Agendas and Minutes

City Council (View All)

Regular Meeting

Minutes
Tuesday, August 01, 2017

 
 
   

 
 
 
 
 
AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING

ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
August 1, 2017
Council Chambers
1
175 E. Main Street

 
 
 
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM
 
ROLL CALL
Councilor Darrow, Councilor Lemhouse, Councilor Morris, Councilor Slattery, Councilor Seffinger and Councilor Rosenthal were present.
 
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Mayor Stromberg announced that there are current vacancies on the Airport, Historic, Housing and Human Services, Tree, Transportation Commission and Wildfire Mitigation Commissions.
 
Interim City Administrator announced that there are 2 cooling stations one at the Temple Emek Shalom from 12-5:30 PM and on at the Senior Center tomorrow from 12-5 PM.
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.   Special Meeting of June 30, 2017
2.   Study Session of July 17, 2017
3.   Business Meeting of July 18, 2017
 
Councilor Darrow corrected “Sister/Sister” in the July 18th Meeting to read “Sister City”.
 
Councilor Rosenthal moved approval of the minutes as amended. Councilor Lemhouse seconded. Discussion:  None.  All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously.
 
Councilor Slattery moved to place item 12 above New and Miscellaneous Business.  Councilor Seffinger seconded.  Discussion: None.  All Ayes.  Motion passed unanimously.
 
 
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
1.         Presentation by Theater Corridor project artist, Gordon Huether
Chair Public Art Commission, Sandy Friend spoke regarding the presentation given by Gordon Huether last night.  She spoke of the great turn out.  She introduced Mr. Huether.
 
Mr. Huether presented Council with a PowerPoint presentation (see attached). Councilor Lemhouse spoke in appreciation to Mr. Huether.  Management Analyst, Ann Seltzer explained the next steps:
  • Selection panel will meet Friday morning to go over the 2 concepts.
  • Will come to Council on September 5th for a final decision. 
 
Mayor Stromberg questioned how long the process would take.  Mr. Huether spoke tentatively it could be done by Spring.  Ms. Seltzer explained that other Commissions/Committees will have time to discuss the concepts and submit comments to Council.  Also the presentation from last night was filmed and can be found on the City Website Home Page under “Hot Topics.”
 
2.         Annual presentation by SOREDI
 
SOREDI Executive Director, Colleen Padilla gave an annual presentation.  Council was given handouts (see attached).  She went over the current stats.  She gave examples of SOREDI success stories.  She explained SOREDI serves 12 cities and 2 Counties.  She explained the City’s membership allows SOREDI to provide complimentary services.  She thanked Council and spoke that SOREDI is looking forward to continue working and growing in Southern Oregon.
 
3.    Proclamation of August 6, 2017 as Hiroshima Day and August 9, 2017 as Nagasaki Day
 
Councilor Seffinger read the proclamation (see attached).   Councilor Seffinger expressed the importance of this proclamation.
 
4.    Presentation by the Ashland Football Team
 
Councilor Lemhouse introduced the Football Head Coach, Paul Leonard’s and Assistant Coach Antoine Perry. He explained that the Ashland football team went to Japan.  Coach Leonard’s explained the Pacific Rim Bowl. He gave a background of the cultural exchange.  He explained that the Grizzly’s go every 4 years and spoke to the importance community involvement to send the team.  Great opportunity.  Couch Perry spoke to their visit at the Hiroshima Museum.   He spoke to the importance of the bonds the students made.  Councilor Lemhouse spoke that high school athletics is a great way to teach children and for many this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to leave the Country.  Councilor Darrow spoke that she was a host 2 years ago and her son was able to go this year.  She thanked the Coach’s.  
 
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]
 
Gail Patton- 822 Michelle Ave., Ashland -  Read letter into the record regarding marijuana greenhouses obnoxious odor (see attached).
 
Lisa Soltis – 815 Alder Creek Dr. Medford, OR -  Spoke in concern of transients.  She urged council to consider expanding the boundary to Lithia way.    Councilor Lemhouse questioned if Staff was looking into this issue.  City Attorney, David Lohman explained that this that can be looked at depending on the complaints.  Councilor Lemhouse suggested have a Study Session regarding this issue.  
 
Randy Jones - 815 Alder Creek Dr., Medford, OR –Spoke that he is the president at Plaza West and would like ELEA in front of the Plaza and spoke to his reasons why.  Transients make it unsafe for his customers.  He explained that he and partners don’t want to expand until the issue is resolved.  Mr. Jones handed out letters for the record (see attached).  
 
Miya Davis-967 Wagner Creek Rd., Talent, OR – Thanked Council and Staff for their time and commitment regarding the CEAP Ordinance.  She handed out an example of a CEAP Ordinance (see attached).  She explained the Ordinance isn’t a mandate to meet all goals but is a mandate to try.   The Ordinance outlines how City is to update the Community on what is happening.  She also spoke in support of the Indigenous Resolution.
 
Huelz Gutcheon 2253 HWY 99– Spoke regarding climate issues. Suggested to study climate solutions.  Spoke that there are 4 parts to climate solutions:  generation, efficiency, conservation and ecology.  
 
CONSENT AGENDA
1.      Approval of minutes of boards, commissions, and committees
2.      Approval of Mayor’s appointments to the ad hoc Budget Process committee
3.      Sole source procurement – Cartegraph Systems, Inc.
4.      Contract addendum with Hays Oil Company for bulk fuel
 
Councilor Darrow questioned the purchase of the fuel.  She spoke that it is a 1,500-gallon tank with 1/3 bio diesel and the rest is unleaded.  She questioned if this is the best mix for emissions.  The Parks Department was not present; Staff would look into this question.
 
