Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-0301 Council Mtg PACKET Important: Any citizen attending 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 March 1, 1994 I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 7:30 P.M. , Civic Center Council Chambers II . ROLL CALL ' III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting of February 15, 1994 . IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS: 1. Proclamation: "Women's History Month" . V. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes of boards, commissions and committees. 2 . Monthly departmental reports - January, 1994. 3 . Approval of street cut request - 851 Oak Knoll Drive. 4. Letter from Southern Pacific Railroad concerning sale of Siskiyou railway line. 5. Schedule for filling vacancies on City boards, .commissions and committees. VI. PUBLIC FORUM: Business from the audience not included on the agenda (limited to 3 minutes per speaker and 15 minutes total) . VII. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: 1. Election of Parks & Recreation Commission member for portion of term expiring December 31, 1994 . 2 . Request from Kiwanis Club for waiver of banner fee for annual Easter breakfast at SOSC. 3 . Memo from Public Works Director relative to filter plant bond issue. VIII. ORDINANCES RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS: 1. First reading by title only of "An Ordinance amending the local improvements and special assessments chapter of the Municipal Code to revise process when estimated assessment a is increased, or when project exceeds estimated cost, by i ! hr more than ten percent. " 2. Second reading by title only of "An Ordinance Amending , I Ordinance No. 1415 as amended, adapting a position classification plan for the City of Ashland. " 3 . Second reading by title only of "An Ordinance amending Ashland Municipal Code sections 2 . 04 . 040.D and 2. 04. 110.a by changing the beginning time of Council meetings. to 7 p.m. ; the ending time to 10 p.m. ; adjusting the timei for public hearings at such meetings and repealing Resolution no. 88- 13 . 4. Reading by title only of "A Resolution of the City of 9 Ashland setting land division plat check fees pursuant to �. G+°�� the Ashland Municipal Code and repealing Resolution 92-08 . " 5. Reading by title only of a Resolution to the City of Sarlat, f /2 France. IX. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS XI. ADJOURNMENT MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL = February 15,, 1994 CALLED TO ORDER Meeting was called to order by Mayor Golden at 7: 30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Councillors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Acklin, and Winthrop were present. Councillor Arnold was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the Regular meeting of February 1, 1994 were accepted as. presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS Mayor Golden presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dick Wanderscheid for 15 years' employment with the City in the Community Development Department. Police Department staff awards were presented by Police Chief Gary Brown and Mayor Golden to Barb Hansson, Employee of the Year; Bill Currier, Reserve Officer of the Year; Tarry Myers, Dispatcher of the Year and Bob Smith, officer of the Year. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees'* 2 . Monthly Departmental Report - January, 1994 . 3 . City Administratorl.s Monthly Report - January, 1994. 4 . Snow/Water Report by Director of Public Works. Director of Public Works Steve Hall reviewed additional memorandum submitted to accompany item #4. Acklin/Winthrop m/s approve items 1, 2, 4 and pull item 13 to discuss under New and Miscellaneous Business. Voice vote all AYES. PUBLIC FORUM: Business from the audience not included on the agenda .(limited to 3 minutes per speaker and 15 minutes total) . Ken Hagen, 548 Rock Street, spoke regarding a letter he had written to• COUncil •asking for a moratorium on further hillside development. He asked that hillside development be addressed as a whole subject rather than reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Councillor Winthrop stated he could not see criteria that would allow a moratorium to be declared. Councillor Acklin asked that Planning Commission consider specifics of hillside development criteria when they are considering any further hillside development projects. Mayor expressed support of neighborhood consensus groups developing neighborhood plans and felt individual neighborhoods would be better able to specifically deal with any hillside development issues that could impact their (r.MinWsk2-15-94.mm-page 1) neighborhoods rather than stopping the process to deal i¢ith this as a specific issue. Councillor Hauck stated neighborhoodtinput would specifically identify problems in current zoning issues that may need to be changed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Adoption of Findings, Conclusion and Order on Planning Action 93-128, upholding an action of the Planning Commission and denying an appeal regarding the issuance of a building permit at 635 Thornton Way, based on solar access and lot width/depth. City Attorney Paul Nolte substituted page 7 of the findings and a typographical error was noted by Councillor Winthrop. These changes would be made to the Findings, Conclusion and Order on Planning Action 93-128. Acklin/Hauck m/s approve adoption of amended Findings, Conclusion and Order on Planning Action 93-128. Roll call vote: Laws, Hauck, Acklin, Winthrop YES; Reid, NO; Arnold absent. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1. Presentation by Gary Schaff, RVCOG, regarding proposed Federal grant- request from Transportation Growth Management Plan. Paula Brown, RVCOG, presented proposed Federal grant request from Transportation Growth Management Plan in Gary Schaff's place. Reid/Acklin m/s authorize Rob Winthrop to sign RVCOG resolution of consensus being prepared by RVCOG for inclusion in their grant request. 2 . Presentation by Eric Dittmer and Pete Naumes regarding report findings on future agricultural water use and the effects of urbanization. Ron Meyer, pear grower in Medford, and Eric Dittmer presented findings on the 2050 Committee's Agricultural Water Use Executive Summary. 3. Request by Mrs. Mary Sanchez to connect property outside the city limits at 277 Mistletoe Road to city sewer system and to defer connection and SDC charges. Acklin/Reid m/s to approve request. Voice vote all AYES. 4. Memo from Director of Public Works concerning financing of improvements to Water Filtration Plant pursuant to Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and recommendations from CH2M-Hill. (r.Minul \2-15-941.min-page 2) 6 • I h � j Council requested public be noticed by Public Works Director prior presentation by City bond counsel and financial consultants at March 1 meeting. Consent Agenda Item #3 County Administrator Brian Almquist read Council goals and staff notes from Council that were included in his monthly report to Council. ORDINANCES. RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS 1— First reading by title only of "An Ordinance amending the Ashland Municipal Code Section 2. 04.040D and 2.04.220A by changing the beginning time of Council meetings to 7:00 p.m. ; the ending time to 10:00 p.m. ; adjusting the times for public hearings at such meetings and repealing resolution no. 88-13". Laws/Winthrop m/s to second reading. Roll call: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Acklin, Winthrop YES. Arnold absent. 2. First reading by title only of "An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 1415 as amended, adapting a position classification plan for the City of Ashland. " Winthrop/Hauck m/s to second reading. Roll call: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Acklin, Winthrop YES. Arnold absent. 3 . Second reading by title only of "An Ordinance amending Section 9. 16.060 of the Ashland Municipal Code to exclude dogs in the Plaza Islands" . Ordinance 2728. Winthrop/Hauck m/s approval of ordinance. Roll call: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Acklin, Winthrop YES. Arnold absent. 4. Reading by title only of "A Resolution establishing water and sewer connection fees pursuant to Title 14 of the Ashland Municipal Code and repealing Resolution 88-15" . Resolution 94-09. Winthrop/Hauck m/s adoption of resolution. Roll call: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Acklin, Winthrop YES. Arnold absent. 5. Reading by title only of "A Resolution requiring all meetings to end at 10:00 p.m. , unless otherwise extended" . Resolution 94-10. Winthrop/Reid m/s adoption of resolution. Roll call: Laws, Reid, Hauck, Acklin, Winthrop YES. Arnold absent. (r.Mi-w s\2-15-94.n in-psge 3) 6. Reading by title only of "A Resolution of the City. ;of Ashland, Oregon approving an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement creating the Oregon Municipal Electric Conservation Agency approving the membership of the Canby Utility Board, and repealing Resolution No. 94-08". Resolution 94-11. Hauck/Reid m/s adoption of resolution. Roll call: .Laws, Reid, Hauck, Acklin, Winthrop YES. Arnold absent. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Councillor Winthrop reviewed update of watershed council issue. Hauck/Reid m/s to place on agenda. Voice vote: all AYES. Winthrop presented draft consensus plan for approval by jurisdictions. Council agreed with draft plan. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 9: 15 p.m. Nan E. Franklin, Recorder Catherine M. Golden, Mayor (rmiaut U-I5-94.mm-page 4) , fI'V I N/ \1h P.IR v�_1 `tfr'A�f`N./n//I C\'\W 1P,!A.(,• 1 F , 4'J\S\Itlq IV\h J r4[• v , '1'�I Uhh t�.. f a�'hI•U\4 S 'iC.. 'TW n// \ ' 1 ice/ /•lV Lam..�/".�.... �tll/ sf,� • t. _ _'\ hb:2 In __n.. c b n. __ x- yea t f L ` 1 yr b� ?; PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Ashland women of eve race, class and ethnic background helped every 9 P found the city in countless recorded and unrecorded ways as servants farmers, nurses, nuns, homemakers, industrial workers, teachers, reformers, soldiers and pioneers; and ". WHEREAS, Ashland women have played and continue to play critical economic, r t cultural and social roles in every sphere of our city's life by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working in and > outside the home; and < l <y ' WHEREAS, Ashland women have played a unique role throughout our history b i •uii providing the majority of he city's volunteer labor force and have Y ! been particularly important in the establishment of early charitable y" ss"as philanthropic, and cultural institutions in the city; and WHEREAS, Ashland women of every race, class and ethnic background served i}'I as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement, the emancipation movement and the modern lo•> ` £ civil rights movement; and " I WHEREAS, despite these contributions, the role of Ashland women in history ('' (flif` I j1lI1j has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in our history. < ; ![:1..11 al iliyllll�?;�%I NOW, THEREFORE, I, Catherine M. Golden, Mayor of the City of Ashland do iN�1^ hereby call upon all citizens to observe: 119r9i� "WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH" '? ((({i3 ?::••� � ?;mac_=�: `-��� � • throughout March 1994 with appropriate ceremonies and activities. ,1 Ei Dated this 1st day of March, 1994. Ktl` tjh (l Iff (Jel`t Catherine M. Golden Mayor 2, & ..: f8 •:.[11 a. tW $-fib.., ((11 1 9f ice_ ,lt\ea, Nan E. Franklin City Recorder ? iflj ` i /V. • � ../. i " +' / 1 f` v)�°° / \ \\ , r, x vI- t r t,vFi 'E4 c: � iu \<"`• a.1.-a/ 1•�\. \V' 4'M f an° '6°^m 1 rte° »v P° 4reY`T—V\T/i a� - �� �\A� - -i�J', ! ! A 1�A / I� � w t�\ -A � l A h �•t/ A � �, r 4 !�' S�1 >, � 11 woof - 20 nrWV' '- •r\°�' �\ii�\ t '�q1\\In '—v /y/`\n ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION Minutes February 2, 1994 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:35 p.m. Members present were Jim Lewis, Terry Skibby, H.L. Wood, Le Hook, Casey Mitchell, Dana Johnson, Chloe Winston and Keith Chambers. Also present were Senior Planner Bill Molnar and Secretary Sonja Akerman. Steve Ennis was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Wood moved and Hook seconded to approve the Minutes of the January 5, 1994 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. STAFF REPORTS PA 94-020 Conditional Use Permit and Variance 78 and 84 Fourth Street Rogue Environmental Incorporated Molnar reported three letters have been received in support of this application, which is to convert the building presently being used as the Waldorf School into an office building for Headwaters. Approval was granted for the school in 1990, and a two space parking Variance was also approved at that time. Waldorf School has the option to lease the building until August of 1995. The house will then revert back to residential use. The Historic Commission has had concerns of over-commercialization in residential zones, so this conversion should be a positive one. Headwaters has a seven member staff, and the office is open from 9:00 - 5:00. REI is also requesting a Variance for one parking space. Nine spaces are required. With the two on-street parking credits and the installation of a new curb where the current curb opening exists, Staff feels the request is reasonable. Given the site and structure, it is not feasible to convert the corner building into a residence, therefore, there is a need to insure the use is compatible with the residential zone. Staff feels this is a good use of the property. There will not be much traffic generated. The main concern is that this approval only be for Headwaters. If someone else wants to use the . space, it will trigger another Conditional Use Permit. Molnar said one of the conditions of approval will be that a new curb be installed, the existing concrete apron be removed, and replaced by a planting strip which will be landscaped and street trees installed. Also, four of the six parking spaces will remain paved and the remaining two will need to be graveled. No new paving will be required. Skibby said the house is historically significant, as it appears in photos taken in the late 1800s, so it would be proper to return it to its residential use. Wood questioned if irrigation for the trees will be required, and suggested it should be made a part of the condition. Molnar said the ordinance already has requirements that the landscaping shall be maintained. John Stahmer, from Headwaters, said REI had the opportunity to buy the property, but was forced to buy both parcels. The understructure of the house needs major work, but is still rentable. It may be sold at a later date, but something would have to be worked out with the parking for the office which is located on that lot. Chambers expressed his concern about the parking on both parcels, especially the one with the house. The parking area encompasses the back yard. Winston stated it would be difficult to sell the house with the back yard being used as a parking lot. Molnar said one of the parking spaces will be shared between Headwaters and the house, and this will most likely be reflected on the deed. Joe Knotts, of REI, stated the traffic will change considerably. Headwaters will not produce much traffic. Stahmer said the long term goal is for Headwaters to purchase the.property outright from REI rather than lease it, then split off the house and sell it. Chambers stated that although this property is now bound by current codes, in the past, the building functioned as commercial property without parking. Although the Commission is concerned about the parking area being located in the back yard of the house, Chambers moved to recommend approval of this application. Winston seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed. PLANS FOR 362 LIT WAY Contractor Don Greene presented plans for a second story addition on 362 Lit Way. He has been working with the Review Board, but wanted input from the full Commission. Design aspects and colors were discussed. KAY ATWOOD - UPDATE ON CEMETERIES Kay Atwood updated the Commission on the progress she is making with regard to the National Register Nomination of the Ashland cemeteries. She also discussed work which has been initiated on the gravestones. The Commission agreed to write a letter to the Finance Director requesting she work with the members in devising a plan using accepted restoration methods. This is vital, especially since the City is close to submitting the nomination to the State Historic Preservation Office for Register status. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes February 2, 1994 Page 2 BUILDING PERMITS Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of January follow: 260 Vista Street Sid DeBoer Demolition-SFR 215 Gresham Street Katy and Don Cowan Addition/Remodel 561 "C" Street Sandy Simonett Demolition-Shed 117 Morton Street Georgia Daniels Addition 360 Scenic Drive Stanley and Jean Jones Remodel/Addition 40 Granite Street Barry Peckham Remodel 125 North Main Street Elaine Martens Seismic Retrofit 176 East Main Street Christian Science Interior Remodel 110 Pine Street Gary Turner Remodel 758 "B" Street Ruth Miller/Philip Lang Garage/Deck 482 Iowa Street Roanne Lyall/D. Walker Demolition-BackAdd'n 114 Third Street Paul Steinbroner Re-roof 599 East Main Street Foursquare Church Demo-Fellowsbip Hall 253 East Main Street Travel Essentials Signs (3) 60 North Main Street Plaza Printing Center Sign 325 "A" Street Blue Heron Gallery & Gifts Signs (2) 485 East Main Street Professional Center Sign REVIEW BOARD Following is the schedule (until the next meeting) for the Review Board, which meets every Thursday at least from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department: February 3 Hook, Johnson, Lewis and Skibby February 10 Winston, Lewis, Mitchell, Wood and Skibby February 17 Winston, Wood and Skibby February 24 Chambers, Mitchell and Skibby OLD BUSINESS Ad Hoc Committee for City Space Needs Lewis reported the committee has been meeting every Wednesday morning for the past month. All members agree more space is needed, however, currently there is a political/philosophical debate about which offices should remain downtown. Ideas on location and additions to existing buildings were discussed. The public is invited to attend these meetings. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes February 2, 1994 Page 3 Graffiti in Ashland Wood presented copies of the Grants Pass ordinance regarding graffiti. He and Skibby have talked with City Attorney Paul Nolte. Wood said he also talked with Police Chief Gary Brown, Policeman Mel Clements and Enforcement Officer Wendy Svaren. They would support an ordinance similar to the Grants Pass one. Wood will wait for feedback from the Commission members before sending anything to the City Council. Railroad Park Lewis said the Parks and Recreation Commission has approved the general plan of the new park. The Golden Spike Memorial and the Applegate Trail Plaque are still open to discussion. He would like to make the area as interpretive as possible. Since the park has a transportation theme, the plaque will be appropriate. NEW BUSINESS National Historic Preservation Week Skibby, Winston, Mitchell and Lewis will work on events for National Historic Preservation Week - May 8th through 14th. Seismic Retrofittine Skibby suggested that in light of the recent earthquakes near Klamath Falls, the Historic Commission help the Building Department by creating a brochure containing guidelines for seismic retrofitting of older buildings. The Commission agreed and Skibby will work on this with Staff. ADJOURNMENT It was the unanimous decision of the Historic Commission to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes February 2, 1994 Page 4 CITY OF ASHLAND CITSY AND,DRHDASLL telephone (Code 503) 4823211 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Al Williams, Director of Electric Utilities SUBJECT: Electric Department Activities for JANUARY 1994 THE FOLLOWING IS A CONDENSED REPORT OF THE ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES FOR JANUARY 1994 . INSTALLED 7 NEW UNDERGROUND SERVICES AND 1 ALTERED SERVICE. INSTALLED 380 FEET CF CONDUIT AND 1050 FEET OF CONDUCTOR. 2 NEW TRANSFORMERS WERE INSTALLED FOR A TOTAL OF 125 KVA AND 1 WAS REMOVED FOR A NET GAIN OF 75 KVA ON THE SYSTEM. RESPONDED TO 97 REQUESTS FOR CABLE LOCATES. HAD 265 CONNECT ORDERS AND 139 DISCONNECTS FOR A TOTAL OF 404 . THERE WERE 396 DELINQUENT ACCOUNT NOTICES WORKED AND 52 DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS WERE DISCONNECTED. THREE 45 ' POLES , THREE 35' POLES AND TWO 30 ' POLES WERE CHANGED OUT IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR POLE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. TWO 35' POLES WERE INSTALLED UNDER NEW CONSTRUCTION. NO NEW STREET LIGHTS WERE ADDED TO THE SYSTEM, 11 STREET LIGHTS WERE REPAIRED. EMPLOYEES ATTENDED MONTHLY SAFETY MEETING. MONTHLY EMF READINGS WERE TAKEN. ` oFAsp o Memorandum ?4Eao`' February 17, 1994 - 0- Brian Almquist, City Administrator ram: Steven Hall, Public Works Director ,�$1IQjgd-' Street Cut Request-851 Oak Knoll Drive ACTION REQUESTED City Council authorize cutting of Oak Knoll Drive to replace a sanitary sewer service at 851 Oak Knoll Drive. BACKGROUND Mr. Robert S. Creamer is the owner of the property at 851 Oak Kroll Drive. His letter notes the problem he has had with the sewer service to the property. Oak Knoll Drive between Twin Pines Circle was resurfaced September 11, 1990 and is under stmt excavation moratorium until September 11, 1995. Ordinance 1794 requires City. Council approval. "SECTION 3. The City Council may permit excavation within the five(5)year period, if within their judgernenr the reason for the excavation was rat rmsonably foreseeable to the utility or department t of the City involved at the time the street was newly paved or resurfaced." Because of the potential health hazard, staff recommends approval of the request. The applicant will be required to obtain a permit and met all City standards at the time the sewer line is rep laced. cc: Jim Olson, Assistant City Engineer Dennis Barnts, Water Quality Superintendent Jerry Glossop, Street Superintendent Robert S. Creamer, Applicant Enclosure: Creamer Letter (2/14/94) �+ o f AS111 City Council RECEIVED City Hall Asnland Or 9'/!320 -DATE FEB 1 F Members , At 851 Oak Knoll Avenue in Asnland it was trecessary re- cently to . repair the sewer pipe wni.cn nad been Racking up into the Ratnrooms or the nouse. Tne workmen wno made the repairs felt that the problem was almost cerzaiii to occur again, and at the point wnere the pipes connect to the city sewer system. Since it seems inevitaole that tnis will nappen, I woula like to request permission in advance to cut into the street. Witn cniidren living in the house, I reel that repairs should be made as quickly as possible when neces- sary, as it will certainly present a nealth problem. I do understand that city repairmen make the repairs and the property owner pays the bill. Tnis presents no problem. Respectfully, QJ Robert S. Creamer Property Owner February 14, 1994 �p'ti:h simmer ��, 9010 DN01s y , WOagORWlOtYQ?' • �r';/1��t.;n rent n\ Southern Pacific Lines _ Five Centerpointe Drive•Suite 550•Lake Oswego,Oregon 97035•(503)624-2400 February 9, 1994 Dear Southern Pacific Customer: On February 2, we met with many of you in Medford to discuss issues relating to SP service on the Siskiyou and Coos Bay Lines. During the meeting, questions arose concerning SP's disposition of the lines. At that time, we were aware of no new developments and stated that we would communicate changes in the situation as they occur. We have had a new development on this subject and wanted to communicate that we now are considering the sale of all or portions of the Coos Bay, Siskiyou and White City Branches (South Oregon Lines). Companies currently expressing interest in all or portions of these lines include: ■ Montana Rail Link ■ Ironhorse Ventures ■ Kyle Railways ■ Noel Group ■ Railtex These companies may be contacting shippers on the lines as they progress their feasibility studies. We are committed to effective future communications on this subject. Please feel free to call either of us if you have any questions. Sincerely, Gregg4arrell Don Veidt Managing Director Managing Director PNW Sales Forest Products, (503) 624-2420 (503) 624-2439 TIMELINE FOR UPCOMING VACANCIES ON CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES 1994 January 30 - Letters to current members for possible reappointment February 15 - Deadline for letters requesting reappointment February 17 - Public notice published March 15 - Deadline for applications March 18 - Copies of applications to Mayor/Council March 23 - Council recommendations to Mayor April 1 - Mayor's preliminary recommendations to Council April 6 - Council's final comments to Mayor on recommendations April 13 - Mayor's final recommendations for inclusion in Council packets. April 19 - . Appointments made at Council meeting April 27 - Confirmation letters to appointees. Thank you letters to those not appointed. May 9 - Updated lists to departments with appointee's names, addresses/phone numbers. (r.Camm\Timelive.Aae) ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 340 SOUTH PIONEER STREET ASHLAND, OREGON 97520 PARK COMMISSIONERS: :4�GF 4�° KENNETH J.MICKELSEN PATRICIA ADAMS V C - Director ALLEN A.ALSING , TERICOPPEDGE LAURIE MacGRAW O TEL.:(503)486-5340 WES L. REYNOLDS '•• REGO FAX:(503)488-5314 February 16, 1994 Mayor Golden and City Councilors City of Ashland Ashland, Oregon 97520 Honorable Mayor and Councilors: After interviewing all the candidates who applied for the upcoming vacancy effective February 20, 1994 for Position #3 on the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission, the Commission recommends that the City Council appoint Robert Malone to the position. Sinc e1 Allen Alsing, Chair ASHLAND PARKS AND-RECREATION COMMISSION 1:MISMEYNOLDS.94 Home of Famous Lithia Park - -- - ---o e�_ 9?S-2-0 - � i �-e d _ Lve-l� � �0 -►4elu mac_ . J J - Ll A 112 cz Z�& , . - - vecQ o� � ec Ike aM Cc q K (�, �Q g e J a- lee �!c _ ._ .. .. � kJ-ri.�.�c� Gc�e_.� Gv�-tee.. _ . P�'�—� RESUME Robert J. Malone 47 Granite St . Ashland, Or . 97520 (503) '482-6191 Education Irvin High School (1967 ) El Paso, Texas The University of Texas at E1 Paso (B.A. 1971 with highest honors) Harvard Law School (J .D. 1974) Professional Baker & Botts Houston, Texas Associate 1974-1979 Fisher, .Gaiiagher, Perrin & Lewis Houston, Texas Associate 1979-1980 Gartner 1980-1985 . Steinburg, Malone & Bryant Houston, Texas Partner 1985-1987 ,-rain, Caton & James Houston, Texas Partner 1987-1993 Executive Committee 1989-1991 Architectual Committee 1990-1993 Sabbatical Ashland, Oregon July 1993 until admittance to the Oregon Bar Personal Born October 29 , 1949 Married to- Joan H . Malone . i :hiIdren! Michael age 4, Carlie age 2 +OF AS/fi` Memorandum "04EG0� February 23, 1994 �n- Honorable Mayor and City Council rOm: Brian L. Almquist, City Administrator �$1xbjPCt_ Kiwanis Request This is the first year that the Kiwanis have used a banner for.advertising their fundraiser. In the past, the City Council has generally waived the banner fee only for events which are jointly sponsored by the City of Ashland. They include: Ashland Community Hospital Week (City Hospital) Recycling Awareness Week (Recycling Task Force) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Inter-agency group) Bike to Work Day (Bicycle Commission) Crosswalk Awareness Week (Traffic Safety Commission) Bike Swap Week (Bicycle Commission) Red Ribbon Week (Ashland Substance Abuse Prevention Program) Earth Day (Recycling Task Force) (Two other groups which the Council exempted years ago -- Alzheimer's Week and Women's History Week). We have 10 other organizations who regularly pay for the hanging of banners with City crews and equipment. They are: Ashland Teen Center Chamber of Commerce Winter Wine & Food Festival Chamber Music Society Dunn House Friends of the Animal Shelter National Prayer Week Southern Oregon'Goodwill Unity in Diversity Week Week of the Young Child (Jackson County Association of Education of Young Child) (r.Kiw Fmmem) KIWANIS CLUB W b" P.O. BOX 449 Of Ashland Ashland,Ore. 97520 February 17, 1994 The Honorable Cathy Golden Mayor of the City of Ashland City Hall Ashland, OR 97520 Dear Madam Mayor: The Kiwanis Club of Ashland is having the 33rd Annual Easter Breakfast at SOSC Student Union. In order to advertise the event, we are placing a banner accross East Main Street during the week of March 28th-April 4th. We respectively request that the fee for installing the banner be waived. The Kiwanis Club of Ashland is a non-profit organization based in Ashland. The funds raised from the breakfast will be used to support other community groups such as D.A.R.E., Youthworks, Special Olympics, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Children's Advocacy Center, Mt. Ashland Babe Ruth, YMCA, Children's Miracle Network, and many more. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to seeing you at the breakfast. This year we will be offering, in,addition to our exceptional fare of pancakes, eggs and ham, a new vegetarian choice. Sincerely, dy Kuykendall Easter Breakfast Chair of H o MemaranAum �QF6O�' February 23, 1994 X110: Brian Almquist, City Administrator ruV_m: Steven Hall, Public Works Director UbileCt: Filter Plant Bond Issue ACTION REQUESTED None, information only. BACKGROUND At the last Council meeting I indicated that staff would have our Bond Counsel and Bond Attorney prepare background information and two resolutions for your consideration at tonights meeting. We were not able to get the information put together in time for this meeting. It will be presented on March 15th. I have attached a public notice that will be placed in the local newspaper and an information sheet that will be available at City Hall. cc: Jim Olson, Assistant City Engineer Dennis Barnts, Water Quality Superintendent Daryl McVey, Water Filter Plant Supervisor Enc: Advertisement Information Sheet CITY OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TOPIC: FINANCING OF WATER FILTER PLANT'IMPROVEMENT City Council will be discussing options for financing improvements to the Ashland Water Filter Plant at the regular Council meeting, March 15, 1994, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers located at 1155 East Main Street. 1?lease note fhe change m t<me from 7.30 m to 7 00 p m f The financing options under consideration are revenue bonds and general obligation bonds. The cost of the improvements are $2,000,000 as established by an engineering. study conducted by a private consulting firm in 1992 and 1993. A copy of the Water Filter Plant Facilities Plan is available at the Ashland Public Library. A few copies of the study are available for review at the Public Works Director's Office in City Hall. A brief summary of the issues is also available at City Hall. Tours of the Water Filter Plant can be arranged by contacting Daryl McVey at 488-5345. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Hall at 482-3211. CITY OF ASHLAND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BACKGROUND INFORMATION ASHLAND WATER FILTER PLANT Steven M. Hall, P.E. Public Works Director February 23, 1994 GENERAL INFORMATION As you may have read in the newspaper, heard on the radio or seen on television, the Ashland City Council was presented with a request by myself to consider the selection of a method to finance improvements to the City of Ashland Water Filter Plant. The estimated cost of the improvements is $2,000,000. The City Council will consider two methods of financing the improvements at their regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 15, 1994 in the City Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. The two proposed methods of financing are revenue bonds and general obligation bonds. A report from the City's Bond Counselor will be presented to the City Council. The report will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method of proposed financing. WHY DO WE NEED TO IMPROVE THE WATER FILTER PLANT? The first water filter plant was built in 1948 and had a capacity of 7 million gallons per day. In 1964 the water filter plant was improved by changing the filters from slow sand to rapid sand filters. The change increased the capacity of the plant to 12.5 million gallons per day. Some of the equipment was also updated in 1964. In the last few years, improvements have been made to the chlorination system and some of the 1948 pumps and motors have been replaced. Two major issues are driving the need to make essential improvements to our water treatment plant. * The age of the equipment is becoming critical. Most of the chemical feed equipment dates back to 1948. Normal design life for equipment is about 20 years, including the filter beds. About half of the plant dates to 1948 and the other half to 1964. For the last few years, the plant has survived with a lot of welding, piecemeal replacement and good luck. We find that many of the components are beginning to fail on a regular basis. Unfortunately, repair parts are not available for much of the older equipment. The aging issue needs to be rectified to assure each of us a consistent and reliable water supply. * The Federal Drinking Water Act of 1972 is constantly imposing new and more,difficult requirements on the production of our water. The issue is extremely complicated, but recent studies conducted by a professional engineering firm determined that the water plant capacity has been reduced to about 4 to 6 million gallons per day. During the months of June, July, August and September the average consumption has ranged from 4.2 to 4.9 million gallons per day. During peak demands, consumption often exceeds 6 million gallons per day. HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE? In 1992, the City retained a professional engineering firm to review the existing water filter plant and evaluate the safety issues, obsolescence of the existing equipment and the ability of the plant to meet new standards. As a result of that study, $2,000,000 of improvements were identified to meet the needs of the City of Ashland residents and businesses over the next 20 years. A copy of the plan is available at the library and a few copies are available at City Hall for review by the citizens of Ashland. WHAT CAN I DO TO UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM? Tours of the water filter plant are available. We encourage you to make an appointment to meet with Daryl McVey by calling 488-5345 to arrange for a personal tour. The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words is very true. In the same vein, a hands on tour of the water filter plant can be more valuable than a thousand words! ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS CHAPTER OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVISE PROCESS WHEN ESTIMATED ASSESSMENT IS INCREASED, OR WHEN PROJECT EXCEEDS ESTIMATED COST, BY MORE THAN TEN PERCENT. ANNOTATED TO SHOW DELETIONS AND ADDITIONS. DELETIONS ARE LINED T-HA9HGH AND ADDITIONS ARE THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 13.20. 050.D of the Ashland Municipal Code is amended to read: "Modifications. At the hearing, the council may direct any modification of the improvement that it deems appropriate. If the council modifies the scope of the improvement such that the local improvement district would be enlarged, or, if estimated assessments have been made by the time of the hearing, the assessment is likely to be increased by more 01*46 , e13 Pik i4riC upon one or more lots, then a new improvement resolution shall be adopted by the council, and new notices mailed to all of the owners of properties within the local improvement district. No new publication regarding the amended improvement need be made. " SECTION 2. Section 13 . 20. 060.B of the Ashland Municipal Code is amended to read: "Determination of Assessment. The council shall determine the amount of the estimated assessment to be charged against each lot within the local improvement district according to the special and peculiar benefits accruing to the lot from the improvement, and shall spread the estimated assessments accordingly. If the estimated cost, as ascertained under the preceding paragraph, is more than ten percent above any estimated td assessment Cx..t}1 p7Cp ec ' - �ta�n d in t:e _ the council shall vote to discontinue the project or to find other sources of funds so that the actual assessment does not exceed the estimated assessment by more than ten percent.. In determining and spreading the assessment, the council may use any just and reasonable method consistent with the benefits .derived by the various affected lots. " The foregoing ordinance was first read by title only in accordance with Article X, Section 2 (C) of the City Charter on PAGE 1-ANNOTATED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (p:ord%snn-=d1.