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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-1117 REG MINMINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 17, 1970 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. At this time, Mayor McKeen appointed Finance Director Robert Nelson as Acting City Recorder in the absence of Recorder Bartelt. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: tt was moved by Bailer, seconded by Jones that the minutes of the October 20, 1970, regular meeting and November 6, 1970, special meeting be accepted and placed on file. Motion carried unanimously. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: It was moved by Willstatter, seconded by Bailer that the departmental reports for the month of October be accepted and placed on file. There was some discussion regarding #13 under the Water & Sewer Division Report. Motion carried unanimously. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Finance & P b. Public Serv c. Streets & T roperty Committee No Report ice Committee No Report raffic Committee - Chairman Willstatter briefly reviewed the following three items: I. Request from Mrs. J. A. Gwinn, 343 Bridge Street, for yellow curb adjacent to driveway. 2. Request from Southern Oregon College to initiate public hearings necessary for closure of Palm Avenue. 3. Request from Fire Department for parking restrictions on certain streets in the vicinity of Southern Oregon College. Chairman Willstatter indicated there was an immediate need for members of the Council to meet with SOC officials regarding the numerous requests for yellow curbing on streets surrounding the college; he felt that a definite policy should be established, rather than"attacking the matter piecemeal." He indicated that committee approval was given for Mrs. Gwinn's request; however, he hoped that future requests could be handled by policy. Council Minutes -2- November 17, 1970 Chairman Willstatter also made reference to a from Harry A. Skerry concerning alley vacation and Elm. He felt some consideration should be the abutting property owners for the cost invo Chairman Willstatter requested staff to schedu on the matter. etter received~ between Prospect given to assessing ved in the vacation. e a public hearing The Mayor directed the City Administrator to schedule a meeting with SOC officials to discuss (I) parking and related problems surrounding the college; and (2) closure of Palm Avenue. Bailer suggested that Police Chief Hays and Fire Chief Reed also be invited to the meeting. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: None COMMUNICATIONS: Io City Administrator Almquist read letter dated October 23, 1970, from Mr. W. H. Hoffbuhr, President, Jackson County Council, Oregon TB & RD Association, requesting Council action prohibiting open burning in the City of Ashland. He also read a communication dated November 17, 1970, from the League of Women Voters supporting the ban on open burning. The City Administrator recommended the matter be referred to the Public Service Committee for analysis and report back to the Council at the next meeting. It was moved by Bailer, seconded by Dodge that the recommendation be accepted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 2. The following liquor renewal applications were presented by the City Admin strator for Council action: Hillah Temp e, 51 Winburn Way Pioneer Shopping, Oak & A Street Southside Market, 1602 Highway 66 Minute Market #5, 304 N. Main Street 99 Market, 1725 Siskiyou Boulevard Meister's Buy-Rite, 1475 Siskiyou Boulevard Minute Market #6, 1690 Siskiyou Boulevard White House Market, 372 East Main Street Omars, 1380 Siskiyou Boulevard Bohemian Club, 347 E. Main Elks Club, 225 E. Main Ye Olde Pub, 137 E. Main Cook's Reception, 66 E. Main Black Forest, 1700 Ashland It was moved by Bailer, seconded by Jones that the fourteen liquor renewal appl cations be approved. On roll call, carried unanimously. 3. City Adm nistrator AImquist made reference to a communication received from Mr. Arthur Phillips, Chairman of Guanajuato Fair Committee, relative to Guanajuato Amigo Days on December 10-13, 1970. A spokesman for Mr. Phillips was present and indicated a list o~ the activities planned for the Guanajuato Days would be submitted Council Minutes -3- November 17, 1970 to the Council. Bailer suggested that a resolution be drawn designating Guanajuato Week for presentation at the next Council meeting. The Mayor directed staff to prepare such a resolution. up 4. City Administrator Almquist read letter dated November 12, 1970, from Mr. and Mrs. John Balog requesting reactivation of their protest of September regarding the motorcycle racing at Lithia Springs racetrack. Mr. Almquist also made reference to a petition submitted by the Balogs and several interested property owners in the area dated August 24, 1970, concerning the same matter. There was some discussion concerning the racing schedule for this year. A representative of the Lancers Motorcycle Racing Club indicated that the racing schedule had been completed for this year. Following some discussion, it was moved by Jones, seconded by Dodge that the Park & Recreation Commission provide a report and recommendation on the matter at the next regular Council meeting (December I, 1970). Roble suggested that representatives of the Park Commission, Council, Lancers and residents of the Lithia Springs area meet in a study session to discuss the matter. It was pointed out that such a meeting had taken place, with no definite solution reached. Mr. Balog pointed out that he felt there were no grounds for a compromise on the issue. He suggested that all the motorcycle clubs in the county get together and develop a race track for all the clubs to use someplace far from residential areas. Following more discussion, on roll call on motion that the Park & Recreation Commission give the Council a recommendation on the matter, carried unanimously. