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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-0302 REG MINMINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MARCH 2, 1971 The regular meeting of the City Council was held in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, on the above date. The meeting was called to order by Mayor McKeen. All Councilmen were present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the February 16, and placed on file. 1971, regular meeting were approved STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Finance & Property Committee - No Report b. Public Service Committee - No Report c. Streets & Traffic Committee 1. It was moved by Chairman Conklin, seconded by McCannon that the committee's recommendation to provide stop signs and speed limit signs on Mary Jane, Clay and Mohawk Streets be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. It was moved by Chairman Conklin, seconded by Willstatter that staff be directed to prepare an ordinance prohibiting parking on the south side of Hargadine from Beach to Gresham; installing yellow zone on the north side of Hargadine from Gresham to the alley; and imposing one-way traffic on Beach going easterly from Hargadine to Gresham. Conklin pointed out that the committee is proceeding with a continuous study and recommendation of streets that nbed attention in Ashland. On roll call, carried unanimously. It was moved by Chairman Conklin, seconded by Roble that staff be directed to prepare an ordinance prohibiting parking and imposing one-way traffic on Glenn Avenue from North Main to Central. On roll call, carried unanimously. Chairman Conklin requested that a member of the City staff attend a meeting of the County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, March 3, 1971, at 9:30 a.m., to discuss the Oak Street situation. City Administrator Almquist indicated a staff member would be available for attendance at the meeting. SPECJAI, CO,IIMITTEE REPORTS: None -2- COMMUNICATIONS: 1. It was moved by Roble, seconded by Conklin that the Planning Commission minutes for February 8, 1971, be accepted and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. 2. It was moved by McCannon, seconded by Conklin that the Ashland Development Commission minutes for February 12, 1971, be accepted and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. 3. There was some discussion regarding the minutes of the Economic Development Commission meeting of February 10, 1971, (page 3, paragraph 3). Willstatter pointed out that that the AEDC will be terminating direct financial grants in 1972, rather than 1973 as printed. The minutes were accepted, as amended, and placed on file. 4. City Administrator Almquist read letter from Dave D'Olivo, Chairman, Park and Recreation Commission, recommending that the Ashland Lancers be given a one-year lease with certain limitations ,~pl}~sd in letter dated February 22,197]) for use of the Lithia area. Conklin pointed out that he had been in contact with the property owners, l,ancers Motorcycle Club and the County regarding the matter. }le expressed concern that the matter was strictly a County issue, since County zoning provides for farm and residential use of this land only. It was moved by Conklin, seconded by Willstatter that the sublease by denied. Considerable discussion followed. Roble pointed out that some months ago the County was contacted regarding the property and indicated that the decision was entirely up to the City. City Attorney Salter explained that the City would certainly have to abide by the County zoning ordinance; however, the question at this point is whether or not the zoning law precludes this particular recreational use. Roberrs pointed out that a prior 'Council determined that the 66 acres in question would be used for recreational purposes. Following more discussion, the matter was continued after the 8 p.m. public hearing. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: Unfini shed Business: 1. 8:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: To consider an appeal from a decision of the Planning Commission, denying zone variances with regard to height of fences on property situated at 972 ,Mary Jane Avenue (Variance No. 10], Kenneth IVion) and 935 Mary Jane Avenue (Variance No. 098, Richard Bourne) - City Administrator Almquist read a letter dated March 30, 1970, from Richard A. Bourne requesting permission to allow an existing fence to remain on city property. He also read the Planning Commission minutes denying the variance request. Conklin pointed out that new evidence was submitted to the Planning Commission at their last meeting which would have a definite bearing on the commission's recommendation. It was moved by Conklin, seconded by Willstatter recommendation be denied and the (at present height). that the