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Study Session

Agenda
Monday, September 30, 2019

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Monday, September 30, 2019
Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street
 
Mayor Stromberg called the Study Session to order at 5:30 p.m.
 
Councilors’ Slattery, Graham, Akins, Seffinger, Rosenthal and Jensen were present.
 
Public Forum:
 
Huelz Gutcheon – Ashland – Spoke regarding the City Hall building. He spoke regarding the dangers in the building in case of an earthquake.
 
Dale Shostrom – Ashland – Spoke regarding the options for the City Hall building. He suggested to consider Alternative 4 and include preservation as a concern.
 
  1. City Hall Seismic Retrofit Conceptual Design and Conceptual Cost
 
Public Works Director Paula Brown gave a Staff report. Ms. Brown was joined with Public Works Project Manager Kaylea Kathol and ORW Architect Dana Crawford.
 
Ms. Brown presented Council with a PowerPoint presentation. (see attached).
 
Items discussed were:
  • City Hall Options
    • Rebuild
    • Renovate Briscoe School.
    • Build new at Council Chambers/Courts.
    • Seismic retrofit/System upgrades existing City Hall.   
 
Akins questioned if the Plaza parking area would be shut down during this time.  Brown answered no and explained that parking along the front would probably be shut down but circulation would be allowed.
 
  • Liability risks if there is an earthquake. City Attorney David Lohman explained the importance in having a plan in place to pursue safety.  He spoke that if there is not a plan in place there would be big problems in terms of liability.
 
Rosenthal questioned if there is a shortage of commercial real estate; and the cost of relocation during renovation.   Madding explained that Staff would look into this.  Council discussed deed restrictions. Lohman explained that the City would be able to rid of the deed restriction over time. 
 
  • Financing
    • Infrastructure Financing Authority.
    • Existing Loan.
    • Cash on hand.
    • Additional Borrowing.
  • Current upgrades needed in the interior and exterior of City Hall.
 
Council discussed options. 
 
Rosenthal spoke to the importance of thinking of the future. He spoke in support of considering moving City Hall to Briscoe.  Jensen agreed with Rosenthal.
 
Council directed Staff to look further into option #1, 2 & 4 and bring this item back with a recommendation in October.  Council also directed Staff to bring back an appraisal of what City Hall could sell for.
 
Council also directed Staff to look into the carbon footprint for these items.
 
  1. Building Permit Fees Schedule Proposal
Madding gave a brief Staff report.  She explained that Council had approved the budget on this fee increase. 
Community Development Director Bill Molnar and Building Official Steven Matiaco went over a PowerPoint presentation (see attached). 
The items discussed were:
  • Improve cost recovery.
  • Cost recovery history.
  • Total permit costs
    • System Development Charges.
    • Additional Miscellaneous Fees.
    • Building Permit Fees.
  • Permit comparisons – Construction types:
    • Single Family home.
    • Multi-Family Project.
    • Commercial.  
  • Proposed Building Fee Schedule and Projected Revenues.
  • Permit Revenues – Projected increase.
  • Impact on affordable housing.
  • Building Permit Fees Adoption Process.
  • Impact on remodels and additions.
  • Fee structure that includes mobile installation homes.
Council directed Staff to bring back information on the Building Division being cost neutral or revenue neutral.  And, to bring back information on the pros and cons of having the program being contracted out.
The Study Session was adjourned at 7:02 PM.
Respectfully submitted by:
________________________________________
City Recorder Melissa Huhtala
 
Attest:
_________________________________________
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).
Mayor Stromberg

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