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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-0501 REG MIN ~.- .,. ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES MINUTES OF BOARDS ETC. SHAKESPEAREAN FESTIVAL Hotel/Motel Tax Monies ~- . ;"~. . MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ~IEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May I, 1979 Mayor Prickett led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. on the above date in the Council Chambers at City Hall.' Phelps, Medaris, Hamilton and Laws were present. Rag- land arrived a few minutes late. Medaris moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 17, 1979 and of the adjourned meeting of April 24, 1979; Sims seconded the'motion and on voice vote motion passed unanimously, Phelps moved to accept minutes of boards, commissions and committees; Hamilton seconded and motion passed 'unanimously on voice vote. The City Administrator read a letter from OSFA proposing to increase Ashland's transient occupancy tax levy from 5% to 6%, and to alloc- ate that additional 1% return in revenue to support the continued operation of the Oregon Shakespearean Festival. Bill Patton of OSFA presented Council with a list of supportive local motel owners. On Phelps question as to what amount would represent the 1%, Patton estimated $14,000. City Attorney Salter said he has some question on the proposal and said he would investigate wr.ether or not tax monies could be used to give to "not for profie' organization. John Evey representing the Festival said it could be done and added that Medford participates in this way. Laws took exception to cur proposing to use a tax law to generate moniee for a private interest and said that it is hard to justify the request when l% could not be allocated to give legal'counsel to the poor through the City budget. Patton pointed out the volume of money generated in the comlnunity by visitors coming to Ashland to see the plays and if those monies dry up because of gasoline prices or shortage, theu we will be in troc:hl" Patton said the monies will be necessary to carryon in spite of such problems. Ragland recalled that some time back the City illade an attempt to entertain tourism as opposed to heavy industrial bus- iness and is happy Ashland is known for OSFA rather than the "Pitts- burgh of the West". The Mayor supported the effort for this year but reminded OSFA people that the proposal would be for one year only and not an auto:-!1atic request on a yearly basis nor assumed sup- port should request be granted at this time. Mayor Prickett asked that a letter be sent to this effect. Laws suggested $10,000 be earmarked for Shakespeare. Sims said he could net support the request and said it would be benefitting the business interests and agreed with Salter that legality should be looked into. Sims said that OSFA has a habit of ~nder-anticipating theatr~ activity in their budget every year an:l invariably come out s1!ccessfully without" the degree of income gap anticipated and that the $1.00 lease fro::: City could be sho.<ll as financial support to generate private moni~s contributed by patrons etc. Evey said thac Medford appropriated che amount of $15~OOO or 1%, T,il1ichevcr is less cOTIiputed on total :ax. Laws moved to have staff increase from 5% to 6%, to appropriate tt~ sum of $10,000 to Oregon Shakes~earean Festi.val Association; Ph2.1?s seconded. Ragland expressed conce.rn that a dollar amount bE: set i.n the event that the gasoline problem becomes super critic.al ana 5/1/79 Pg. 1 Rer.ularJ;leec lng . -~-' n.ou.J..CU\,l. ......L...y v.......un.......... 7-:"'_-=--. . ~",:. r::" " '~', . '. OSFA MOTEL TAX MONIES cont. the tax monies didn't 'amount to the $10,000. Medaris amended the motion to call for,appropriation of $12,000; Ragland seconded and on roll call, Ragland and Medaris voted YES; Phelps, Sims, Laws and Hamilton voted,NO so the amendment failed. On the original ',motion Cnclmn Ragland, Medaris, Laws and Hamilton voted in favor and Phelps and Sims opposed the motion. BEAR CREEK GREENWAY COMMITTEE A letter was read from Jackson County Bear Creek Greenway Committee expressing concern over proposed runway expansion and recommending alternative use of tieil Creed by reserving a minimum of 50' on each side of Neil Creek for a trail and floodplain. Parks Director Neil Ledward attended the meeting to communicate what was contained in the letter and to answer questions. Ledward said that acquisitio:, of Jones-Bryant property by the State is eminent and that the proper- ty will be turned over to the City of Ashland as have others for the greenway system. The letter was accepted and placed on file and Ledward said he would report back after next committee meeting. Ragland expressed delight at the acquisition of Jones-Eryant land saying it is the most crucial piece of all for the whole chain. ASHLANl' HERITAGE COMMITTEE APPEAL ON TOLLIVER PROPOSAL IOWA STREET CUT REQUEST James R. Benson .,. '. PUBLIC FORUM A letter was read from the Ashland Heritage Committee requesting permission to use the City parking lot on Winburn Way for model railroads on Heritage Sunday (July 1). Laws moved for approval and agreaito invitation to antique car club if desired; Ragland seconded and on roll call, all YES. A letter of appeal was submitted by Sims on Tolliver proposal and public hearing date was set for 7:30 P.M. on May 15, 1979. A letter was read James Benson requesting permission to cut pavement at 1150 Iowa Street to install water and sewer lines and fire hydran: and a memo from A],sing was also read. Discussion follm.,ed as to ."hy the building permit was issued prior to approval and it was learned an error had been made. Laws said that more consideration should be given the proposal to purchase