MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
October 20, 2009
Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Councilor Voisin, Navickas, Lemhouse, Jackson, Silbiger and Chapman were present.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Stromberg referenced an article in the Oregonian regarding the Infantry Battalion of the 41st Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon National Guard (1/186) on the transition in shifts of duty for some soldiers from being combat ready to hospitality workers at the Joint Visitor Bureau (JVB) Hotel. He went on to note changes in the agenda.
SHOULD THE COUNCIL APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THESE MEETINGS?
The minutes of the Study Session of October 5, 2009, Executive Session of October 5, 2009, Executive Session of October 6, 2009, Regular Council of October 6, 2009 and Executive Session of October 13, 2009 were approved as presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
The Mayor’s Proclamation of October 24th as United Nations Day was read aloud.
The Mayor announced vacancies on the Tree Commission, Conservation Commission, Housing Commission, Forest Lands Commission, and the Citizen Budget Committee.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Does the Council accept the Minutes of Boards, Commissions, and Committees?
2. Does the Council have any questions regarding the Annual
3. Should the Council continue to November 17 the first reading of ordinances amending the
4. Does the Council wish to authorize the City Administrator to send a letter to
5. Will the Council ratify the City Administrator's decision to terminate Stage 1 of Water Curtailment?
6. Should the Council approve a resolution to adjust budget appropriations for changes in operational expenses to remain in compliance with
7. Will the Council, acting as the Local Contracts Review Board, approve a Contract-specific Special Procurement requesting approval to directly award a contract for Personal Services - specialized and highly technical computer programming, troubleshooting and repair service - to Quality Systems Integration?
Councilor Silbiger requested that consent item #6 be pulled for discussion. Councilor Lemhouse requested that consent agenda item #5 be pulled for discussion.
Councilor Chapman/Lemhouse m/s to approve consent agenda items #1-4 and #7. All AYES. Motion passed.
Mayor and Council acknowledged staff and citizens who participated in the successful water curtailment period.
Councilor Lemhouse/Silbiger m/s to approve consent agenda item #5. All AYES. Motion passed.
Administrative Services Director Lee Tuneberg explained the $50,000 for the parking study was not anticipated and not budgeted. However, an increase in questions regarding parking made staff realize there was not enough information to make the decisions needed. The funds reside in the general fund as part of the parking district and are set aside for studies and issues regarding parking.
Council thought the issue should be in the overall urban planning and not focused on parking. The 2001 study was good, the proposed study would be a duplication of efforts. The Transportation Master Plan would also include parking. Staff described the recent changes to parking that had prompted the request for a new parking study.
Councilor Navickas/Silbiger m/s to approve consent agenda item #6 to not include the transfer of appropriations of $50,000 to the General Fund Contingency for a parking study.
DISCUSSION: Councilor Navickas thought the study should go through Planning, there were multiple solutions to address parking. Councilor Silbiger commented the 2001 traffic study had been comprehensive, the proposed study was not in the budget and therefore not the time to initiate it. Councilor
Councilor Jackson/Silbiger m/s that staff bring proposed parking study back to Council for discussion and approval. DISCUSSION: Councilor Navickas commented the issue should be dealt with more comprehensively and looking at parking only was not a good way to plan. Councilor Chapman thought the issue of a study should go through the Transportation Commission. Councilor Navickas added the City was working on the Transportation Plan that included parking and parking should not be emphasized over any other element in the Transportation Plan. Councilor Voisin agreed it should go to the Transportation Commission. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Silbiger, Voisin, Chapman and Navickas, NO; Councilor Jackson and Lemhouse, YES. Motion failed 2-4.
Councilor Silbiger/Voisin m/s that staff bring proposed parking study to Transportation Commission for discussion and approval. DISCUSSION: Councilor
PUBLIC HEARINGS (None)
PUBLIC FORUM (None)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Should the Council approve "A Resolution Adopting Right-of-Way Encroachment Guidelines, Standard Forms, Minimum Standards for Functional Items, and the Downtown Sidewalk Usage Map" (hereafter referred to as 'ROW Guidelines')?
