Agendas and Minutes

City Council (View All)

Council Regular Meeting

Agenda
Tuesday, November 07, 2017

 
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING

ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
November 7, 2017
Council Chambers
1175 E. Main Street

 
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.]
 
7:00 p.m.  Regular Meeting

CALL TO ORDER  
Councilor President Seffinger called the Business Meeting to order at 7:02 PM
 
Councilor Slattery, Councilor Morris, and Councilor Rosenthal were present.   Mayor Stromberg, Councilor Lemhouse and Councilor Darrow were absent.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE    

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS  
Councilor Seffinger announced the current Commission and Committee vacancies.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.   Study Session of September 19, 2017
2.   Study Session of October 16, 2017
3.   Business Meeting of October 17, 2017
 
Councilor Slattery moved to approve the minutes.  Councilor Morris seconded.  Discussion:  None.  All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously.
 
Councilor Rosenthal moved to have discussion regarding Dead Indian Memorial Road at item 13.  Councilor Slattery seconded. Discussion:  None.  All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously. 

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS None

PUBLIC FORUM Business from the audience not included on the agenda.  (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]  
 
Mary Bertrand– 2301 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland – Read a statement into the record regarding the Senior Center. She expressed that staffing being reduced while adding more services is a contradiction (see attached).
 
Sue Wilson – 1056 Dead Indian Memorial Rd., Ashland- Read a statement regarding the Senior Center.  She spoke that it is the City and Parks role to deal with this issue responsibly. She spoke that cutting Staff is not the answer. She urged the Council to help fix this situation (see attached). 
 
Huelz Gutcheon- 2253 HWY 99, Ashland - Spoke regarding climate change. He spoke that there needs to be energy education. 
 
Louise Shawkut- 870 Cambridge, Ashland - Read a letter into the record regarding Clean Energy Jobs (see attached).
 
Councilor Slattery suggested to get clarification from the Parks Staff and City Administration regarding the article in the paper about the Senior Center.
 
Councilor Seffinger spoke regarding the senior center issues and the importance of ADA and senior needs.
 
Councilor Slattery spoke that there is a difference between elected position and Parks Commissioners.   Council does not dictate personnel issues. 
 

CONSENT AGENDA 1.   Acceptance of minutes of boards, commissions, and committees
 
Councilor Slattery suggested to have a list of the Board, Commission and Committee meetings times and dates available to ensure when minutes should be made available.
 
2.   8th Quarter financial report of the 2015/17 biennium
3.   Procurement of a type 1 ambulance
 
Councilor Rosenthal questioned what a type 1 ambulance is.  Chief Shepherd explained the difference between type 1, 2 and 3 ambulances are.
 
Chief Shepherd explained the reasons for the decision on choosing Hughes Fire Equipment. 
 
4.   Update on Food and Beverage Tax funded street projects
 
Public Works Director, Paula Brown gave a Staff report.  She explained that Food and Beverage Tax is an option to fund street projects. She explained that partial designs are complete. 
 
5.   Liquor license application for Boardgamer, LLC – DBA Funagain Games
6.   Liquor license application for Lana Enterprise, LLC – DBA RedZone Sports Bar N’ Grill
7.   Liquor license application for Lucky Gate, Inc. – DBA Golden Dynasty Restaurant
8.   Approval of Personal Services contract for stormwater and drainage master plan update
 
Ms. Brown gave a brief Staff report and explained the master plan has not been updated since 2000.    
 
Councilor Slattery suggested that items on the consent agenda with a large dollar amount should not be on the consent agenda. City Attorney, David Lohman suggested that this can be discussed during the Study Session regarding Policies and Procedures.    
 
9.   Approval of the release of interest in a portion of a Sanitary Sewer easement
10. Appointment of Dee Ann Everson to the Municipal Audit Committee
 
Councilor Slattery thanked Ms. Everson for applying for the Municipal Audit Committee. 
 
Councilor Slattery moved to appoint David Runkle to the Audit Commission with the term ending December 31, 2017.  Councilor Seffinger seconded.  Discussion:  Councilor Slattery spoke that it would be good to have an appointed member who is familiar with the process.  Councilor Rosenthal questioned the process. Councilor Slattery and Councilor Seffinger: YES.  Councilor Rosenthal and Councilor Morris: NO.  Motion failed.
 
Councilor Slattery moved to approve the consent agenda.  Councilor Morris seconded.  Discussion:  None.  Roll Call Vote: Councilor Slattery, Councilor Morris, Councilor Rosenthal and Councilor Seffinger: YES. Motion passed unanimously.
 
 
 
  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Persons wishing to speak are to submit a “speaker request form” prior to the commencement of the public hearing.  Public hearings shall conclude at 9:00 p.m. and be continued to a future date to be set by the Council, unless the Council, by a two-thirds vote of those present, extends the hearing(s) until up to 10:30 p.m. at which time the Council shall set a date for continuance and shall proceed with the balance of the agenda.)
1.   Public hearing and adoption of a resolution titled, “A resolution repealing Resolution 2016-35 Transportation Systems Development Charges; and adopting the System Development Charges set forth in Resolution 1999-42, New Transportation Systems Development Charge Methodology and Charges, pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code Section 4.20.040 and 4.20.050”
 
Ms. Brown gave a Staff report.
 