a bore to go under the streets to save the pavement since so many requests have come in for cutting - none of which have been turned down. Hamilton moved to approve; Laws 'seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. ~~yor reported on emission tests being given police cars and noted the only car which passed the test was the one which has been modi- fied with heated jets and suggested that such equipment should be placed on other vehicles. On question posed to Chief Lively on the performance of the jet equipment Lively said that it is hard to con- clude that the mileage on the vehicle is better because of the type of wear and tear of police vehicles and noted the cars tested are in various stages of repair and some in need of tuning which would reflec t in success or failure in the testing. Lively said when the new cars no" ordered arrive it will be time to consider the JUodH ica- tion. Council agreed the testing is great idea for Clear, Air \,eek. (Later in the evening Phelps urged cooperation from every driver to have his automobile checked for emissions free of charge this weck. 5/1/79 Pg. 2 - ___._. .~.,.-_.r.r .. ;" ASS~SSMENT/rMPROVEME~rs COSTS FINDINGS OF FACT ADOPTION Kneebone Zone Change #57 CALHOUN REQUEST Water O/S City HIGH [, NORTH MAIN ALLEY OLD ASHLAND ARMORY BLDG. . . In keeping with the policy of Council to bring back cost estimates exceeding 10% over those estimated in formation of assessment dis- tricts a list was given which showed jobs on Walnut, Windsor and Emma would exceed the criteria. Council agreed that, no bids should be accepted until staff has contacted property owners to get the~r individual opinions as to,whether tbey care to go on with the work at the accelerated costs. Findings of Fact and Order were submitted to Council for it's authori zation of Mayor's signature. Box reviewed the need of the packet sho>ling various information on which Council had acted to deny Zone Change #57. On question of Hamilton as to the need for such findings at this date Salter said the action is in order and in fact Council 'should be commended for having considered the findings in their del- iberations to preclude a court order on such decision to justify their decision. Salter told Council that packets of findings would also be presented on the H [, S Development proposal and the Hill Amendment. Laws reminded Council of the need for orderly actions and said recently minutes presented an unclear action. Salter said that Courts also have tapes recorded to compare information. Laws moved that Mayor be authorized to sign findings of fact and order of the Council; Medaris seconded and on roll call, all YES. Request for water service by Charles Calhoun for property outside City was presented and it was learned that Calhoun was not present. Laws moved to defer until Calhoun is present; Medaris seconded and the lllotion passed unanimously on roll call vote. A memo was read from the Planning Commission relative to the hazard- ous conditions created by alley situation in the High-Manzanita area as a result of several multifamily developments. Recommendations to purchase a small sliver of tax lot 4200 to expand T-intersection behind the restored house at 325 North Main (Toney's) by paving it for easier and more safe maneuver of various vehicles using ,the access. Ragland asked if staff could contact property ~wners and come back with recommendation. Alsing said that Toney might be agree _ able to setting up an assessment district. No action necessary until more information is available on alternatives. Councilman Medaris reviewed his memorandum of committee findings on question and advisibility of purchasing the old Armory building for City purposes or community functions. Medaris noted the need for parking and said cost estimates for land acquisition and development must be considered along with study of renovation costs. Hedaris and Almquist agreed that architectural or engineering firm should take a look at the overall project before going into the matter any further. Ragland commented on staff's concern regarding further fragmentation of City offices saying that it may be something we must learn to liVe with because,of the nature of the ownership of City Hall based on it~ function and said it might be adequate indefinitely for certain ae- partments. Laws agreed that if Police, Justice and Council'Chambers were set apart in a separate building, there would be room for the balance of city functions at City Hall. Discussion follm.ed on "he 5/1/79 ?g.3 .r......'~~ RegUl~~ting 'AshLand CltY.Councii~, ':J11.j. j':J t". ~ . ARMORY CONVERSION cont. conversion of-the~Albany Armory at a cost of $21.71 per sq. ft. in March of J977 and an offer by their structural engineer to appraise and'give estimates for Ashland for an amount not to exceed $4,000. Council agreed they would feel comfortable to have a person with such expertise look the situation over. Raglana noted there are interesting options and reminded Council that previous Councils, Planning Commissions and Citizens Committees had decided that City Hall should remain in the north end of town. Laws said that we tried to get a downtown Justice Center and lost that battle when it became apparent that the Lithia Mill site is the people's choice. Phelps said he is looking to the Lithia Mill area and'with further development it will become more centralized than it is today. ,Hamilton said she felt distressed at the input from Staff in that none of the departments recommend use of the Armory. Sims agreed ani said.it is too bad is is so one sided. Sims added that it would be costly to bring the Armory up to code but that a Contractor could circumvent that expense all at once by doing the work in phases and recommended that an impartial structural