope J e>>(J,\ ~st tit Mayor Golden suggested this item be brought back fo first reading with orr~ns 1>" :fs~..l.j. outlined. . Serve. t1.5 ~'] reWWJ> 2. Proposed restoration of 15-30 minute bus service and Increase In~ ~dUCS Transportation User Fee (canceled at request of RVTD) Mayor Golden felt this item should not have been canceled. Councilor Reid stressed it was canceled because of the recent passing of Measure 47. Councilor Laws clarified the situation with RVTD. His recommendation is that we honor that to give them reasonable amount of time as to monetary problems with .RVTD. Councilor Hauck said they would be discussing that issue at the upcoming Board Meeting. Mayor Golden stressed the need for restoration of a 15-30 minute bus service to address needs of the community. PUBLIC FORUM No speakers. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Commmee report on removal and replacement of sidewalk and street trees on Highway 66. (Mayor Golden and Councilor laWs) Councilor Laws said his committee had met on site and had made the following recommendations. He said he wanted to assert their goals that the trees be saved on Ashland Street where possible, and correct problems with safety, accessibility and property damage to the sidewalks and street in a timely fashion, and transition out as slowly as possible existing trees and transition in new trees where necessary. They plan to identify specific trees which are causing damage right now, set a goal of three years to come up with a permanent plan for Ashland Street and deal with problems of accessibility, safety, and property damage, and look for alternative methods like perhaps rerouting the sidewalk around the trees. He noted that possible easements may be obtained from adjoining property owners. He stated the committEje would ask 11 council if this approach could be approved. ds ~ ~ (t~OI re.i<<-1 ~1 /H) n Councilor Reid spoke of ADA requirements,/elderly citizens and children, and the goal the committee is intending to meet. She said she has received numerous phone calls over the past three years from people tripping on the faulty sidewalks. Her feeling is she would like to save as many trees as possible, and suggested that some of the smaller trees could be transplanted. Council Meeting Minutes 11-19-96 5 Open 8:39 pm. Open Margaret Gelatt, 444 Courtney StfRead aloud her letter stressing the need to save and nurture the Iiquidambar trees on Ashland Street. Close 8:41 pm. Mayor Golden stated an additional report regarding the trees would be presented to council at the next council meeting on December 3. NEW & MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Consideration of Intergovernmental Agreement for Particulate Matter Impacts Relating to Transportation Air Quality. RVCOG Associate Executive Director Paula Brown discussed the Memo addressed to Mayor and Members of the City Council regarding Intergovernmental Agreement for Particulate Matter Impacts Relating to Transportation Air Quality. She indicated that all of the agencies involved within the.entire air quality maintenance area establishes a coordinated approach to transportation solutions regarding air quality. She feels that the Intergovernmental Issue ties in an environmental issue of air quality and regional transportation issues, and asked the council to approve and endorse the agreement. Councilor Laws inquired whether there were disadvantages to the City of Ashland he was not aware of given the fact that Ashland had always been in the forefront of air quality. . . Reid/Laws m/s to sign agreement. DISCUSSION AMONG COUNCIL Councilor Hagen expressed concern and he felt that the easier the City made it for traffic to flow the more people would drive. . He was not sure if the solution to Rogue Valley air quality problems is to make it easier to drive. Councilor Hauck felt that this set up a procedure for~nalyzing regional impact of transportation issues and that federal standards hacfto be met. Councilor Thompson said he felt skeptical and wondered what link other communities and TRADCO are making between liberal annexation policies, sprawl, and air quality. RVCOG Associate Executive Director Paula Brown replied that issue had been addressed and when there is mixed land use within cities it shows a significant decrease in amount of vehicle miles traveled. She indicated she will provide a policy showing issues. Councilor Laws said he had studied this issue some years ago and felt that the faster cars were the ones grinding up the particulate matter and it was in fact better to slow down the traffic. Councilor Hagen inquired as to what the outcome would be if one of the communities did not sign onto the policy. He felt that getting Federal dollars might be the worst thing that could happen to the Rogue Valley, as unlimited dollars could result in unlimited paving, meaning improved facilities resulting in even more traffic. He feels it would make it easier to drive and therefore people will do so. Council Meeting Minutes 11-19-96 6 " ,- RVCOG Associate Executive Director Paula Brown replied that the downside to one community not signing would be Federal dollars that come into implement the regional transportation plan. Transit operations would be excepted, as are bicycle and pedestrian paths. Planning Director John Mclaughlin addressed the fact that the agreement basically stated that as a project list is developed it would agree that projects will be reviewed for impacts on air quality. Exempt projects from that review are bicycle routes, etc. although not exempt from implementation. Roll Call vote: Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck YES; Councilors Hagen, Thompson, NO. Motion passed 3-2. 2. Authorization for Mayor and Recorder to sign Quitclaim Deed for property in Ashland Creek floodway to Jeff Golden for $200. Councilors Thompson/Hauck m/s to approve Mayor and Recorder to sign Quitclaim Deed. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed. ORDINANCES. RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS 1. First reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 4.20 of the Ashland Municipal Code Relating to System Development Charges. Finance Director Jill Turner described the recommendations proposed to the ordinance and resolution. She suggested that water would use the capacity and increase 50% in January and 50% next July. With regard to transportation she said the original committee recommendations would be utilized and increased 50% in January and 50% in July. She noted the committee had met and agreed that some of the issues need to be looked at again regarding water prior to the second increase taking place on July 1st. Darrell Boldt, 1950 Tamarack Road/Said he is a member of the SDC committee and reiterated what Jill Turner had to say, and felt that an acceptable agreement had been reached and a compromise with intent to moving forward. He feels this is. something that can be worked with. Cate Hartzell, 881 E. Main Street/She stated she felt that the notes from minutes of meetings of committee were not balanced. She urged council to look seriously at maximizing transportation assessment. Gerald Cavanaugh, 560 Oak Street/Urged the council to maintain the SDC's including the transportation SDC's at the levels decided upon in September meeting. His opinion was that the SDC's were set too low and urged the City to maintain SDC's at the highest possible level. He felt that an SDC for a residential single family unit realistically should be in the $20,000 to $25,000 neighborhood as that is the cost of providing the necessary public infrastructure. He feels the impact of Measure 47 will negatively affect municipal finances and the City of Ashland should be realistic. Bill Tweedie, 1537 Ulac Circle/Concurred with Gerald Cavanaugh and that with the impact of Measure 47 the fees should come from SDC's. Council Meeting Minutes 11-19-96 7 '.'. ~ Larry Medinger, 1160 Oak Street/Said he had a real proprietary interest in the City being treated right. He stated that bringing a community up to the level the city is now is expensive. In his opinion the SDC's are fair and he is looking forward to working on the water aspect. He sympathizes with the schools but until taxes are appropriate schools will be in trouble. City Administrator Brian Almquist read aloud in full the first reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 4.20 of the Ashland Municipal Code Relating to System Development Charges. Councilors Hagen/Reid m/s to approve first reading and place on agenda for second reading. DISCUSSION Councilor Laws felt it was not totally clear that these costs would include all of the services that the city would provide for with improvements. He stated the city is limited by State law and state law only allows to charge for growth related capital improvements that have to do with water supply and distribution, transportation, parks, wastewater collection and treatment and storm sewers, but does not allow to pay for capital improvements related to police and fire protection, planning equipment or general city buildings. Roll Call vote: Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, and Thompson, all AYES. Motion passed. 2. Reading by title only of a Resolution Adopting a Methodology to Calculate Systems Development Charges and Adopting Systems Development Charges, Pursuant to Sections 4.20.050 and 4.20.040 of the Ashland Municipal Code, and Repealing Resolutions 92-12, 92-13 and 96-11. Councilors Hauck/Reid m/s to approve Resolution # . Roll Call vote: Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen and Thompson, all AYES. Motion passed. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Council Meeting Minutes 11-19-96 8 ASHLAND FIRE & RESCUE MEMO November 25, 1996 TO: Mayor Cathy Golden And City Council FROM: Keith E. Woodley, Fire Chief SUBJECT: Twenty-Five Year Service Recognition For Firefighter Marty Bums It is not often that a Fire Chief enjoys the opportunity of recognizing an employee for twenty-five years of dedicated service to their department. Anymore it seems more frequent that employment commitments span a much shorter time frame than for those who have reached organizational "tenure" through faithful service to their community. On this occasion we have the opportunity of honoring one of Ashland's finest for a twenty-five year commitment to the citizens of Ashland. Firefighter Marty Bums was born and raised in Ashland, and on November 15, 1971 he began his fire service career with the Ashland Fire Department. Marty possesses a wide variety of skills, which have greatly benefited our department and community. Some of these skills and abilities are somewhat unconventional. I remember the day that I had assigned Marty to visit the Ashland Senior Center to deliver some printed educational materials. When he returned, he mentioned that while he was at the center the seniors were having dinner and seeing a piano in the comer, he commenced-to playing a little "ragtime" musical number to "serenade" the seniors while they were eating. I almost had a coronary! I told Marty now we would soon get a dozen telephone calls complaining that Ashland's Firefighters apparently have nothing better to do than play pianos while on duty! well, the phone did ring, but the response was not at all what I had feared. They loved him! Several commented on what a wonderful service the fire department was providing to our senior citizens! They wanted an encore, but I gracefully declined citing Marty's other work demands as a reason. One thing I have learned in working with Marty is that he is fully capable of generating unanticipated outcomes! Marty's service award comes as a bit of a surprise, as no one would guess that he had served so long by looking at him. He is extremely athletic, competing in numerous tennis Marty Burns Memo of Recognition November 25, 1996 Page Two tournaments, volleyball games, table tennis and badminton matches on a regular basis. He can be observed daily walking along East Main Street and throughout the downtown area. He and Carolyn, his wife, enjoy an extremely active lifestyle. His children are now grown and he can afford to take the time! For several years Marty has helped spearhead our community smoke detector program, which consists of a door-to-door neighborhood canvass each year to ensure that residential smoke detectors are in place and working properly. Marty's attention to detail, and meticulous nature, have been great assets to our department. He has a great sense of humor and has greatly added to the morale of our organization. Please join with us in recognizing Marty's twenty-five years of dedicated service to the members of his community and our best wishes for his future! "10TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLE DAY" WHEREAS, solid waste disposal and a dwindling capacity in our landfills is a critical national problem; and WHEREAS, garden waste contributes a significant volume in our landfills; and WHEREAS, Troop 112 of the Boy Scouts of America, with assistance from the Ashland Parks Department, picked up and chipped over 5,000 Christmas trees last year; and WHEREAS, the chipped material was used on park trails and as mulch for plants and did not enter the .waste stream.; and WHEREAS, the Ashland Lions are supporting this effort by donating volunteer power and equipment to transport the pick-up crews. NOW THEREFORE, I, Catherine M. Golden, Mayor of the City of Ashland, do hereby proclaim Saturday, January 4, 1997 as: "CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLE DAY IN ASHLAND" and hereby urge all citizens to set out their tree near the curb on Friday, January 3, to be picked up on Saturday, January 4, between 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., and to consider making a donation to assist the Troop in their community service activities. Dated this 3rd day of December, 1996. 'jE;;,~;;~J~, !""\lIlr.;:' !@!"..~ I \\\iI..IP}~ '" \'~:.:.:~;}.(: ,~~I"" ;~~1!~.. - I""''''':, J"'!i~~\\:"".. (/~.;.1'.h ~ Barbara Christensen, Recorder Catherine M. Golden, Mayor ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 7, 1996 I. Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. Members Present: John McClendon (Chair) Donn Todt (Minutes) Nancy Kerr Jack Goldberg Robbin Pearce (Staff) II. Approval of Minutes - not discussed III. Guests: January Jennings and Brian Nelson (prospective Tree Commission members), Margrett Gelatt (interest in trees on Highway 66), Charles (Chuck) Beck, Brian Reed, Ruthie Beck, Scott Kurtz, Colin Swales, Doug Neuman, Ron Blanchard, and Brian Reed (planning actions). IV. Old Business: A. Riparian Area Protection/Enhancement - McClendon provided information that sasc plans to develop some of Roca Canyon as an arboretum. Also, he stated Headwaters has a project that involves the evaluation of Roca Canyon. B. Trees for Newborns - Kerr and Nancy Slocum (Planning Department) have worked out a design for the certificate. It was approved with minor additions. C. TID Trees - Todt noted that TIO had been found negligent in its application of the herbicide "Spike". Jennings observed that trees are continuing to die along the portion of the ditch with which she is familiar. Todt suggested the value of these trees was incommensurate with the value of the trees TIO was willing to replace them with. Nelson suggested that due to the long half-life of the pesticide, it might be some time before replacement plantings could be made where appropriate. It was agreed that a follow-up census of dead and dying trees be taken in the spring or summer. McClendon and Todt wili draft a letter to TIO regarding Tree Commission 1 ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 7, 1996 concerns, including the possible "remedial action" of root pruning. D. Tree City USA Sign Locations - Goldberg furnished photos showing possible locations along Highway 66, The Commission agreed it should be posted with the "Welcome to Ashland" sign and that perhaps the City might look into doing some landscaping in the vicinity. It was also suggested a sign is needed along the Siskiyou Boulevard entrance to the City, Goldberg will look at possible locations, E. Holiday Relief - Todt gave a report and update on the effort. Pearce noted that City Council had agreed to participate in the project. F. Other Old Business: Clay Street Overpass - Kerr showed the Commission a copy of the grant application, noting it was due in early December. The Commission agreed to meet at the site on Sunday at 2:00 p.m, to discuss landscaping possibilities. Todt will talk to Ken Mickelsen and Jill McClelland in the Parks Department for assistance in writing the grant. V. New Business: A. Planning Actions (see Site Review sheets) B. Trees and the Law - Todt will ask the City Attorney, Paul Nolte, if he would be willing to offer an educational presentation in January. C. Other New Business: 1. Video - Todt suggested that an educational video regarding utility pruning and trenching around trees be purchased and provided to Public Works, Parks Department and other applicable agencies and organizations, Approved by voice vote. 2. Tree Removal and Replacement Along Highway 66 - Margrett Gelatt expressed regret that the City was removing the trees and said the City should do everything possible'to save them. Pearce noted information was scant in prior Tree Commission 2 ASHLAND TREE COMMISSIONc MINUTES NOVEMBER 7, 1996 minutes regarding these trees. Todt mentioned the project was originally scheduled to happen some time ago and that prior Tree Commissioners Mark Jenne and Rich Whitall had been conceptually aware of the project. Jenne had discussions with Brian Almquist regarding City plans, and former chairperson Whitall had submitted a letter to Planning/Public Works giving conceptual approval to the project. Tree Commissioners felt they needed more specific information from Public Works regarding the number of trees to be taken out and that conceptual approval did not constitute final approval. Tree Commissioners also noted that with the recent rapid turnover in membership, there was a lack of continuity with regard to information on the project. Current Tree Commission Chairperson McClendon will get on the agenda for the next City , Council meeting, Todt will talk to Public Works about getting current information. Todt also stated that since the project had been planned for so long, why were concerns not expressed within the context of Tree Commission meetings? VI. Adjounment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned, 3 .. .1.:_.. ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION Minutes November 6, 1996 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis. Members present were Terry Skibby, Jim Lewis, Joyce Cowan, Keith Chambers, Bill Harriff, Vava Bailey, Curt Anderson, Cliff Llewellyn and Larry Cardinale. Also present was Associate Planner Mark Knox. No members were absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chambers moved and Cardinale seconded to approve the September 4, 1996 Minutes as submitted. The motion was unanimously passed. STAFF REPORTS Planning Action 96-127 Conditional Use Permit 534 Siskiyou Boulevard Joe R. and Penryn A. Manceau Knox gave the Staff Report, explaining the applicants are requesting approval for a two-unit traveller's accommodation in the existing house. No exterior alterations are proposed. After a brief discussion, Chambers moved and Harriff seconded to recommend approval of this application to the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. Planning Action 96-132 Transfer of Ownership 120 Gresham Street Wayne and Elisabeth Jonas Knox related this request involves the change in ownership of the eXlstmg traveller's accommodation. The applicants propose the operation remain as it is currently approved, with six units plus an owner's unit. Skibby moved and Llewellyn seconded to recommend approval of this request. The motion passed unanimously. BUILDING PERMITS ..I." ... Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of October follow: 75 Coolidge Street 75 Coolidge Street 449 East Main Street 563 North Main Street 295 Iowa Street 71 Water Street 64 Dewey Street 265 North Main Street 450 Iowa Street 151 Coolidge Street 31 North Main Street 71 Water Street 14 South First Street REVIEW BOARD Adam Hanks Adam Hanks Eufloria Davis/Adams Richard and Joanne Moeshl Uoyd Haines John Orr Ashland School District #5 Merrill Hayes Michael and Morell McRay Matt Frey Lloyd Haines The Bead Studio Shed Demolition Addition Repair Interior Remodel Interior Remodel Excavation/Grading Garage Music Building Replace Porch Piers Repair/Remodel Change Door 15 Condo Units Sign Following is the schedule (until the next meeting) for the Review Board, which meets every Thursday from 3:00 to at least 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department: November 7 November 14 November 21 November 27 OLD BUSINESS Cowan, Skibby and Bailey Chambers, Skibby and Anderson Lewis, Skibby and Bailey Lewis, Skibby and Cowan Proiect Assienments for Plannine Actions I PA# I Address I Perron(s) Assigned I 96-063 62-66 East Main Street Terry Skibby 96-075 265 North Main Street Vava Bailey 96-071 248 Eighth Street Curt Anderson 96-058 264 Van Ness Avenue Jim Lewis 96-098 190 Oak Street Vava Bailey 96-086 685 "A" Street Curt Anderson/Jim Lewis Ashland Historic Commission Minutes September 4, 1996 II Page 2 ~. .,," 96-110 499 Iowa Street Joyce Cowan 96-112 . 249 "A" Street Jim Lewis There were no new assignments. NEW BUSINESS The Commission then watched the video entitled "working on the Past", which IS the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the treatment of historic properties. ADJOURNMENT It was the unanimous decisioll of the Commissioll to adjourn the meeting around 9:00 p.m, II Ashland Historic Commissi()Il Minules Septemher 4, 1996 Pa~c J CITY OF ASHLAND . Office of the City Attorney (541) 482-3211, Ext. 59 20 East Main, Ashland, OR 97520 (541) 488-5311 - Fax MEMORANDUM DATE: November 22, 1996 TO: Mayor Golden and City Councilors FROM: lr' Paul Nolte RE: Request for Judge Pro Tem Appointment , I would like to be appointed as a pro tem municipal judge for the date of Saturday, December 28, 1 $96, so that I may perform a wedding ceremony on that day for Cindy Love and Adam Hanks, two of our city employees. As you know, city ordinance requires such appointments to be made by the mayor and confirmed by council. 18:\council\pro-tem4.roq) . ..'--.---.---------.------------------.-'..1 MAYORAL A P P O.JNi1iME N T ........fiJ~\....t.......... .....CJ1T>>......OF A'!Jl~D\\. ..",,:-:-" :(:=;,. }:::::: :,:,:::. ,.. ,-,::::::::::::::.- ,:=~:;::;':'::\::;:q;;:- ..:::\. MUNfC/'l'lt1:i,UlJ'llE ....\..............n... 1.~O..i/Ti 'E' ....'M...............,~O.)li~....:i L?1\. - ". c~::}}}>:.. ...... .....':. . n..-..'.,-.-.-.-.-.--.-.-....::..:::::'::.:.:.:.:.. .::::: ,:c:" -:::);;:. . , ," ;';::"':'::::<."::,. :'-':::::<,?::::::t::;:::::::::~::t.::::::.::: ': ::::::::::::;', .::::;;,;::::::::::.., .::;:: .. .----------------- --....... .. --.----------.-----...........-.-....---..- ..... _.. .... .........._.. ____.n n.... ..........----------...---....... ....... - d..........._.,..,...._.,...___ ......... . .............. .... ..... ......... ... ..._n__._________...u. ......... ........... ........ ::::::;:;{:~.:;;:::: ..........->:0,:.:.,. .......... . - -- -- ................... .........-.--... ..-.-.- ----.... ........................ .......------ . .... ... .... - ......... ...... ......... _._.__m-- . ... ... ......., - - ----. . ...... ..... mm" . .....,. ..-- - ............. - ........ - ...--..-..-.-.-..-- --- . ..... . m . ____. .. . ....... . --. .....,.... .-. . ...... -..- . ._.......-.--. .........,.. ...... m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m._____. _...... ...- ---- -.-. ........ . ------. . .. ......-----------.--......,. .. ...-....-.-.-. .............-.......-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.....-.-.-.-. .. . ...... -----------............. .. .. .--------.-.--.-.--.-.........-.-..................._._._-_.. ... .. ....... ... .---..------_. ... . _. ._._...__ _m_______......... .... . . ..= ...- ---- .--.............. .... ... . .------ ---......... .......-.. ..... ......,... .-. ------------.-_... . ..,. . ---.....--.----- --.--............... .... . .... .......... ---.- .... ...... .,.. ..:::::::,:::;:;:" ...... ..--..------------ -- - -. .. --------------- ...-......... . .-.-.-.-,. ..-.--.-.-.-.-.-.-,-....... -.:._.-.' . .... .-.-,-.- ......-........--.-.-.--...-.... ... .. . -.---------..--... . . .-. ------..-......-... . .. . ........-.-..-.-.---.-.. .... ...... --.. .--. ------.--.......-. - ..-".-.-'--"-" ..... ....... --.. . --------......... - .....-.....-.-.-.. ... .... m. . ;;:.' :::,. . ..- .----..----.. -.-.-..---.-.-.-.-.-.-.--.-.-...... .....,......------ .".---.---------... .------.....-----...... -- -....-..... -..---- ... .. .... ..--..--.---.............,... . .... --.......-.. ..-.-.-.-.-.-.......... -- ----- -- ....... . ..... ...___m_._._..__"_._'_" .. ... .........m_. _ .. ......-----..--....'." -- .---------........ ,....::~:::;:~. (.:,: - --.... ..,=,=-.. .... . ..........-.. ... ... --.....--.-.-.-.--.-.-..... -... .-.. . .-... .... .... ..... .... ...-- ---.--._--.-."--'. ..... .... --- . ...--....,-- - .. .... ..... ...... ..... ... .... .-.-.-... . ,.. ---- .... .... . .......,....... )/ ,,,.. . ... ... .... - ... .... ... ........ .. -... ........... ... .-' --..._......-.-.-... .-.. ...-' -.........-... ........... ...-. .-........-...:... ..;< ....0. ...."'1JJ.I~fJlJII~j;r;~lden, l1~iJr .....--......,.. -.;.:.:-:-:.:-:-:<-:-:-:.:',-:.:.. .,:'::V ..:,.. ....:~,.. .'.::~'..:;:;. Confirmed by tlfe.;Cl~.~iJlm~il .9Ztft~pij,gl Jf.s~l(diat" Oregon, at the regularly scheduledVir,..~e~~Cilm~~f!:ligo1ip~ceinber 3, 1996. Barbara Christensen, City Recorder CITY OF ASHLAND MEMORANDUM Public Works Department Engineering Dh'isioll DATE: November 22, 1996 TO: Ken Mickelson, Paul Nolte, Brian Almquist, Susan Wilson Broadus Jim Olson, Assistant City Engineer ym DRAFT PERMIT FOR WATER WELL AT OAK KNOLL FROM: RE: As requested by Paul Nolte in his letter of October 29, 1996 the Oregon Water Resources Department has extended the protest period for our application G-13824 until January 3, 1997. Attached is a revised proposed final order showing [he dates. ! Of " DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING SERVICES RONALD THURNER PLANNING AND BUSINESS CONSULTING 1170 BELLVIEW AVENUE ASHLAND, OREGON 97520 (503)488-2414 memoranbum December 3, 1996 ~o: Honorable Mayor and City Council jfrom: Ronald Thurner f$ubjtd: Recommended changes to LID policies I wish to commend the Staff and City Council for having recognized a need to update Ashland's policies regarding the formation of LID's. Your efforts have wrought several recommendations which may assist the City to more equitably implement the formation of an LID that occurs upon an "arterial or collector street". However, their are additional policy changes which should also be considered at this time in order to compliment those under consideration and to make Ashland LID policies even more equitable to affected properties. It would be inappropriate for the Council to miss this opportunity to implement LID policy changes that affect "other" residential street designations, as well as those for streets designated "arterial or collector". Many, if not most, of the LID's currently in place are in areas other. than upon arterial or collector streets. Additionally, much of the contention regarding LID formations occur as a result of ambiguous or non-existent policies defining how Ashland will implement an LID. Beginning with the changes proposed in the Memorandum dated November 6,1996: 1) ModiEy our current policy on land use approvals to require that instead oE requiring an agreement Eor :future improvements, that the developer: The Council might consider adding a stipulation that a person(s) developing properties that necessitate the 1 formation of a LID for off-site improvements shall be responsible for, and required to, pay in full for all upgrades, other than paving, to existing infrastructure that are necessitated by the development. For example; if an existing neighborhood is being adequately served by a six (6) inch sewer line, but the addition of several new homes will require upgrading the line to an eight (8) inch then the developer of the new properties would be responsible for the entire cost of the upgrade. This "upgrade" expense should not be incurred by neighboring properties in a LID or subsidized by the City of Ashland. When an upgrade such as described above is necessitated by, and benefits, the City as a whole then the entire expense for such an upgrade should be incurred by the City rather than being added into the "actual cost" of improvements which is then borne by neighboring participants in a LID. Also, if the paving of the off-site access street presents added expense due to slope or fill requirements then the developer causing the need for the paving should bear the burden of that added expense, much as is described the City would for the added expense of meeting arterial street standards. 2) Direct the Ci ty Recorder to prominently include the total estimated cost of future street improvements on any lien search for a property on which a pre-paving agreement was previously required. In addition to the difficulties described in the Nov. 6 Memo, this policy change is likely to exacerbate confusion regarding a properties "future financial obligation". Notification of total estimated cost does not clarify the actual obligation attributable to the individual property owner. A reasonable assumption would be for such notice to jeopardize the sale or marketability of the property as the potential purchaser would not know when this expense would occur and would not know what portion of the total expense would be attributable to the individual property. Worst of all NO ONE could honestly provide this information until the LID is actually formed, thereby defining actual projected costs and how many properties will share the burden. The latter is especially difficult due to the City's apparent desire to retain 'maximum flexibility' when it comes to apportionment of costs for LID's. As stated in the staff report attached to the Nov. 6, 1996 Memo on page two (last sentence of first paragraph under Initiation and Notification), "The Council legally has a grea t deal of flexibili ty when it comes to the crea tion and apportionment of costs for LIDs." So if the Council truly wishes to legitimately inform property owners as to future 2 LID obligations then it is imperative that the Council adopt a method of defining which properties will be included in the assessment for an LID. Defining the properties to be included in an LID should more accurately reflect all those properties which will directly benefit from the proposed improvements. By virtue of this hearing the Council is obviously attempting to accept responsibility for the communities benefit when improvements occur on streets designated as an arterial or collector, but the policy changes proposed do not require that ALL properties benefited shall participate in the LID. Similarly, the proposed changes fail to recognize that "other" residential street designations also may benefit more than just the property with frontage along the street. Examples of these two scenarios follow: The first example is the attempt to put forth a LID for improvements to Tolman Creek Road. The driving mechanism for defining which properties would be included in this LID seemed to be based upon a gerrymandering of boundaries to include a majority of properties which had signed a pre- paving agreement. There was absolutely no logic involved for excluding some properties on Diane Street from this LID when the historic route to their properties is via the portion of Tolman Creek Road considered for this LID. This example illustrates the need for a legitimate formula for apportioning the costs of an LID to ALL the properties that will benefit from the improvements. In this particular example, if ALL of the properties that will benefit from the improvements proposed are included in the apportioning of the costs as opposed to artificially establishing boundaries . that only include those pre-signed in favor then it might become necessary to initiate a LID by Council resolution rather than contending that a neighborhood is willing to recognize the need for the improvements simply because of an agreement signed by a previous owner. This is not only a legal option, but is also a vastly more ethical approach. If the Council also agrees to accept responsibility for costs in excess of the average cost of a residential street, as well as those costs for upgrades of sewer, water and storm drains serving more than the project area and ALL benefited properties are apportioned a share in the expense then the City will have approached equity with regards to LID's occurring on this arterial or collector street. Another example of the principals cited above would be the proposed LID on Schofield and Monte Vista. This particular LID is driven by the development plans for a project at the top of Schofield. If not for the development of this property it isn't likely that the Schofield/Monte Vista neighborhood would seek paving, curbs, gutters or sidewalks 3 . regardless of the "pre-paving agreements" that had previously been required of several of the property owners. Additionally, this LID is again an example of a form of gerrymandering of LID boundaries in order to impose paving upon the neighborhood. A simple majority of existing property owners in this neighborhood are not seeking or initiating the "improvements", nor are they seeking the added traffic that will ensue with these improvements. Lacking a specific method of determining the boundaries of a LID contributes to a circular logic being employed to force the neighborhood into accepting the LID. That is, the development cannot occur unless a LID is formed in order to bring the street to current standards and because the development has been approved in spite of the street being substandard, a LID is then imposed in order to legitimize the approval. This method thus forces the neighboring properties to participate in subsidizing the expenses that result because a developer is creating added lots. Simultaneously the developer/owner of the lot being divided is required to sign in favor of future improvements thereby creating many individual "votes" which are given over to the City and then used to tip the balance into the 51% range of property owners supposedly in favor of a LID formation. A more accurate description of this kind of situation is that the City utilizes its authority to create many "votes" by allowing the creation of many lots, then banks these required signatures in order to legitimize the formation of a LID. Then the City suggests that a majority of the neighborhood is in favor of the formation of a LID. All the while, the design of the LID is undefined, the boundary of the LID is undefined, there is no acknowledgement or definition of which properties will benefit directly or indirectly; and there is no published formula for determining how to apportion the costs of the LID. The latter creates problems when a property owner happens to own a corner lot and may be assessed based on their frontage on two streets; or a lot with a small frontage, such as multiple flag lots with only 20' of frontage, but far greater impact with regards to traffic; or the benefit to neighboring streets which will utilize the new "improved" street without incurring any of the expense; or the lot with more than one dwelling, as with accessory structures, which again presents a greater multi-modal impact than a single lot with a single dwelling and unfortunately a large amount of frontage. 