Council discussed the SDC methodology.   
 
Councilor Seffinger opened the Public Hearing at 8:04 PM
 
Public Input:
 
Susan Sullivan -305 Stoneridge Ave., Ashland- Thanked Council and welcomed Paula Brown. Thanked Transportation Commission for their work.  
 
Councilor Seffinger closed the Public 8:07 PM
 
Councilor Slattery moved approval of a resolution titled, “A resolution repealing Resolution 2016-35 Transportation Systems Development Charges; adopting the System Development Charges Set Forth in Resolution 1999-42, New Transportation Systems Development Charge Methodology and Charges, Pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code Section 4.20.040 and 4.20.050.  Councilor Rosenthal seconded.  Discussion:  Councilor Rosenthal spoke regarding his disappointment on the waste of time for the citizens who spent time on the SDC Ad-Hoc Committee.   Councilor Morris asked if anyone has submitted applications since the new SDC increase.  Ms. Brown spoke that 2 application came in and since they were so high they were put on hold. Roll Call Vote:  Councilor Slattery, Councilor Morris, Councilor Seffinger and Councilor Rosenthal: YES.  Motion passed unanimously. 
 
2.   Public hearing and first reading by title only of an ordinance titled, “An ordinance amending Chapters 18.2.2.030, 18.2.3.090, 18.2.5.030, 18.3.4.040, 18.3.5.050, 18.3.9, 18.4.3.040, 18.4.8, and 18.5.2.050 of the Ashland Land Use Ordinance to establish standards for Cottage Housing Developments within R-1-5, R-1-7.5, and NN-1-5 Single Family Residential Zones” and move onto second reading.
 
Community Development Director, Bill Molnar gave a brief Staff report. 
 
City Planner, Brandon Goldman went over a PowerPoint presentation (see attached).
He spoke that the Planning Commission recommended adoption of the draft Ordinance.
 
Councilor Seffinger questioned if ADA has been addressed in this Ordinance.  Mr. Goldman spoke that this would be addressed in the building code for all developments.
 
Councilor Seffinger opened the Public Hearing at 8:28 PM.
 
Public Input:
 
See attached from Mary McCurdy

Ron Roth –6950 Old 99 South, Ashland- Spoke in support of the Ordinance.  He suggested to revisit this in a year to see the progress.
 
Michael Bielec –980 Ivy Ln., Ashland -Spoke in support of the Ordinance but is concerned of on street parking. He spoke in the importance of keeping the character of the neighborhood.  
 
Risa Buck- 798 Oak St., Ashland – Excited about this concept but spoke in concern about affordability.
 
Ron Davies-171 Helman, Ashland-  Spoke regarding vacant land and existing land.  Gave examples of prior planning projects.  Suggested a zone change on Mistletoe Road. Concerned about changing the character of the neighborhood.
 
Karen Logan –261 Otis St., Ashland – Gave the description between Tiny Houses and Cottage Houses.  Spoke that Cottage homes solve the problem of infill and creates affordable housing. She spoke that she would like the City to adopt an Ordinance regarding the 46% renters that are here.   She spoke in concern of affordability.
 
Jesse Sharpe -107 Lincoln St. Apt. #11 Ashland- Agreed with Ms.Logan.  He spoke in regards for tenants. He explained that when infill is done we also need to create affordability clauses. He spoke that Ashland is in a severe housing crisis. He spoke that this is a good step in the right direction but to continue to look into affordable housing. 
 
 
Councilor Seffinger closed the Public Hearing at 8:44 PM.
 
Councilor Rosenthal moved approval of first reading by title only of an ordinance titled, “An ordinance amending chapters 18.2.2.030, 18.2.3.090, 18.2.5.030, 18.3.4.040, 18.3.5.050, 18.3.9, 18.4.3.040, 18.4.8, and 18.5.2.050 of the Ashland Land Use Ordinance to establish standards for cottage housing developments within R-1-5, R-1-7.5, and NN-1-5 single family residential zones”, and move to second reading.  Councilor Morris seconded.  Discussion:  Councilor Rosenthal spoke in appreciation of the time and effort on this issue.  Councilor Morris spoke in support of the Ordinance but spoke to the complexity to the Land Use Ordinance. Councilor Slattery spoke in support of the Ordinance. He spoke that it probably won’t help affordable housing but perhaps ownership and provide more stock in the long-term rental.  Councilor Seffinger spoke in support of the Ordinance.  She expressed her hopes for ADA and accessible living to be looked at. Roll Call Vote:  Councilor Slattery, Councilor Rosenthal, Councilor Morris and Councilor Seffinger:  YES.  Motion passed unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS None

NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 1.   Solid Waste & Recycling restrictions
 
Interim Assistant to the City Administrator, Adam Hanks gave a Staff report. He introduced Recology General Manager, Gary Blake.  Mr. Blake went over a PowerPoint presentation (see attached).
Mr. Blake went over the options:
  • Continue to recycle.
  • Landfill the material with DEQ.
 