engineer or someone with like qualifications appraise and recommend what can be done. Rag- land said he is intrigued at the cost, location and space afforded by the Armory and urged Council to look for expertise outside the valley and asked that the Committee carryon until more facts are gathered. Sims suggested that the Lithia Mill property could be sold, exchanged or otherwise. used for financing acquisition etc. SimS moved that one person be sent to Albany to see what has been done there and to report back with pictures etc.; Laws seconded and on roll call vote, passed unanimously. Medaris asked for input from Mickelson, Drager, Bohannan and Box. TONEY SUED. EASEMENT A memo from the Public Works Department was read and map submitted relative to an easement vacation and Laws moved to authorize Mayor and Recorder to sign quitclaim deed; Hamilton seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote, MARK ANTONY HOTEL GRANT Almquist read a memo requesting that Staff research position of City as "guarantor" in connection ,~ith a $2S,000 grant received by Mark Antony Motor Hotel from National Heritage Conservation & Rec- reation. With no objection from Council, Acting Mayor so ordered, SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE Phelps revie.wed policy on preliminary and final appU.cations ana need to mudify the su1wivisicn ordinance by calling for time limit of 18 months for active development after final approval of plat or voiding the pe.rmit. After some discussion, Phelps moved that staff be.directed to retJrite ordinance accordingly and Hamilton seconded. On roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously. LOLICH ANNEXATION ORD. Second reading was given an ordinance by title only dispensing with an election and calling a public hearing on a proposed annexation and withdrawal from JCFD I/S for property sitmlte'(j behind Knight' s Inn Motel. Laws moved for adoption; Phelps seconded and motion passed unanimously orr roll call vote. WATER & SEHER CONNECT RATES Second readirrg by title only was given an ordinance amending Ordin- ance No. 1961 setting Hater & Sewer rates. Phelps moved for adoption, Laws seconded and on roll call, all YES. , 5/1/79 Pg. 4 legUla~4tting WATER &. SEWER CHARGES ORD. WATER RATES ORDINANCE UNDERGROUND UTILITIES Ashland City Council J/.l..1 i';J r.J .'. .,' " . Second reading by title only was given an ordinance amending Ordinance No, 1859 and the Ashland Municipal Code relative to Sewer User Charges and Hamilton moved to adopt; Phelps seconded and the motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Second reading by title only was given an ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 1949, and amending Ordinance No. 1676 relative to water turn-on charge. Medaris moved to adopt; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, motion pessed unanimously. First reading was given an ordinance amending the Ashland Municipal Code relative to the provision of underground utilities for minor land partitions. Laws moved to second reading; Phelps seconded and on roll call, all YES. HITT ROAD VACATJON RESOLUTION A resolution setting a public hearing on the proposed vacation of Hitt Road was read for June 5, 1979 at 7:30 P,M. Medaris moved for adoption; Hamilton seconded and motion passed without opposition on roll call vote. BUIl.DING CODE VALUATION RES. A resolution adopting building code valuation data pursuant to Section 423 was read amending Uniform Building Code. Laws moved for adoption; Phelps seconded and motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. PROCLAMATION - NL~SES FINANCIAL REPORT LIAISON REPORTS Pollution Record Storage JET HEATERS ON POLICE CARS __ lJMu ~ iM~ Na~nklin City Recorder A proclamation was read declaring May ll, 1979 as the "Day of the Nurse". No action necessary. Financial Report for March 1979 was accepted without comment. Phelps as liaison to the Air Quality Committee in Jackson County urged everyone to have his vehicle checked free for emissions during Clean Air Week. Phelps then' 'reviewed progress of committee saying the responsibility for pollution rests with both the wood industry and the automobile and each points to the other as being the larger of contributors. Phelps then expressed concern that building and planning records be safely stored and asked that Planner Box check on costs of fire- proof files or microfilming records on which the City has been planned and built from its literal foundation up. Box said he would report back. Medaris urged that police vehicles be tuned up and tested again for emissions and report back on r ts as they are testen. Meeting adjourned . 7Ju-'~c.-/ .. PRO C LAM A T ION WHEREAS, nurses ~oday are assuming increasing respon- sibility and accountability for this community's health care needs, and WHEREAS, nurses have forcefully demonstrated their pro- fessionalism continually striving to upgrade standards of care and improve services, and WHEREAS, the Oregon Nurses Association has declared May 11 -- "THE DAY OF THE NURSE." NOW THEREFORE, I, GARY L. PRICKETT, Mayor of the City of Ashland, Oregon, do hereby proclaim Friday, May II, 1979 as "THE DAY OF THE NURSE IN ASHLAND", and do urge all residents of this community to join in this observance and participate in a demo~stration of recognition and support of nurses, the nation's largest group of health profess- ionals. , ..,,'/1ijJjJl:;:..;.. ." 1\ ,". IIV'~ ';lJ,ffLJr"'~::; . ~U,,"f"'JI:'.!.t'... ~ ..' '. ~:r" Jo..... :'.,~.. ,,~. l t:-~. .. - . , :. 'Zili "1~/~i A.~~@)M~'J,., ~~ t">ll~~~ : ~\ <\\'" \t!>'iJ~<..""'.:. I. ;~. );i~ .~ '~;lt;tX~ji"f/" (\}~)~ (t"mill/ffllllll proclaimed by me this / al day of May, 1979.. Gary L'. Mayor City of Ashland, Oregon Attest: 0Uu ~ ~~ Nan E. Franklin City Recorder/Treasurer