Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-0215 REG MINMINUTES OF TIlE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 15, 1972 I. ROLL CALL: The regular meeting of the Ashland City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on the above date in the Council Chambers, City ttall, Ashland, by Mayor Charles McKeen. All Council members were present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On Page 6 of the minutes of tile regular meeting of February 1, 1972, Soderberg wanted the minutes to reflect that Item C.2 (an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1415, adopting and creating a position classi- fication plan...) was not read in full, but by agreement of the Council was moved for adoption. Also on Page 6, Item B.1, Willstatter wanted the minutes amended to read "...the college or State Board of ttigher Education". Conklin moved that the minutes, as amended, be accepted and placed on file; Roberrs seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. III. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: McCannon moved that the departmental reports for the month of January, 1972, be accepted and placed on file; Conklin seconded. Willstatter questioned Item 32 in the Public Works monthly report regarding cost estimates for a heli-stop at Ashland Airport. Alsing stated that Hospital Administrator Phil Huntley had requested infor- mation regarding federal grants for such. Soderberg questioned whether this month's reduction in arrests was attributed to anything in particular, to which Chief Hays stated it would have to occur over a period of months to determine. On voice vote, passed unanimously to accept the reports. IV. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Finance & Property Committee: Conklin presented a recommendation that the City Attorney be directed to prepare an Ordinance providing fees for special services and written reports furnished by the Police Depart- ment to persons other than governmental agencies. City Administrator Almquist summarized the proposals, and noted fees were not now being charged. Conklin so moved; McCannon seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. -1- ~-~ting Minutes ~and City Council ~evruary 15, 1972 IV. A. 2. Conklin recommended that consideration be given to several charter amendments to be placed on the May primary ballot: Conklin moved that the staff be directed to prepare the necessary papers to place a charter amendment to eliminate the freeholder clause on the May primary ballot; McCannon seconded. Willstatter stated that he would oppose all charter amendments, not out of disagreement for any, but on the principle of whether the charter was valid. On voice vote to eliminate the freeholder clause, passed with Roble and Willstatter dissenting. At this time, considerable discussion ensued regarding the validity of the City Charter as presently written. Conklin moved that the staff be directed to prepare the necessary papers to place a charter amendment to eliminate annual appointments of the Fire and Police Chiefs on the May primary ballot; Roble seconded. Roble pointed out that the City was receiving deficiency points on their insurance rating for annual appointments, and that this should be changed to allow permanent appointment, with removal only for cause. Almquist pointed out that there was presently a conflict in the administrative Ordinances of the City, which would be corrected by such a charter amendment. On voice vote, carried with Willstatter dissenting. Conklin moved that the staff be directed to prepare the necessary papers to place a charter amendment on the May primary ballot to provide for a single reading of Ordinances, with second reading by title only, unless requested by a Councilman; McCannon seconded. Soderberg felt that second reading in full of an Ordinance was a valuable procedure, and that changes could arise of which the Council or the public was not aware of at the time. Conklin and Willstatter both pointed out that the Ordinance would be read a second time even if requested by only one Council member. McCannon noted that Ordinances rarely changed in wording and content from the first to second readings. On voice vote, passed with Willstatter and Soderberg dissenting. -2- ~ting Minutes '.and City Council ~Druary 15, 1972 IV. A. 2. (continued) Conklin moved that the staff be directed to prepare the necessary papers to place a charter amend- ment on the May primary ballot to provide for election of Councilmen by position number; McCannon seconded. Willstatter felt this would create further polarization in the community; Roble pointed out that no wards would be created. Conklin stated this provision would allow a person to run on their record, and Soderberg added that it would eliminate Councilmen running against each other. On voice vote, passed with Willstatter dissenting. Conklin moved that the staff be directed to prepare the necessary papers to place a charter amendment on the May primary ballot to combine the Park Commission and the Recreation Commission; McCannon seconded. Soderberg felt this matter needed further study, and stated that the Parks Commission should not take over the Recreation Commision and fund it with the park levy. Conklin stated the Recreation budget from the general fund would be given to the Park Commission for recreation purposes. Willstatter pointed out that the Park Commission could be contracted for recreation services. Soderberg moved to table; Roberts seconded. On roll call: NO - McCannon, Roble, Willstatter and Conklin; YES - Soderberg and Roberts. Motion defeated. Soderberg felt there would be more to it than just combining the Park and Recreation Commissions. She pointed out that the Park Commission was a duly-elected body, and the ramifications should be studied further. On voice vote to have the staff prepare papers, passed. Soderberg felt that a joint meeting of the City Council, City Attorney, staff and the Park Commission should be held. Roberts then moved that such a meeting be held prior to drawing up the suggested ordinance relative to combining the Park and Recreation Commissions. Soderberg seconded. On roll call: YES- Roberrs, Soderberg, McCannon; NO - Roble, Willstatter, Conklin. The Mayor broke the tie vote by a "YES" vote, thereby calling a meeting for further study of the matter. -3- ting Minutes ,~land City Council February 15, 1972 IV. B. Public Service Committee: Willstatter gave a brief report of the joing meeting of the Building Appeals Board and the Contractor's Code Review Committee to review the 1970 Uniform Building Code, held on Thursday, February 10, 1972. One of the points under discussion was the remodeling of old buildings. Willstatter had urged the review committee to continue meetings and come up with something workable. C. Streets & Traffic Committee: Soderberg moved that the request by Dr. Marvin E. Woods, requesting lifting of the overnight parking ban in the duckout bay at 765 Siskiyou Boulevard, be denied; Conklin seconded. She mentioned that several complaints had been received about vehicles being parked there for an indefinite period, thereby not allowing vehicles to park during the day. Dr0 Woods stated that he had contacted an adjoining property owner and no objections were raised. (He is the owner of two of the three houses in this immediate area.) He pointed out that most houses have access to parking in the rear, whereas this did not. The parking ban was not convenient. Roberrs pointed out that the original intent of the duckout bays was not for long-term parking. Willstatter reiterated that parking was one of the problems produced by chopping up one residence into several, and felt it was the owner's responsibility to provide for parking. On roll call, passed with Roble dissenting. Request denied. V. COMMUNICATIONS: Oral from the Audience Concerning Business Not Included on the Agenda Mr. A1 Akins presented a resolution to the City Council regarding lack of adequate facilities in the Police Department. He proposed that a committee be formed to: (1) determine the space and type of building necessary for the Police Dept. to function adequately at this time, and for a project period of at least ten years; (2) deter- mine the best location for such a facility, keeping in mind such things as emergency vehicle routes of departure, central location to minimize the time necessary to dispatch a vehicle to all areas protected by the City Police; (3) determine what additional facilities can be added (such as a jail, photographic equipment, breath test equipment) that would make the Police facility more independent of other facilities and thus release more manpower for Police duties; -4- ~ting Minutes A~hland City Council February 15, 1972 (continued) (4) explore all available means of financing, including State and County participation; and (5) report its findings to the Council as soon as possible. Akins stated he would like to see something constructive done, and felt the average citizen would stand behind the Police Department and try to help. The Mayor thanked Mr. Akins for his resolution. Soderberg moved to refer the resolution to the Public Service Committee for their recommendation to the Council; Willstatter seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. Councilman Roble gave a brief report of the accreditation committee's visit to the Ashland Community Hospital. He noted that recommendations made by the committee in May of 1970 had all been complied with, and other recommendations made were items in existence that needed "polishing" to bring them up to standard. Roble noted the committee seemed favorable overall. The Mayor presented an agreement to summer swim program at the college. available for further discussion. the Council regarding the Copies were to be made VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Written Soderberg moved that the minutes of the Ashland Economic Develop- ment Commission meeting of January 26, 1972 be accepted and placed on file; Roberts seconded; passed unanimously. Roble moved that the minutes of the Ashland Community Hospital Board meeting of January 21, 1972 be accepted and placed on file; McCannon seconded; passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist read a letter from Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Steffani, 872 Hillview Drive, expressing appreciation to the City Council and School Board for the institUtiOn of crossing guards on Walker Avenue at Highways 66 and 99. Willstatter requested that a copy be sent to the School Board, and moved that the letter be accepted and placed on file; Roble seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. VII. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: A. Unfinished Business: City Administrator Almquist read a letter from R. E. Van Vleet, representing Stan Adkins Builder, Inc., relative to conditions included in the proposed agreement covering annexation of property at the I-5/Hwy. 66 interchange. -5- eting Minutes ~hland City Council February 15, 1972 VII. A. 1. (continued) He then proceeded to detail the agreement, noting requested changes. On Page 1, no objections. On Page 2, Item (f), the builder agreed fences should be located on the east boundary (where residences were located), but not to the north and west. Conklin felt a northerly fence should be installed in case homes would be built in the future. Also on Page 2, Item (g), the builder felt the cost of a transformer was the responsibility of the City. On Item (h), the builder requested a variance, if necessary, on lighting to identify the entrance; this would still be directed onto the site. On Item (i), the builder requested the fire hydrant be centrally located, but away from buildings, in accord with the Fire Chief's recommenda- tion. On Page 3 of the Agreement, Item (k), the builder requested some changes in the item added by the Planning Commission regarding street improvements. In reply to a question from Roble, City Administrator Almquist noted that an agreement was included to cover costs for the Talent Rural Fire Protection District. Mr. Van Vleet was present to answer any questions the Council might have regarding changes requested to the agreement. Some discussion ensued. Alsing noted that the State Highway Department had agreed to look at right-of-way plans and give their recommendations. Soderberg questioned the matter of time extensions, and City Attorney Salter explained the item. Almquist noted that the agreement called for completion by a March 1 date, and that assessments were usually made April 1. After further discussion, McCannon moved that the fence on the northerly boundary should be installed at request of the Council (in case of future homes, although not needed at the present time); Roberts seconded. Willstatter stated he would oppose any annexation until such time as the overall City plan was revised and a sense of direction was established. On roll call, passed with Willstatter dissenting. Conklin then moved that the builders request for modification of street improvements be granted; McCannon seconded. On roll call, passed with Willstatter dissenting. Conklin then moved that the requests on other items in the letter from the builder be granted (i.e., lighting for entrance; fire hydrant; transformer); McCannon seconded. On roll call, passed with Willstatter dissenting. ~eting Minutes '~land City Council r~bruary 15, 1972 VII. A. 1. (continued) Van Vleet then thanked the Council for their consideration of the matter. Roberrs moved that the staff carry out the instructions of the Council and that the agreement be executed after amended. Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed with Willstatter dissenting. & Miscellaneous Business: City Administrator Almquist read a letter from R. C. Cottle, representing the Ashland Shopping Center, requesting a variance to increase the sign size on Highway 66 to 36 sq. ft., with an inside height of 7 feet and a street-side height to be determined by established grade; and to increase the height of the 25 sq. ft. sign on Highway 99 to 13 feet. Mr. Marion Krebs, developer of the Shopping Center, then presented plans and drawings to the Council. Conklin moved that the request be granted; Roble seconded. Krebs pointed out the sign was a low, institutional type with double face, illuminated letters. Soderberg expressed disappointment in the graphics of the sign, to which Mr. Cottie pointed out that this was one problem with the sign code. On roll call, passed unanimously. City Administrator presented a request to the Council to charge expenses for medical services rendered to persons in custody of the Police Department to the General Fund Operating Contingency. Almquist pointed out that the City was obligated to pay for such medical expenses, and that no provision had been made in the budget for such. Chief Hays informed the Council that the County Jail would not accept injured persons until a doctor had looked at them. City Attorney Salter pointed out that Ashland was fortunate in that larger cities have a much greater problem with situations requiring medical attention. Some discussion followed regarding the recovery of costs. Roble moved that the request be grantea; Conklin seconaea; on voice vote, passed unanimously. C. Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts: City Attorney Salter gave the background on an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1558, pertaining to offenses in the City of Ashland and declaring an emergency. He pointed out that this was the result of changes in the State Law, and noted that drunkenness was now treated as a disease rather than a crime. City Administrator Almquist gave the first reading of the proposed Ordinance. "~eting Minutes bland City Council r~bruary 15, 1972 VII. C. 1. (continued) Conklin moved to pass to a second reading; Willstatter seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. City Administrator Almquist gave the first reading of an Ordinance vacating a street commonly known as Palm Avenue in the City of Ashland, Oregon (between Ashland Street and Siskiyou Boulevard). McCannon moved to pass to a second reading; Conklin seconded. Willstatter questioned whether this vacation would impose any hardships on emergency vehicles and safety of the residents, to which Fire Chief Reed pointed out there was sufficient access via Mountain Avenue. On roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist gave the first reading of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1578, as amended by Ordinance No. 1587, which concerns parking limitations in the City of Ashland, and declaring an emergency. He also read a letter from the Jackson County Library System, unanimously agreeing with the proposed parking limits at the Ashland Library. Conklin moved to pass to a second reading; Roberts seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. The City Administrator gave the first reading of an Ordin- ance levying special benefit assessments in the amount of $36,423.10 in the matter of construction of curbs and paving in Street Improvement District No. 37, and declaring an emergency. (for Randy, Willow, Glendower and Park Streets) Roble noted that the work had been done last year. Conklin moved to pass to a second reading; Willstatter seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. A resolution designating certain streets as being through streets and providing a penalty for violation of these regulations (stop signs on Winburn Way at Granite, and at the Plaza exit to Oak Street) was read by the City Administra- tor. Under suspension of the rules, Roble moved to pass to a second reading by title only; Conklinseconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist read by title. Willstatter moved for adoption; McCannon seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. "-eting Minutes bland City Council ~ebruary 15, 1972 VII. C. 6. The City Administrator presented a lease between the Oregon Shakespearean Festival Association and the Ashland Chamber of Commerce. He noted that the master lease between the Festival and the City of Ashland requires approval by the Council on any sub-lease. Almquist indicated that the lease had been acceptable to both parties. McCannon moved that the lease be approved, contingent upon approval by the Chamber of Commerce as written. Roberts seconded; on roll call, passed unanimously. Almquist presented a "Memorandum of Understanding" between the City of Ashland and the Ashland Employees Association. He noted that the employees had voted to retain the utility discount, which reduced the projected increase by approxi- mately .6 percent. Roble moved for adoption; Willstatter seconded. Some discussion ensued regarding employees living inside versus outside the City limits, and application of the utility discount. On roll call, passed unanimously. Conklin moved for adjournment; Roble seconded. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m., subject to the call of the Mayor. Respectfully submitted, Joseph M. Butler City Recorder /nck -9-