Public Works Director Mike Faught, Associate Engineer Pieter Smeenk and GIS Coordinator Jason Wegner provided a presentation that included:
· Will Council approve a Resolution adopting Right of Way Encroachment Guidelines, standard forms, minimum standards for functional Items and the downtown sidewalk usage map (DSUM)
· 2008 Downtown Task Force Recommendations
· Implementing Ordinances July 21, 2009 Effective November 1, 2009
· Right of Way Encroachment Guidelines: A Work in Progress
· Materials & Construction Standards
· Placement, Clearance & Spacing Standards
· Pedestrian Clearance Areas
Staff followed the existing ordinance and mapped only the downtown area. The few businesses in violation of the right of way were on the map but not specially noted as being in violation.
· Right of Way Encroachments
· Standard Guideline Examples
· Sidewalk Cafes Sample Requirements
· Sidewalk Cafes
· Bike Rack Sample Requirements
· Bicycle Racks – On-Street Bike Parking is added
· Publication Racks Sample Requirements
· Publication Racks
Duane Wolf/Phoenix/Southern Oregon Media Group/Explained he was the Single Copy Manager and listed the publications he oversees for single copy distribution and noted two other distribution agencies involved that had worked with staff regarding standards for publication racks.
Staff added fees for the newspaper racks would be modest.
· Downtown Sidewalk Usage Map (DSUM)
· Procedures for Abatement/Removal
· Standard Permit Form
· Annual Encroachment Permit
Mr. Faught clarified Ordinance 2990 states a minimum of 50 square feet for sidewalk café areas. Additionally, fees will be separate from the ordinance in a resolution specifically for fees allowing staff to go to the Council for adjustments or to adapt new standards as needed.
Councilor Chapman/Voisin m/s to approve Resolution #2009-29. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Voisin, Lemhouse, Chapman, Silbiger,
2. Does the Council wish to have staff continue working with the Planning Commission on amending the Land Use Ordinance with respect to planning application timetable extensions and planning application timetable tolling?
Community Development Director Bill Molnar gave the staff report and explained the Planning Commission consensus was to have an amendment that suspended the timetable until a decision was made at The Oregon Land Use Board Appeals (LUBA) or circuit court. The Commission was split on the recession extension because there were extenuating circumstances to look at in granting extensions. Other concerns were directed at possible changes in the land use or ordinance during the extension that might affect the approvals. Mr. Molnar shared examples of what other cities were doing in regards to the extension, explained the extension process and noted there were currently approximately 35 projects in various stages of approval since January 2006.
Staff had not yet encountered projects with extensions that had major code changes that would affect the design.
If changes had occurred, the extension would be granted if the applicant complied with them.
Council discussed allowing a second 18-month recession extension, reservations on allowing the extensions, public policy and requiring a Type 1 Procedure for tolling or allowing limited extensions.
Staff clarified extensions needed to be filed within the initial 12-month period to get a building permit and the first inspection to validate it. Extensions usually take 2-3 weeks to process. Currently there are 12-24 potential recession extensions for land use actions and no cases in appeal for tolling.
Council further discussed a one-time 18-month extension that would require an evaluation and reason the applicant was unable to get funding. Opposition to having any type of extension was also expressed.
Councilor Silbiger/Jackson m/s to direct staff to develop an amendment to the Land Use Ordinance for a one additional 18-month extension on land use planning actions to respond to the change in conditions associated with the economic recession including an end date. DISCUSSION: Councilor Silbiger noted this was one of the worst economic downturns since The Great Depression. Governments at all levels have responded in various ways and it was appropriate for the City to respond. Councilor Navickas commented the City needed applications more congruent with the current economic situation. It would be better for the community to let these projects lapse. Councilor Lemhouse thought it was unconscionable the City would not allow these extensions. The Federal Government was assisting industries and it was the City’s duty to give these people more time to get funding together. Councilor Voisin commented the developers who took the risk of borrowing money and were unable to get funding due to the recession should suffer the consequences like everyone else. Banks were not giving long extensions to people loosing their homes. Councilor Chapman would support the motion but wanted language restricting eligibility, proof of hardship and the assurance the structure would be built. Councilor
Councilor Jackson/Lemhouse m/s to direct staff to begin clock on planning applications once all appeals have been concluded. DISCUSSION: Councilor
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1. Does the Council have any questions regarding the information update on the Siskiyou Fire of September 21, 2009 that occurred south of
Fire Chief John Karns presented the staff report and explained initially the highest-ranking individual first on the scene of a fire had authority. The fire was broken down into two areas, structure protection then Wildland. The expected overall costs will exceed $1million. He thanked the GIS staff for providing critical maps and the mobile command post provided by the Police Department.