Mr. Hanks spoke that Staff recommends a surcharge on the bills of Recology costumers and to come back to Council with a rate Resolution. 
 
Council discussed the short-term and long-term effects on this issue.
 
Surcharge options were discussed. Councilor Rosenthal asked Mr. Hanks which option he recommends.
 
Mr. Hanks answered option 1 as presented in the packet.
 
Councilor Slattery moved to direct staff to work with Recology Ashland to develop and present to Council a rate resolution establishing a temporary Recycling Surcharge to account for the operational expenses incurred by Recology Ashland to maintain current recycling opportunities within Ashland. Councilor Rosenthal seconded.  Discussion:  Councilor Rosenthal spoke that this isn’t a fun item to deal with.  He suggested thinking about identifying ways to help this situation and to help offset the surcharge cost. Councilor Seffinger spoke that this item is an important service provided by Recology.  She spoke to the importance of recycling, reusing and looking into packaging that is not plastic. Councilor Slattery spoke in the importance of recycling. Roll Call Vote:  Councilor Seffinger, Councilor Slattery, Councilor Rosenthal and Councilor Morris:  YES.
 
Councilor Rosenthal suggested creating an Ad-Hoc Committee to think of ways to work on this topic. 
 
2.   Community Development Housing Program – update of current actions
 
Mr. Molnar gave Council an update. He discussed the different programs.   He discussed monetary contributions the City has provided.
 
He spoke that we are still progressive today.  He went over the immediate, mid-term and extended term strategies.   
 
Councilor Slattery thanked Mr. Molnar. 
 
Increasing the Urban Growth Boundary was discussed.   

ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS 1.   Second reading by title only of an ordinance titled, “An ordinance amending AMC Section 9.30.010 to clarify the linear limitation of smoking prohibition”
 
Mr. Lohman gave a Staff report.  He explained the 20 feet is vertical and horizontal to a facility.
 
Councilor Rosenthal suggested some modifications to the Ordinance.
 
Councilor Rosenthal moved to approve second reading by title only of, “An ordinance amending AMC Section 9.30.010 to clarify the linear limitation of smoking prohibition”. As presented but with 3 amendments:
1.  Adding WHEREAS, the prohibited smoking areas in AMC 9.30.020 are currently identified partly by reference to the map of Downtown which is attached as Exhibit A to AMC 10.120.010.B.1 and which has proven to be challenging to explain and enforce due to lack of specificity.
2.  Deleting the current definition of “Downtown” in AMC9.30.010B and replacing it with “Downtown means the area within the boundary lines depicted in Exhibit A to AMC 10.120.010.B.1 plus the area within the outer perimeter of the public right of way of any street and sidewalk adjoining and parallel to those boundary lines.”
3. To include the Pioneer Hall and Community Center tax lots on Winburn Way between Granite Street and the Plaza in AMC 09.30.020A. Councilor Slattery seconded. Discussion:  Councilor Morris spoke to his concern on how to enforce this. Roll Call Vote:  Councilor Rosenthal, Councilor Seffinger, Councilor Morris and Councilor Slattery: YES.  Motion passed unanimously.
 
2.   First reading by title only of an ordinance titled, “An ordinance amending AMC 2.08.020 to remove responsibilities from Recorder’s function” and move onto second reading
and
First reading by title only of an ordinance titled, “An ordinance amending AMC 2.28.130 to add responsibilities to Finance Department functions” and move onto second reading
 
This item will be placed on a future agenda when properly noticed.
 
3.   Approval of a resolution titled, “A revised resolution authorizing the City of Ashland to provide a City building for a winter shelter three nights per week through April, 2018 and repealing Resolution 2017-23”
 
Councilor Seffinger questioned if woman and children are allowed in the shelter.  Mr. Karns answered yes. Councilor Slattery questioned the change made.  Mr. Lohman explained the change on Section 2 (D).  Stating that they will allow hosts of mixed gender but if that can’t happen and there is notification by 3PM.  Council discussed options regarding the host changes and possible staffing options.    
 
Councilor Morris moved to postpone this item to a future meeting. Councilor Slattery seconded.  Discussion: None.  All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously.
 

OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS  
Councilor Rosenthal spoke regarding the Dead Indian Memorial Road decision from the County.  He explained the County did not take action because there was no formal request for a name change.  It was suggested for this item to be on a future agenda with a couple of options:
  • Placing a name change on the ballot.
  • Council and Mayor make a formal request to the County for a name change.
 
Council gave consensus to bring back this topic.
 
Councilor Slattery suggested to have someone who has helped organize the Winter Shelter present the reasoning behind male and female hosts.
                                                                                                                       
ADJOURNMENT OF BUSINESS MEETING  
The Business Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 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).

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