3) Estab~ish an "Arteria~ Street Assistance Account" to cover the extraordinary costs on arteria~ and co~~ector streets, as ro~~ows: 4 , . To this provision the Council should consider naming the account the LID Assistance Account with a set of criteria as to circumstances when this fund would be utilized. As pointed out in the staff report attached to your 11/6/96 memo, their are other instances for which the City might assume additional expenses due to extraordinary costs associated with residential streets other than arterial or collector streets, such as upgrading storm drains, etc.. From the Daily Tidings, Dec. 2,1996 it is reported that the Council is to decide about a policy that would simply asses each side of a street to be improved a flat rate $67.50 per lineal foot of frontage. This would be a very unfortunate adaptation of the policy recommendations found in your 11/6/96 memo and contrary to an "informed" Public Hearing. The policy changes addressed in this Public Hearing simply fail to clarify the LID process or proper planning with regards to this element of transportation. It is an excellent beginning, but it would premature to adopt these changes without defining and resolving the other parameters of Land Use Planning, LID boundaries, Carte Blanche pre- paving agreements, and a formula for apportioning the costs for a given LID. Respectfully Submitted, ~ 5 , : .,. ~emoraudum November 6, 1996 '(ito: . Honorable Mayor and City Council JIf rom: Councilor Laws, Wheeldon and Hagen ~ ubjed: Recommended changes to LID policies Attached is a copy of a staff report summarizing the history and present policies governing local improvement procedures in the City of Ashland. Our committee has circulated this report to interested citizens and held an open forum to discuss its contents on September 16. After full consideration of the comments and suggestions made at that meeting, the committee would like to recommend that a public hearing be scheduled for December 3, 1996 to consider the adoption of the following policy changes. 1. Modify our current policy on land use approvals to require that instead of requiring an agreement for future improve11lents, that the developer: (a) Prepay the estimated amount of the required improvements, and pre-sign in favor of the formation of an LID; or (b) At the option of the city, require the developer to install a full half-street abutting the property. (c) Establish the average cost of a residential street at $135.00 per lineal foot, to be adjusted annually by the Engineering News Record (ENR) index of construction costs. (d) Adopt a policy for unusual street conditions (e.g. hillside areas) that allow a supplemental assessment in an LID whenever the actual cost exceeds 10% of the average cost in (c), above. 2. Direct the City Recorder to prominently include the total estimated cost of future street improvements on any lien search for a property on which a pre-paving agreement was previously required. 3. Establish an "Arterial Street Assistance Account" to cover the extraordinary costs on arterial and collector streets, as follows: (a) Commit to city participation of costs in excess of the average cost of a residential street, independent of any other County, State. or Federal assistance. (b) Pay for the following excess costs on arterial or collector streets: (1) Extra pavement width or depth. (2) Extra sidewalk width. (3) Oversize storm drains serving more than the project area. (4) Up to 50% of the cost of traffic calming measures. (5) Additional street lighting or signage. (c) Increase the Transportation Utility fee by $50,000 and earmark these funds for a new "Arterial Street Assistance Account." This would add 37 cents monthly to a single family residential account. (d) Establish a policy that senior citizens over 65 and disabled persons, with a household income of less than $30,000 may defer assessment payments of up to $25,000 until the property is sold or transferred. A lien would be recorded against the property. Recommendations: It is also recommended that a public hearing be scheduled for December 3, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. to consider the proposed policy changes and the establishment of an "Arterial Street Assistance Account." It is also recommended that the staff be directed to prepare the appropriate resolution and written policies implementing the above recommendations. Attachment (1) \b\memo.031 . ... 1.. 1. LIDs in Ashland 1 . -~_.. . Back~round The City of Ashland's policy, through its Comprehensive Plan, has been to enhance transportation by fully improving its streets and thereby reduce the cost of maintenance. Improvement also enhances air and water quality by promoting multi-modal transportation, and enhances access for the police and fire departments and other service providers. In subdivisions and in other developments under the Land-use Ordinance, streets are "improved" when they have curbs, gutters, storm drains, sidewalks, park rows, str~t trees, street lighting, and appropriate traffic control devices, and are paved to lane width~ appropriate for the vehicle volumes they are planned to carry, including bicycle lane width where required. If any of these elements are lacking, a street may need further improvement. Paved streets are less expensive to maintain over the long run, since gravel streets quickly deteriorate with use--especially when wet. In the winter, gravel streets erode and contribute particulates to storm sewers and natural drainage ways. In the summer, unimproved streets reduce air quality by generating dust. Police and fire vehicles can also respond more quickly in emergencies if they are traveling over paved surfaces. Authority for Formation of LIDs Streets can be improved by cities, developers, or individual property owners. Property owners residing along a given section of a street may implement their street improvements under a Loca1 Improvement District (LID). The majority of streets in Ashland have been improved by the LID process or by subdivision development, and all are maintained by the City of Ashland. State law allows all incorporated Oregon cities to create LIDs. In 1874, Ashland's first city charter granted the City authority for the formation of LIDs. City records show that LID projects were implemented as early as 1911, and LIDs continue to fund such recent improvements as Lori Lane, upper Ashland Loop Road and Lower Tolman Creek Road. By providing low interest tax-exempt bonds, LIDs provide a way for property owners to improve their neighborhoods on a cooperative basis. 1 .. City Participation Over time, the City of AsWand has contributed to LIDs in various ways. Between 1950 and : 1965 the City, at the request of developers, improved streets through the LID process with "the cost of the improvement being born by new homeowners. This policy was discontinued . in 1965. In the late 1960's and early '70's, many other cities continued to build subdivision streets at the developer's request in anticipation of future home sales. The new homeowners within the development were expected to take on the LID payments. When the developers defaulted on their projects, the cost of the street improvements on unsold lots shifted from the developer to the local taxpayers. . _ Initiation and Notification Under State Law and our local ordinance, there are three typical methods by which LIDs 'may be initiated: (1) by a petition submitted by a group of property owners; (2) by resolution of the Council; (3) at an individual property owner/developer's request. AsWand's policy has been to require that more than 50% of the property owners must be signed in favor of an LID to initiate the process, but this is not a State requirement. State law allows the City Council to initiate LIDs with or without signatures, provided that no more than two- thirds (67%) of the affected owners do not object at the first public hearing. The Council legally has a great deal of flexibility when it comes to the creation and apportionment of costs for LIDs. ORS 223.389 requires public notice and a hearing before a proposed improvement is authorized. By State law, the fust hearing determines whether or not the City Council wishes to go forward, but not the determination of the final assessment. AsWand City Ordinance, however, requires that after the initial public hearing no more participants can be added to the LID. After bids are received, the final,per lot share of the LID may not exceed the original estimate by more than 10% unless a majority of the owners consent to proceed, after notification. Bancroft Bondine: To benefit homeowners and property owners, the Bancroft Act was created in the 1920's by the State Legislature (ORS 223.205 to 223.3(0) and provided a uniform, low interest means to pay for LIDs. These "Bancroft bonds" also allow LIDs to be paid for over a specific period of time (typically 10 years). 2 . . Current Assessments Still Due , \ ....t. . - Currently, Ashland has 19 Local Improvement Districts using LID Bancroft bonding. . 'these districts represent 172 accounts with a total outstanding balance of $1,570,063. Methods of Assessment There are five basic allOcation methods of street assessment used by cities in Oregon: lineal street frontage, lot area, per lot, trip generation, and zone of benefit~ These methods, or a combination of these methods, are commonly used throughout cities in Oregon. Zone apportionment has been used when proximity to the improvement is considered a benefit. An example would be Corvallis' use of zone of benefit apportioning for a commercial parking lot, assuming greater proximity is of greater benefit. Ashland in recent years has used a combination of lineal street frontage and lot area to calculate the cost per property. Portland has used a combination of frontage and zone of benefit; Medford has used a combination of frontage and/or dwelling units; The DaIles has used a formula of 25 % frontage and 75 % area, with side streets participating by zone; and Corvallis, using 50% frontage and 50% area. . Impact of LIDs on Ashland Street Improvement The majority of streets in Ashland have been improved either by an LID or through the development of subdivisions. In the past 10 years, 31 streets were improved, through LIDs. The total cost for these projects in 1996 dollars was $2,811,185. . . _ Develooment of an "Arterial Street Assistance Account" Arterial or collector streets require a wider, stronger travel surface, and usually include additional amenities not found on local residential streets. Residents on arterial and Collector streets object to paying the additional costs of improving their street for community use. To provide a method for the entire community to share in these additional costs, a revolving fund entitled the "Arterial Street Assistance Account" could be created. ' To analyze the different funding options, staff has assumed an annual target revenue of $150,000. Unexpended revenues would roll-{)ver annually, letting this fund build. Moneys would be expended on a first -come- first-served basis. The account would offset the additional cost of improvements on arterial or collector streets identified in the Comprehensive Plan, and would ~ apply to outright permitted uses in Single Family Residential Zones. Commercially zoned properties and conditional uses in residential zones would not benefit. Schools and parks would also be assessed. 3 '.. The "Arterial Street Assistance Account" would be in addition to the $1.072 million in transportation needs identified in the Capital Improvement Program that remain unfunded. .~ . .~ Individual Areas of City Participation There are a number of areas the City could examine to identify improvement costs that exceed those of a typical residential'street, and where additional City participation from the "Arterial Street Assistance Account" might be considered: 1. Extra pavement thickness and/or width for additional lanes, truck traffic or .industriaI use. ~2. .Pedestrian Usal!e: sidewalk: width where more than the neighborhood is served, and where sidewalk: width needs to exceed 4 feet. . . 3. Stonn drain system requirementslover-sizinl!: included where the system serves I more than the local neighborhood. . 11,_ 4. Traffic caJminl!: which is not necessary on low traffic volume streets. ~ . 5. Street classification: . designation as arterials, sub-arterials,collector and sub- collector streets. 6: Exemptions by the City: exemptions to be on a case by case basis by the Council which would be paid by the City. Possible Fundine Sources Staff has examined what the revenue potential of various funding options would be if the City were to collect approximately $150,000 annually for an "Arterial Street Assistan'ce Account. " Council could utilize one or more of the following options, or combining financing from several options: . _ 1.. Systems Development Charl!es (SDCs). There is currently a proposal to increase the Transportation Systems Development Charge. Three options were presented to the SDC review committee, and the option which will collect the least amount of money was selected; a $10,()()() per year estimated increase. This could be increased to bring in an additional $1O,()()() per year for the "Arterial Street Assistance Furid." The current Transportation SDC is lower than those charged by Medford, Phoenix, or Jackson County. There is a rational nexus with growth to increase these charges, since development increases the demands on the ~sportation system. SDCs, however, can only be used to pay 7% percent of projects attributable to future growth. 2. Increase Transoortation Utility Fee. The current residential fee is $2.41 per month. If this were increased by an additional $1.15 (or $3.56 per month) an additional 4 .;;. .< $150,000 would be collected annually for tranSportation. Everyone with a utility account. would pay this fee, regardless of their level of use of the transportation syst.em. This fee currently supports the sidewalk inst.alliition subsidy, and the bus fare subsidy. Medford's Transportation Utility Fee is currently $3.50 per month. 3. Serial LevylPrODerty Tax. The proposed $150,000 per year could also be raised by increasing the property tax base by 14 cents/$I,OOO valuation. This would require voter approval. 4. City Gas Tax. This was attempted in 1979, but was referred to the voters and defeated. Since revenue would be collected only from Ashland gas stations, it was alleged that some loss of sales could occur. A regional gas tax would probably avojd this problem, but it is doubtful that it would receive regional voter support. An Ashland one cent per gallon gas tax would raise a minimum of $150,000.' . . 5. Hotel/Motel Tax Increase. A I % increase in this tax would generate approximately $110,000. . 6. LocaI Vehicle Registration Fee. If we estimate that there are 7,612 households, each with an average of 1.5 vehicles, Ashland residents would pay $13.00 annually to raise $150,000. There is also some question as to whether the State has preempted this area. 7. Business License Increase. Since, in theory, businesses would be generating additional transportation system impacts, this tax could be increased. An increase of $10 in the base fee would raise $17,000. ,; OJ>tions to Pre-pavin!! A!!reements Another major area for street improvement funding review concerns pre-paving agreements. One of the most frequent complaints by those involved in the implementation of LIDs is that "I knew 1 had signed something, but 1 didn't know it would cost this much", or that "the developer should have paid this when my house was built. " In order to properly reflect the true cost of development and to allow the cost of abutting street improvements to be included in the mortgage costs, consideration should be given to a change in the existing policy of simply signing in favor of future improvements, to the following: 1. Deposit cost of improvements in advance. The cost of improvements would be due at the time all other development fees are paid. This option would eliminate the ;benefits of tax- exempt financing, but street improvement costs could then be included in mortgage costs. Financial alternatives for low income or affordable housing would be at Council's discretion. 5 '. ., This option presents the challenge of accurately estimating the final cost of improvements in advance, possibly by many years. Administrative overhead is also increased for the Finance Department and Engineering Division. The Finance Department must track the revenue received, but may also be able to earn interest on the fund equal to the inflating project cost. . Engineering is burdened by having to estimate costs years before actual construction. The project design itself could change, or various cost elements could increase. The City would then be bound to make up the difference between the original estimate and actual project costs. Those lots that are prepaid in favor of the LID should also be included in the boundary of the proposed LID and counted as a: percentage in favor of the improvement. 