Chief Karns gave a presentation that included the following Lessons Learned:
· Importance of a command/tactical communications plan established early in the event
· Importance of an early establishment of Incident Command and Command Staff
· Importance of a Unified Command
· Limitations of
· Need for a clear emergency policy for the City’s website
· Value of streaming 1700 AM on the website
· Need for a locally controlled “mass notification” system
· PIO integration
· Need for better control of residents and general “Lookie-Lou’s”
· Had a number of unauthorized home entries
· Need for additional training for
· Fire Department staffing at the E.O.C. needs to increase
· Need for a vegetation management program in the City of
· Need to re-evaluate the Wildfire Zone
· Need for better resident education for preparedness and appropriate communications
· Utilize city parks for care and shelter
· Vulnerability of
Staff went on to explain funding came from Title 3 Grants for wildfire preparedness around the urban interface and the weed abatement program was funded through Water revenues. The Conflagration Act will reimburse
Per a request from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Chief Karns was unable to state how the fire was started but confirmed both fires that occurred that day were not related.
The Fire Department will mail out a CD to all citizens regarding fire preparedness and education, give presentations to Civic groups and look at other ways to educate the public regarding fire preparedness and prevention.
Councilor Navickas/Voisin m/s to place on an upcoming agenda discussion of general fund shortfalls and alternate revenue sources to meet these needs. DISCUSSION: Councilor Navickas suggested setting up a special taxing district for properties within the Wildland Urban Interface. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed.
2. Does the Council approve of the Mayor's appointments to the Economic Development Strategy Policy Group and Technical Advisory Committee, as well as the proposed initial layout of the public involvement?
Councilor Silbiger explained they were in the process of selecting governance and technical groups. Mayor Stromberg added they would start meeting in November with results targeted for May of 2010.
Councilor Jackson/Voisin m/s to confirm the Mayor’s list of appointments to the Economic Development Policy Group and Technical Advisory Committee. Voice Vote: Councilor Voisin, Navickas, Lemhouse,
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
1. Should the Council approve second reading of an ordinance titled, "An Ordinance Relating to Liquor License Review and Amending AMC Chapter 6.32"?
City Recorder Barbara Christensen read the following changes to Section 1.
Councilor Voisin/Jackson m/s to approve Ordinance #2995. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Voisin, Navickas, Lemhouse,
2. Should the Council approve second reading of an ordinance titled, "An Ordinance Relating to Chain Requirements for Commercial Vehicles"?
City Recorder Barbara Christensen read the ordinance title aloud that included the change to Definitions 11.22.010 B. Commercial Vehicle: “a vehicle that is used for the transportation of persons or property for compensation or profit, or that is used in conjunction with a business and the commercial vehicle weighs 10,000 pounds or more. Commercial vehicle also includes all school buses, regardless or whether the school for which the bus is transporting students is public or private.”
Councilor Jackson/Voisin m/s to approve Ordinance #2996. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Silbiger, Chapman,
3. Should the Council approve second reading of an ordinance titled, "An Ordinance Relating to Parking and Amending AMC 11.24.070"?
City Recorder Barbara Christensen read the ordinance title aloud that included the change to Section 1. 11.24.070 Moving vehicle, striking: “No person shall move and re-park a vehicle within the same block, as defined in AMC 11.08.080, in order to avoid a parking time limit regulation,” adding: “If a vehicle is moved and re-parked within the same block, as defined by AMC 11.08.080, the time period shall continue to run,” and striking: “if the vehicle is moved to another parking space within the same block except that the time period shall be terminated if such vehicle is moved to a block that does not have a specified time period for parking.”