=o) the day of , 1994 , and duly PASSED and ADOPTED this day of 1994 . Nan E. Franklin, City Recorder SIGNED and APPROVED this day of 1994 . Catherine M. Golden, Mayor Approved as to form: Paul Nolte, City Attorney PAGE 2-ANNOTATED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (p:ordXaw=d1.mo) RESOLUTION NO. 94- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND SETTING LAND DIVISION PLAT CHECK FEES AND OTHER RELATED FEES PURSUANT TO THE ASHLAND MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPEALING ' RESOLUTION NO. 92-08. THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Pursuant to Subsection 18. 108. 140.A of the Ashland Municipal Code, fees for checking land division plats and plans are as follows: Subdivision Plats $500 plus per lot $ 75 recheck, if required $100 Condominium Plats $500 plus per unit $ 75 recheck, if required $100 Partition Plats $250 recheck, if required $ 50 Subdivision Improvement Plan Check $300 plus per lot $ 50 SECTION 2. Fees for the following inspections and permits shall be as follows: Subdivision Construction Inspection COST Street or Alley Excavation Permit $ 40 Miscellaneous Construction Permits for Construction of Curb, Sidewalk, Driveway Aprons, Etc. $ 30 Dust Suppression Permit $ 20 Driveway Painting Permit $ 5 SECTION 3. Classification of the fee. The fees specified in this resolution are classified as not subject to the limits of Section llb of Article XI of the Oregon Constitution (Ballot Measure No. 5) . SECTION 4. The fees specified in this resolution shall be increased to account for inflation on April 1st of each year, based on the Consumer Price Index - All Urban Consumer Portland Index (CPI-U) December .to December. SECTION 5. Resolution No. 92-08 is repealed. The foregoing resolution was READ and DULY ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Ashland on the day of 1994. Nan E. Franklin, City Recorder SIGNED and APPROVED this day of 1994 . Catherine M. Golden, Mayor R�e�a�form: Paul Nolte, City Attorney PAGE 1-RESOLUTION SETTING PLAT CHECK FEES(p:o.a\Pmvr«.R_.) .a-1 C a > CA �H� z G ran ` rm z n O tm•0n a m z ° > a zz N zcn � ma rH� cm7m a�4 o o ro o . 8 o0 00 � o � C)D D � J n H o r z m o ti N > a H o o d m N °z ° a H m r z K > a o T1 N O > O O N m •N-7 �. til I^N] O C7 7y C) O D77 to A D ��y d m n lmn <O y y vm ° hi y Kyy+1 p 5 p M z ,� < �°il .. y [ m. m rrl Li tri r� q y z to P e �. P y o d o..�d x z ° x x S > H " yyn °z .In Cl •+ O C7` H m O x N z x x H t7 > O z a y n m r z yo m n > ` m r z° � n < ry n � .� o pC > coq °z Nna � _ . c z m o CO) c» z � o a R " z 0 n o 0 r. won rH zx � a for z P n n > e -3 ti °z zz ti omNH cn z (7 r n trl > >Hm Z H y O� O H b m n r r to O >o O >rp .ly w O w m O y Z m z -M, N m Zz O• ' H S x O y z �' O x m O m N - n z ,.h o O m "� p 0 � O ,>ro 9 a C7 d O C n m n y tn m O z < n 0 m O H to m H ''"� o r 0 -3 O x Gz1 `C > > n N � ,>z Voi z CFrd'1 ` K z Y O< N ° = tv O n o if z o p y - Z 7� F 0 M ° a o 5 M Vv ° n1 O r y m H n x C x 0 °0 m .�, z C 0 n ° ti ran z n " m C) - n ->i ti n > N O Z V H < ° O n H b y O m m m z tri m > > z O O m ° > O W tri C N O z z H z d m m D o O t^ OFFICE or TI IF. SECIZE.IAlly or STA If; FIXI:111 IN, 1)1�111I IN PHIL Kp.'ISLING SE111F.1 ARN I IF S(Al 1 141 SI III;CAP11111. smym' 1)731(1-(17" FEB ? I EI.V'71""—(iOi)980.1i18 L February 15, 1994 TO: City Governing Bodies FROM: Colleen Sealock Elections Director SUBJECT: Election Law Reminders Please find attached a letter and a multi-page memo from Secretary of State Phil Keisling regarding election law reminders. The purpose of this memo is to provide a reminder of the requirements of Oregon election law in order to help prevent unintentional violations from occurring. Please distribute a copy of this packet to the appropriate employees in your city, and to your Mayor and city council. If you need additional copies, please feel free to make photocopies. If you have any questions,, please contact this office. Thank you for your assistance. J'r p PHIL KEISLING ��' S =°� STATE OF OREGON SECRETARY OF STATE -"" p SECRETARY OF STATE MICHAEL GREENFIELD `_= 136 STATE CAPITOL DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE '•-�`,..''� s SALEM.OREGON 97316-07 2_2 1 9 5 s (503)3784139 February 15, 1994 Dear Local Official: In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of alleged election law violations investigated by the Elections Division. In a number of cases our office finds a violation and imposes a fine. Our goal is to reduce the number of complaints and, violations by helping educate all Oregonians about these important laws. Attached is information about major election laws administered by my office. I hope you will find it useful in appropriately discharging your official duties. I want especially to direct your attention to Section A of the attached memo, which discusses ORS 260.432. This law prohibits public employees from spending time during working hours to promote or oppose candidates or ballot measures. Verbal, written, and broadcast efforts all fall under this provision. A violation of this section can occur even if there is no explicit request to vote a certain way in an election. I urge you to pay special attention to the attached discussion, and to consult with your legal counsel, and our office if necessary, if you have questions. My office is also developing legislation for the 1995 session to clarify and reform various provisions of Chapter 260. One change we plan to propose will increase the penalty for violations of ORS 260.432. Your thoughts on this and other election law issues will be welcome once we complete our initial work. Sincerely, l Phil Keisling Secretary of State PK:wc Attachment OFFicr.OF"IF SF.(:1(1-1'ARY0F SrAIT E1,I, Dmc)\ PHit. KEISLING SEIRMAR) 'IF SIA111 ,\H:\I, OREGIII l)-31I)41-21 February 15, 1994 TO: County and City Governing Bodies, State Agency Administrators FROM: Phil Keisling,Secretary of State SUBJECT: Election Law Reminders The Secretary of State's office has received many written complaints and inquiries concerning alleged election law violations involving the provisions of ORS 260.432 and ORS 260.522. The purpose of this memo is to provide a reminder of the requirements of Oregon election law and to help prevent unintentional violations from occurring. Also, we want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the June special election date has been eliminated by the 1993 legislature. However, the legislative change includes a clarification that the county or city governing body has the sole discretion to determine whether an emergency exists. In this case,the governing body may set an emergency election sooner than the next available election date to avoid extraordinary hardship to the community. The following discussion of election law is intended to highlight some areas of concern. If you need any further information or have questions about specific circumstances,please do not hesitate to call this office at (503) 986-1518. Our facsimile number is (503) 373- 7414. A. ORS 260.432, RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING BY PUBLIC EMPLOYEES: Please find enclosed a page listing statutory references for the text of ORS 260.432. We would like to point out that legislative changes effective November 4, 1993 added language to ORS 260.432 to include "the gathering of signatures on an initiative, referendum or recall petition." In addition,ORS 332.118 was amended to state that the restrictions on political campaigning by public employees also applies to several types of petition processes affecting school districts. The authority of the election laws commence when the prospective petition is filed with the county clerk. 1. Concerns about political activities by public employees: ORS 260.432 (1) and (2) mean public employees (including school administrators, city managers,police chiefs etc.)may not be involved in promoting or opposing any initiative,referendum or recall petition,ballot measure or candidate"while on the job during working hours." This does not apply to elected public officials. This precludes,among other activities, the preparation of materials used in either support or opposition as well as their distribution during regular working hours. Lunch hours and breaks when the employee is considered to be off duty may be used for political activity. A public employee may only provide impartial,factual information related to a measure or candidate as a part of his or her job. Election Law Reminders February 15, 1994 page 2 In addition,a public employee or other person (including elected officials) may not ask or direct public employees to prepare or distribute information that expresses such support or opposition. Public employees may not be involved in activities such as collection of funds or receipt and distribution of advocacy or recruitment correspondence for political action committees on their work time. A public employee may be involved in campaign activity during the employee's personal time in the evenings and weekends and during his or her regular lunch hour and breaks. Political buttons may be worn at any time with some restrictions applicable to polling places on election day. Regarding the use of public buildings and other facilities,if the governing body allows one group to use public facilities, they should let others also. The same building policy should be used for