Planning Commission fence be allowed to remain Mr. Silvio Zanotto, 941 Mary Jane Avenue, pointed out that he wanted the fence height to comply with City code. Following more discussion, Mr. aud Mrs. Bourne pointed out that the fence was construcled with the permission and assistance of Mr. Zanotto several months before the complaint was filed. Jim Busch, Chairman of the Planning Commission, indicated that the variance was denied because the Planning Commission was adhering strictly to the present ordinance; however, he felt that some reconsideration may be appropriate in light of further information brought out about the matter. On roll call on motion to deny the Planning Commission's decision, carried unanimously. City Administrator Almquist read a letter dated April 3, 1970, from Mr. and b~rs. Kenneth Wion requesting permission to ke6p their fence where it is until the city needs the property for curbing and street paving. ~r. Almquist also read the Planning Commission minutes of April 13, 1970, denying the request for a variance. It was moved by Conklin, seconded by Roble that the fence be allowed to remain and the Planning Commission's decision be overturned. Conklin also suggested that the City investigate the feasibility of establishing a permit procedure for fences to prevent this type of thing from happening repeatedly. City Administrator Almquist pointed out that the City has both personal and financial liability if it allowed fences to be constructed on city right-of-~ay. More discussion followed. Willstatter pointed out that some time ffgo the Plaf~ning Commission recommended to one of the Council's advisory committees to establish some type of policy regarding permits required for construction of fences. etc. Willstatter urged that this investigation be pursued by the Council.. On roll call on motion to reverse the Planning Commission's decision, defeated 4-3, with ~layor McKeon casting the deciding dissenting vote; others dissent~ng were Soderberg, McCannon and Roberts. CO~IMUNICATIONS: (continued) 4. Dave D'Olivo expressed the the Recreation Commission's recommendation that a one year sublease be granted to the I,ancers Motorcycle Club. -4- Mr. John Balog indicated that all property owners in the Lithia Springs area had not been contacted, as stated by Mr. D'Olive, regarding their feelings on the motorcycle races. tie also pointed out that several of the compromises suggested by him were not included ~n the proposed sub]ease. During his presentat~on to Council, FIr. Balog objected to the noise and dust created by the.racing. He urged the motorcycle club to locate a more appropriate s~te for the racing. He indicated that if a solution could not be found along this line, he would be forced to take the matter to court. Mr. Balog also termed the $1 fee per year for the lease a "give-sway" and pointed out that the City could bring in substantial revenue from the sale or lease of this land. Mr. Larry Ruth, representative of the I,ancers, indicated that the club has tried to comply with Mr. Balog's wishes to cut down on the noise and dust created by the motorcycles. He also pointed out that he had personally contacted the majority of the property owners surrounding I, jthia Springs to obtain their views on the racing. Roberts pointed out that when the Councfi originally decided to utilize the Lithia Springs area for recreational purposes, it was with the idea that the Lancers would be using the area for family- type recreation, rather than competitive racing. Considerable discussion fo]lowed. Mr. Bob Bennett, Council to give Council did not Park and Recreation Commissioner, appealed to the Recreation Comm~ssion some direction, if the wish to approve the proposed sublease. A member of the Medford Motorcycle Riders Association indicated that the noise should not create that ranch of a problem, since there would be only seven hours of unmuffled noise in one month's racing.. Mr. John Cady urged Conncil to approve the sublease; he stressed the need for the young people to have a place to engage in competi t ive recreat i on. On rail call to deny the sublease, carried 4-3, with Mayor McKeen voting in the affirmative. Dissenting votes were cast by Roberrs, Roble and Soderberg. Mayor McMeen called for a study session in the very near future with the Park and Recreation Commission to further study the matter. SPECIAl, AGF, NI~A ITEMS: (continued) Unfinished Business: 2. City Administrator A]mquist ret~d a letter from Harry A. Skerry, ~cpresenting the petitioner, Mrs. Specbt, requesting withdrawal of the petition calling for vacation of an Prospect in the vicinity of Leonard Street Council action taken. alley between Elm and and Palmer Road. No 3. City Administrator Almquist reported that Chief Hays has been unable to contact the applicant of a Class C liquor license for the Black