2. !\:fake pre-paving agreements more generally known, including costs (i.e. lien searches, title reports). If lots within subdivisions or minor land partitions are each signed in favor of an LID at their creation, notice of the LID should be included in the title report. The notice on the report or lien search letter should be highlighted somehow to indicate the property is already signed in favor, to direct the purchaser to contact the Public Works Department for more information, and should include an estimate of the current cost of the LID for that parcel. The estimate creates the same problems for Engineering as noted above. (An estimate might have to read something like "If this parcel is improved as proposed in the attached diagram, the LID cost estimate in 1996 dollars for this parcel would be $XXX.xx) Those lots that are signed in favor of the LID will continue to be included in the boundary of the proposed LID and counted as a percentage in favor of the improvement, and notified of pending LID implementation. TIlis estimate may also be a source of future conflict if the cost is significantly higher than the estimate. Prepayment agreements could be recorded in the City's lien search program. TIlis would provide an additional notice when properties are sold. Although this may be a duplication of Jackson County's lien search, it would provide an opportunity for the City of Ashland to notify buyers of LID commitments. In conjunction with this, the City of Ashland could work with title companies to help them provide better information to the public. 3. Require street installation on abutting streets. Developers could be required to make the improvements on the half-streets abutting their subdivisions, minor land partitions or developments. Deferral Pro~rams for Low Income Seniors In 1977, ORS 311.702 to 311.735 provided for the deferral of special assessments for seniors with low income. To qualify for deferral, the properly owner must: ......., I. Be over 62 years of age. 2. Own or be purchasing the property fee simple. 6 J 3. Reside on the property. 4. Not have purchased the property at a foreclosure sale. 5. Have a combiQid. annual gross income of less than $17,500. The deferred special assessment paid by the State, plus interest, becomes a lien against the property which becomes due when the property owner dies or the ownership of the property is otherwise transferred. A qualifying spouse may continue the deferral. Some cities, such as Eugene and lake Oswego, additionally have had their own low-income deferral program for seniors. While there are no current Oregon programs Jor only low-income residents, a locally funded program for these residents could be developed. These liens clear (are paid) when the property changes ownership. Some methods of assistance the City may want to consider include deferring assessments; extending the Bancroft Bonding period from 10 to 20 years (possibly not a cost effective option); and possibly applying Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to census tracts identified as low-income neighborhoods. SUI?~ested Course of Action: 1. Modify policy on land-use approvals to require that instead of requiring agreement for future street or alley improvements, that the applicant: a. Prepay the estimated amount of the required improvements and pre-sign in favor of the fonnation of an LID, with the understanding that no additional costs will be assessed for that project at the time it is implemented; or b. At the option of the City, require the applicant to install the abutting street improvements. 2. Direct the Engineering Division to estimate the 1996 cost of outstanding (previously obtained) pre-paving agreements and direct the City Recorder to prominently include the estimated cost of future improvements on any request for a lien search when property is being sold. 3. Adopt an "Arterial Street Assistance Account" to provide a cost-sharing in future projects as follows: a. Establish the basic cost of a stand2rd residential street in 1996 dollars of SI35.11 per linear foot, adjusted annually by the Engineering News Record (E!\'R) index of construction costs. 7 -~ b. '. . Commit to City participation of any costs in excess of this basic cost from the Arterial Street Assistance Account, independent of any other outside county, state or federal assis~. ". c.;.3LSelect,a source, or 'combination of sources, of funding from the list of options, .. .,.~:;" o;r,.whicl1result in an annual revenue stream of approximately $150,000 to cover . '. ':;..:;, City participation in these excess costs. . . . . ~ ":',:: :.;,: ';'j'. .. ..-:...."." . . . '. . . '. d;:.< .~ a decision on the following issues: 1. Increase participation in sidewalks from 25% to 50%? . . "V. _ 2. .' Include or exclude traffic calming measures? . ..... . : -' ~ :" .'. Subsidize engineering design, inspection, and other overhead and financing costs? 4. . Request that Staff bring back a resolution outlining the above policy changes for Council adoption. . 3. 8 PLEASE READ DURING MEETING To City Council on December 3, 1996 topic: L.1.D. rules One reason you're deliberating on this topic tonight is that citizens on Orange Avenue felt betrayed that a developer, Mr. Bonin, was "offerred a choice": to pave half the street or to enter into a L.I.D. with other residents. Of course he "chose" to pay less, even though "his" traffic will and already has doubled usage. It appears to me you wish to resolve this and other bad feelings by setting a town-wide standard fee. This idea has merits; but certainly, in our case, doesn't address a felt injustice. And I fear that future developers and their clients would be undercharged at the proposed new rate--making the rest of us foot the bill for their services. In sum, I believe the new rule is short-sighted; and I fear you'll pass it in order to side-step responsibility for the upcoming dilemma on apportionment for the Orange Avenue L.1.D. (signed;) KINDLER STOUT '1 3 0 Orange Av. )(~kS~ I L/ 3/?JC:. .! :'::~'; ,h'~'1 ~i~:l . if 't""~") -' \~~ . .i :~I."."J$,." ,. .~..' ").1',./\,.,&, . J,":.l;, "f',.t};.)~,.....,'f\'1.:.~ j ~ ,~' ,,}"1' ,..; ;'l.~~J"'...;'"~i"""~, .~, J,~;'I ,~,,":t ';"'f':lp'i',"~'~ ,:c,r"1jlP~ ,/ .~', ~r?\",,", "~;'~"'~ ffi I~"'/')')~' ~;;rjl);~'l .... ~ >",\,1 '!~jy",,%:~, ..1'~~"!rli:I%~\;rt').;~j 1i:;~~~7i~s~~j~~ ~.H..:"l'"'''' ""...., ",... :;C1H'jl :'l' ~.q' _d ,j('.{ ,. ;.~,. ,,'t~"~." '-,. ~~;l:~i:t~;\~~ .;.?,e,.. ",,' .v...l; ;.' .. '. ."g. '11 .,.,.l?~:~,,: ". "l';l"'~' ",' "';,', k;",,".:i"" .,._..,r <o,L \ """ "j ..~..t~{~t~~;~~i,:;;<t.:;{~;~l t.:. 'Nri hb$rh\';;" ~~ ,_ t, '..... ""c\._ .;._.~:I .~:i\', ;~",,:,.~,.~~,,:~t~l~lI/:""""~~''''~''l' ,:;dlir&h'!W'~h.':;d C(J~/" :.' .-.:~/.~".(~ : !;fl~~;f~~,~,.J{:ii::;~~~:;~~~;~~'j .,;"'!~th!.i~h'f' Ed,t; . .<h':<-:'" C' ,:;," ,;tcl&ilfc1a::;;: " ,;;.;~,<;f-".:r' ,\,~>~~" .t;j"",",.),,,'g..,...I,,,,,,,.','\""~""rj' :''',d/l'< [~;'(;'t;~i>.~,~I, :.~:: . .' "~5~~~;~ r(.{~.~rlii ",~\":'~.. ~~,',!! {d"",., 'r~i::;:~~;!e:;;~T~ ,,," >: ',,'r '.: -;y..~ ~,.~ "'l "/~,'~: ';%~?~,~:i~.,l "t~~\'.fj NORTH MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN Table of Contents Planning Action 96-133 November 12, 1996 Staff Report Addendum. 11/12/96 ....................... Ai Notice of Public Hearing ............................. 1 -- Staff Report ...................................,... 2 Vicinity Map .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9 Property Boundaries Map ............................. 10 Comprehensive Plan Designation Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 11 Proposed Comp Plan Designation Map ................... 12 Current Zoning Map ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13 Proposed Primary Zoning Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. 14 Proposed Secondary Zoning Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15 Generalized Neighborhood Plan and Street layout map ....... 16 Transportation Relationships Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . .. 17 Site Topography Map ................................ 18 -- Conceptual Drawing - Greenway Drive ................... 19 Conceptual Drawing - Neighborhood Central Open Space ..... 20 Conceptual Drawing - Community Building ................ 21 NM North Mountain Neighborhood ordinance . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 22 North Mountain Neighborhood Design Standards ........... 30 / : ASHLAND PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT Addendum I November 12, 1996 PLANNING ACTION: 96-133 APPLICANT: City of Ashland LOCATION: North Mountain Neighborhood REQUEST: Adoption of North Mountain Neighborhood Plan I. Additional Infonnation Mter the previous public hearing on this action, Staff made some adjustments to the materials. 1. Modified Street Plan Based on the suggestion made by Evan Archerd, the generalized street plan for the neighborhood has been modified to create a better streetscape along North Mountain Avenue. This change has been reflected on most maps in the packet. 2. Ordinance Amendments Minor amendments to the ordinance were made to clarify certain issues. Specifically, density transfer was more clearly explained, as was limitations on fencing in front yards and in the floodplain corridor. Minimum densities were changed from 90% of base density down to 75% of base density to allow for a greater variety of development options. 3. Design Standard Amendments Only minor changes were made to the design standards. IV. Conclusions and Recommendations Staff recommends approval of the neighborhood plan in its entirety. Ai N,o,aJ. H,o~ N~~~~J p~ . O;\. . / "".~. '_ ....,.o*-, ***** Public Hearing ***** ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION October 29} 1996 n 7: 00 pm . Ashland City Council Chambers 1175 East Main Street See back of page for the area map of the aRected region. Copies of the plan documents will be available at the Ashland Planning Department, 20 East Main Street, on October 18, 1996. If you have any questions, please call the Ashland Planning Department at 488-5305. ~. " "\..'" j '(,~';1 , ASHLAND PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT .- October 29, 1996 PLANNING ACTION: 96-133 APPLICANT: City of Ashland LOCATION: North Mountain Neighborhood ZONE DESIGi'{ATION: RR-.5-P, R-I-I0-P COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Open Space, Single Family Residential Reserve ORDINANCE REFERENCE: 18.108 REQUEST: Adoption of North Mountain Neighborhood Plan and attendant ordinance modifications, zone changes, Comprehensive Plan Map changes. I. Relevant Facts 1) Background - History of Application: The North Mountain Neighborhood is a planning area encompassing approximately 75 acres, and is located in the northern portion of the City of Ashland. Its main physical characteristics include the Bear Creek floodplain, rolling terrain associated with the upland areas out of the floodplain, and grassy pasturelands. Some riparian vegetation is located along Bear Creek and the smaller drainages crossing the planning area. The norther portion of the area abuts Interstate 5. Development is limited, with approximately nine residences dotting the landscape. This area has been included in the Ashland city limits for many years, but has experienced limited growth due to the lack of public facilities. These include sewer, water, and paved streets. When the City's comprehensive plan was prepared in the late 1970's, this area was given a large lot zoning designation to discourage urbanization until full urban services were available. Therefore, the zoning has been RR-.5 (half-acre zoning) for several years. From one point of view,-this zoning approach has been very successful. Very little new development, either through the creation of new parcels or through construction, has taken place. However, while this zoning has discouraged development, it has also discouraged any attempts at improving the infrastructure, due to the unknown opportunities for recovering investments. The current zoning :A allows limited levels of development and without the opportunity for urbanization at levels normally allowed within the Ashland city limits, it is unlikely that this area will ever experience the extension of services necessary. '. Therefore, this area, already located within the City limits, close to many city services and facilities, and sparsely developed, is ideally suited for the preparation of a neighborhood plan, allowing for increased infill development. EXISTING CONDITIONS As stated, this is an area of approximately 75 + acres, with less than 50 acres of that land available for development, due to floodplain limitations. The existing zoning on the majority of the land is RR-.5, although there is a smaller portion, near Bear Creek and Mountain Avenue, that is zoned R-I-IO. This area was rezoned in a compromise issue during the adoption of the floodplain ordinances restricting development. The majority of this R-I-IO land is in the floodplain corridor. ' The existing zoning would allow for approximately 90 units, due to the 1.2 units per acre allowed as a base density in the RR-.5 zone. Some transfer of development rights from the floodplain lands to the upland areas could occur,"but there would be no substantial change in overall density. The street network serving the area is presently unpaved, with the exception of a half street improvement on Mountain Avenue from the Bear Creek Bridge north along the frontage of the new senior development. Besides being the main access for the few residents of the area, Mountain Avenue also serves as a primary access to developed areas in Jackson County, north of Interstate 5 and beyond Ashland's urban growth boundary. Nevada Street intersects Mountain Avenue near the freeway, and is presently unpaved and of a substandard width for normal urban usage. While there is a dedicated right-of-way for Nevada between Mountain Avenue and Oak Street, there is no bridge crossing at Bear Creek, creating a discontinuous street network for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as autos. 2) Detailed Description of the Site and Proposal: The neighborhood plan is a multi-faceted process, incorporating many different issues into one process. These will be broken down here into discrete parts: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP AMENDMENT PA96-133 City of Ashland Ashland Planning Department - Staff Report October 29, 1996 Page 2 3 ,. It is proposed to change the comprehensive plan map designation for the developable portion of this area from Single Family Residential Reserve to North Mountain. (see map) ZONE CHANGE . . It is proposed to take a "two-step" approach to rezoning this area. A change in the current zoning, from RR-.5 and R-1-1O to NM is proposed. NM is the primary North Mountain neighborhood plan designation, meaning that the development of the property must be in conformance with the neighborhood plan. A secondary zone designation is proposed to more accurately reflect the development potential of portions of the property. These are indicated by an NM- prefix, and followed by their specific zone designation. (see map) NEW ZONE ORDINANCE FOR NM ZONE A new chapter of the land use ordinance has been prepared to address the specifics of the neighborhood plan. This chapter is 18.30 and is titled NM NORTII MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD. It specifically implements the neighborhood plan. NEW DESIGN STANDARDS A new section of the Site Design and Use Standards has been developed specifically addressing the North Mountain area. This new section outlines the specific development requirements for this area as determined through the neighborhood planning process. PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS ORDINANCE MODIFICATION -- 18.62.070.M. This section of the ordinance is proposed for modification to allow for implementation of the neighborhood design and prepared by Lennertz & Coyle during the charrette process for this neighborhood. This amendment allows for the development of a public street within the floodplain corridor, but limits it specifically to the North Mountain area, arid in conjunction with development under the neighborhood plan. Proposed P&E Ordinance Amendment: 18.62.070 Develooment Standards for Floodolain Corridor Lands. PA96-133 City of Ashland Ashland Planning Department -- Staff Report October 29, 1996 Page 3 If M. Local streets and utility connections to developments in and adjacent to the Floodplain Corridor shall be located outside of the Floodplain Corridor, except for crossing the Corridor 1t~~mi;;iill:g~&ii;Bttltfr:l!g!!g~l~~i , lillltll'I'III'l';III[III\lI~IJI~ II. . Proiect Imnact The primary features of the neighborhood plan are included in outline form below: PRIMARY FEATURES 1. Unified neighborhood design \ a. Interconnected street pattern b. Use of alleys for access c. localized open spaces/public areas for neighborhood identification 2. Floodplain/Greenway Preservation a. Creation of "neighborhood place" along Bear Creek b. Creation of "parkside drive" opening up the creek to all 1) Requires modification of P&E ordinance to allow public street improvements within the floodplain corridor. PA96-133 City of Ashland Ashland Planning Department -- Staff Report October 29, 1996 Page 4 5 .r," 1i"i,~~""':.