all,including charging the same fee. Some of the concerns around this issue are not election law; ORS 260.432 speaks to public employee work time and not to use of the facilities. However,as explained below, other laws may apply (ORS 294.100). If any public employee makes informational speeches regarding an initiative, referendum,recall petition,candidate or ballot measure, while on their work time or in an employee's "official capacity," they must make sure the speech is not advocacy. The criteria to be discussed under written material (A.3.)applies here. A public employer can tell employees about the possible effects of a measure,such as possible layoffs;but the public employer must not threaten them with financial loss if they vote one way or another(this is an undue influence statute concern,ORS 260.665). Some administrators' work time is not as easily measured as that of hourly workers,and administrators must be careful during appearances after normal work day hours. They must not advocate on behalf of or against a petition,measure or candidate if they are considered to be in their "official capacity." For example, if the employee applies for expense reimbursement for the function,that would indicate that they were "on duty." Personal note keeping by such employees is suggested,to record when the administrator is on and off duty. Also it is suggested that the administrator announce to the audience in what capacity he/she is speaking at public appearances if he/she makes any statements advocating a position on a petition,a vote on a measure, or a candidate. 2. Elected officials: An elected official may advocate a vote on candidates or measures on their work time. (ORS 260.432(4)(a)). However,caution should be taken to not involve support staff's work time in any activities that could be construed to be supporting or aiding an advocacy campaign effort,such as preparing advocacy material on behalf of an elected official. If a board consisting of elected officials votes to support or oppose a measure, a public employee's work time may be used in an incidental way to record the vote if that is part of the employee's normal work duties. Activities beyond that related to the vote are not allowed on the public employee's work time. Election Law Reminders February 15, 1994 page 3 3. Concerns about written material relating to measures: Written material prepared or distributed by public employees must be impartial. "Impartial" means equitable, fair,unbiased and dispassionate. The material needs to have some balance of factual information. This means that the material cannot lead the voters to support or oppose the measure by selective use of factual material, even if the material does not expressly urge a yes or no vote. The material will probably be determined to be advocacy if, taken as a whole, it is clearly intended to generate votes for or against the measure. This office may need to review individually any document that is brought into question to determine if it must be considered advocacy material. If public employees are used to provide services which support a measure, then the employees may be in violation of ORS 260.432. Enclosed is a letter from the Attorney General dated October 5, 1993. It states that the Attorney General has concluded "that public bodies may use public funds to inform voters of facts pertinent to a measure, if the information is not used to lead voters to support or oppose a particular position in the election." It goes on to state, "However, we also have pointed out that'informational' material may be found to 'promote or oppose' a measure even if it does not do so in so many words, if the information presented to the public clearly favors or opposes the measure and, taken as a whole,clearly is intended to generate votes for or against a measure." The best suggestion that can be offered is to let a Political Action Committee(s) that is formed, which can legally produce and distribute advocacy materials,handle getting information on a petition or ballot measure to the public. Otherwise, there may always be a matter of controversy as to whether information presented is impartial. Some factors that will be considered in making the determination of whether the material is advocacy includes,but is not limited to, the following listing. It is to be noted that any of the factors listed below (except h), in and of themselves, may not be sufficient to reach this conclusion. However,taken as a whole the combination of factors may indicate that the material is campaign advocacy. a) The timing of the publication related to the election. b) The balance of factual information, whether any negative (or positive) facts are mentioned at all. This does not necessarily mean an equal number of facts on either"side" must be mentioned. c) The overall impression a reader gets after reading the material should be an impression that neutral facts have been presented and it is up to the reader to decide how to vote,rather than that they should vote in favor of the measure. The overall impression should be that the material is being presented to inform the voter rather than persuade them. d) The article should not include just statements as to the possible favorable (or unfavorable) effects that passage of the measure would have. Overall,the tone ' Election Law Reminders February 15, 1994 page 4 should be described as dispassionate rather than enthusiastic for one side of the measure. This is not to speculate on whether any of the statements are true or not; this office does not have the jurisdiction to make the determination on whether all political statements are true. (ORS 260.532) e) All sentences used as headings etc. should not lend a positive(or negative) tone to the material, in favor or opposition to the ballot measure. This also applies to the usage of all positive or negative connotations given by words or phrases. f) The quotes used should not all be favorable or unfavorable to the measure, or all from members of a political committee supporting or opposing the measure. g) Information about how to contact the supporting or opposing PAC,such as listing the PAC's phone number.,may imply a connection between the governing body and the petitioners or supporters of the measure. h) The contents of the document must not explicitly urge a yes or no vote for the measure in that there should be no "vote yes" or"vote no" type language: Finally,this office cautions all government entities,elected officials and public employers to be vigilant in ensuring that no public employee work time is used in any activity that could be construed as support of or opposition to a candidate, initiative,referendum or recall petition,or ballot measure,apart from the expression of personal political views. While it is understood that a government entity may have much at stake in matters relating to an election,it has a responsibility to ensure that its activities and those of its employees comply with election laws. We also want to point out that ORS 294.100 states: It is "unlawful for any public official to expend any money in excess of the amounts, or for any other or different purpose than provided by law." However, this is not an election law and these complaints are to be filed with/by the District Attorney or by taxpayer suit. See Burt v. Blumenauer, 299 Or 55 (1985). 4. Public Notice required by ORS 260.432(3): ORS 260.432(3) states: "Each public employer shall have posted in a conspicuous place likely to be seen by its employees the following notice in printed or typewritten form:" A copy of this notice is enclosed. You may make copies of this notice to distribute if you have not already done so (a mailing of this notice was also done last October). It. is required to be posted in all appropriate places where public employees work B. ORS 260.522; IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED ON POLITICAL MATERIAL: Also of importance to public bodies and state agencies may be the identification requirement for published material(written or broadcast) that relates to a candidate Election Law Reminders February 15, 1994 page 5 or measure at an election (ORS 260.522). The identification requirement is the words "authorized by" and the name and address of the person (individual, corporation, organization,governing body,etc.) or political committee responsible for the material. For example, "Authorized by John Smith, 200 State St., Salem, OR 97000" However,there is an exemption for governing bodies (including counties,cities,school districts etc.) for informational, impartial material which is related to a measure that the governing body is referring to the ballot. In this case,the governing body is not required to use the words "authorized by." Nevertheless,the material must include the name and address of the governing body. Oregon Administrative Rule No. 165-13-040 also exempts regularly published newsletters from having to state "authorized by" on the publication if the name of the organization,its address,and the name of the publisher or editor is printed on the publication. This exclusion does not apply to special editions/publications. Identification is required even if the political material is strictly informational and impartial,and not considered in support or opposition to a candidate or ballot measure(and therefore not in violation of election law ORS 260.432 for a public body to produce or distribute). As explained above, "impartial" is interpreted to mean that the publication is neutral,unbiased,equitable and dispassionate. The contents of the published material must not urge a yes or no vote for a candidate or measure. In addition, the published material should not present only facts selected to support a particular outcome. For any further questions about these or other election laws,please contact the Secretary of State, Elections Division at (503) 986-1518. Our facsimile number is (503).373-7414. Thank you. enclosures Invest./AdvArs./ ORS260.432,Govendng bodies otz[7,a oi:TI a: Smtm-Atn of Snvi I- Fj Ez,,i i,),, Di,im, Col.1.1 i, St PHii. KEISI.