Councilor Jackson/Navickas m/s to approve Ordinance #2997. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Voisin, Silbiger,
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS-continued
3. Should the Council approve first reading of an ordinance titled, "An Ordinance Relating to Fireworks and Amending AMC 15.28.070"
Fire Chief John Karns provided the staff report that proposed banning fireworks year round southwest of
· Fireworks Facts
· United State Fire Administration
·
· Fire Facts
· It’s about Managing the Risk
· Ariel photos of
· Historical Fire Movement
· Why a year-round restriction
Chief Karns acknowledged the previous effort to ban fireworks citywide was unsuccessful and explained this proposal would at the minimum prioritize fire risk to the watershed.
Graham Lewis/152 N Pioneer/Explained how a fire in
Council discussed a potential citywide ban and the difficulty of enforcement. Police Chief Terry Holderness
Confirmed the difficulty of enforcing a citywide ban noting this would be a cultural change that would happen gradually over the next 5-7 years. Banning fireworks above the
Councilor Voisin/Navickas m/s to amend the ordinance to read that the use of fireworks be prohibited at all times in all areas of the City. DISCUSSION: Councilor Chapman wanted the most effective decision and would support the ordinance. Councilor Navickas thought it was another step in protecting the watershed and fire prevention. Councilor Silbiger noted the City would lose the family fireworks experience and unfortunately the illegal fireworks would remain. Councilor Lemhouse added this would further protect the town and made logical sense. Councilor Voisin commented the ordinance was a protective measure. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Navickas, Silbiger, Chapman, Lemhouse and Voisin; YES. Councilor Jackson, NO. Motion passed 5-1.
City Recorder Barbara Christensen read the ordinance title, changes to the ordinance and the amendment to prohibit fireworks citywide, aloud.
Councilor Jackson/Chapman m/s to approve first reading of Ordinance and place on agenda for second reading. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Navickas,
4. Does the Council want to direct staff to prepare and submit an application to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for an Immediate Opportunity Fund (IOF) grant of up to one million dollars to be used for road construction at the Croman Mill site?
Councilor Silbiger declared a conflict of interest.
Councilor Chapman/Jackson m/s to excuse Councilor Silbiger from the discussion. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed.
Councilor Silbiger left the meeting at 10:25 p.m.
Project Manager Adam Hanks explained how the grant was connected to job creation with the City as a pass through entity for the owner-developer of the property and limited to roadway construction only. Larry Holzgang from Business Oregon was available to answer questions.
Staff further explained an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) would exist between the City and ODOT. Additionally, the City would have contracts with the developer and business owner regarding job creation that would secure the money should job creation not occur. Actual road location and other improvements would be determined prior to project execution.
Mr. Holzgang explained the project did not require a certain employment density overall just a job creation requirement with Plexis as the first tenant. The number of jobs would determine funding and Plexis would be responsible for creating those jobs or incur a repayment requirement. Staff added it would be a development agreement and trust deed where the City would hold the property as collateral. The owner of Plexis would sign an agreement with the City prior to any action.
Councilor Jackson/Lemhouse m/s to direct staff to prepare a grant submittal to provide the opportunity for Council to review prior to formal submittal.
Further discussion was delayed due to time constraints.
5. Should the Council authorize the signing of a land use application that would include modifications to city-owned, public property along
Delayed due to time constraints.
OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS
1. Discussion regarding AFR letter.
Delayed due to time constraints.
2. Discussion regarding Council Seating.
Delayed due to time constraints.
3. Will the Council adopt a Resolution supporting HR3745, the Community Access Preservation Act, which addresses critical and immediate threats to PEG regulation (Public Education, Government) and to contact the
Delayed due to time constraints.
4. Discussion regarding default on a Food and Beverage Tax Agreement.
Delayed due to time constraints.
SUMMARY OF MEETING
Delayed due to time constraints.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 10:31 p.m.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
John Stromberg, Mayor