~, 'i'~:l~~:~~,:,,:.;+', c. Allows for trail/greenway opportunities, including direct connection to North Mountain Park. 3. Mixed-Use housing types a. Neighborhood commercial core with opportunities for multi-family housing as well as commercial opportunities. b. Well-defined neighborhood center, with circular green at the high point of North Mountain Avenue, and a prominent entrance to the neighborhood. c. Opportunities for a variety of single family detached, from the "estate lots" looking over the floodplain, to smaller lots in the upper areas. d, Opportunities for multi-family development/common wall housing with options for office/commercial/live-work units in the future. 4. Hierarchical Street Pattern and Design a. North Mountain becomes a neighborhood focus as a "boulevard" with a center island. b. "Parkside Drive" becomes a scenic route for accessing other parts of the cqmmunity, as well as providing pleasant, at-grade walking/bicycling route. Traffic calming islands are included to control traffic sp~eds, c. Other connector streets provide "neighborhood character" through the development of landscaped islands. d. Street pattern allows for direct pedestrian routes throughout neighborhood. e. A separate pedestrian route is provided directly from the neighborhood center down to Bear Creek, allowing for an innovative residential development opportunity of housing fronting onto a steep pedestrian street, rather than an automobile street. PROPERTY OWNER BENEFITS PA96-133 City of Ashland Ashland Planning Department - Staff Report! October 29, 1996 ' Page 5 o 1. Increased Development Opportunities " 2. Predictable Development Pattern 3. "Easier" Land Use Process (due to predictability) COMMUNIlY BENEFITS 1. Predictable Development Pattern Known development Not "piecemeal" 2. Greenway/Floodplain preservation "open" design for public use/interaction 3. Improved street network - neighborhood connections 4. "Quality" neighborhood amenities "Boulevard" for North Mountain Avenue Public spaces within the neighborhood - pocket parks mixed use/neighborhood center - reduced auto-reliance 5. Efficient use of serviced land within the city limits - no annexation "The community should demand, as part of the up-zoning of this area, that the neighborhood amenities proposed by Lennertz & Coyle be included as part of any development option. This opportunity for a neighborhood plan provides the only chance to truly require "placemakers" such as North Mountain Boulevard, a public greenway, a neighborhood commons, pocket parks, neighborhood connector trails, etc... For without these amenities, the area becomes little more than a standard development seen elsewhere in Ashland, and the community truly suffers a loss." III. Procedural - ReQuired Burden of Proof The adoption of the overall neighborhood plan, incorporating the issues addressed here, is a Type III amendment and subject to the following criteria: Type III amendments may be approved when one of the following conditions exist: a) A public need, supported by the Comprehensive Plan. PA96-133 City of Ashland Ashland Planning Department -- Staff Report October 29, 1996 Page 6 7 b) The need to co"ect mistakes. c) The need to adjust to new conditions. d) Where compelling circumstances relating to the general public welfare require such an action. In staffs opinion, we believe that this area was "on hold" for several years, waiting for the extension of services and an increase in demand for developable land within the city. Those items are now in place, and we believe that these "new conditions" (criterion c.) justify the need for these amendments. Further, we believe that the overall development of a neighborhood plan is far superior to the piecemeal re-zoning of certain areas on a case by case basis. IV. Conclusions and Recommendations This is the first ;'formal" public hearing on this proposal, and Staff is open to any and all suggestions to improvements of the materials presented as part of this neighborhood plan. We must remember that this is "new ground" for all of us, and we need to ensure that our efforts match the issues of development of this area. We recommend that the neighborhood plan be adopted for this area, unless the Commission chooses to extend the process for additional revisions/input. PA96-133 City of Ashland AShland Planning Department - Staff Report October 29,1996 Page 7 8 , N,o"At. M,o~ N~~J'P~ V1dnlty Map CITY LIMITS ----------- E. NE.VADA x EADOWS PL. . :n I liVER , SLEEPy LNJ -= ~ I~OLLOW 0 T.) U 1-----= ,< R. ~i' ALICIA AVE. .. E. . NON Sr PA:E~~~ _~[~lOL HERSE.Y 11 ST. ,L__, WilLIAMSON z <( I- :z ::) o :::;; '. \Ii Jl~___. - z WAY _. ~~ q' N,o,.tJ. H,o~ Nwp,~J p~ j Current Properly Boundaries Overlaid on Neighborhood Plan ~~~ J O. I" N,o,aJ. f1,o~ N~~J p~ -'" \\ ',. j:! ~ ; ~ ~ _,_.___._._._._.._-==-",...-'-=--,-,=~"",. ._=.=~==_.d I . - ...~. ,....~ I .......~,~:,...-" ,: i! Current Comprehensive Plan Designations ......~'/ .......>.'/ //~..... . ':-"'" 1/ . "....... / I ""....... ; / "" ..... il ;~. ;/ . . i; ;j II " 'I ...:--J I ":l ! ..--, ;1/ \ ) !f. .': 'j'-> ..,~! /' ,.', "'I . I . :/U'I-. /1 ; 'U ~:.~/ f i { 'N'- '- : II -.../ ,..~..:""'''''' :!~ r-_~;, ~." "'. J! U .I : , { ~ i ;i: / ....~.~ " ! riff .: I ; .._ ~....._...-ll ili I I ; ! ................ .:.1 I j '1 I; jl i i \ ~ ilil ,! \\ :I:' I" I\' " fi 1L..._._._._..--3 1 'l;:,...-.-..-.,f i'I:! i if .:1"-...-.-....... ' I. p. ..........-.-, ...../ .' ]i' '-; / =j1t ,. . !:!i "./ .I l.I~._U_. / ( ,- n!?-'-'-~, \ / / ~~ ~ \ , . ll~ \ \ ! / Ini \ \ ./ "" !'f: \ \ . IIi! \ \ //:;~/"-1 ill! '\'-' II:' ":. <" ~rt ' !:l . \............._, u\t..._............_.._.J , ./ ----.-f." i ; , I < . :i l ./ / I l " , ! '; \~ \\,; ~ """'1\.' \..., "... r.'\\ :~." . pol n.... J' ". II' 1/ ~, ~rr .....- -.----.-. .......... 'I.. 11 ~ a~ ;j "~ \J ~i f~if;;:~~...~. 1:11 "I' ~.._ .~....._. '--,,'.Ii ~.-::::-__...._=..;;..~__ .~.),. I -~:'i:l__~""" I ., .-'-.- t 1 1/ -.",-" '" "'\ \ " " " 'jl \ '-"// .ri Y,-, i!: /1" Ii I ; / :---..,:" ;s; I I '.. '" __._._._._:.:::-....:..:==...-. ..-.::-..:::.;....;~"':.~. .....~..:::=;-=;;:::':"~_.::r.=J: il """,...... ----- r ''>-,,-~ ' Ii -:"-. .,' , " '. . . . j ,l~/ of ::p I ./--, / 1./ n }j ,( . n' I'i ! ! I 'Ill : '/' . VI ' t I I ~~J/ /' II io.~ r>~/,.::::.>, ,; .,~ I, '_: -....,,' !.:.~ . ", !~ r /. : '; {~....... ) J 1111. I; - ~........ I l!il ,I ;! ........-;. i::l.j p .,11 I' ., iij : ; " ' !Ill j.' I \ ., filL._.._._.-.3 \ !I;:r-'-'-', i \.,1 i. I; 'I;i"--"-'-', : l't'" .....-...-, "J.' ~i! " / Ilil /.' :,,! / / U~._..-./ / ( / fl!?-'-'-~, '\ " / i't:~ -, \ I I!:~ \, ! i II! . " / \ 1"1 \\ I..... IIi: \1.. ,/ . il:' \ \ /,- / ' .jl . '_' /" lUj '\ ,/ 1':1 ., \ J~.~....._........._..j t..... ........) N,o,al. f1,o~ Nwp,~). PlAA Proposed Comprehensive Plan DesIgnations '. ./ '[. - -.-.---.-' --..-. 11 r" ..-' L I ~! ~ =j:1 I.:, ;j U~ !! flir'::~~..... 1;1: . "I: ."- ~- ~_~-~_u..: I ",.~- .,:...- ," -~:-"";::-.._~.....~:...--~. . -:~",'~:;..----- :1 ~ , ' 19 N~,at. f1~~ N,*,~J p~ Current Zoning ~ ,,/ # .~ ~" .~ / // I . . ( . , .. ' /3 N,o.,tJ. M,o~ N~~J p~ Proposed Prlmcuy Zoning ")<'/ .~ """ ~ It{; '.." " N,o,at. M,o~ Nt4t~J. p~ Proposed SecondaJY Zoning '-' "'-."- /, '-..'-../( fA: I; ~'-.. // ~~ ~" 0- I . . I , ' i. i; ~ I 1/ , II . '-... ,~ I ~ I ...--, " T1 .IL; r.! : J I "'1' 'f &1 i i .:! i\,.~ " I' 'U'-~~ I it.. . "I .... ,_, r-...~'" .~ , r-.. , '" Il~ I' ...., f "'\ . !It! :' '. i! l1if !: , ; !~::~.. ..-....:/ il!. " I I ! .....-'. "'I I .i ::i, i I i.\ ~i I' . , \. v:i .' : \ , . . \I~l-.__._,-j ~ 1111' ("-'_#_"~ i I'L I / ; '1:, '.-..........., .''- l.j...-.-.- v" j,1 ") ! 'I~ ; :i. / .. Ut....-. "-""/.1 / ~:r'-""'~\ \\ ../' /' In" ! ;" lji~ \'. i '. Ipt \\ / \ 1'1' I,! \.... .//.., . \ ,/' . 'Ii! .. '-' ".",' i \l. ... /' . ,!! \ r- h!: ' . pI . \ , U~.._.._.__.._; \._- -.-j rrr-'-"-"------' ...--- iL. il~ i;~ ,;~ ". ., ., ~ 1~~~1(""/~ i:1i ._--~--- ~""-"" ........1 ull' '-' ......-.- ..~--="'- ' ;~~j;''':':';;:;'''-'~~- lj ~ ------ i ~ .~ \\~, ~\ ~ ,. .s~. ~l: " '''', \~^\ .:>. ,,' II j ~l ,'; ." t '~ . i ,I North Mountain Ndghborhood Plan If Secondary Zoning OYeI\ays \ \ NM-C Ndghborhood Central ~ NM-Mf Ndghborhood Core ' NM-R15 Ndghborhood General NM-~17.5 Ndghborhood Edge NM-Clvlc Ovlc Spaces CD NM-O Open Spaces C!) NM-G Greenway /5 .., .,.... " N",,at. M",~ N~~)' p~ Generalized NeighbOrhood Plan Street Layout and Lot Design Jb 1"- ".,t;~~"':.'~_~~ N"'''''''.jf_I.":::l~ii,j;r'~'' '- ."'''' '~)..,.,.. . . . N.(),at.'H.()~ N~~J p~ Relationships Transportation '\0 .... .- ...!'-..~..... . - --.-... f~~... I J 1 ....... II N.{J.,tJ. M.{J~ Nwp,~J. p~ Site Topography r-"-.--.------- -.- 18 i~' ' . ~Fcj; "\"":r.' N-tJ,at. M-tJ~ Nwp,~J. p~ Conceptual Drawing Greenway Drive r. ,,- .'1 _ .k ODOTmu:D TIJ.N5I'OaTA'I'IOH . Qwtn'l:l~hoGltuI """-J._ NORTII MOUN"!'AIN NEIGHBORHOOD ........ 0...- /9' .........,.. eo". _.T-....... N,(J,at. 11,(J~ N~~J p~ Conceptual DralMng Neighborhood Central Open Space -, .......-:.~~..~.;;...:. -. -",' '.., $'. ";- ooar= Ta.t.NAoKrAno~ It c.ownt~P'IIocoIw4 ...... - NORTIi Motnfi"AIN NEIGHBORHOOD ........"'-. !)o a.r..~I:CaYUi ~"T__ N,(J"tJ. M,(J~ Nt4t~J p~ Conceptual Drawing Neighborhood Ovlc Community Building ~: " /. <. . "'-.1. -: "''\.:..*~.:...... ODOTIDLCD 'Ta.\NsI'wrrA'J1ON1l G.(nV1'1l~hQGLUI --.,.),1'" NORnJ MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD ........"'- l.u<NDn ~con. _"7-._ . ;(1 Sections: 18.30.010 18.30.020 18.30.030 18.30.040 18,30.050 18.30.060 18.30,070 18.30.080 18.30.090 18.30.100 18.30.110 Chapter 18.30 NM NORTH MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD Purpose. General Regulations. . Neighborhood Central Overlay. Neighborhood Core Overlay. '. Neighborhood General Overlay; Neighborhood Edge Overlay. Civic Spaces Overlay. Open Spaces Overlay. North Mountain Greenway, Site Plan and Architectural Review Procedure. Applicability of Other Sections of the Land Use Ordinance. 18.30.010 Puroose. This district is designed to provide an environment suitable for traditional neighborhood living, working, and recreation, The NM district and Neighborhood Plan is a blueprint for promoting a variety of housing types, mixed-use developments, neighborhood oriented businesses and community services in a manner which enhances property values and preserves open spaces and significant natural features, 18.30.020 General Reaulations. Location of Streets, Alleys, Pedestrian/Bicycle Accessways and Utilities. Streets, alleys and pedestrian/bicycle accessways shall be located in accordance with those shown on the North Mountain Neighborhood Plan. 1. Minor changes in the location and design of these facilities may be approved in order to adjust to physical constraints evident on the property, to protect significant natural features (Le, trees, rock outcroppings, wetlands, natural topography, etc.) or to adjust to existing property lines between project boundaries, 2. Major modifications in the location and design of these facilities may be approved by the Hearing Authority if it can be shown that: a. the proposed modification maintains the connectivity established by the neighborhood plan; b. the proposed modification furthers the design and access concepts advocated by the neighborhood plan, including but not limited to pedestrian access, bicycle access, and de-emphasis on garages as a residential design feature. Requests for modification of streets, alleys, and pedestrian/bicycle A " J).~ .}! ";! [I accessways shall be done concurrently with specific development' proposals. Utililities shall be installed underground to the greatest extent feasible. Where possible, alleys shall be utilized for utility location, including transformers, pumping stations, etc... B. Lots With Alley Access. If the site is served by an alley, access and egress for motor vehicles shall be to and from the alley. In such cases, curb openings along the street frontage are prohibited. C. Street, Alley and Pedestrian/bicycle Accessway Standards. The standards for street, alley, and pedestrian/bicycle accessway improvements shall be as designated in the North Mountain Neighborhood Design Standards. D. Minimum Density. Proposals resulting in the creation of additional parcels or greater than three units on a single parcel shall provide for residential densities between 00;1'69 to 110 percent of the base density for a given overlay, unless reductions in the total number of units is necessary to accommodate significant natural features, topography, access limitations or similar physical constraints. (Proposals involving the development of neighborhood commercial businesses and services shall -- ~~W F.i:5rTve:up Uses. Drive-Up uses are not permitted within the North Mountain Neighborhood Plan area. G. Performance Standards Overlay. All applications involving the creation of three or more lots shall be processed under the Performance ~ 18.30.030 Neighborhood Central Overlay -- NM-C. A. Permitted Density. The density shall be computed by dividing the total number of dwelling units' by the acreage of the project, including land dedicated to the public. Fractional portions of the answer shall not apply towards the total density. Base density for the Neighborhood Central Overlay shall be 20 units per acre, however, units of less than 500 square feet of gross habitable area shall count as 0.75 units for the purposes of density calculations. B. Off-Street Parking. In all areas within the Neighborhood Central Overlay, . all uses are not required to provide off-street parking or loading areas, ;:)3 . .!' ,., f! ~. .".'""" > C. except for residential uses where one space shall be provided per residential unit. All parking areas shall comply with the Off-Street Parking chapter and the Site Review chapter. Area, Yard Requirements: There shall be no minimum lot area, lot coverage, front yard, side yard or rear yard requirement, except as required under the Off-Street Parking Chapter or where required by the Site Review Chapter. Solar Access: The solar setback shall not apply in the Neighborhood Central Overlay. ~~~;;iit.~1111_illlllilllllllllill'g~tll~ D. E. F. 1. Residential Uses, subject to the above density requirements. 2. Home Occupations. 3. Parks and Open Spaces. 4. Agriculture. 5. Neighborhood Oriented Retail Sales and Personal Services, with each building limited to 3,500 square feet of total floor area. 6. Professional Offices, with each building limited to 3,500 square feet of total floor area. 7. Restaurants. 8. Manufacturing or assembly of items sold in a permitted use, provided such manufacturing or assembly occupies 600 square feet or less, and is contiguous to the permitted retail outlet. 9. Basic Utility Providers, such as telephone or electric providers, with each building limited to 3,500 square feet of total floor area. 10. Community Services, with each building to 3,500 square feet of total floor area. 11. Churches or Similar Religious Institutions, when the same such use is not located on a contiguous property, nor more than two such uses in a given Overlay. 12. Neighborhood Clinics, with each building limited to 3,500 square feet of total floor area. Conditional Uses. 1. Temporary Uses. 2. Public Parking ~ots. 18.30.040 Neiahborhood Core Overlay -- NM-MF. A. Permitted Density. The density shall be computed by dividing the total number of dwelling units by the acreage of the project, including land dedicated to the public. Fractional portions of the answer shall not apply towards the total density. Base density for the Neighborhood Core Overlay shall be 12.0 units per acre, however, units of less than 500 square feet of gross habitable area shall count as 0.75 units for the ;21 ~ purposes of density calculations. 1. Minimum density requirements. Subdivisions or multi-family developments shall be developed, or clearly demonstrate that further development will occur, in accordance with the minimum density standard described in 18.030.020 D. B. Off-Street Parking. In all areas within the Neighborhood Core Overlay, off-street parking shall be provided in accord with the chapter on Off- . Street Parking. C. Yard Requirements. 1. Front Yards. Shall be a minimum of 10 feet and a maximum of 25 feet, excluding garages. Front yards may be reduced to 5 feet for enclosed porches with a minimum depth of six feet. Garages shall be setback a minimum of 15 feet from the front building facade and 20 feet from the sidewalk. No greater than 50 percent of the total lineal building facade facing the street shall consist of garage, carport or other covered parking space. 2. Side Yards. Five feet per story, excluding upper floor dormer space. Ten feet when abutting a public street. Single story, detached garages and accessory structures shall have a minimum three foot side yard, except that no side yard is required for accessory buildings sharing a common wall. 3. . Rear Yards. Ten feet per story, with the exception of upper floor dormer space which may be setback 15 feet. Single story, detached garages and accessory buildings, and two story accessory buildings adjacent to an alley shall have a minimum rear yard of four feet. D. Lot Coverage: 75 percent E. Permitted Uses. 1. Residential Uses, subject to the above density requirements. 2. Home Occupations. 3. Parks and Open Spaces. 4. Agriculture. 