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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-0522 ADJOURNED MINMINUTES FOR ADJOURNED MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MAY 22, 1970 An adjourned meeting of the Ashland City Council was held in the City Council Cha:nbers on the above date. The meeting was called to order by Acting Mayor Baile~ at approximately 9:45 a.m. All Councilmen were present. Acting City Administrator Biegel presented a letter to Mayor and Council from the League of Oregon Cities inviting them to a conference on Oregon MuniciDa] Policy to be held on June 10, 1970, at the Holiday Inn in Medford. Fo]lo~ving brief discussion, it xvas moved by Jones, seconded by Willstatter that Acting City Administrator Biegel be given the authority to advertise for a new C~ty Administrator. There ~vas some discussion regarding trying to fill the vacancy with a combination City Administrator sn~ Director of Electric Utilities, as has been done in ~'ecent years. Mr. Biege] indicated that he would keep this in mind while interviewing applicants; however, he doubtc~ if such a combination could be obtained. On roll call, carried unanimously. At the request of Council, ~r. Biegel read an agreement between Jackson County and the City of Ashland concerning transfer of library operating costs. The effective date for the transaction would be June 30, 1970. City Attorney Scannell expressed some concern that no provision had been made for liability insurance for the lessor in the subject agreement. He also pointed out that thq resolution presented at the Council meeting of May 19, 1970, stated that all p~'operty titles would be transferred to the County. It was brought to his attention that the Shakespeare book collection title should not be transferred and the resolution would be changed accordingly. Following considerable discussion, it was moved by Willstatter, seconded by Dodge that the 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 Dodge that the resolution be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. It was the understanding of Council that thc agreement would be amended to provide for the above-mentioned insurance. Acting City Admjnistr3tor Biegel informed the Council that Southern Pacific Company has granted Council's previous request in re?.ard to speed. of trains within the city limits of Ash]and. Council Minutes May 22, 1970 In regard to the widening of Glenn Street railroad crossing, Southern Pacific indicated they would do their share of the improvement; however, the City's share will cost approximately $1,000. Following brief discussion, it was moved by Jones, seconded by Roberts that the Acting City Administrator be instructed to notify the Public Utility Commissien and Southern Pacific of the Council's decision to complete the work when funding is available--probably in next year's budget. On roll call, carried unanimously. Acting City Administrator Biegel reported that Phase II Shakespeare bids will be opened on May 28, 1970, for exposed aggregate sidewalks. In was indicated that staff had been in contact with the National Safety Council and other cities that have utilized exposed aggregate and s~aff has been assured tha~ a safety hazard would not exist. Public Works Director Alsing requested permission to change the City specifications to allow the exposed aggregate. It was moved by Willstatter, seconded by Dodge that the request be granted. On roll call, carried unanimously. City Attorney Scannell indicated that he had prepared a resolution concerning removal of the proposed City charter from the May 26 ballot; however, he did not have it quite completed aad requested a short recess until the resolution could be made available for Councjl action. At this time, Mr. Tommy Parker offered use of his equipment, free of charge with the exception of moving costs, for construction of the Shakespeare parking lot. He indicated that he hoped the free use of his equipment would offset the cost to the City to match the federal funds being made available. Mr. Biege] indicated it would take the matter under consideration. Mr. Robert O'Harra, Charter Revision Committee member, indicPt~d that the committee would like this opportunity to discuss th~ proposed charter with Council and perhaps answer any questions Coun'cil may hare regarding the charter. Actin~ Mayor Bailer pointed out that the Council members did not have their marked copies of the charter with them. The meeting was recessed at this time. Following a lengthy recess, Acting City Administrator Biegel read resolution recalling specffal election of proposed amendments to the charter of 1898 and repleaing that resolution off March 23, 1970, and declaring any votes cast thereon null and void. It was moved by Willstatter, seconded by Dodge that the resolution be passed to second reading by title only. On roll call, carried 4-1, with Roberrs dissentinS. At this t~me, Mrs. Julian Battsile, Charter Revision Committee member, indicated that she wished to express on behalf of Hrs. Harry Hawk the commi~tee's Council Minutes -3- May 22, 1970 desire to have Council reconsider the resolution. Following second reading by title only, it was moved by Willstatter, seconded by Dodge that the resolution be adopted. On roll call, carried 4-1, with Roberrs dissenting. Mrs. Battaile then requested an apology from the Council to the Charter Revision Committee, Mrs. Hawk and the League of Women Voters for "having pulled the rug out from under them." Acting Mayor Bailer gave his personal. apology to the group and explained thal Council had been under severe strain the past few weeks and had not had sufficient time to study the document thoroughly. Mrs. Dodge pointed 'that ~[rs. Hawk had been correct when she indicated that nothing had been changed in the charter which was presented to Council She pointed out that t]~e Council had merely made a mistake of approving it before sufficiently studying the document. Mrs. Dodge indicated that they should, as a Council~ commend the League of ~omen Voters for their efforts. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the ~ayor. lcr ~'ity Recore~