Note: Items on the Agenda not considered due to time constraints are automatically continued to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting [AMC 2.04.030.E.]
 

 
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
 

 

 
Councilor Morris, Councilor Slattery, Councilor Seffinger and Councilor Rosenthal were present.
 

 
Mayor Stromberg announced the Commission vacancies.  
 
Councilor Slattery moved to move Unfinished Business and New and Miscellaneous Business before Public Hearing.  Councilor Rosenthal seconded. Discussion:  None. All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously. 
 

1.   Study Session of March 5, 2018
2.   Business Meeting of March 6, 2018
 
Councilor Rosenthal moved to approve the minutes.  Councilor Seffinger seconded.  Discussion:  None.  All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously. 
 

 
Nathan Emerson Staff Liaison and Chair Mike Oxendine presented Council with an update on the Tree Commission. Mr. Oxendine spoke that the City of Ashland has been a member of Tree City USA for 33 years.  He spoke that Ashland Parks and SOU will be hosting the Arbor Week celebration.  He spoke that there will be a tree tour on April 20^th  and on April 21^st they will join the Earth Day Celebration and have an information booth.  He spoke that there are currently Commission vacancies as well as a Council Liaison vacancy. 
 

 
Councilor Slattery read the proclamation (see attached).
 

 

(Total time allowed for Public Forum is 15 minutes. The Mayor will set time limits to enable all people wishing to speak to complete their testimony.) [15 minutes maximum]
 
Dennis Miller- Ashland- Spoke regarding the homeless.  He spoke that Ashland Community Resource Center is doing a great job. He spoke regarding Pacific Retirement Services. 
 
Huelz Gutcheon- Ashland – Spoke regarding energy measuring and modeling.  He explained that measuring is what you can do for and on existing infrastructures; modeling is a program of guessing carbons in the future.  He spoke to the important of raising awareness.  He suggested for the City to make a guess of how many carbons would be used for various projects.   
 

1.   Appointment of Princess Erica Franks to the Housing and Human Services Commission
 
Councilor Slattery pulled this item.  He introduced Princess Erica and her husband.  Council thanked them for volunteering. 
 
2.   Approval for Ashland Fire & Rescue to apply for FEMA Assistance to Firefighters and Fire Prevention and Safety grants
 
Councilor Morris pulled this item.  He questioned Chief D’Orazi if a ladder truck requires a difference in staffing. Chief D’Orazi answered no. He explained there would be additional training. Mayor Stromberg asked for Chief D’Orazi to explain the importance of having this equipment.  Chief D’Orazi explained that there are multiple story buildings all over the City and explained that the equipment is needed to reach buildings over 3 stories.  He also explained that this equipment would be useful for roof operations.
 
3.   Award of construction contract for the construction of the Park Estates and Terrace Street pump station improvements
 
 
4.   Award of professional services contracts for construction support services for the Park Estates and Terrace Street pump station improvements
 
Councilor Morris pulled this item.  Public Works Director, Paula Brown gave a brief Staff report.  She explained the work that the professional services would provide. 
 
5.   Approval of a resolution titled, “A resolution modifying solid waste franchise rates and fees”
 
Councilor Rosenthal moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  Councilor Slattery seconded.  Discussion:  None. All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously.  
 

1.   Appointment of Council seat #3
 
Councilor Slattery spoke regarding the process.  He explained what the Council looks for when making an appointment.  Councilor Rosenthal spoke that he doesn’t enjoy having to self-select. He spoke that it is not about how a person stands on an issue but how they work in the Council dynamic.  
 
Council appointed Jackie Bachman to Council Position #3.  The Council selected Ms. Bachman by ballot and the vote was unanimous.
 

 
City Recorder, Melissa Huhtala went over the proposed dates for the appointment process.  
 
Council decided to pick the finalists at the April 17^th Business Meeting and make the appointment at the May 1^st Business Meeting. 
 
Council decided to allow the applicants that applied for Position #3 to be able to re-submit their applications if they choose to do so.
 
2.   Potential approval of the purchase of Briscoe School property.
 
Interim City Administrator, Adam Hanks gave a Staff report.
 
Administrative Services Director, Mark Welch and Public Works Director, Paula Brown went over a PowerPoint presentation (see attached). 
 
Items discussed in the PowerPoint were:

 
Mr. Welch went over the funding of the purchase spreadsheet (see attached).  He explained that the City will pay $110,000/year for 14 years.
 
Ms. Brown explained that this building is old and they have discussed maintenance issues.  She explained it is an ideal site not necessarily an ideal building.  
 
Parks Director, Michael Black explained that they have a letter of intent to give to City Council to purchase the Parks portion of this property.  He spoke that there will also be an Intergovernmental Agreement for the use of North Mountain Park.  He explained that funds for purchase of the park will be from Food and Beverage Tax. 
 
City Attorney, Dave Lohman spoke that there are handouts for the audience which includes the Purchase Agreement, the Financial Plan and Briscoe Purchase Considerations (see attached).
 
Mr. Lohman went over the reasons to acquire Briscoe and the risks to acquire Briscoe.
 
Public Input-
 
Karen Logan- Ashland-Spoke regarding Briscoe being a unique and valuable property.  She spoke that the Briscoe property would be good to develop low income housing.  She spoke to reasons why private non-profit housing development can be better than public housing.  She spoke to find what best use for the Briscoe property is.
 
Mr. Lohman spoke that the School Board met this evening and approved the agreement.  He explained that if the agreement is not approved by April 3^rd the contract will lapse.
 