18.30.050 Neiahborhood General Overlav -- NM-R15. A. Permitted Density. The density shall be computed by dividing the total number of dwelling units by the acreage of the project, including land dedicated to the public. Fractional portions of the answer shall not apply towards the total density. Base density for the Neighborhood General Overlay shall be 5.0 units per acre. Accessory Residential Units shall not be included in base density calculations. B. Off-Street Parking. In all areas within the Neighborhood General Overlay, off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the General Regulations of this chapter and the Off-Street Parking chapter. C. Yard Requirements. ,)5 1. Front Yards. Shall be a minimum of 10 feet and a maximum of 25 feet, excluding garages. Front yards may be reduced to 5 feet for enclosed porches with a minimum depth of six feet. Garages shall be setback a minimum of 15 feet from the front building facade and 20 feet from the sidewalk. No greater than 50 percent of the total lineal building facade facing the street shall consist of garage, carport or other covered parking space. 2. Side Yards. Five feet per story, excluding upper floor dormer space. Ten feet when abutting a public street. Single story, detached garages and accessory structures shall have a minimum three foot side yard, except that no side yard is required for accessory buildings sharing a common wall. 3. Rear Yards. Ten feet per story, with the exception of upper floor dormer space which may be setback 15 feet. Single story, detached garages and accessory buildings, and two story accessory buildings adjacent to an alley shall have a minimum rear yard of four feet. . D. Permitted Uses. 1. Residential Uses, subject to the above density requirements. 2. Home Occupations. 3. Parks and Open Spaces. 4. Agriculture.' E. Special Permitted Uses. 1. Accessory Residential Units, subject to the following requirements: a. The proposal must comply with lot coverage and setback requirements of the underlying zone. b. That the maximum number of dwellings not exceed two per lot. c. That the maximum gross habitable floor area (GHFA) of the accessory residential unit not exceed 50% of the GHFA of the primary residence on the lot, and shall not exceed 750 sq. ft. GHFA. Second story accessory residential units constructed above a detached accessory building shall not exceed 500 sq. ft. GHFA. d. Additional parking shall be in conformance with the Off- Street Parking provisions for single-family dwellings of this title. 2. Community Services, with each building limited to 2,500 square feet of total floor area. 18.30.060 Neiahborhood Edae Overlay -- NM-R17.5. A. Permitted Density. The density shall be computed by dividing the total number of dwelling units by the acreage of the project, including land dedicated to the public. Fractional portions of the answer shall not apply towards the total density. Base density for the Neighborhood Edge ;<b Overlay shall be 3.6 units per acre. Accessory Residential Units shall not be included in base density calculations. B. Off-Street Parking. In all areas within the Neighborhood Edge Overlay, off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the General Regulations of this chapter and the Off-Street Parking chapter. C. Yard Requirements. 1. Front Yards. Shall be a minimum of 10 feet and a maximum of 25 feet, excluding garages. Front yards may be reduced to 5 feet for enclosed porches with a minimum depth of six feet. Garages shall be setback a minimum of 15 feet from the front building facade and 20 feet from the sidewalk. No greater than 50 percent of the total lineal building facade facing the street shall consist of garage, carport or other covered parking space. 2. Side Yards. Five feet per story, excluding upper floor dormer space. Ten feet when abutting a public street. Single story, detached garages and accessory structures shall have a minimum three foot side yard, except that no side yard is required for accessory buildings sharing a common wall. 3.. Rear Yards. Ten feet per story, with the exception of upper floor dormer space which may be setback 15 feet. Single story, detached garages and accessory buildings, and two story . accessory buildings adjacent to an alley shall have a minimum rear yard of four feet. D. Permitted Uses. 1. Residential Uses, subject to the above density calculations. 2.' Home Occupations. 3. Parks and Open Spaces. 4. Agriculture E. Special Permitted Uses. 1. Accessory Residential Units, subject to Site Review approval under a Type I Procedure and the following requirements: a. The proposal must comply with lot coverage and setback requirements of the underlying zone. b. That the maximum number of dwellings not exceed two per lot. c. That the maximum gross habitable floor area (GHFA) of the accessory residential unit not exceed 50% of the GHFA of the primary residence on the lot, and shall not exceed 750 sq. ft. GHFA. Second story accessory residential units constructed above a detached accessory building shall not exceed 500 sq. ft. GHFA. d. Additional parking shall be in conformance with the Off- Street Parking provisions for single-family dwellings of this title. /27 ",;,-,p." ,. 18.30.070 Civic Spaces Overlay -- NM-Civic. A. General Requirements: Civic spaces identified on the Neighborhood Plan map shall be developed as part of a specific project approval. If the project is proposed to be developed in phases, 50 percent of the area of the Civic Space shall be developed in the first phase with the remainder of the area to be developed prior to building permit issuance for 2/3 thirds of the project's units. B. Permitted Uses of Civic Spaces. 1. Community Services. 2. Recreation and Open Space. 3. Agriculture, including community garden space. 18.30.080 Ooen Soaces Overlay -- NM-O. A. General Requirements: Open spaces identified on the Neighborhood Plan map shall be developed as part of a specific project approval. If the project is proposed to be developed in phases, 50 percent of the area of the Open Space shall be developed in the first phase with the remainder of the area to be developed prior to bUilding permit issuance for 2/3 thirds of the project's units. 18.30.090 North Mountain Greenway Overlay-- NM-G. A. Applicability. All projects containing land identified on the North Mountain Neighborhood Plan Map as part of the North Mountain/Bear Creek Greenway shall dedicate that area so designated to the City of Ashland for park purposes. It is recognized that the upzoning of properties as part of the North Mountain Neighborhood Plan imparted significant value to the land, and the required dedication of those lands within the North Mountain/Bear Creek Greenway for park purposes is proportional to the value bestowed upon the property through the change in zoning designation. B. Dedication on Final Survey Plat. The dedication of lands within the North Mountain/Bear Creek Greenway shall be indicated on the final survey plat accompanying all partitions, subdivisions and Performance Standards developments. C. Development Restrictions. It is recognized that lands within the North Mountain/Bear Creek Greenway are identified as part of Ashland's Floodplain Corridor Lands, and are prohibited from further development, except as outlined in the Physical and Environmental Constraints chapter. D. Prohibition of Density Transfer. No transfer of density from lands identified within the North Mountain/Bear Creek Greenway shall be permitted. It is recognized that the upzoning associated with the North Mountain Neighborhood Plan accommodated such transfers. ;2.8 18.30.100 Site Plan and Architectural Review Procedure. A. Project Applicability. The following planning applications shall comply with applicable North Mountain Neighborhood Design Standards and all other requirements outlined in the Site Design and Use Standards chapter 18.72. 1. Performance Standards Option Developments. a. For applications processed under the Performance Standard's Option, the following additional information shall be provided: i. Typical elevations incorporating the architectural elements described in the North Mountain Neighborhood Design Standards shall be included for all proposed buildings as part of the application for Final Plan. 2. Partitions. 3. All Development Requiring Site Plan Approval under the Site Design and Use Chapter 18.72. B. Review and Approval Procedure. All land use applications shall be reviewed and processed in accordance with the requirements described in the Procedures chapter 18.108. C. Supplemental Approval Criteria. In addition to the criteria for approval required by other sections of the land use ordinance, applications within the NM land use district shall also address the following criteria: 1. That a statement has been provided indicating how the proposed application conforms with the general design requirements.of the North Mountain Neighborhood Plan, including density, transportation, building design, and building orientation. 2. That the proposed application complies with the specific design requirements as provided in the North Mountain Neighborhood Design Standards. 18.030.110 Applicability of Other Sections of the Land Use Ordinance. A. Interpretation. Where the provisions of this Chapter conflict with comparable standards described in any other ordinance, resolution or regulation, the provisions of the North Mountain Neighborhood zoning district shall govern. . BILL \NMZONE3.0RD ;)9 SECTION VII NORTH MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN STANDARDS North Mountain Neighborhood "Design Standards -11/96" - Page 53 30 Introduction The initiation of this neighborhood Plan was directed by the City Council of the City of Ashland. A Steering Committee, comprised of residents and property owners, was formed and the guidelines were developed as a joint effort by the Steering Committee and Community Development Department's Planning staff members. Throughout the process and during three study sessions, additional input from the Ashland Planning Commission was given to staff and formulated into this document. In addition, the City received a grant from the DFegon Department of Land Conservation and Develop- ment (DLCD) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for the hiring of the consulting firm Lennartz & Coyle, Architects & Town Planners. Lennartz & Coyle completed a four day planning charrette with the citizens of Ashland to formulate the basic land use principles for the North Mountain Neighborhood. Location and Character The North Mountain Neighborhood Plan Area contains approximately 53 acres and is located south of Interstate 5 and north of the North Mountain Avenue/Hersey Street intersection. Access to the area is provided via North Mountain A venue. The characteristics of the area consist of rolling terrain and pas- tures, the Bear Creek Flood Plain, possible jurisdictional wetlands, and approximately nine residences dot the landscape. The area has been included in the Ashland City limits for many years, but has experi- enced limited growth due to a lack of public facilities including: sewer, water, and paved streets. When the City's Comprehensive Plan was prepared in the late 1970's, this area was given a large lo~ zoning designation to discourage urbanization until full urban services were available. Therefore, the zoning has been RR. 5 (half acre zoning) for more than 20 years. Recently, the construction of a Senior Housing complex consisting of multiple housing types has begun east of the subject area. The land use pattern and building architecture of the Senior Housing project is similar to the Design Standards established within this document. Pur pose 0 f the Des i g n Stan d a r d s The purpose of the plan is to provide a comprehensive set of design standards, policies, and regulations to guide future development within the identified plan area. Through the use of the standards a greater sense of neighborhood can be accomplished, as well as accommodating all forms of transportation, in- cluding walking, bicycling and busing. Page 54 - North Mountain Neighborhood "Draft Design Standards" 3t A. Housing 1. Architectural Design 2. Orientation 3. Repetitive Elevations 4. Building Setbacks 5. Garage & Accessory Structure Setbacks 6. Terracing 7. Porches 8. Driveways 9. Accessory Residential Units B. Neighborhood Central 1. Transitional Architectural Design 2. Architectural Character. 3.. Building Setbacks & Height 4. Parking: Location, Design & Joint Use 5. Mixed Uses C. Street Types & Design 1. Street Types 2. Planter Strips 3. Street Lighting 4. Street Furniture D. Open Space and Neighborhood Focal Points 1. Open Space 2. Neighborhood Focal Points North Mountain Neighborhood 3~ "Design Standards -11/96" - Page 55 A. Housing The following design standards are intended to describe specific site planning and design principles for residential developments. While the standards are specific, the intent is not to limit innova- tive design, but rather provide a framework for clear direction and minimum standards. Architectural Design Residential dwelling's street elevations shall be broken with re- veals, recesses, trim elements and other architectural features for interest. In addition, two of the following nine design features must be. provided along the front of each residence: 1. Dormers 2. Gables 3. Recessed entries 4. Covered porch entries 5. Cupolas 6. Pillars or Posts 7. Bay window (min. 12" projection) 8. Eaves (min. 6" projection) 9. Off-sets in building face or roof (min. 16") Orientation One of the best ways to make a residence and neighborhood welcoming is to orient the primary elevation towards the street. Without having to incorporate significant architectural features to embellish the front of a residence, a front door, framed by a simple porch or portico, clearly visible from the street creates not only neighborly friendliness, but also neighborhood awareness. Repetitive Elevations Excessive repetition of identical floor plans and elevations are not interesting and lack imagination. The information age allows today's architects and design professionals to generate diverse, attractive and functional house plans at a minimal expense. Excessive repetition of identical floor plans and elevations shall be discouraged within the North Mountain Neighborhood. Page 56 - North Mountain Neighborhood 33 A- A-2 III ""-- ~ A-4 .Draft Design Standards. Building Setbacks All building setbacks, other than garages or accessory units ac- cessed from an alley, shall be subject to the setback standards established in Chapter 18.30 of the Ashland Municipal Code. Garage & Accessory Structure Setbacks To create a better streetscape appearance and a more interesting neighborhood, the focus of the North Mountain Neighborhood should be on the houses rather than garages or accessory struc- tures. Design and setback standards shall ensure each feature is discrete and not overwhelming. Where no alleys are present, garages should be located a mini- mum of 15' behind the primary facade and a minimum of 20' from the sidewalk. Garages or accessory structures adjacent to an internal property line (i.e., neighbor's residence) should main- tain a minimum fust floor side yard setback of 4' and a second floor setback of 6', excluding dormers. No side yard setback is required. when two or more garages are attached by a common wall between the property line. Garages or accessory structures accessed from the alley should have a minimum 4' rear yard set- back (see illustrations A-6 & 7). Garage width should be kept to a minimum whenever possible. Although not an overly "roomy" width, a 22' wide garage, from end to end, accommodates two standard sized vehicles. For addi- tional storage needs, expansion of the garage's depth should be considered. Common wall garages shall have one of the facades offset by 3' in order to avoid linear repetition. Terracing Grading for new homes and accessory structures should be mini- mized wherever possible. The design of these buildings should incorporate sensitive design elements which work with the natu- ral grade instead of changing the grade to work with the building. Terracing, as shown in Illustration A-8 to the right, should be incorporated into the design of each lot's development. "Terraces" help ease transition between the pubiic and private space. . North Mountain Neighborhood 3<f -s A-6 ~-"-'-'-""" . I no alley '-.-'-.-.., o' , no atle A-8 nn Houle IeId PRIVATE Strltl"'d 1'Uw(; "Design Standards -11/96" - Page 57 Porches Porches are by far the most common architectural element added to a street friendly house. Porches encourage social interaction with neighbors and provide a cool place to sit on hot evenings, acting like an outside room. Columns and railings define the edges or "walls" of this room. Porches should be large enough to allow at least one person to sit facing the street - 8 feet wide - and deep enough to allow a per- son to stand while the door is opening - 6' deep. Porches with dimensions less than 8' X 6' are often used as storage areas for bikes, barbecues, etc., and do not realistically function as "out- door rooms" (see lllustration A-9). Where possible, porches shall be incorporated into building de- signs within the North Mountain Neighborhood. Driveways A narrow driveway width has many advantages to the streetscape. A narrower driveway with less concrete is visually more attrac- tive, creates a more accommodating pedestrian environment, in- creases on-street parking, and increases the number of street trees. Single home driveways should be no greater than 9' wide (mea- sured at street). Where no alley is present and two garages share a common wall, a common driveway 12' in width may be used, but shall serve both garages. Accessory Residential Units Accessory residential units, in the form of garage apartments or backyard cottages, shall be a special permitted use within por- tions of the NM zoning district. These small rental units provide affordable housing interspersed with more expensive housing. Considerate design and placement standards shall be incorporated into the development of accessory residential units. When adja- cent to a side property line the second floor area should be stag- gered and minimized. However, with the addition of a dormer, this point could be achieved without an additional setback or mini- mizing floor area. Page 58 - North Mountain Neighborhood 35 A-9 8'mlnlmum , 1 , , E , E ;; E " ~ ~tV A-ll /- ( ~'> I $ ~ r rr .r b.....l. , ,,' 17 ","gt . ." ~ ~~r, ,~: 1 Ij<.. '~.b'-,"'T..,'~ . I ,s ," f.