Forest Enterprises, Inc., and, therefore, requested that the matter be continued. It was moved by Conklin, seconded by McCannon to continue the matter. Motion carried unanimously. New & Miscellaneous Business: 1. City Administrator Almquist reported that the Ashland Develop- ment Commission has recommended the award of two contracts on the Lithia Park Extension Project to the low bidders - Rogue Valley Construction Company for restroom facilities and Ausland Construction Company for concrete slabs. He indicated that HUD concurrence will be forthcoming. It was moved by McCannon, seconded by Roberts that the Mayor and Recorder be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the City of Ashland for the restroom facilities, subject to HUD concurrence.~ On roll call, carried unanimously. It was moved by Soderberg, seconded by Willstatter that the Mayor and Recorder be authorized to execute the contract for the concrete slabs on behalf of the City of Ashland, subject to HUD concurrence. On r611 call, carried unanimously. ' 2. City Administrator Almquist read ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1361, establishing and fixing the filing fees for conditional permits, variances, appeals and amendments to the zoning map. It was moved by Roble, seconded by McCannon that the proposed ordinance be referred to the Planning Commission for study. On roll call, carried unanimously. Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts: 1. City Administrator Almquist gave second reading of ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1361, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Ashland, to rezone certain property from C-2, Commercial-Downtown and R-3-1.2, Residential - Multiple Family, to R-I:B-10, Residential Single Family. It was moved by R0berts, seconded by Willstatter that Ordinance No. 1671 be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 2~ City Administrator Almquist read ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1280 which established the Civil Service system for firemen in the City of Ashland, amending Section 20 of Ordinance No. 1280 to add a section relating to entrance examination points to be given to residents of the State of Oregon and declaring an emergency. It was moved by Willstatter, seconded by McCannon that the ordinance be passed to second reading. There was some discussion regarding the urgency involved in adoption of the ordinance, since Civil Service examinations have been scheduled for the near future. It was recommended that the ordinance be acted on at an adjourned meeting of the Council on March 9, 1971. On roll call, carried unanimously. 3. City Administrator Almquist requested that a resolution concerning unsafe abandoned residence located at the rear of 876 Siskiyou Boulevard in Ashland, Oregon, be deleted from the agenda since the property owner involved has taken out a demolition permit. No Council cation takers. 4. City Administrator Almquist read resolution commending the employees of the City of Ashland Water & Sewer Division for their excellent safety record and Safety Achievement Award received from the State ~Vorkmen's Compensation Board. ~r. Almquist also displayed the plaque awarded to the Water & Sewer D~vision by the Board. It was moved by Roble, seconded by ~[cCannon that the rules be suspended and the resolution passed to second reading by title only. On roll call, carried unanimously. Following second reading by title only, it was moved by Willstatter, seconded by Roble that the resolution be adop%ed. On roll call, carried unani- mously. 5. City Administrator Almquist read a letter-form agreement from the State Highway Division relative to the relocation of certain graves in the Mt. View Cemetery~ lying within the right-of-way of Highway 66. He also read a resolution authorizing the Mayor and Recorder to execute an agreement with the Oregon State Highway Division relative to the relocation of certain graves in Mt. View Cemetery, lying within the right-of-way of Highway 66. It was moved byMcCannon, seconded by Willstatter that the rules be snspended and resolution be passed to second reading by title only. On roll call, carried unanimously. Following second reading by title only, it was moved by Willstatter, seconded by Conklin that the resolution be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 6. It was moved by Roberrs, seconded by Soderberg that the proposed Agreement of Employment for the City Administrator be continued until the next Council meeti~g. Following brief discussion, on roll call, carried 4-3, with Mayor McKeen voting in the affirmative; those casting dissenting votes were Rob]e, Willstatter and ~icCannon. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned to March 9, 1971, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Conncil Chambers. 1cr ~'Fng City Recorder