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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-0118 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL January 18, 1972 I. ROLL CALL: The regular meeting of the Ashland City Council was called to order at ?:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, on the above date by Mayor Charles McKeen. Councilmen Roberrs and Roble were absent; all other members were present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Willstatter wished to make two corrections to the minutes of the regular meeting of January 4, 1972: (1) On Page 2, he wanted the record to read that "appointments are the prerogative of the Mayor, and confirmation that of the Council"; (2) On Page 9, paragraph 4, he was opposed to annexation "until such time as the Comprehensive Plan is updated". McCannon moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of January 4, as amended, and the minutes of the special meeting of January 11, 1972 be accepted and placed on file. Will- statter seconded. On voice vote, passed unanimously. III. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Willstatter questioned an item in the monthly Electric Department report, regarding sprinklers for the Library. Almquist noted these were probably included in the agreement, but would check it out. McCannon moved that the departmental reports for the Month of December, 1971, be accepted and placed on file. Willstatter seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. IV. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Finance & Property Committee: McCannon recommended that the Real Estate Option from the Grange Cooperative Association for property situated at "B" and Water Streets be approved. He noted that this was to be utilized for employee parking (approximately 20-24 spaces) thereby reducing the number of Authorized Vehicles Only areas in the Plaza and increasing parking available for the merchants and customers. McCannon so moved to approve; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. McCannon then moved to transfer the necessary funds from the General Fund to the Operating Contingency; Soderberg seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. -1- ular Meeting ~land City Council January 18, 1972 IV. B. Public Service Committee: No report. C. Streets & Traffic Committee: Soderberg stated that a tentative agreement had been reached with the School Board to provide crossing guards for the remainder of the school year at Highways 66, 99 and Walker Avenue, the cost to be shared equally between the School Board and the City. She then moved that the City participate in such, dividing the costs of $940 for two guards and uniform expenses of $288.50; Conklin seconded. It was noted the the crossing guard would be selected and supervised by the Ashland Police Department. Soderberg then amended the motion to transfer funds from the General Fund to Police Department Personal Services (for salaries), and instructed the City Attorney to draw up the necessary agreement in consultation with the attorney for the school district. 'McCannon seconded. On roll call, amendment passed unanimously. On roll call, original motion passed unanimously. In related action, Soderberg moved to authorize the Staff to contact the State Highway Department to request 30 mph speed zones on Highway 66 from the overcrossing westerly to the present 30 mph speed zone; and on Highway 99 from the south city limits to the present 30 mph speed zone; and on North Main Street from the north city limits to the present 30 mph speed zone. Willstatter seconded. McCannon wondered whether these speed zones could be made applicable only during school sessions. On voice vote, passed unanimously to make a request. V. COMaMUNICATIONS: Oral from the Audience (None) VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Written Mrs. Jessie Fitch, 605 Terrace, presented a position paper by the League of Women Voters on Comprehensive Planning for the Ashland area, explaining the background involved in the study. Some discussion ensued among the Council regarding older structures and revising of the building code. Soderberg recommended that the paper be referred to the Public Service Committee. Willstatter felt the Uniform Building Code should be tailored to the heeds of the City. The Mayor agreed a meeting to discuss the issue would be good, and thanked Mrs. Fitch for presenting the paper. -2- ~ular Meeting ~land City Council January 18, 1972 VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Written (continued) Letters from Joan Jensen and Ron Maxwell were presented, in addition to several others, recommending a complete revision of the Ashland Sign Ordinance. Soderberg recommended that the letters be accepted and placed on file, in order that the Public Service Committee could consider them. Willstatter did not feel that the pending lawsuit could be justified until such time as a workable Ordinance was prepared. To a question from Conklin, City Attorney Salter said that the City had slightly less than a 50-50 chance to win the case, due to the "substantial change" clause of the Ordinance. McCannon pointed out that proposing to revise the Ordinance at this time could also have a detrimental effect. Soderberg felt Council discussion was giving testimony to the opposition and that it was not in order. The Mayor pointed out that much criticism of the Sign Ordinance had been received, but Soderberg felt the letters were all from friends of the defendent and the City should not be governed by the minority. Conklin recognized the need for variances to be granted, but felt the City had a weak case and would be throwing money out the window. Salter also noted that, if the Council should grant a variance as requested to the shop on the Plaza, it would even further lessen chances of winning. Willstatter moved to dismiss and discontinue the case; Conklin seconded; on roll call, McCannon, Willstatter and Conklin - YES; Soderberg - NO; motion carried and the City Attorney directed to dismiss the case. VII. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: A. Unfinished Business: At this time, Willstatter moved to accept and place on file a letter from Mr. Philip Nye of 2003 N. Phoenix, Medford, regarding the railroad. Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. B. New & Miscellaneous Business: 1. The City Administrator presented a request for budgetary transfer of $4,063 from the Utility Fund Operating Contingency (10-701) to Water & Sewer Personal Services (10-1200-111) for work performed on the Lithia Park Extension Project in the current fiscal year. Almquist stated that an audit had been completed by HUD, and transfer of such funds was necessary reimburse the Dept. for actual work done. McCannon moved to grant the request to transfer funds; Willstatter seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. ular Meeting ~land City Council ~anuar~ 18 1 , 9?2 VII. C. Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts: City Administrator Almquist and City Attorney Salter alternated giving the first reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 141S, which adopted and created a position classification plan for the City of Ashland, and declaring an emergency. McCannon moved to pass to a second reading; Soderberg seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist gave the first reading of an Ordinance authorizing and ordering the improvement of Oxford Street from the east sideline of Quiet Village Subdivision No. III to Coventry Street by constructing thereon curbs, gutters and paving; authorizing the assessment of cost of said improvement against property to be benefited thereby; and providing that warrants issued for the cost thereof be general obligations of the City of Ashland. Willstatter moved to pass to a second reading; Conklin seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist gave the first reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1657, the Sign Ordinance, and declaring an emergency. Conklin moved to pass to a second reading; McCannon seconded. Willstatter asked, in light of previous action, whether this would create a bigger problem. Salter felt there would be more persons appearing before the Sign Review Board and the Council as a result of the amendment liberalizing possibilities for variances. On roll call, passed unanimously. The City Administrator gave the second reading of an Ordinance to provide for the deferral of special assessments for street, curb and gutter and related improvements where the property owner is a senior citizen as defined herein and otherwise qualifies pursuant to this Ordinance, and declaring an emergency. Conklin moved for adoption; Soderberg seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. At this time, Soderberg moved to accept the annual re~ort of the Fire Department and place on file; Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. McCannon moved for adjournment; Conklin seconded; business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m., the Mayor. there being no further subject to the call of Respectfully submitted, /nck