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS: Unfinished Business: I. 8:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Petition for street improvements on Randy Street from east line of Cedar Homes subdivision west 576.33 feet to the east line of Elizabeth Street (continued from October 20, 1970, meeting). City Administrator Almquist briefly reviewed the matter with Council, indicating that Miss Eggerr, property owner in the area, requested the continuance to allow her to obtain further ihformation and exploPe some solutions to the problem. Mr. Almquist pointed out that there is a petition on file from two property owners, constituting 56.9 percent of the front footage involved, requesting the improvements. At this time, Mr. Tom Reeder, representing Miss Eggeft, explained to Council the reasons why his client is opposed to the proposed improwements. Council Minutes -4- November 17, 1970 Mr. Reeder explained that absolutely no benefit would be conferred to Miss Eggert's property by the proposed improvement; in addition to costing her more than $5,000 for her share of the improvement. He also pointed out that his client is concerned with what could be a drainage problem on her property if Randy Street were curbed and guttered. Public Works Director Alsing explained that a drainage pipe is planned for that particular area whether or not the paving is installed. Considerable discussion followed. Roberts pointed out that the City has, in the past, been quite consistent in ordering in paving when a majority of the front footage property owners have so requested. Jones indicated that the City was faced with a similar situation on Park Street a few years ago and the City lost over $850. Mr. Robert Voris indicated that the proposed improvements are necessary before he can sell the property. He pointed out that the YMCA has been trying unsuccessfully to purchase Miss Eggert's property. Following more discussion, it was moved by Bailer, seconded by Roberts that staff be directed to draw up an ordinance ordering in said improvements. On roll call, carried 5-1, with Jones dissenting. 2. 8:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Appeal from decision of Planning Commission denying minor land partition on property located on Nevada Street between Voris Avenue and Helman Street - City Administrator Almquist read letter dated October 20, 1970, from Mr. Jack Williams appealing the Planning Commission's decision on the matter. Mr. Almquist also made reference to the Planning Commission minutes of October 12, 1970, explaining the denial of the request. At this time, Mr. Leo Zupan addressed the Council, indicating that he was speaking on behalf of Mr. Williams. He gave some background on the matter, indicating that it wasn't Mr. Willjams' intent to subdivide the land, rather he is complying with all requirements in Section 20, subsection 2 of th~ Minor Land Partition Ordinance. Dr. MacCracken referred to a map showing the parcels in question, explaining that it was the Planning Commission's contention that the parcels should be subdivided in accordance with the definition to subdivide land which states that "to partition or commence to partition a parcel of land into four or more parcels for purposes of transfer of ownership, that particular piece should be subdivided." Considerable discussion followed. City Attorney Scannell read Section 20, subsection 2 of. the Minor Land Partition Ordinance, indicating he assumed all requirements had been met in this particular case. It was moved by Bailer, seconded by Jones that the Planning Commission~s decision be overruled and the ~ nor Land Partition granted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 3. 8 30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Petition from Ashland Sanitary Service Company, Inc., for rate increase and IO-year extension of franchise granted to said company by Ordinance No. 1373 Roble, Chairman of the Public Service Committee, reported that his Counci Minutes -5- November 17, 1970 committee met with City Attorney Scannell, City Administrator Almquist, Mr. Robert Wenker of the Ashland Sanitary Service and Mr. William Briggs, Attorney, for the Sanitary Service to discuss the proposed rate increase. He pointed out that the committee had also inspected the landfill site. City Administrator Almquist detailed the estimated cost of operating the landfill facility, as well as expense of additional equipment needed. Roble indicated that it was the committee's recommendation that the 50¢ increase be granted, and the franchise extended to March 31, 1980. It was moved by Roble, seconded by Roberrs that the recommendation be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 4. City Administrator Almquist reported that bi~ were received on November 2, 1970, for 225 KVA transformer. Eight bids were received, with the apparent low bid from Western Utility Supply in the amount of $1,741. It was moved by Bailer, seconded by Willstatter that the apparent low bid be accepted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 5. City Administrator Almquist reported that bids were received on November 16, 1970, for a sewer fodder. Six bids were received~ with the apparent low bid from Flexible Pipe and Tool