~[-o '~"::; , "~' '.--. .. "",Y, g- ,4 -- ,"-: -..,.,- ~ .. "Draft Design Standards" " B. Neighborhood. Central Neil!hborhood Central District In addition to the following, refer to the Site Design and Use Standards, Section II-C, for the neighborhood central develop- ment standards: Transitional Architectural Design The completion of the neighborhood central area will likely take several years. The residential areas of the plan and neighboring sites will likely need to be fully developed in order for the com- mercial uses to be viable. Until that time, new buildings shall be constructed to accommodate residential uses, but designed in a way that will allow a simple transition to commercial use. Architectural Character The architectural character of the commercial buildings should reflect their importance as a focus of the North Mountain Neigh- borhood. Rather than taking on a residential appearance, these buildings should emulate a traditional storefront appearance. Ashland has many storefront buildings which should be looked at for reference but not duplication. These buildings have a simple and flexible form, yet have a strong architectural identity. Building Setbacks & Height Buildings shall be built up to the front and side property lines. Along the front, exceptions will be allowed to create courtyards, seating areas for cafes, or other special uses (see illustration B-3). These areas should be designed to further the activity along the streets. Arcades, awnings, bays, and balconies shall extend over walkways to form a continuous covered walk. In only rare cases should the facade of the second story extend beyond the first floor's front setback. A side yard property setback should only be considered when the building is adjacent to a residential zone or pedestrian access is needed from a rear parking area. A side yard setback accom- modating a rear parking area shall only occur at mid-block be- tween two buildings (see Illustration B-4). ' North Mountain Neighborhood 3b B-3 --- .,. I , . , , I , build-to-line----' . front setback Dot -permitted .:L --, , , I , , ,. I - , , , , I \.._--- , __1 B-4 . Design Standards - 11/96' - Page 59 Trallsit Facilities .The neighborhood central area will need a transit shelter which not only serves patrons of the commercial businesses, but also serves the neighborhood's residents. The general design of the facility should be consistent with the City's adopted bus shelter design. While transit service is not presently available to the neighbor- hood, the overall density of the area will ulitimately support it. The integration of a transit shelter within the neighborhood cen- tral area will further its use. Mixed Uses Second story apartments over ground floor shops are encour- aged wherever possible. Bays and balconies are encouraged to provide outlooks and create an articulated rhythm and visual interest (see Illustration B-7). B-7 9 - ." '. '. .,.'~. ',".. ~",' Page 60 - North' Mountain Neighborhood 37 B-5 .J 11 il" I L ] DODD [ 1 TOWN CWffiR [ J w [ Commater $tq) 1 11---- r '. TRAVITJONAL STREET NE'1WORK B-6 -'- .". '" ..'.. . "Draft Design Standards" " c. Street Types & Design Street Tvnes , Several types of residential streets are planned for in the North Mountain Neighborhood. These streets would extend through the planned area to accommodate not only multi-modal move- ment, but also a variety of circulation options. Greenway Drive The Greenway Drive, as shown in Illustration C-l, has a 49' right- of-way which provides for a travel surfaceof28', an 8' planting strip, and two sidewalks. The sidewalk on the residential side is . 5' and on the side of the Bearcreek Greenway an 8' sidewalk is shown. In cases where medians are identified on the North Moun- tain Neighborhood Plan, the median width shall be 8' and the two travel lanes 10'. Neighborhood Access Street The primary type of street traversing the neighborhood is the Neighborhood Access Street. This street has a 48' right~of-way which provides for a 15' travel surface, 7' parking bays, two 8' planting trips and two 5' sidewalks (see Illustration C-2). Alleys One of the most important features making up a successful neigh- borhood is the alley. Alleys allow parking to be located at the property's rear. By making this shift the negative impacts of" ga- rage proliferation" , pedestrian and vehicle conflicts at curb-cuts and excessive amounts of hard surface are removed. In addition, the front of the home and the street have the maximum opportu- nity for social interaction. The alley's cross section (C-3) identifies a 20' right-of-way. The improved width is 12' with two planted or graveled four foot wide C-4 strips. The cross section also identifies garages and/or accessory units with a 4' rear yard setback. Pedestrian Accessways . The North Mountain Neighborhood offers many natural and built amenities. The Pedestrian Accessway, separate from the Bear Creek multi-use path, will entice the pedestrian into a quick and convenient alternative route. Ashland has several pedestrian North Mountain Neighborhood 38 C-l 8' Bear walk Creek. Floodplain 28' 8' 5' walk planter travel lane parking both sides GREENWAY DRIVB . ..,. ROW C-2 ." 5' 8' planter walk 8' 5' 7' 15' travel lane parking one side ACCESS STREET planter walk NEIGHBORHOOD . 48' ROW C-3 structure fe nc e (no setback) 4' setback 4' 12' 4' clearance travel clearance lane ALLEY . 20 ROW low fence q orwa~ 3' 6' 3' setback walk setback PEDESTRIAN ACCESSWAY . 12' ROW " , "Design Standards - 11/96" - Page 61 accessways, the most notable, the Alice Peil Walkway located off of Granite Street. The Pedestrian Access cross section (C- 4) identifies a 12' right-of-way. Neighborhood Commercial Street As the focal point of the North Mountain Neighborhood, the commercial street area should portray a strong "sense of place" . This is the place where neighbors will comfortably socialize on the sidewalk or plaza area before and after they patronize . their neighborhood market, coffee shop, video store, etc. The neighborhood's commercial street cross section (C-5) shows a 45' right-of-way improvement. A 10' wide sidewalk, a 17' deep parking space (angled 60 degrees), and an 18' one way travel lane. Street trees planted within the sidewalk and be- tween the parking area and the pedestrian path are also shown. The appropriate tree spacing should be no greater than 30' . {f , North Mountain Avenue As the entrance to, the neighborhood and the primary access route, North Mountain Avenue shall have significant design components that evokes a welcome and inviting feeling. Illustration C-6 to the right identifies a tree-lined street which provides not only an efficient vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian thoroghfare, but also creates an attractive environment. Planter Strips All development fronting on streets shall be required to plant street trees in accordance with the Street Tree Standards of Chapter 18.72, Site Design and Use Standards. Large stature . street trees should be used to provide a canopy effect for resi- dential streets, while smaller stature trees may be more appro- priate along alley frontages. The planting strips will also be planted with low lying ground cover and street trees that can- tilever over the travel lanes and sidewalks. Street Lighting North Mountain, East Nevada, Greenway Drive (new), and streets within the Neighborhood Commercial Overlay shall incorporate pedestrian scaled lighting as shown in the Illustra- tion C-8. Light poles and illuminating fixtures shall be decora- tive in design and shall be similar in design to the lights on Oak Page 62 - North Mountain Neighborhood 39 C-5 (~ build \ ~~ne {f , :~;l..: 10' 17' sidewalk with tree angled parking " 18' one way lane COMMERCIAL STREET - 45' ROW C-6 ....N 5' 7' 6' 10' 8' 10' 6' 7' 5' aIt bike & travel Iravel & bike wal planter lane median lane planter C-7 NORTH MOUNTAIN AVENUE _ 64' ROW . " f\:~~'rl '..,.::~{~ t ~~ l-1'1TIIU. ~. ~. - "Draft Design Standards" i Street, between "A" and "B" Streets. , Wherever possible, light poles shall be centered within the planter c- 9 strips and between street trees to increase illumination cast on the sidewalk and street. Light boIlards shall be used to illuminate pedestrian accessways. Lighting fixtures for pedestrian use along residential streets and alleys may be attached to building walls, porches, carports or pa- tio walls. Street Furniture Outdoor hardscape elements such as benches, boIlards, trash re- ceptacles, mail boxes, light poles, etc. shall be consistent through- out the project area. The use of treated, stained wood, indigenous stone or rock, exposed aggregate concrete and painted steel is acceptable for the construction of street furniture. North Mountain Neighborhood Llo - :0t. - ..~~ .., :!.: :.... .',J ;.;;': ;:', " "Design Standards-11196" - Page 63 D. Open Space and Neighborhood Focal Points Open Space A variety of open space types are located within the North Moun- tain Neighborhood and each type should be designed based upon their environmental impact and benefiting attributes. Open space types within the area include the Bear Creek Floodplain, pocket parks, pedestrian accessways,acommercial common (plaza) and street medians. Each type of open space shall be accessible to the general public at all times. Except for pedestrian accessways and a small picnic area, use of the Bear Creek Floodplain shall be kept to a minimum. No build- ings shall be permitted in the area except for a small gazebo type structure associated with the picnic area. Whenever possible, pocket parks and pedestrian accessways shall be linked to formulate a more interesting and invitable alterna- tive. Each should be designed around natural features minimiz- ing their impact, but increasing their appeal. Developments fronting these areas are encouraged as long as vehicular access is from an alley. Street medians or small pocket medians shall be designed with large stature trees, shrubs and perennials flowers as an accent (see Illustration D-2). Use of turf shall be minimized wherever possible. An irrigation system shall be installed at the time of plant installation. A plaza or commons area, similar to the plaza in the downtown, shall be incorporated within the Neighborhood Commercial Over- lay Zone. The area shall be designed to provide adequate shad- ing for comfortable midday summer use and sunny areas for win- ter use. Hardscape areas shall be centrally located, but minimized whenever possible. Benches, newsracks, kiosks and other street furniture shall be located within the area. ,0 The area shall enclose and define the central space of the com- mercial core. The relationship of the maximum height of the sur- rounding buildings to the width of the plaza area should fall be- tween 1: 1- and 1:5 to assure spacial definition (seelllustration D- . 3). Page 64 . - North Mountain Neighborhood 'il " f D-2 \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ one way street street trees flowers D-3 !\ I ... I ... I i, --11 ~\ ... ....--- "Draft Design Standards' Neighborhood Focal Points J , The intersection of Greenway Drive and North Mountain Av- enue should serve as a neighborhood focal point. Special right- of-way design considerations shall be incorporated into the de- velopment of these streets. Illustration D-4 to the right shows typical neighborhood identification features with a median island, neighborhood identification monument, detractive concrete pat- terns, landscaping, gateways etc. . ~ ..... . .. North Mountain Neighborhood iP.. 'Design Standards - 11/96' - Page 65 f� OF AS& �(��/M} fflemarttndnm 0REGO November 20, 1996 Mayor, City Council , Administrator, Department Heads rum: Barbara Christensen, City Recorder p* hject: City of Ashland Election Results State Wide Measures MEASURE ASHLAND VOTE MEASURE ASHLAND VOTE #26 CHANGES PRINCIPLES YES 4361 #38 PROHIBITS YES 5111 FOR PUNISHMENT OF NO 5024 CRIME LIVESTOCK IN NO 4498 CERTAIN POLLUTED WATERS 127 GRANTS LEGISLATURE YES 1669 #39 GOVT, PRIVATE YES 4524 NEW POWER NO 7364 ENTITIES CANNOT NO 4764 #28 REPEALS CERTAIN YES 5542 DISCRIMINATE AMONG HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS RESIDENCY REQ. FOR NO 3582 #40 GIVES CRIME YES 4029 STATE VA LOANS VICTIMS RIGHTS, NO 5425 #29 GOV'S APPOINTEES YES 1383 EXPANDS EVIDENCE, LIMITS PRETRIAL RELEASE MUST VACATE OFFICE NO 7820 #41 STATES HOW PUBLIC YES 1930 #30 STATE MUST PAY YES 4140 - EMPLOYEE EARNINGS NO 7232 COST OF STATE NO 5137 MUST BE EXPRESSED MANDATED PROGRAMS #42 REQUIRES TESTING YES 2124 031 OBSCENITY MAY YES 2824 OF PUBLIC SCHOOL NO 7327 RECEIVE NO GREATER NO 6778 STUDENTS; PUBLIC REPORT PROTECTION #43 AMENDS COLLECTIVE YES 4524 #32 AUTHORIZE BONDS YES S421 BARGAINING LAW FOR NO 4136 FOR PORTLAND NO 3790 PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES REGOION LIGHT RAIL #44 INCREASES, ADDS YES 7239 #33 LIMITS LEGISLATIVE YES 3015 CIGARETTE/TOBACCO NO 2528 CHANGE TO STATUTES NO 6148 TAX; CHANGES TAX REVENUE DIST. PASSED BY VOTERS 945 RAISES PUBLIC YES 2014 134 REPEALS 1994 YES 2308 EMPLOYEES NORMAL NO 7532 BEAR/COUGAR INIT. NO 7459 RETIREMENT AGE; REDUCES BENEFITS #35 RESTRICTS BASES YES 2548 946 COUNTS NON-VOTERS YES 611 FOR PROVIDERS TO NO 6219 AS "NO" VOTES ON NO 9081 RECEIVE PAY FOR HEALTH CARE TAX MEASURES #36 INCREASES MINIMUM YES 6079 #47 REDUCES AND LIMITS YES 3263 WAGE TO $6.50 OVER NO 3678 PROPERTY TAXES; NO 6337 OVER 3 YRS LIMITS LOCAL REVENUES, REPLACEMENT FEES 037 BROADENS TYPES OF YES 5396 #48 INSTRUCTS STATE, YES 3357 CONTAINERS/DEPOSIT NO 4335 FED. LEGISLATORS NO 5703 AND REFUND VALUE TO VOTE FOR CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS RESOLUTION NO. 96- A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CANVASS OF THE VOTE OF THE ELECTION HELD IN AND FOR THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OREGON, ON NOVEMBER 5, 1996. RECITALS: A. The City Council of the City of Ashland met on the 3rd day of December, 1996, at the City of Ashland's Civic Center and proceeded to canvass the vote cast at the election held in and for the City of Ashland on the 5th day of November 1996. B. The Council, has canvassed the vote and has determined the number of votes for the measures as follows: 15-50 Amends City Charter, Creates Elected Five- Yes 3.760 Person City Utility Commission No 4.272 15-51 Amends City Charter, Creates Elected Five- Yes 3.720 Person City Cost Commission No 4.279 MAYOR Alan W. DeBoer 4.242 Catherine Golden 4.377 Write Ins 5 COUNCIL MEMBER — POSITION NO. 1 Don Laws 3'790 Write Ins 1 COUNCIL MEMBER — POSITION NO. 3 Steve Hauck 3.614 Write Ins 3 COUNCIL MEMBER — POSITION NO. 5 Carole Wheeldon 3.854 Write Ins 3 PARK COMMISSIONER — POSITION NO. 1 Pat Adams 2.398 Joanne Eggers 4.619 Write Ins 2 PARK COMMISSIONER — POSITION NO. 2 -_ Teri Coppedge 3.619 2 Write Ins PAGE 1 - RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CANVASS OF THE VOTE NA nciAeleo-96.ree) THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Measure 15-50, which posed the question: "Shall Charter be Amended to Create an Elected Five-Person Commission to Analyze City Utilities, Services, and Rates?" is declared to have failed. SECTION 2. Measure 15-51, which posed the question: "Shall Charter be Amended to Create an Elected Five-Person Commission to Analyze the Efficiency and Cost of City Departments?" is declared to have failed. SECTION 3. Catherine Golden is declared to be the duly elected mayor of Ashland. SECTION 4. Don Laws is declared to be the duly elected council member for Position No. 1. SECTION 5. Steve Hauck is declared to be the duly elected council member for Position No. 3. SECTION 6. Carole Wheeldon is declared to be the duly elected council member for Position No. 5. SECTION 7. Joanne Eggers is declared to be the duly elected park commissioner for Position No. 1. SECTION 8. Teri Coppedge is declared to be the duly elected park commissioner for Position No. 2. This resolution was read by title only in accordance with Ashland Municipal Code §2.04.090 duly PASSED and ADOPTED this day of 1996. Barbara Christensen, City Recorder SIGNED and APPROVED this day of 1996. Catherine M. Golden, Mayor Reviewed as to form: Paul Nolte, City Attorney PAGE 2 - RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CANVASS OF THE VOTE �n:�crnmc neleoae.,at� PROCLAMATION I, Catherine M. Golden, Mayor of the City of Ashland, Oregon, o proclaim that at the election held in the City: of Ashland, Oregon, n the 5th day of November, 199.6, there was submitted to the voters measure p"osmg.the question: "Shall Charterbe Amended to Create n Elected Five-Person Commission to Analyze City Utilities, Services, and RatesT" This measure failed with 4,272 negative votes to 3,760 affirmatwe votes. A second measure:submitted to thdi e question: 'Shall Charter be Amended to Create an.:. Fwe-Person ommissioh to Analyze the Efficiency and Cost of City Departments?". This measure failed with 4,279 negative votes to 3,720 positive votes. Dated at Ashland, Oregon, this day of December 1996. '=Catherine M Golden, Mayor ABSTRACT 8LACTION"PORT RPT DA78: 11118196 RPT 8: 105.05 PA= 8: 13 General Rlection - TaCklon County 1 1 November 5, 1996 1 I I T I c I P l IN r I N IN r I N I IN ■ I C IW /1 1 Ic D IG1 P/ It s Ik1 14 I I Logical Pay 8 11-03 I u l u 1 • 1 1° • 1 0 Ie • 1 0 1 1. 