[N(; DIRE I I'M SHI RFl AVO or S I A I E. tim- j:m w.,; .O ,), 9-3104)-22 Em,Nux\,—(iO3)Q86-Ii is ORS 260.432 ORS 260.432(1) states: '.'No person shall attempt to, or actually, coerce, command or require a .public employee to influence or give money, service .or other thing of value to promote or oppose any political committee or to promote or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate, the gathering of signatures on an initiative, referendum or recall petition, the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public office holder. ORS 266.432(2) states: "No public employee shall solicit any money, influence, service or other thing of value or otherwise promote or oppose political committee or promote or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate, the gathering of signatures on. an initiative, referendum or recall petition, the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public office holder while on the job during working hours. However, this section does not restrict the right of a public employe to express personal political views." ORS 260.432(3) states: "Each public employer shall have posted in a conspicuous place likely to be seen by its employees the following notice in printed or typewritten form:" (see attached notice) ORS 260.432(4) states: "As used in this section: (a) 'Public employee' does not include an elected official. W 'Public employer' includes any board, commission, committee, department, division or institution in the executive, administrative, legislative of judicial branch of state government, and any county, city, district or other municipal corporation or public corporation organized for a public purpose, including a cooperative body formed between municipal or public corporations." THEODORE R. KULONGOSKI ATTORNEY GENERAL 100 Justice Buildmg 1162 Coun Street NE Salem, Oregon 9 73 10 THOMAS A. BALMER FAX: (503) 378-3784 DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL TDD: (503) 378-5939 - Telephone: (503) 378-4620 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GENERAL COUNSEL DIVISION October 5, 1993 Colleen Sealock, Director Elections Division Office of the Secretary of State Room 141 State Capitol Salem, OR 97310 RE: Statutory Restrictions on Promoting or ` Opposing Ballot Measures Dear Ms. Sealock Oregon voters will face a number of contentious ballot measures at upcoming elections, and some of these measures will effect, directly or indirectly, the operation of state and local government. You have asked what restrictions may apply to public officials promoting or opposing ballot measures. I. Statutory Restrictions on Public Employee Political Activiti ORS 260.432v prohibits political activities by public employees while "on the job during working hours. In addition, ORS 294.100(1) makes it unlawful for "any public official" to spend public funds for any purpose not authorized by law, and subsection (2) of that statute makes public officials personally liable for money improperly spent. This statute has been found by Oregon courts to apply to public officials who used public funds eitherp support or oppose measures which were before the voters. ORS 260.432"provides, in relevant part: (1) No person shall attempt to, or actually, coerce. command or require a public empoovee to influence or dive money service or other thing of value to promote or oppose any Political committee or to promote or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate, the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public office holder. (2) DUblic emplovee shall solicit anv money influence service or other thing of value or otherwise promote any political committee or promote or ol)pQs e the Colleen Sealock Page 2 October 5, 1993 nomination or election of a candidate, the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public office holder while on the job during working hours. However, this section does not restrict the right of a public employee to express personal political views. (4) As used in this section: (a) "Public employee" does not include an elected official. (b) "Public employer" includes any board commission committee department division or institution in the executive administrative legislative or judicial branch of state.govermment, and any county, city,. district or other municipal'corporation or public corporation organized for a public purpose, including a cooperative body formed between municipal or public corporations. (Emphasis added.) Thus, ORS 260.432 prohibits "public employees" from promoting or opposing the adoption of.a measure while on the job during working hours. It also prohibits "any person" from requiring or attempting to require a public employee to give money, service or anything of value to promote or oppose the adoption of a measure. 2. Who is a "Public Employee" Subject to these Restrictions? We believe that "public employee," as used in ORS 260.432, includes not only rank and file employees but also supervisors, appointed agency administrators and appointed board and commission members at both the state and local government level.31 ORS ?60.432(4) provides that "public employee" does not include elected officials. The implication of'this definition is that "public employee," for purposes of ORS 260.432, does include all state and local government public employees and officials other than elected officials. For example, appointed members of state boards and commissions are.included within this definition, but elected local school board members are not included. This result is consistent with the Attorney General's conclusion in a 1968 opinion that a member of the Industrial Accident Advisory Committee, a public appointee, is a public employee for purposes of ORS 260.432. 33 Op Airy Gen 473 (1968). Thus, only elected officials lawfully may engage in advocacy for or against a ballot measure while.on the job during working hours.• However, even elected officials may not "coerce, command or require a public employee to influence or give money, service or other thing of value to promote or oppose * * * the adoption of a measure." ORS 260.432(1). I Colleen Sealock Page 3 October 5, 1993 3. Penalties The penalty for failure to comply with ORS 260.432 potentially is quite severe. ORS 260.995 authorizes the Secretary of State to impose a civil penalty of up to $250 for each violation of ORS 260.432. However, the more significant potentia&penalty is found in ORS 294.100(1), which provides: (1) It is unlawful for any public official to expend any money in excess of the amounts, or for any other or different purpose than provided by law. ORS 294.100(2) mattes public officials who violate subsection (1) civilly liable for money improperly spent, and authorizes suit by the district attorney or taxpayers to seek recovery of that money from the officials who authorized the expenditure. Oregon courts on several occasions have found this`statute to apply to public officials who used public funds either to support or oppose measures which were before the voters. In Porter v T' an , 11 Or App 542 (1972), the Court of Appeals held that members of the board of directors of the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWER) were personally liable under ORS 294.100 for EWER funds spent in connection with two ballot measures. One of those measures authorized the sale of bonds to be used by EWEB to acquire a partial interest in a nuclear power plant. The EWEB funds were used for television, radio and newspaper advertising, voter surveys and other materials to support a favorable vote on the measure. The other measure would have delayed the construction of a nuclear power plant for four yeas. EWEB used its funds for advertising, polls and other materials in opposition to.this measure. The court found that the board had no authority to authorize payments for these activities, and ordered the board members personally to reimburse EWEB for the amount expended in promoting or opposing the measures. Burt v. Blumenauer,.299 Or 55 (1985), involved a taxpayer suit under ORS 294.100 against three county commissioners, the county executive, and two county health officers for unlawful expenditure of public.funds. The money was used to pay the salaries for persons, including one of the health officials, who staffed a "fluoridation public information project," and to pay for advertising, posters and polls to promote the benefits of fluoridation. This "information project" was undertaken at a time when an anti-fluoridation measure was on the City of Portland ballot. The court, citing ORS 260.432, found that if the officials established the "information project" with the purpose of opposing adoption of the anti-fluoridation measure, they would be subject to personal liability for public funds spent to oppose the measure. The case was remanded to the trial court to determine whether the expenditures were, in fact, made for the purpose of opposing the measure. Note that in both of these cases some of the defendants were elected officials. ORS'260.432(4) was,amended to exclude elected officials from the definition of "public employee" after these cases were decided. Nevertheless, this change in the law would almost certainly not have changed the results of these cases. We believe that the exclusion of elected officials from the Colleen Sealock Page 4 October 5, 1993 definition of public employee permits elected officials to give speeches or interviews in which they urge support of or opposition to ballot measures, even when those activities take place "on the job during working hours." We do not believe, however, that elected officials may direct that public resources, including use of public employee's time, be used to support or oppose the measure. This would appear to result in violation of ORS 260.432(1) by the elected official and ORS 260.432(2) by the public employee. 