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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-0321 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21, 1972 II. I. ROLL CALL: The regular meeting of the Ashland City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, by Mayor Charles McKeen. On roll call, Soderberg and Roberts were absent; all other Council members were present. City Administrator Almquist and City Attorney Salter were also absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Conklin moved that the minutes of the special meeting of March 6 and the regular meeting of March 7, 1972, be accepted and placed on file. Willstatter wanted to clarify his comments on Page 2, Paragraph 6 in the minutes of the regular meeting, to state that a "lease possibility should be explored" (not necessarily with the State). Conklin then included "as amended" in his motion; McCannon seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. III. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: IV. On Page 2 of the Public Works monthly report, Willstatter questioned Item 11 (installation of a sewer system on Grandview Drive). Ed Fallen, Water & Sewer Superintendent, stated that this area was over a hill, and gravity prevented direct pumping. He noted a pumping unit had been purchased from the City of Medford, which would serve 200 to 300 homes. McCannon moved to accept the reports and place them on file; Conklin seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. STANDING COMMITTEE A. Public Service REPORTS: Committee: 1. McCannon presented a recommendation to allow the Fire Chief to solicit contributions for a new Salvage/Rescue Unit. Bill Reed, Fire Chief, then gave information concerning the old unit, which he felt had been outgrown (being overloaded and underpowered). The proposed unit would be 4-wheel drive in order to enter some previously inaccessible areas. He noted that one-third of the calls received at the Fire Dept. were utilizing the rescue unit. McCannon moved to allow the Fire Chief to solicit contributions; Roble seconded. On roll call, passed unanimously. 2. McCannon also presented a recommendation to allow the Fire Dept. to acquire a new fire truck to replace the present 1938 pumper unit. It was recommended that the $10,000 in the sinking fund be used as a down payment on a lease-purchase plan, to be paid off in about eight years (or sooner), with 6% interest on the declining balance. McCannon noted that the unit would cost the same now as if the City waited to pay the full purchase price. Reed stated the total price was $50,000, equipped as the City would like. Willstatter ques- tioned whether the City had a legal right to obligate funds over such a period of time. Some discussion regarding the technical and financial details ensued. -1- r Meeting ~ City Council ~rch 21, 1972 IV. A. 2. VI. (continued) McCannon then moved that, in principle, the Council approve purchase of a truck through a lease-purchase plan, subject to approval of the City Attorney on the leasing arrangements. Roble seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. B. Streets & Traffic Committee: No report, since the Committee Chairwoman was absent. COMMUNICATIONS: Oral from the Audience Concerning Business Not Included on the Agenda Mr. Bill Smith, a contractor, of 20 Timberlake Drive, Ashland, requested Council action to expedite a matter concerning the proposed medical center near the hospital. He presented a map to the Council, pointing out the small piece of City-owned property abutting Catalina Drive he wished to purchase. Mr. Smith had been granted a setback variance from the Planning Commission contingent upon obtaining the property. Roble noted that this land was of no value to the Hospital, who was responsible for its maintenance. Director of Finance Nelson, acting for the City Administrator, read a memo from the Chief Building Inspector also stating that the Hospital Administrator was agreeable to the sale of this land for the medical center. Some discussion ensued regarding sale of the property. Willstatter wanted to know the tentative price and the fund to which the proceeds would be credited before authorizing sale. Conklin felt the latter was a housekeeping matter, and moved to authorize staff to determine a fair value for the land and proceed with sale of the property, pending approval of the City Attorney; McCannon seconded. On roll call, passed with Willstatter dissenting. CO~4MUNCATIONS: Written 1 & 2. Willstatter moved that the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of February 14, and the minutes of the Ashland Develop- ment Commission meetings of February 18 and March 3, 1972, be accepted and placed on file; McCannon seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. Nelson read a letter from George L. Jones relative to an opinion by the State Attorney General on validity of the 1970 City charter. Conklin moved to accept the letter and place on file; Willstatter seconded; on voice vote, passed unanimously. McCannon moved that the final report of the Revenue Steering Committee, dated March 14, 1972, be accepted and placed on file; Conklin seconded. Willstatter noted that no reference had been made in the report to Ordinance No. 957, Section 3, which was a source of revenue available but never collected (a seat tax on theatre seats), and it should be explored. Conklin agreed that, since it was "on the books", it should either be enforced or repealed. On voice vote, report accepted unanimously. -2- ~arch r Meeting ~ City Council 21, 1972 VII. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: A. Unfinished Business: B. New & Miscellaneous None Business; Councilman Roble brought an item to the attention of the Council which was not on the agenda. He stated that the Ashland High School debate team had been awarded the Grand Sweepstakes Trophy at a recent speech tournament, in addition to numerous other awards, having the most finalists out of 900 debaters and 6S teams. He moved that the Council write a letter to the debate coach, with appropriate copies to the team members, giving them the Council's congratulations; Conklin seconded. On voice vote, unanimous. 1. Nelson presented a request for variance from Medford Neon Sign Company to increase the sign area from ordinance maximum of 60 sq. ft. to 72 sq. ft. for the proposed sign at Jim Busch Ford, SSS Siskiyou. In view of the fact that this was the smallest identification sign available through Ford Motor Co., Conklin moved that a variance be granted to allow the sign-- subject to the conditions for approval by staff being included. McCannon seconded. Willstatter did not want this to set a precedent which would allow larger signs for national franchise companies. On voice vote, passed unanimously. Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts: 1. Nelson gave the second reading of an Ordinance providing for special services and written reports furnished by the Police Dept. to persons other than governmental agencies; and declaring an emergency. Conklin moved for adoption; McCannon seconded. Willstatter was opposed to residents being charged for passport information; on roll call, passed with Willstatter dissenting. 2. The Mayor read a proclamation declaring the week of March 26 to April 1 as "National Week of Concern" for the missing-in- action and prisoners among our military servicemen. At this time, Conklin expressed his thanks to Councilman McCannon and members of the Revenue Steering Committee for all their work. The Mayor agreed, stating the reports would be useful in the operation of City government. Conklin moved for adjournment; Willstatter seconded. further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m., subject call of the Mayor. /nck There being no to the Respectfully submitted, / 7 Joseph M. Butler City Recorder