5.      Approval of a resolution titled, “A resolution authorizing and approving a State Revolving Fund Loan agreement to finance wastewater system projects” and a resolution titled, “A resolution authorizing and approving a State Revolving Fund Loan agreement to finance water system projects”
 
Councilor Darrow questioned how the loan fits in the CIP.  Finance Director, Mark Welch spoke that the fees and rate structure implemented was set in the fees and rates to repay the debt services with these loans.
 
Councilor Seffinger moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilor Slattery seconded.  Discussion: None.  Motion passed unanimously.
 
                 
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.)
 
None
 
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
 
None
 
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
  1. Approval of a resolution titled, “A resolution declaring the second Monday of October Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Ashland”
 
Councilor Slattery introduced Lupe Sims, Dan Wahpepah, Brook Colley and David West.
 
Ms. Sims spoke in support of the Indigenous Resolution.  She explained that schools have taught all that Columbus discovered America and it is not true.  She explained that the land was not discovered it was already inhabited by advanced society. She spoke in hopes to get schools to teach the History.
 
Ms. Colley thanked Council for having them. She gave a history of Indigenous People Day.  Changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Day.  She explained that the City of Ashland is built on tribal land and there are many Indigenous people live in Ashland. She urged Council to support this day.
 
Mr. West spoke that he is a 3rd Generation Oregonian. He spoke that there are very few pages in Social Study books on history of the Native American People.  He spoke that the Native American People are not taught about or included in the history and development of our Country.  He spoke that inclusion is what the City intends and not division.  He spoke to the importance of school districts including the Native American People.
 
Mr. Wahpepah spoke in support of Indigenous Day.  He spoke of the importance of the day and asked Council to consider the Resolution.  
 
Councilor Slattery read the suggested Resolution (see attached).
 
Councilor Slattery moved to approve a resolution titled, “A Resolution Declaring the Second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Ashland.” Councilor Seffinger seconded.  Councilor Slattery spoke he is honored to be in support of this day at Southern Oregon University and to bring this Resolution forward. Councilor Seffinger spoke in the importance of the Resolution and the Indigenous people.  She thanked the presenters.  Councilor Lemhouse thanked the speakers and Councilor Slattery for bringing this forward.  He spoke to the importance to acknowledge the Native American history.  He spoke that the Council decided to work on a letter to the County to come up with a more appropriate sign for Dead Indian Road. Councilor Darrow thanked all for presenting and spoke in support of the Resolution. She also spoke that abolishing Columbus Day should not be the intent of this Resolution. Roll Call Vote:  Councilor Morris, Lemhouse, Slattery, Darrow, Seffinger and Rosenthal: YES.  Mayor Stromberg spoke in support of the Resolution.  
   
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1.   Downtown Parking Management Strategy
 
Public Works Director, Mike Faught presented Council the Downtown Parking Management Strategy (see attached).
 
Public Input
 
Donna Swanson-863 Plum Ridge Dr., Ashland – She spoke to the importance of educating the Community.  Spoke to take action now on the Parking Plan.
 
Louise Shawkut – 870 Cambridge –Ashland -Spoke regarding her vision for Ashland.  She spoke in support of the CEAP and Parking Plan.
 
Linda Peterson Adams -642 Oak St., Ashland -Spoke in support of the plan as presented and to carry the plan through as soon as possible. 
 
Mr. Faught introduced the Chair of Transportation Commission, Joe Graf. Mr. Graf spoke of the process working on the plan.  He spoke there it was a unanimous vote by the Transportation Commission. 
 
Councilor Lemhouse moved for Council to accept the Downtown Parking Management Plan as submitted, but with a focus on accomplishing the most immediate and least costly items initially; and delay the creation of a position to manage the plan until the plan is scalable and funding is available.  Councilor Slattery seconded.  Discussion: Councilor Lemhouse spoke that Staff is adequate enough to do the initial steps then later look at hiring a manager. Councilor Slattery spoke that this will be a good start and the plan is a work in progress.  Councilor Seffinger spoke in concerns of doing a step by step process.  She spoke that she is disappointed there is not more of an emphasis about transportation and safety.  She spoke that this is an entertainment town with many seniors and volunteers. Councilor Rosenthal spoke in support of the motion.  He doesn’t believe that there is a parking crisis in Ashland. He spoke that this was created before the CEAP so some changes will be looked at to reduce carbon footprint. Councilor Darrow agreed with Councilor Rosenthal and spoke in support of the motion. She also agreed with Councilor Seffingers concerns for safety and transportation.  Councilor Morris spoke in support of the motion. Mayor Stromberg acknowledged all of the work that has gone into this plan.  6 years of how to afford to pay all the services to maintain all for the City.  He spoke in support of the motion and explained there will be a lot more discussion.  Councilor Seffinger spoke she also appreciates the motion and will vote yes.   Roll Call Vote:  Councilor Lemhouse, Morris, Slattery, Seffinger, Rosenthal and Darrow:  YES. Motion passed unanimously.
 
OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS
 
Police Chief, O’Meara spoke that there will be a Celebration of Life for Teri DeSilva at 10 AM, Saturday at the Lithia Park Band shell.
 
Councilor Seffinger urged all to reduce electrical use during this time of extreme heat.  
                                                                                                                       
ADJOURNMENT OF BUSINESS MEETING
 
The Business Meeting was adjourned at 9:53 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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