Company in the amount of $4,941. It was moved by Bailer, seconded by Willstatter that the low bid be accepted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 6. City Administrator Almquist reported that bids were received on November 17, 1970, for a dump truck for the Street Department. Four bids were received, with the apparent low bid from Lithia Motors, Inc. in the amount of $8,154. It was moved by Bailer, seconded by Willstatter that the low bid be accepted. On roll call, carried unanimously. New & Miscellaneous Business: I. City Administrator Almquist read letter dated November 12, 1970, from Mrs. William R. Pierson, 1735 East Main Street, requesting permission to connect two homes outside of city limits. Mr. AImquist explained that when the main trunk line was located originally, the City agreed, in return for granting of an easement, to allow one sewer hook-up for each easement granted. Jones asked if there was any written agreement with the property owner that only one hook-up would be granted. Public Works Director AIsing replied that the ewners had been given a letter to that effect. Some discussion followed. Mr. Burt Putney, representing Mrs. Pierson, explained that there had been only one hook-up, but two other homes had been connected to the main line. He explained that the sewer line going through the property is not to serve land in the city limits--but to serve land outside the city limits. During the discussion, Willstatter suggested an alternative of charging a larger connection charge for hook-ups outside the city limits. It was moved by Roble, seconded by Jones that the request be denied. On roll call, carried unanimously. Council Minutes -6- November 17, 1970 2. Request by Councilman George Jones to discuss the following items: a. Annexation charge tax levy - Jones indicated that a few months ago the Council appointed a committee to compile a list of all those who are not paying any annexation fees and should be. He pointed out that several people have not been assessed for the annexation and are not, therefore, paying any interest on the amount, while others are paying the 6 percent interest. Following some discussion, it was decided that the matter would be studied at a special study session within the next few days. b. Reimbursement of Cemetery Trust Fund - Jones indicated that in 1960 the City purchased land around the cemetery south of Highway 66 for approximately $35,500. Later part of this land was sold and the Cemetery Trust Fund was never reimbursed the $17,000. He recommended that the money be repaid by yearly budgeting a portion of the total for repayment. It was decided that this item would also be discussed atethe study session. c. T.I.D. Irrigation Charge - Jones indicated that several people in the southeast section of town are currently paying $12.50 annually for irrigation water they never received. He pointed out that when the subdividers installed streets, etc., in this area, the City did not require them to install irrigation pipes; therefore, the people have no access to the T.I.D. irrigation water but are still being billed by T.I.D. for irrigation water use. City Attorney Scannell pointed out that this would be a county matter, and the City was not involved in it at all. However, the matter was referred to the study sess on with items (a) and (b). Ordinances, Resolutions & Contracts Cily Administrator Almquist gave second re~ding of ordinance evying special benefit assessments in the amount of $35,278.10 n the matter of construction of curbs and paving in Street Improvement District No. 36. It was moved by Roberts, seconded by Dodge that Ordinan~eNo. 1660 be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 2. City Admin strator Almquist gave second reading of ordinance amending Sign Ordinance No. 1657 by deleting Sections (d) and (e) under "Information Required in Application." It was moved by Bailer, seconded by Willstatter that Ordinance No.1661 be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 3. City Administrator Almquist read resolution concerning an unsafe fire damaged building at 2 Beach Avenue. He indicated that the property owner was notified on June 28, 1970, to commence restoration or demolition of the building. It was moved by Willstatter, seconded by Bailer that the rules be suspended and resolution passed to second reading by title only. On roll call, carried unanimously. Counci Minutes -7- November 17, 1970 Follow ng second reading by title only, it was moved by Bailer, seconded by Dodge that the resolution be adopted. On roll call, carried unanimously. 4. Following a brief background presentation on the matter, City Administrator Almquist read resolution ratifying the agreement between the City of Ashland and Coastal Dynamics Corporation. Mr. Almquist pointed out that the proposed agreement provides that if COastal Dynamics does not build within one year from the date of the agreement, the City may buy back the property at the then appraised value. It was moved by Jones, seconded by Roberts that the rules be suspended and resolution passed to second reading by title only. On roll call, carried 5-1, with Bailer abstaining. Following second reading by title only, it was moved by Willstatter, seconded by Jones that the resolution be adopted. On roll call, carried 5-1, with Bailer abstaining. Roble suggested that at least 25 copies of the Council agenda be available at the door of the Chambers prior to each meeting. The City Administrator indicated this would be done. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the Mayor. Acting City Recorder Icr