Councilor Slattery moved to authorize and direct the City Administrator to sign the Purchase Agreement for acquisition of the Briscoe School Property and continue to work with both the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission and the Ashland School District to address the contingencies in the Agreement. Councilor Rosenthal seconded.  Discussion:  Councilor Slattery complimented Staff for their work on this item.  He spoke that this is a great opportunity to have this piece of property.  He explained that we need to own it before we know what to do with it.  He spoke that this will allow the City to achieve something for the Community that is important and necessary.  Councilor Rosenthal thanked the School District, the School Board and Staff. He spoke that this a great opportunity and explained that not many communities can say that they have an opportunity to control a destiny of an entire block of the downtown core.  He explained that the building is not what is as important as the property.  Councilor Seffinger agreed with Councilor Rosenthal.  She spoke to the importance of the park to keep the youth active.  Councilor Morris spoke that he is only in it for the Park.  Roll call vote: Councilor Slattery, Councilor Morris, Councilor Seffinger and Councilor Rosenthal: YES.  Motion passed unanimously.
 
 
 

1.   Public hearing and first reading by title only of an ordinance titled, “An ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan Map designation and zoning for the properties located at 475 East Nevada Street”
 
Mayor Stromberg opened the Public Hearing at 8:08 PM.  Mayor Stromberg and Ms. Huhtala read the Public Hearing script into the record (see attached).
 
Councilor Rosenthal and Councilor Slattery read a newspaper article regarding Nevada Street.  Each read into the record “ I have not prejudged this application and I am not prejudiced or biased by  my prior contacts or involvement or by any personal considerations;  I will make this decision based solely on the public interest and the application of the relevant criteria and standards to the facts and evidence in the record of this proceeding”.
 
Community Development Director, Bill Molnar gave a brief Staff report.  Senior Planner, Derek Severson went over a PowerPoint presentation (see attached).
 
The items discussed in the PowerPoint included:

 
Councilor Seffinger suggested to include a stipulation that there is a universal design in the affordable housing so appropriate for seniors.
 
Councilor Morris moved to extend the Public Hearing to 10 PM.  Councilor Slattery seconded. Discussion:  None.  All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously. 
 
Mr. Molnar explained opportunities for market rate rental housing. 
 
He spoke that the final mix of housing would be 4 affordable units, 16 market rate for purchase town homes and single family homes and 6 moderately sized rental units. 
 
Mayor Stromberg questioned if B&B in this zoning.  Mr. Molnar answered no. 
 
Mr. Severson spoke that Staff recommends to approve request made by the Planning Commission.
 
Applicant-
Amy Gunter- Medford –Rogue Planning and Development Services, LLC
 
Ms. Gunter spoke in agreement with Planning Commission.  She went over the issues addressed by Staff. 
 
Ms. Gunter spoke that accessory units should be considered optional and explained it is more difficult to get lending to build a two-unit home.  She discussed the area of the property and that due to a slope some portions of the property are undevelopable.
 
Ms. Gunter spoke in regards to Habitat for Humanity.  She explained that they are not in compliance with all of the Ashland affordable housing program requirements but the applicant supports Habitat for Humanity. 
 
Ms. Gunter spoke in support of the Comprehensive Plan Modification and Zone Change.
 
Public Input-
 
Tom Marr- Ashland-  Spoke that his home is one on North Mountain and the construction that has gone on is not a friendly or healthy environment.  He suggested Council consider this in the planning process.  He spoke in regards to 475 East Nevada and would like to see as much public open space as possible. 
 
Stanley Mazor-Ashland-Spoke regarding his property and gave Council a handout (see attached).  He spoke in support of the development.
 
Karen Logan Ashland–Spoke that the number of affordable housing units has been discounted.  She expressed that the presentation on affordable housing was not clear. She expressed that non-profits should be funding housing.   
 
Rebuttal-
 
Ms. Gunter explained why the City property is included in the development.  Ms. Gunter went over the number of units suggested for the property.  
 
End of Rebuttal-No additional written information was submitted to Council. 
 
Mayor Stromberg closed the Public Hearing at 9:55 PM 
 
Councilor Slattery asked for clarification on what was being asked of Council. 
 
Mayor Stromberg explained that Council is being asked to make the recommendation for a requirement of 3 small units that have been designed to be built. And to lower the affordability units from the 60-year plan to a 30-year plan.
 
Councilor Morris moved to extend the Council Meeting until 10:15 PM. Councilor Seffinger seconded. Discussion:  None.  All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously. 
 
 
Council decided to have the applicant discuss with Staff whether they can make any changes and bring back to Council.   
 
Councilor Morris moved to continue this agenda item to the April 17^th Business Meeting. Councilor Rosenthal seconded. Discussion: Council discussed the need for more time to make sure they have all the information. Councilor Seffinger requested for Staff to look into universal housing.  Councilor Seffinger moved to extend the meeting to 10:18 PM.  Councilor Slattery seconded.  Discussion:  None.  All Ayes.  Roll call vote on the main motion: Councilor Slattery, Councilor Morris, Councilor Seffinger and Councilor Rosenthal: YES.  Motion passed unanimously.
 
 
 

None.
 

 

 
The Council Business Meeting was adjourned at 10:17 PM
 
 
Respectfully submitted by:
 
______________________________________________
City Recorder, Melissa Huhtala
 
 
 
 
Attest:
 
______________________________________________
Mayor Stromberg
 
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-2900).  Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I).