4. Permitted Activities This is not to say that public officers and employees must remain entirely silent with regard to measures pending before the voters. The Attorney General has concluded that public bodies may use public funds to inform voters of facts pertinent to a measure, if the information is not used to lead voters to support or oppose a particular position in the election5' 5ee 35 Op Atty Gen 169 (1970), discussing use by a school district of district funds to inform voters of facts relevant to a school budget election. However, we also have pointed out that "informational" material may be found to "promote or oppose" a measure even if it does not do so in so many words, if the information presented to the public clearly favors or opposes the measure and, taken as a whole, clearly is intended to generate votes for or against the measure. Letter of Advice OP-3322 to Ray Robinett; Washington County District Attorney, July 24, 1975. Moreover, ORS 260.432(2) specifically states that it does not restrict the right of public employees to express their personal political views. Thus, public employees may campaign for or against measures or candidates in their individual, as opposed to official, capacity while off the job. The Department of Justice also has concluded that the last sentence of ORS 260.432(2) authorizes public employees to express their en rsonal political views while on the job, through such activities as wearing campaign buttons, subject to limited regulation by the public employer to the extent necessary to avoid interference with the employee's duties and the employer's mission. Letter of Advice to C. Gregory McMurdo, Deputy Secretary of State, October 10, 1984 (OP-5750). We also believe that a public employer may establish policies restricting expression of personal political views by employees where such expression reasonably may be interpreted by others as officially endorsed by the public employer. For example, an agency might have policies prohibiting its receptionist from displacing a political poster in his or her work area in view of the general public, or prohibiting uniformed employees from wearing any badge, insignia or button, political or otherwise, which is not an authorized part of the uniform. Of course, an agency or other public body also must have legal authority for any expenditure of public funds. That is, the expenditure must be for the purpose of carrying out a task or program given to the public body by the legislature or by its charter or other enabling act. When there is a question whether the expenditure may be for the purpose of affecting the vote on a measure, there is some indication that Oregon appellate courts will apply a strict standard in determining whether the agency has legal authority to make the expenditure. In Porter v. Tiffany, supra, for example, EWM was authorized by the city charter to "improve, extend, enlarge,.and acquire water and Colleen Sealock Page 5 October 5, 1993 electrical utilities systems * * * ". The court held that this language did not authorize EWEB to support a ballot measure to raise money to extend electrical service, because the power to raise money for this purpose was given to the city council, rather than to EVIM. Likewise, the legislature and the Governor have the responsibility for assuring adequate funds for operation of state government agencies. Thus, even purely informational activities related to a ballot measure should be carefully examined to ensure that the public body has statutory or other legal authority to engage in those activities. 5. Conclusion lusion In summary, public employees, including non-elected officials, may not support or oppose measures pending before the voters "while on the job during working hours."Cpublic employees may campaign for or against measures or candidates while off the job, in their individual capacity. They may express their personal political views while on the job through such activities as wearing campaign buttons, subject to limited regulation by the employer to avoid disruption of the workplace or suggesting to members of the public that the employee's personal political views are endorsed by the public employer. In addition, public bodies generally may provide information to the public concerning their activities. However, when the information relates to a measure before the voters, special care should be taken to ensure that the information is fairly presented and is not used to lead voters to support a particular position in the election. In view of the potential financial penalties for violation of ORS 260.432 and 294.100, we urge agencies to consult with counsel before embarking on any informational program related to a ballot measure Sincerely, !s; COULD C AMOLD Donald C. Arnold Chief Counsel General Counsel Division DCA:bjs/JGG07C41 c: Theodora R. Kulongoski, Attomey'General;/ t/ Federal law also limits the political activities of certain state and local government employees. See 5 USCA § 1501 et. sea. These statutes apply generally to officers and employees of state and local government executive branch agencies, boards, commissions or departments which are financed in whole or in part by federal loans or grants, but excluding educational and research agencies. The restrictions in these statutes are similar to, although in some respects stricter than, the provisions of ORS 260.432. Colleen Sealock Page 6 October 5, 1993 21 This statute was amended by Or Laws 1993, ch 493, § 106 to add "gathering of signatures on an initiative, referendum or recall petition" to the list of activities referenced in ORS 260.432(1), (2) and (3). This amendment is effective November 4, 1993. 31 The Oregon Court of Appeals has held that ORS 260.432 applies to both state and local government employees, and that it preempts any inconsistent local government ordinance. Williams v. City of Astori a, 43 Or App 745 (1979). 41 ORS 294.100 is found in a chapter relating to county and municipal finances, yet it is applicable to "public officials" generally. We believe it is likely that the statute would be found to apply to all public officials. Even if it does not, however, other statutes which lead to the same result clearly do apply to state officers. ORS 293.515, for example, authorizes the Governor to withhold the salary of state officers or employees who fail to settle accounts with respect to disposition of public funds or property when use of those funds or property is questioned by the Secretary of State during his audit of the agency. Similarly, ORS 293.260 authorizes the Secretary of State to require persons who have received moneys or property belonging to the state for which they have not properly accounted to return the money or property to the state., 51 Oregon election law recognizes that certain public bodies may provide informational material concerning measures which they have referred to the voters. ORS 260.522(3)(b) provides an exemption from certain requirements for identification of the source of a.political publication for (b) Any written matter relating to a measure at any election prepared under the direction of the governing body of the city, county or district that referred the measure if the written matter is impartial, neither supports nor opposes passage of the measure and contains the name and address of the city, county or district. ..•r. CD CD r+ O 10 cQ 3 O to 0 ;lr CD x O N CD N CD Q• CD r•E• o O (m (DD •�• N n, 0 0 �• O N' O• CD CD� O' 'a -. ...� C o CD 0 ' m N 0 `< .t ma M (D CD -. CD =r Q Z. (D 0 2) _ 0 O � O � O CD = 2) O n z Q Q 0 0 0 0 0• �• A. 0 0 = < CT O • O n O O • CD O• CD O (1) 0 O O Q N r (D O O, 0 O �. 0 (D 2) 0' C N tD O = �. 0 C CD 0 0. = < <D o Z 0 0 = O 0 ,�. �D 0 � " 0 0 N: 0 0 O O =r = 0 0 -0 -h 0 Q cr 0• m m o n cD _ CD cn =r 0 0 _ O 0 O --ti O � C7 Cn �, <' � Cr 0' - 0 O � O O .--h SD CD CL (D +D O O cn x CL C CD � a o - = 0 0 < M �' Q-C l� 0 w + COD CD 0 � �+ � a � o ° ..+ _ 0 0 0 CD N