3 1 - IIQ 1 0 IP 1 Io t I� I I I I r I r I r 1 1• • I la • I I Iy • I t 11 .S lu n 11 5 1u e 1 S I I I m I r I 0 I I• I I• I I I° n l h I� I 1 0 1 ° I ° I I I I I I Ir I • I to L I Ice IF I I I u I a I a I 13 I 13 I I• I m I r 1� Eli 1. IE 1i I _ Ei I I t I t I t I IS I is I I I . I i 1 Gha, I� L.11a II LI 11 /-Ia • I� L Im • 11"1 I I T I R I v l 15 1 Is I I I D I • I� /11• I/a � le u I� N I I I b I • I ° 1 10 1 Il I I I I IS m 1 m c I I i I g I t I I I I I I I B I G I alb I lb A: I �I I I • I i I i I IS I Is I I 1 0 1 0 1 0 1° 1 1° 1 p l I I I • I n I I- I I- I I 1 1 3 1 a I= I 11 Ir I I I I s I t I g I lP I IP I I I r l d 1 �1, 1 I 1 3 1 r I I Is I I• I I I I I I I I I I I I ° I • I I Ir I IT I I I I n I IP I IP I I I I c I t I I Is I In I I I I I 10 I 10 I I I I t I i I I to I In I I I I I In I Is I I I I i 1 0 1 1 In I In I I I I I I- I I. I I 1 1 0 1 n I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I n 1 I I lu I Ic I I I I I 16 I 14 I I I I I I I It I 10 I I I I I Il 1 13 1 1 1 city of Ashland I I I I li I I• I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I 13 I It I I I I I 1 I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 Ashland 1 13631 17611 77.61 1 5131 6671 5061 6741 1 5751 6831 1 1 5661 1 5111 1 1 1 Ashland 1 11681 16691 79.51 1 6161 5931 6161 $931 1 6391 6611 1 1 6751 1 6611 1 1 6 Ashland 1 11501 16871 76.11 1 5061 5601 6811 5691 1 5651 6061 1 6711 1 1 6511 11 1 5 Ashland 1 11071 16701 71.31 1 4561 5681 6691 $711 1 5191 5811 1 1 6591 1 6691 ),I 1 9 Ashland 1 11351 18491 66.81 1 5161 5071 5111 4.951 1 4871 6111 1 4611 1 6611 1 1 10 sose 1 1831 4111 44.41 I 861 411 941 431 1 371 861 1 731 1 741 1 1 11 Ashland 1 11151 16101 75.61 1 5011 5171 4931 5311 1 6171 5051 1 5031 I 4711 1 1 11 Ashland 1 11651 16701 75.71 1 4941 5801 4991 5711 1 6611 4871 J,1 5331 1 4891 1 1 13 Ashland 1 5791 7111 81.41 1 1611 1181 1611 1301 1 3511 1751 1 1501 1 1351 1 I 707AL5: 1 94751118501 73.71 1 37601 41711 37101 41791 1 41411 43771 3 1 37901 1 1 36141 .3 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i i i i I I I certify the votes recorded on this abstract correctly Signature of county clerk Date of abstract summarize the tally of votes cast at the electbn indicated. Idp-191 ABSTRACT OF VOTES AT GENERAL AND ASST CT O OTES AT PRIMARY ELECTIONS SPECIAL ELECTIONS Separate sheets for Democratic.Republican,Nonpartisan and other Votes cast for governor must be on separate candidates. page or pages. Separate sheets for candidates for city,county(including precinct)and state. offices. FfGD Nov 2 01996 ABSTRACT RLB rW "FORT RPT PATE: 11118196 APT I: 105.05 PACE 8: 43 ceneral Sleetion - Jackson County Sores r 5, 1996 I T I C I P I IC 1wMIPP I J IWA/ IFT IW All I I I I I Logical Page 9 11-02 l u l m l • I 10 a IK / I• • 1 o 16 1 r l r l r l l0r II Slrt f 11 51= = II 51 I I I I I 1 ki 0 1 a 1 • 1 In I'F ItA I n IELI IELI I I I I I I • I n I n I IS • I - FICd I • I . FICC t I t I t I 13 I Ll0a I II LI00 I I I I Im w I 1 L Im m l a I� L Im P IN L 1 I I I I I T I R I v I 1eh I/✓ � 1ms I g ISRImP I y I • I o I Im • Id IS I g l IS • I �I I I I I I I i I g I t I Ib • I la l e l FI• d l i I I I I I I ' • 1 74 1 : e I DI! I a I CIS • 1 GI I I I I I 1 1 R I t I g I I. 0 1 aIn I 1 � 10 I S I r l I I n l In 1 I In I I I I I I I I e I a I I IF I Is I I I• I I I I I I I I c l t l I 10 1 Ir I I Ir I I I I I I I I t 1 1 1 1 0 1 I I• I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 0 1 n l I I I IF I I IF 1 I n l I I 16 I 10 I 1 10 I I I I I I I I I I I 15 I la I I Is I I I I I I 1 City of Ashland I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1�—�—F---F—I—t--I--I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 Ashland 1 13631 17621 77.41 1 5521 1 3661 6881 1 5131 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 Ashland 1 11651 1+691 79.51 1 5361 1 2931 6281 11 6661 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 Ashland 1 12501 16871 74.11 1 4941 ;& 1 2771 6461 I 4521 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 Ashland 1 12071 16701 72.31 1 5101 1 1 2911 6271 1 +731 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 Ashland 1 12351 18491 66.81 1 4901 1 2131 6591 11 +311 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 sosc 1 1931 +121 +4•+1 1 601 1 371 691 1 771 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 Ashland 1 12251 16201 75.61 1 5061 1 3391 5731 1 4971 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 12 Ashland 1 12651 16701 75.71 1 4801 1 3961 5221 1 4961 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 13 Ashland 1 5791 7111 61.+1 1 2201 1 1911 2081 1 2141 1 1 1 1 1 1 F- --1—I-1— I~~ ~ ~1—I-1-1--1 1 TOTALS: 1 9475 i 128501 73.71 1 385+3 I 1 I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I 1 I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 certify the votes recorded on this abstract correctly Signature of county dark Date of abstrect summarize the tally of votes cast at the election indicated. ABSTRACT OF VOTES AT GENERAL AND ASST CT OF ES AT PRIMARY ELECTIONS SPECIAL ELECTIONS Separate sheets for Democratic, Republican,Nonpartisan and Other Votes cast for governor must be on separate candidates. page or pages. Separate sheets for candidates for city,county(inducting precinct)and state offices. RECD NOV 2 01996 December 3, 1996 The Honorable Cathy Golden Ashland City Council Members Ashland, OR 97520 Dear Mayor Golden and Council Members: You have received a copy of your consultant's report on the feasibility of drilling a proposed well for irrigation of the Oak Knoll Golf Course. Mr. Ferrero's report concludes that based upon his analysis of well log data and other information available to him, the proposed well is not likely to meet the needs of the City. Well yields in the immediate area are significantly less than the 75 gpm required and are less than 10 gpm. Mr. Ferrero's conclusion is that even if a high producing well were drilled, there is the distinct possibility of interference and/or overdraft which is likely to negatively impact the citizens and further exacerbate the groundwater problems of the area. Please re-consider the affect of competing with your neighbors outside the city for a very limited resource upon which we are all totally dependent. Also please consider the expense of drilling a well that does not meet your needs or results in future problems for you and your citizens. I respectfully request that you withdraw your application for a well for irrigation of the Oak Knoll Golf Course and work with the group of homeowners to mitigate their concerns about the visual impacts of draw down of the irrigation pond upon them. If you deem it necessary to hold a public hearing on this matter at your next meeting, I am pre- pared to provide you with a very detailed analysis of the well logs of the area together with other data that corroborates and expands the information in the report from your consultant, Mr. Fer- rero. The deadline for filing on the re-noticed Proposed Final Order is now January 3, 1997. It can be re-noticed again at your request prior to that date. As I indicated previously, I appreciate your cooperation in this matter. I also iterate what I stated previously that I am not threatening or coercing the city with filing a contested case on the matter. I have asked and received a most courteous and thoughtful response from the Council, and I am most appreciative. Thank you for the opportunity to address you this evening; I would appreciate some direction on the Oak Knoll well issue. Most sincerely, Chris N. Skrepetos 4424 Hwy 66 Ashland, OR 97520 CITY OF ASHLAND a °oF`ASy. Department of Community Development o Conservation Division MEMORANDUM °Reco%4 Y DATE: November 26, 1996 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Dick Wanderschei RE: DISCUSSION OF WATER RATES Background Ashland water rates were raised to the current level on October 1, 1994. The rates were raised about 11.5% higher at that time for two basic reasons. One was that the Son of Measure 5 was about to be voted on in November of 1994. If this measure had passed, raising water rates would have been difficult, if not impossible, to do. Secondly, we were anticipating selling bonds to finance the improvement to our water treatment plant and we had to be sure that rates would be adequate to ensure to bond holders that our rates were sufficient to cover bond payments. Subsequently, Son of Measure 5 did not pass, bonds were sold, and the treatment plant upgrade has been completed. Therefore, now would be an appropriate time to re-evaluate and revisit water rates to see if any adjustments are possible. Water Rates and Water Suaaly R.W. Beck's Water Supply Study of 1989 assumed we were going to lose the 795 acre feet TID water right, as the 30-year contract would expire in 1996, and predicted a need for a new supply. The study identified a new dam on Ashland Creek, estimated to cost $11,000,000, as the best alternative to pursue. We subsequently hired SRC in 1991 to look at the potential for demand reduction, to delay, or eliminate the new water supply requirements. That report identified four programs which produced equivalent amounts of water as the proposed new dam for about $825,000, or 7.5% of the cost. These four programs were system leak detection and repair programs, a showerhead replacement program, a toilet rebate program, and incentive based water rates. At the time of the SRC Report, we had a flat residential water rate structure with a fixed cost of $.70/ccf of water. SRC recommended that we go to seasonal water rates, and that the price induced conservation of these rates would save about 210,000 gallons of water per day, or about 42% of the total needed savings. In order to achieve these savings, SRC estimated a summer rate of $1.14/ccf and a winter rate of $.52/ccf would be required. After the SRC report was presented to the City, a special ad hoc committee was appointed by the Mayor to review the report and recommend any changes needed for adoption. The committee's only disagreement with the report dealt with the issue of seasonal water rates. It felt a seasonal rate structure potentially could negatively impact people who placed no increased demand on our water system during the summer. Also, many of the people in this category would probably be low or moderate income households who could not afford higher summertime water bills. Therefore, the committee recommended the incentive-based water rates recommended by SRC should take the form of increasing block rates instead of seasonal rates. This idea was endorsed by the City Council, and the SRC report was officially adopted as City policy in April of 1992. Water Rate Implementation The City hired Hilton, Farnkopf & Hobson in 1993 to complete a cost service and water rate study for the City. This study was completed in January of 1994. It designed an increasing block rate structure which met the City revenue requirements and implemented the incentive-based water rate structure needed to encourage wise water usage by Ashland citizens. On March 1, 1994, the increasing block rates were implemented. They were subsequently raised by 11.5% on October 1994 as explained earlier. Both those rate schedules were as follows: Water Rates October 1, 1994 March 1, 1994 current rates RESIDENTIAL 0 to 300 cf - $1.04/ccf 0 to 300 cf - $1.16/ccf 301 to 1000 cf - $1.16/ccf 301 to 1000 cf - $1.30/ccf 1001 to 2500 cf - $1.53/ccf 1001 to 2500 cf - $1.71/ccf all over 2500 ccf - $1.94/ccf all over 2500 ccf - $2.16/ccf COMMERCIAL 0 to 50,000 cf - $1.21/ccf 0 to 50,000 cf - $1.32/ccf all over 50,000 cf - $1.25/ccf all over 50,000 cf - $1.37/ccf Changing Situation Defeat of the Son of Measure 5 ballot measure, sale of water bonds, completion of the water treatment plant, and most importantly, a reasonable expectation of being able to renew our TID contract for 795 acre feet of TID water, have all occurred since our last water rate increase in October of 1994. Also, the newly completed water treatment plant upgrade has resulted in reducing the number of operators needed to staff the plant. This alone has resulted in personnel savings in the Water Division of nearly $200,000 per year. However, partially offsetting this cost reduction will be increased costs from TID, as the renewed contract will require us to pay M & I water rates instead of irrigation rates for this water. For all of these reasons, staff feels it is appropriate to investigate a reduction in water rates to reflect these recent changes. Rate Reduction Options We have identified two ways to reduce, and/or possibly restructure, our water rates to implement a reduction in water costs. Following are these alternatives. A) Reduce the consumption charges for each of the individual existing blocks of water. rates. This would provide immediate rate relief-to all customers. B) Completely redo our existing block rate structure and transition to seasonal rates as recommended in the original SRC report. Since 52.7% of our annual water sales occur during June to September, the idea is to increase rates for this period and leave them much lower throughout the remainder of the year. One advantage of this type of rate is that it could he adjusted yearly based on the water supply situation. Another advantage of seasonal water rates is that people are reminded each year of the need to use water efficiently during the high rate period. Timeline and Schedule We have assembled a staff team of Brian Almquist, Greg Scoles, Jill Turner, Susan Wilson Broadus and myself to begin work on this process. We need to make some projections of future water budgets, adjust for the changes that have already occurred, and then run the water rate model developed for the City by Hilton, Farnkopf and Hobson. Based on these model runs, we will present the results, along with a staff recommendation at the first Council meeting in February. Based on the Council decision, we can implement the changes concurrently with sewer rate changes on April 1, 1997. This will allow us to update our utility billing program one time and also allow the new rates to be in effect before the summer irrigation season begins next year. ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 340 SO. PIONEER STREET ASHLAND,OREGON 97520 PARK COMMISSIONERS: •" °° KENNETH J.MICKELSEN '•'of ASM° PATRICIA ADAMS � '.;� 4y. Director ALLEN A.ALSING i- •` i G BOB BENNETT ' TERI COPPEDGE- ^'�. TEL.:(541)4885340 LAURIE MacGRAW ` - ; C -�,�• FAX:(541)488-5314 R[Go MEMORANDUM TO: Brian Almquist, City Administrator FROM: Kenneth .l. Mickelsen, Director DATE: November 13, 1996 SUBJECT: Darex Family Ice Rink In order to make the ice skating rink a reality, we needed the support and cooperation of several city departments. I want to express my great appreciation for the assistance and dedication that the Engineering Department demonstrated on this project. Thanks to their efforts, the community is going to have a wonderful skating facility. cc: Susan Wilson Broadus, Public Works Director Jim Olson, Assistant City Engineer AB:MISC\MEMOS.96 Home of Famous Lithia Park ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 340 SO. PIONEER STREET ASHLAND,OREGON 97520 PARK COMMISSIONERS: - °" °""'• KENNETH J.MICKELSEN °OF°LNG's Director PATRICIA ADAMS ALLEN A.ALSING BOB BENNETT TERI COPPEDGE ( TEL.:(541)488-5340. LAURIE MacGRAW FAX:(541)488-5314 MEMORANDUM TO: Brian Almquist, City Administrator FROM: Kenneth J. Mickelsen, Director DATE: November 13, 1996 SUBJECT: Darex Family Ice Rink WOW! What a marvelous job done by the Street Department crew on the area for the ice skating rink. The dedication and pride that these employees put forth on the project was truly outstanding. Thanks to their efforts, we are going to have a new, exciting recreational facility for our community. cc: Susan Wilson Broadus, Public Works Director Jerry Glossop, Superintendent Street Division AB:MLSC\MEMOS.96 Home of Famous Lithia Park ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 340 SO.PIONEER STREET ASHLAND,OREGON 97520 PARK COMMISSIONERS: °" ` "' KENNETH J.MICKELSEN OF �h`'•, Dire or PATRICIA ADAMS ALLEN A.ALSING - 4•Vii. O , BOB BENNETT TERI COPPEDGE 1 TEL.:(541)488.5340 LAURIE MacGRAW FAX:(541)488-5314 ' OREGO�•• MEMORANDUM TO: Keith Woodley, Fire Chief FROM: Kenneth J. Mickelsen, Director DATE: November 13, 1996 SUBJECT: Thanks! Just.a note to thank you for your willingness to assist the department in personnel training. Following your presentation, employees commented on how useful the information was and that they had learned about aspects of supervision that they could apply to their work. Again, a personal thanks for your time and expertise. AB:MISCIMEMOS.96 Home of Famous Lithia Park r �� i �� � < _ !g E � vmwun wrmon .*� : � :: n ` tl \ � . � � _ �. - � � � � �� Q-- � �� � � � � �, � � � �� � � ,� � � ,� � � `� �. �� �� � � �, � � x � � � �� � �� v � � !�� �' � � � �� �• � � a i �I I _ _ _ _ _ . GI i i of �ood I C� - Thamk you, So much -For all of- L�ou.r �elP with --the, fbmecominco Ooo-fire -tl 'S wouidn+ have happened- We h6pe 1 �m Ca-y1 "Op vs 4aln ne.x-l- `leo-r. 7ha*lks 0-96Ain, � hS LeaderSh��� Oc T 2- _ near rre T fescue Guys Waked you This short breacA rn say TYrunk you for oo� In� to VY)J rescue S > zg� i n e r-i id d ) e_ 6711h,-- ' 1 �7A Ve n 0 MCM O rl ��. its la(Jt my Sad you were wohderfvl. e SiezureS here AV -Fro n'I a braid fU,m o r Y �I ar Il1ey have fovnof So with an Y opu-Afor► : k6pe to 500rn be_ O.(c, CL (tin I� j ►VI eU ✓! u� l� i 12 - 171 a vl I<5 ayAin • dCharlo7j , ciCe, pp y